Stripping Wires With Side Cutters

[MeggerHertz_NW]

Hi guys

Have some trouble here.

So I'm doing terminations at work and using side cutters, usually on 1.5mm or 2.5mm. Seems to happen more with stranded.

I'm squeezing the cutters a bit and turning the side cutters around the wire and often the insulation bags up against the side cutters and just turns with the cutters as I turn them around the cable, without cutting all the way around the insulation, so I can't pull it off easily.

If I go gentler, I have to turn the cutters several times more than my colleagues in order to get the insulation thin enough to pull it off and it just feels like they're rubbing the insulation at all.

Its slowing me down and it's got to the point where I'm concerned it's one of two things.

The cutters I'm using are my first pair and are knipex vde side cutters, the usual short ones.

Either the side cutters I've bought aren't sharp enough or my technique is just wrong. I've heard that recent knipex side cutters aren't what they used to be, people moaning they aren't sharp, I ignored that and bought a pair anyway, but now I'm starting to think they might be too blunt from my own personal experience, but because I've not tried a load of types out, I can't be sure. But I'm also aware I've not got years of experience to back it up and I'm still on my first pair of cutters so I'm probably just inexperienced and I'm sure that's playing a part.

Any tips and any ideas on what you think the problem might be? My colleagues are all using CK side cutters that seem to have a sharper angle on the blades and they do one twist and pull the insulation off with very little force. I'm doing several twists and pulling way harder and not getting it off and sometimes I open the cutters to see they've simply just pressed in to the insulation, gripped it and have twisted it around the conductor. As a side note, I'm a fairly strong lad so this isn't a lack of minerals.

If I'm patient and do more twists and spend more time, I get through the insulation and I can feel the sheath give so I stop there and it pings off fine, but it's taking longer than it should.

If you think it's my technique, I'd appreciate some tips on what you do.

The way I see it, things like this can add up to big time savings as I obviously can't compromise on quality, just trying to be the best I can so helpful answers are appreciated.

Note: I'm not damaging the conductor. All the testing of my circuits have been fine and the sparks checking my work are happy with it, I'm just frustrated with the time and obvious difference in effectiveness when stripping the ends of cables for termination.

 

[MeggerHertz_NW]

It's just personal preference but I think it's good to try all options too. I have the knipex installation pliers and they work for me. Many tasks can be performed with them. However some people hate them.

I settled on these after trying all options. I still use the automatic strippers if I'm doing lots of cable stripping. Iv used side cutters and had similar issues to what you describe. Iv tried cable cutters, adjustable insulation cutters etc etc.

It really helped working with them all because on my recent AM2 exam I only had side cutters. Good job I knew how to actually use them, even if I dont on a daily basis.

So on the exam that's all you're allowed?

 

[gazdkw82]

So on the exam that's all you're allowed?

No. There are many tools including pliers/grips/cable cutters etc. The side cutters were the best options for stripping I found.

 

[MeggerHertz_NW]

No. There are many tools including pliers/grips/cable cutters etc. The side cutters were the best options for stripping I found.

Sorry I'll clarify. I know there would be other tools, I was just curious if they allowed you to just bring your own tools, so you could use what you prefer or whether you just had to use what they provided

 

[gazdkw82]

Sorry I'll clarify. I know there would be other tools, I was just curious if they allowed you to just bring your own tools, so you could use what you prefer or whether you just had to use what they provided

The centre I did the assessment at didn't allow you to take anything in. Even have lockers for your phone/wallet etc

 

[lozarus]

There's many ways to skin a cat (not that I'd ever skin a cat. I love mine).

There's many different approaches to sripping. Evetually, you develop a bit of a "muscle memory" for it, and it's different for everyone.

I like to use CK redline cutters with the notch in for t&e. But i also know chaps who use cable loppers and side cutters.

Simialrily, I like to use a knife for circling around round flex outer insulation (many will gasp, but i've done it this way for years and my hands have done it that many times, I just know "the right feel" to stop it going too deep - plus I still always check each inner core individually for nicks even after all these years)

In short, you won't get a solid answer. Just try a few tools, try on lots of scrap cable and in time, you'll get a system that works for you wthat you won't struggle with.

 

[7029 dave]

When I was at college many years ago, we used a knife to strip cables, always used me side cutters on site. lol

 

[MeggerHertz_NW]

When I was at college many years ago, we used a knife to strip cables, always used me side cutters on site. lol

They teach sidecutters now at college, well, they do where I went

 

[Jon_iz]

Having read all the various posts about dedicated stripping tools, pliers or side cutters, of which I have various examples collected and used over the years...
There is one method that hasn't been described in the posts as far I can see for side cutters, to strip ready for termination.
I was shown this method at college 35 years ago, it has stayed with me, is simple, quick and effective. It works for all types of side cutters with insulated single or stranded cores to 2.5mm.
(my preference is for smaller Lindstrom flush-cut cutters for smaller thinner gauges, because of the work I predominantly do)

The method is a variation on squashing the insulation, perpendicular to the core but only sufficient the crease the insulation without getting close to deforming the conductor.
Next use the cutters to nick the insulation at the edge of the crease line to close to the conductor. This effectively puts a cut in the insulation allowing it to part easily. Put the cutters back across the cable on the crease line, apply firm pressure, just a little more than you did to crease the insulation allowing the cutting edges to bite in, but not enough to catch the conductor and while maintaining this pressure push the insulation off the conductor.
I hope that makes sense. With a little bit of practise, it's as quick as an automated stripping tool.

 

[James]

There's many different approaches to sripping. Evetually, you develop a bit of a "muscle memory" for it, and it's different for everyone.

problem is your muscle memory, adapts slowly over time as your cutters loose there keen cutting edge. then you buy a new replacement set, same make, same size and for a whole morning, most wires you strip become an inch shorter!!!

 

[lozarus]

There is one method that hasn't been described in the posts as far I can see for side cutters, to strip ready for termination.3

Interestingly @Jon_iz the method you describe is one of the methods I use day to day - (or at least once I have removed the outermost sheath of a flex using my method). Yours is actually the earliest method I remember of being shown to strip cables by my father.

Curiously, I use the same flat lindstrom cutters you describe as I do a lot of work with control cable and find them great for a flush cut (they come into their own when terminating an rj45 plug)

Which is a point in itself - lindstroms are £35+ a go. Quality tools make all the difference. Mine must be 17 years old now and still razor sharp.

I find I alternate methods a bit however depending on exactly what job I'm doing, what feels right and what day of the week it is.

 

[Mike Johnson]

This will not be popular, but it must be me, reading all the answers on here, aren't side cutters just that, they are designed to cut things, I have always used a dedicated wire stripper, IMO I would not trust a mechanic who used a pair of pliers to undo the nuts on my car, does the job, but is not the correct tool, but pliers may have to be used if some muppet has used them previously. One caveat, side cutters with notch's in are in effect wire strippers. Now days weak old Arthritic hands make these my go to tool: C.K Automatic Wire Stripper - https://www.toolstation.com/ck-automatic-wire-stripper/p42984 when I do anything for myself that is.

 

[telectrix]

for flex I use a rotary stripper. far easier. set depth. spin round a couple of times, pull off sheath.

 

[DPG]

for flex I use a rotary stripper. far easier. set depth. spin round a couple of times, pull off sheath.

Always filth with you Tel.

 

[Essexsparky1]

I would use a pair of CK cable cutters, these are what I have used for over 20 years.

 

[Des 56]

If you need teaching with how to use cutters for stripping conductors there is little you can be taught

I know people who have found that after they accidentally cut through a live cable it blew a lovely sized hole in the centre of the jaws, that really helped them with their stripping technique