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Wire Strippers and Crimpers

Wire strippers and crimpers allow you to tackle a wide range of DIY electrical projects. High-quality strippers and crimpers are a must.

Using a Wire Stripper

A wire stripper is essential for electrical work. They allow you to remove the insulation surrounding a bare wire so you can plug it into an electrical terminal or splice loose wires together. 

A good pair of wire strippers will let you strip any common insulation from copper wire.

Typical Wire Stripper Applications

Wire strippers are necessary any time you need to connect a wire to a new power source. Common applications include:

  • Relocating an electrical outlet or switch
  • Wiring a lamp or other small electrical product
  • Wiring speakers to a stereo or surround sound system 

Types of Wire Strippers

A wire stripper has a series of labeled holes that match standard wire gauges — typically 10-gauge to 20-gauge. When you place the corresponding-size wire through a hole and clamp down, the tool severs the insulation layer without damaging the wire. 

Capri Tools offers several specialized wire strippers to enhance your projects. Our Precision Wire Stripper features a non-slip handle, recoiling spring design, and tension-loaded wire grip. 

You can make quick work of big jobs with the Capri Tools Automatic Wire Stripper. This specialty tool self-adjusts to different gauges and strips with a single squeezing motion. 

How to Splice Wires with a Wire Stripper

Stripping wires involves a few simple steps:

  1. Shut off power at the breaker box if the wire is live.
  2. Determine the wire gauge and type. Check the numbers stamped on the outer sheath that binds the wires together. The first number is the wire gauge. For example, “12/2” means the gauge is 12.
  3. If you aren’t using an automatic wire stripper, match the wire to the corresponding hole on the stripper. 
  4. Open the stripper and feed the wire through the hole. 
  5. Slowly squeeze the handles together until they stop to cut the insulation.
  6. Check if the insulation is completely cut away. If not, twist the strippers a quarter turn back and forth until the insulation is fully severed.
  7. Pull the wire stripper toward the cut end of the wire to remove the insulation. 

If you accidentally nick or gouge a wire, you should cut the damaged piece of wire with a wire cutter and start over. 

Using a Wire Crimper

Wire crimping joins stranded wire to metal fittings, or “crimp connectors,” that connect the wire to another wiring component or other wires. You’ll likely need a wire crimper when soldering is inappropriate or where you may need to detach the wire occasionally. 

Typical crimping applications include appliance wiring tasks, electronic component wiring, and automobile electrical systems work.

How to Crimp Wires with a Wire Crimper

Crimping wire compresses a small insulated sleeve or connector onto the end of a bare wire exposed by stripping. While you could use pliers or a hammer to crimp connectors to a wire, it’s best to use a crimping tool to get the tightest connection. 

Like stripping, crimping isn’t difficult, but it’s essential to do it right the first time:

  1. Strip enough insulation to expose about a half-inch of bare wire. 
  2. Insert all the wire strands into the collar.
  3. Slide an insulation sleeve over the collar if you aren’t using an insulated crimp connector.
  4. Insert the collar into the appropriate crimping tool notch with the seam facing up. 
  5. Squeeze the handle tightly and give the wire a quick tug to make sure it’s seated properly. 
  6. Release the handle. 

Choosing a Wire Crimper

When selecting wire crimpers, look for tools that offer heavy-duty high-leverage construction. This will allow you to create a secure crimp with less effort. 

You’ll also want a secure, comfortable grip. The Capri Tools High Leverage Ratcheting Wire Terminal Crimper offers these features plus the convenience of ratcheting, so you can make adjustments on the fly.

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