Look for VDE certification that indicates a wire stripper has met essential safety standards. The VDE Testing and Certification Institute tests and certifies electrical tools and equipment and is considered the global authority in this area. Typically, wire strippers will be VDE-certified and approved for up to 1,000 volts.

Wire size refers to a wire’s diameter, which is often measured according to the American Wire Gauge (AWG) measurement system. AWG sizes range from 0000 to 40. It can be confusing, because the thinner the wire, the larger the AWG number. Wire can be solid or stranded; the stranded wires have a larger diameter. The most common gauges of wire in residential settings are between 6 and 14 AWG, but you might be working with gauges outside of that range, depending on the jobs and setting involved. Make sure to select a wire stripper that can accommodate the wire sizes you’ll need, and keep in mind that wire strippers can have different gauge ranges for stripping, cutting, and crimping. Safety Criteria The Expert: I’ve been involved with construction, maintenance, and home renovation for more than 30 years from both a personal and professional standpoint. I owned a maintenance and construction business with my husband for nearly 20 years. I love much about my home—a fixer-upper built in the 1800s that’s located in a rural mountain region of Pennsylvania—but it involves a lot of maintenance and upkeep, so I am always on the lookout for tools or equipment that can make DIY projects easier. I’ve owned and used a variety of wire strippers for a range of common wiring repair jobs. What to Consider B.D.: Old-school electricians often used heavy-duty linesman pliers to cut and strip wire. However, I’m always in favor of using tools that were specifically designed to perform a particular task, and wire strippers are made with the distinct characteristics needed to safely and efficiently strip and cut wires.

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PM: Electrical projects pose a particular safety hazard. What are the best safety practices to follow? Before deciding on which electric wire stripper you plan on buying, make sure to consider a few major factors like the type of stripper, the gauge sizes, and basic safety criteria. Type Gauged B.D.: It should go without saying that you shouldn’t attempt any kind of electrical work unless you are sure you know what you’re doing. This isn’t a situation where you can just wing it. Working around electricity is dangerous, and every step needs to be handled carefully and with extreme caution.

B.D.: I look for quality construction and tend to go with a brand I trust. Most professionals will tell you it is worth spending the money to invest in a better, high-quality wire stripper. Must-Have Tools: The Best Electric Screwdrivers • The Best Power Tools of 2023 • The Best Screwdriver Sets