Which wire stripper to buy is a common question here on AAC. There are different types for different purposes but one of the most liked is the plier type stripper with notches for each gauge. I have previously recommended the Klein 11046 which is a newer version of a venerable standby which I liked a bit better but they are so similar it doesn't really matter.
But I have a new recommendation is this class of stripper, the Hakko CHP CSP-30-1. Hakko makes some very nice, very affordable tweezers, flush cutters, and pliers. They are made in Italy with a fit and finish that is unusual in the price class. They are inexpensive tools done right. I assume the target is production use where you will go through many pairs and so the more expensive tools which might be appropriate for precision work are cost prohibitive.
The ergonomic grips are very comfortable and definitely not the quality you'd expect on such an inexpensive tool. The material has a soft, grippy surface and they are very well attached to the handles. I don't know if they are overmolded but as much force as I was willing to try didn't move them at all.
It has a clever two position lock. In the photo it is in the first position and you can see the jaws are separated just enough to be able to insert the wire for stripping. In the second the jaws are closed completely. When the lock is off the pliers are wide open. I first encountered this idea on a pair of Klein Romex strippers but its lock had onlyvthe first position and open. I thought the pliers were poorly manufactured at first and tried a couple of things to "fix" them.
Fortunately my efforts failed and I didn't fix something that wasn't broken. With the opening big enough to insert the wire to be stripped, you don't have to try to keep it engaged in the slot, and the handles are much closer together and easier to use. The fully open position allows the use of the shears near the pivot and a larger opening for the jaws on the tip, but really those are most useful for twisting wires as needed and so are better off spaced as they end up.
The blades are sharp and precise. They do an excellent job on both PVC and silicone insulation. With the jaws closed the cutter openings are neat circles that cut all the way around without additional movement. When choosing the right size they never clipped or nicked a conductor. The operating range is excellent for electronics work going from 20AWG to 30AWG (.2mm to .8mm).
The shears make clean, flat cuts perfect for termination. Unlike diagonal and flush cutters the shearing action doesn't squeeze the cable resulting in flatter more even cuts. If you are terminating with JST or DuPont crimp terminals this tool makes and excellent conductor brush and allows easier insertion without twisting which is the correct procedure.
Hakko also offers the CHP-170 flush cutter which is similarly high quality and low cost. I strongly recommend both as hidden gems for your tool kit.
[EDIT: post-posting proofreading, a bad habit]
But I have a new recommendation is this class of stripper, the Hakko CHP CSP-30-1. Hakko makes some very nice, very affordable tweezers, flush cutters, and pliers. They are made in Italy with a fit and finish that is unusual in the price class. They are inexpensive tools done right. I assume the target is production use where you will go through many pairs and so the more expensive tools which might be appropriate for precision work are cost prohibitive.
The ergonomic grips are very comfortable and definitely not the quality you'd expect on such an inexpensive tool. The material has a soft, grippy surface and they are very well attached to the handles. I don't know if they are overmolded but as much force as I was willing to try didn't move them at all.
It has a clever two position lock. In the photo it is in the first position and you can see the jaws are separated just enough to be able to insert the wire for stripping. In the second the jaws are closed completely. When the lock is off the pliers are wide open. I first encountered this idea on a pair of Klein Romex strippers but its lock had onlyvthe first position and open. I thought the pliers were poorly manufactured at first and tried a couple of things to "fix" them.
Fortunately my efforts failed and I didn't fix something that wasn't broken. With the opening big enough to insert the wire to be stripped, you don't have to try to keep it engaged in the slot, and the handles are much closer together and easier to use. The fully open position allows the use of the shears near the pivot and a larger opening for the jaws on the tip, but really those are most useful for twisting wires as needed and so are better off spaced as they end up.
The blades are sharp and precise. They do an excellent job on both PVC and silicone insulation. With the jaws closed the cutter openings are neat circles that cut all the way around without additional movement. When choosing the right size they never clipped or nicked a conductor. The operating range is excellent for electronics work going from 20AWG to 30AWG (.2mm to .8mm).
The shears make clean, flat cuts perfect for termination. Unlike diagonal and flush cutters the shearing action doesn't squeeze the cable resulting in flatter more even cuts. If you are terminating with JST or DuPont crimp terminals this tool makes and excellent conductor brush and allows easier insertion without twisting which is the correct procedure.
Hakko also offers the CHP-170 flush cutter which is similarly high quality and low cost. I strongly recommend both as hidden gems for your tool kit.
[EDIT: post-posting proofreading, a bad habit]
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