IDEAL Electrical 45-097 Stripmaster Wire Stripper, 16 to #26 AWG

I used these strippers where I worked in the past, and finally got a pair of my own. I like the speed, but the best part is not cutting copper strands.

Best stripper I have ever had for small wire.

I'm in my late 60's and I remember my dad having a pair of these when I was a little kid. In other words this is an old design. It hasn't changed in a very long time because it works. This is my third or fourth pair, I've yet to wear one out but I've had several that "disappeared" over the years. They work well in applications where they fit. That is perhaps their only downside is they are a bit bulky and may not fit in some tighter areas. However, since they are an automatic you don't have to pull them to remove the insulation, so in many tight spots they are easier to use if they fit. I build custom automotive wiring harnesses, and machinery controls and mine get used a lot, sometimes I'll strip several hundred wires in a day and these strippers don't miss a beat. I routinely strip THHN, GXL, and TXL but I have used them with many other insulation types with no issues. I have over the years tried many "knock-offs" none work as well as the original Ideal stripper. They are a little pricey but not hatefully so and they work so well there is no excuse not to buy the original if you work wit wire a lot.

A great set of strippers for working on planes! Wanted the customs but didn’t want to spend the $300! Customs have better clamps with no ridges, but these are by far cheaper and just as good in my opinion! Ideal makes great auto strippers!

Great tool. Very hefty and feels it in your hand. This guy strips wire in a flash without wondering if you cut any of the strands or compromised the cable. I feel this will last a lifetime, especially since the cutters and guides are replaceable. The only drawbacks are two: 1) It can't strip very short lengths of wire (like under 2") 2) Watch your fingers because you can get pinched (in a bad way) if you aren't paying attention. There is a certain technique you have to dial in but you will pick it up very fast. Makes stripping many wires in a short amount of time a breeze. I like how it locks for just a second when you release the handles, allowing you to pull the wire out before the tool closes up and smashes your newly stripped end. This is a pricey tool but way worth it in my opinion. It is really nice to just stick out what you want to strip and pull the handles. Would buy again!

I've used these before and they work great for exact stripping of the wires. Just wish they had a locking feature to keep closed when in the box.

It has been years since I had a quality wire stripper but I am running a business now where I am constantly stripping wire and this unit is perfect. I read tons of reviews in lots of places online and this name came up many times. I thought I would give it a shot and I am not disappointed. This is a well made quality tool that does the job consistently time after time through the day. The squeeze on it is very soft which is great for my arthritic hands. Most of the wire I work with is 18 and 22 gauge so I cannot speak about different sizes but it does these two extremely well. If I suddenly needed a second stripper I would buy them again today.

I've used this type of stripper for years, and varying companies make varying quality as you'd expect. This is the first time I've purchased the Ideal brand, and I have to say I'm impressed. It is finely made and has no wriggle or sloppiness in the mechanism, providing clean, perfect cuts. It also just feels good to use, since a tool with no sloppiness in it gives excellent tactile feedback which prevents mistakes from misaligning a wire etc. If you've used the cheaper brands before, do yourself a favor and upgrade a little. If you use this tool on even a semi-regular basis you'll end up thanking yourself for spending the extra money for a much better quality tool.