10 Best Wire Strippers 2026 in the United States

The KNIPEX 13 71 8 Forged Wire Stripper is a strong choice if you often work with electrical wiring and cables. It handles wire sizes from 10 to 20 AWG, which covers a common range for home and professional electrical tasks. One handy feature is its locating ridges, making it easier to find the right stripping hole quickly. It also cuts screws and various cables like NM-B and BX, adding versatility beyond just stripping. The shear cutting blades reduce the effort needed by about 25%, which is great if you do lots of cutting, and the tool boasts a higher cutting capacity compared to some competitors.

Its black plastic handles are designed for comfort, fitting well in your hand during use. The tool’s high carbon steel build suggests good durability, suitable for regular use without wearing out fast. However, there’s no adjustable gauge dial, so it might take a bit of practice to get the perfect strip every time, especially if you switch wire sizes often. Also, it doesn’t come with a warranty, which could be a consideration if you want extra protection against defects.

This wire stripper performs well for electricians and DIYers who value a robust, multi-functional tool that can handle various wires and cutting tasks with less effort.

The Klein Tools 11063W Wire Stripper is designed to cater to both DIY enthusiasts and professional electricians who need a reliable tool for handling a variety of wire gauges. It effectively strips and cuts 8-20 AWG solid and 10-22 AWG stranded wire, making it versatile for various electrical projects. One of its standout features is the compound action stripping mechanism, which allows users to grip and strip wires with a simple squeezing motion. This can make the task quicker and more efficient, especially for those who frequently work with electrical wires.

The precision-machined stripping holes are designed to remove insulation cleanly without damaging the wire itself, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of your electrical connections. Additionally, it can strip up to an inch of insulation length in one go, saving time for users who need to prepare multiple wires.

Durability is another key strength, as the wire stripper features a cast alloy chassis and a heavy-duty Ecoat finish, which offers resistance against corrosion. This construction means that it should hold up well over time, even under heavy use.

The KNIPEX Tools 13 72 8 Forged Wire Stripper is designed for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts who need a reliable tool for stripping wires. It handles a wire gauge range from 10 to 20 AWG, making it versatile for different projects. One of the standout features is its shear cutting blades, which offer a 50% higher cutting capacity compared to many competitors while reducing the cutting power needed by 25%. This can make the stripping process smoother and less tiring for the user. The locating ridges help in easily identifying the stripping holes, which is helpful for quick and accurate use.

Ergonomically, the multi-component handle provides a comfortable grip, reducing fatigue during extended use. Weighing just 0.66 pounds, it's lightweight, which contributes to ease of handling. Durability is also a strong point, as it's made from stainless steel and designed to withstand regular wear and tear.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. While it excels at cutting and stripping, some users might find it limited if they require tools for larger gauge wires outside its specified range.