IDEAL Electrical Stripmaster Manual Wire Strippers, #16 to #26 AWG

I don’t usually write reviews, but I felt like I had to because I am so impressed with these for the price. I was used to using the Milwaukee and Klein version of these strippers and they are complete garbage compared to the Ideal. The Klein and Milwaukee versions have extremely bad quality control and the blades do not create a perfectly round circle when they come together (lead to nicked and sometimes cut stands when stripping fine stranded wire). The ideal stripper creates a very close to perfectly round circle when the blades come together and give me a perfect strip every time (no nicked or cut strands). I think the multiple triangle shaped blade design also helps ensures the blades always line up correctly when they come together. I think the only strippers that might be better are the military spec versions of the same Ideal strippers. I have not personally used the mil spec version because they cost $250+ dollars depending on the specific model you get (even though I might end up getting a pair to try). I probably don’t need the mil spec version though because these regular Ideal’s do exactly what I need them to do. For reference, what I use these for is usually stripping 18 or 20 awg wires before crimping ferrules on them for use in HVAC control panels.

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.

Best stripper I have ever had for small wire.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

Does what it’s supposed to well

Meets all the expectations

Should have got one years ago! Quite a premium to pay if you want awg size in the UK.

good

Great strippers. I use these regularly as an aircraft mechanic. Beautiful clean strips on small gauge wires. Very smooth strippers, every bit as good as the ones that are three times more expensive.