Pyro has a failure mode where a transient causes a flashover that develops into a power arc. So either VDRs or sometimes capacitors were fitted as surge arrestors on highly inductive circuits. I've used VDRs where large contactors were fed from light-duty cables. It was often just a precaution and not strictly needed.
As for the stripping tools, all the variants except the Joistripper existed when I was learning in the mid 80s, I'd have to look at the catalogues to work out the timeline. IIRC the three editions of the Electrician's Mate all list different tools.
As for the stripping tools, all the variants except the Joistripper existed when I was learning in the mid 80s, I'd have to look at the catalogues to work out the timeline. IIRC the three editions of the Electrician's Mate all list different tools.