I am not a tool tart just a practical person!

[SparkyChick]

I use an electricians knife to score the cable the split it with my fingers and then open. Gives a nice neat end to the sheath instead of that rough end you get with pulling the earth out. As well I have been told it can stretch the earth and increase the PFC quite dramtically. Bit purist I know but its nice to be a craftsman and do the job nice and neat.

I've heard that about stretching the earth as well, but has anyone ever tried to stretch the CPC? I think you've have to work really hard to stretch it enough.

I know what you mean about the raggedy edges and I have to say I prefer nice clean edges, but I'm kind of wary of using a knife for fear of damaging the basic insulation.

 

[The Ghost]

fear of damaging the basic insulation

You really don't have to cut deep just score, I was teaching a young guy this (just finished his EAL level 3) and challenged him on how fast his method (split and pull) and mine was. Just score bend and pull beat him timewise no problem, he still said it's a load of ..........!

 

[Squid]

I may be a dinosaur but at least I know how to use my tool, this new fangled stuff though intrigues me are they worth investing in?

 

[Andy78]

What's everyone's opinions on these ?

 

[Specialist]

I use an electricians knife to score the cable the split it with my fingers and then open. Gives a nice neat end to the sheath instead of that rough end you get with pulling the earth out. As well I have been told it can stretch the earth and increase the PFC quite dramatically. Bit purist I know but its nice to be a craftsman and do the job nice and neat.

Hurts like hell when the pliers come off & smack you in the face as well , guess how I know

 

[Pete999]

I've heard that about stretching the earth as well, but has anyone ever tried to stretch the CPC? I think you've have to work really hard to stretch it enough.

I know what you mean about the raggedy edges and I have to say I prefer nice clean edges, but I'm kind of wary of using a knife for fear of damaging the basic insulation.

Practice make perfect SC never used anything but a knife to strip PVC/PVC

 

[Rpa07]

Probably not - I'd rather have 6 sets of pliers than 1 that does 6 things

I may be a dinosaur but at least I know how to use my tool, this new fangled stuff though intrigues me are they worth investing in?

 

[Squid]

Intrigued do this tools serve a purpose and make life a lot easier just asking as I am not a "working" sparks so most of the things I do are done with pair of pliers or side cutters?

Are the tools worth the investment? Car wise I prefer something raw and "entertaining" so am going backwards as its more fun to drive something more challenging then some rubbish modern car.

 

[Specialist]

I did use snips & pliers a few times but I prefer an old fashioned Electricians pocket knife or Cable knife (Maybe it's an age thing).

 

[Pete999]

Probably not - I'd rather have 6 sets of pliers than 1 that does 6 things

Really????

 

[Rpa07]

The more shine the better! Looks great in a snap on tool box too!

 

[SparkyChick]

What's everyone's opinions on these ?

Never used them, I might be tempted to try them out if more of our fixed installation cabling was round. Watched the video, liked the look.. handy for tight spaces, but as I say, if more of our cable was round overall I might be tempted.

 

[SparkyChick]

You really don't have to cut deep just score, I was teaching a young guy this (just finished his EAL level 3) and challenged him on how fast his method (split and pull) and mine was. Just score bend and pull beat him timewise no problem, he still said it's a load of ..........!

I'll have to treat myself to a decent knife (any excuse) and give it a whirl. May be do some practising on cable I pull out. Any recommendations for a good knife that's going to last?

As for the youngster... I don't get it... I appreciate advice and constructive criticism, it's how we learn to do things better. And well, if I can get a neater finish, quicker... WIN WIN!

 

[SparkyChick]

Car wise I prefer something raw and "entertaining" so am going backwards as its more fun to drive something more challenging then some rubbish modern car.

Easier to maintain too!

 

[The Ghost]

Any recommendations

Klein do a really good hard steel electricians knife its not VDE but then I always recommend not stripping live cable but there are VDE ones.