Best Wire Strippers for Electricians and HVAC Techs
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Top pickIRWIN VISE-GRIP 2078300Check price
Wire strippers get used on thermostat wire, control wire and line-voltage conductors, and one tool seldom suits all three. The question is which gauges you handle. Thermostat and control wire is 18 to 22 AWG, and line voltage runs 10 to 14 AWG.
Quick answer: our top picks
- Best self-adjustingBudgetIRWIN VISE-GRIP 2078300 Self-Adjusting Wire StripperStrips 10 to 24 AWG, crimps terminals, adjustable length stop, lifetime guarantee
- Best simple Klein stripperBudgetKlein Tools 11055EP Wire Cutter and StripperCuts and strips 10 to 18 AWG solid and 12 to 20 stranded, made in USA
- Best long-nose multi-toolBudgetKlein Tools 1010 Multi Tool Long Nose Cutter, Crimper and StripperLong-nose jaws with crimping and screw shearing, made in USA
- Best automatic stripperMid-rangeKlein Tools 11063W 7-Inch Heavy-Duty Automatic Wire Cutter/Stripper7 in automatic cutter and stripper with a cast alloy chassis
- Best low-cost truck stripperBudgetIRWIN VISE-GRIP 2078316 6-Inch Wire Stripper/CutterStrips 10 to 20 AWG, spring-assisted jaw, lifetime guarantee
Comparison at a glance
| Product | Best for | Wire range | Extras | Price tier | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top pickIRWIN VISE-GRIP 2078300 | Thermostat through line voltage | 10 to 24 AWG | Crimps 10 to 22 AWG terminals | Budget | Check price |
| Klein Tools 11055EP Wire Cutter | Line and control wiring | 10 to 18 AWG solid, 12 to 20 stranded | Shears 6-32 and 8-32 screws | Budget | Check price |
| Klein Tools 1010 | Tight spots plus crimping | 10 to 20 AWG solid, 12 to 22 stranded | Crimps, shears screws | Budget | Check price |
| Klein Tools 11063W | Fast automatic stripping | – | Automatic cutter and stripper | Mid-range | Check price |
| IRWIN VISE-GRIP 2078316 6-Inch | Low-cost spare | 10 to 20 AWG | Spring-assisted jaw | Budget | Check price |
For thermostat wire through line voltage in one tool, the Irwin self-adjusting stripper covers the widest range here. For a simple American-made stripper, choose the Klein 11055EP, and for tight spots the Klein 1010 long-nose. Check the AWG range against the wire you strip most.
How to choose wire strippers
- Wire gauge range matches thermostat and control wire (18 to 22 AWG) and line voltage (10 to 14 AWG)
- Solid versus stranded capacity
- Self-adjusting versus manual hole selection
- Extras: crimping and screw shearing save carrying more tools
- Handles and spring: a spring-assisted jaw reduces hand fatigue
- Warranty
Self-adjusting or manual
A self-adjusting stripper grips the wire and removes the insulation in one squeeze, with no hole to pick. It is quick and works across sizes, and it is bulkier. A manual stripper with marked holes is simple, durable and takes less space in a pouch, but a wrong hole nicks the conductor or leaves insulation behind.
For thermostat wire, check that the stripper covers 18 to 22 AWG. The Irwin 2078300 covers 10 to 24 AWG with a micro-adjust knob for sizes smaller than 20 AWG, and that is the widest range on this page.
The wire strippers in detail
Best for: Thermostat and control wire through line-voltage sizes.
- Self-adjusting; strips 10 to 24 AWG
- Swivel knob micro-adjusts for gauges smaller than 20 AWG
- Crimps 10 to 22 AWG insulated and non-insulated terminals and 7 to 9 mm ignition terminals
- Adjustable length stopper; lifetime guarantee
Why it stands out
- 10 to 24 AWG range
- Crimps terminals
- Lifetime guarantee
Keep in mind
- Bulkier than a basic stripper
Bulkier than a basic stripper. Also crimps 7 to 9 mm ignition terminals.
Best for: A simple stripper for line and control wiring.
- Cuts and strips 10 to 18 AWG solid and 12 to 20 AWG stranded
- Shears 6-32 and 8-32 screws
- Serrated nose for bending and pulling wire; looping holes
- Made in USA
Why it stands out
- Made in USA
- Shears screws
Keep in mind
- Manual hole selection
Manual hole selection. Serrated nose for bending and pulling wire.
Klein Tools 1010 Multi Tool Long Nose Cutter, Crimper and Stripper
Best for: Tight spots where you also need to crimp.
- Strips 10 to 20 AWG solid and 12 to 22 AWG stranded
- Shears 4-40, 5-40, 6-32, 10-32 and 10-24 screws
- Crimps insulated and non-insulated terminals and 7 to 8 mm ignition terminals
- Narrow serrated long-nose jaws; made in USA
Why it stands out
- Long nose reaches into tight spaces
- Strips, crimps and shears screws
Keep in mind
- Smaller handles than a full-size stripper
Smaller handles than a full-size stripper. Shears 4-40, 5-40, 6-32, 10-32 and 10-24 screws.
Klein Tools 11063W 7-Inch Heavy-Duty Automatic Wire Cutter/Stripper
Best for: Fast stripping without picking a hole.
- 7 in automatic stripper and cutter
- Cast alloy chassis for corrosion resistance
Why it stands out
- Automatic action
- Durable cast chassis
Keep in mind
- Confirm the AWG range before buying
Check the packaging for the AWG range before you rely on it for a specific gauge.
Best for: A low-cost stripper for the truck.
- Strips 10 to 20 AWG
- Spring-assisted jaw opening
- ProTouch grips; lifetime guarantee
Why it stands out
- Spring-assisted
- Lifetime guarantee
Keep in mind
- Narrower range than the self-adjusting Irwin
Narrower range than the self-adjusting Irwin.
More strippers to consider
The Klein 11061, the Knipex 12 52 and the Ideal Stripmaster are also well-known strippers worth a look. For the rest of the hand tool kit, see our HVAC tools guide and the insulated screwdriver guide.
Still deciding?
Best self-adjusting: IRWIN VISE-GRIP 2078300 Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper. Strips 10 to 24 AWG, crimps terminals, adjustable length stop, lifetime guarantee.
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Frequently asked questions
What size wire stripper do I need for thermostat wire?
Thermostat wire is commonly 18 AWG. Most strippers listed here, including the Klein 11055EP (12 to 20 AWG stranded), the Klein 1010 and the Irwin 2078300 (10 to 24 AWG), cover it.
Is a self-adjusting stripper better?
It is faster and avoids picking a hole. The Irwin 2078300 self-adjusts from 10 to 24 AWG with a micro-adjust knob for sizes smaller than 20 AWG.
Can a stripper also crimp terminals?
Some can. The Klein 1010 crimps insulated and non-insulated terminals and shears screws, and the Irwin 2078300 crimps 10 to 22 AWG terminals.
What is the difference between solid and stranded ratings?
Solid wire is thicker for the same AWG, so a stripper's solid range is usually narrower. The Klein 11055EP strips 10 to 18 AWG solid and 12 to 20 AWG stranded.
