What tools are you using these days?

[pls1]

What tools are you sparks out there using these days for cutting/stripping T&E cable etc? There seem to be quite a few 5-in-1, 6-in-1 cable cutters/strippers around now and I'm curious if they are any good.

Personally I use these
http://www.screwfix.com/p/nws-vde-cable-strippers-159mm-6/10705
along with a pair of side cutters.

But here are some examples I've seen:
http://www.screwfix.com/p/nws-vde-6-in-1-cutter/21921

http://www.toolspot.co.uk/product/kamasa-auto-stripper-and-crimper

http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=23759&MAN=Ck-Automatic-Wire-Stripper

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Depends what the core size is that is being stripped.
In domestics, if its 1.0-2.5 use the side cutters, 4 and 6mm cable strippers. then back to side cutters for 10-16mm

 

[Monkeh]

I use the latter type for smaller cable (up to 2.5mm²). Quick, easy, and accurate. I'm not a spark, though. But I do strip cable faster than some 50 year old with a pair of side cutters.

 

[Adam_151]

I use a pair of these : http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=23769 for just about most things.... they'll cut through 25mm tails and also strip 0.5mm² lighting drop flex.

And a stanley knife for the other sheath.

Not sure I see the point of the automatic cable strippers tbh, don't appear as if they'd be much quicker and more faffing around!

 

[Monkeh]

I use a pair of these : http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=23769 for just about most things.... they'll cut through 25mm tails and also strip 0.5mm² lighting drop flex.

And a stanley knife for the other sheath.

Not sure I see the point of the automatic cable strippers tbh, don't appear as if they'd be much quicker and more faffing around!

In the time it takes you to slice open the sheath of T&E with a stanley knife, I've stripped the sheath and both cores already.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Personally I use these
http://www.screwfix.com/p/nws-vde-6-in-1-cutter/21921[/QUOTE]
I used to have a pair of side cutters that looked like that.

Didn't know you could buy them already done.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

 

[JohnW2]

I used to have a pair of side cutters that looked like that.

I still do! The MI said nothing about them not being able to cut 4mm SS 'wire'!

Kind Regards, John.

 

[flameport]

These: http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=731
and this: http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=10501

All of those automatic efforts, or things with grooves / recesses / spring loaded stuff either don't work at all, cut too far causing damage, require constant adjustment or go blunt after a few uses.

 

[GaryMo]

These for anything up to 2.5mm2. I've tried loads of different options (can't say strippers can I?!) but I'm yet to find anything as good or consistent as these. They're around £20 from RS but possibly cheaper elsewhere.

Anything over that then either my Bahco side cutters or stanley knife.

 

[Monkeh]

These: http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=731
and this: http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=10501

All of those automatic efforts, or things with grooves / recesses / spring loaded stuff either don't work at all, cut too far causing damage, require constant adjustment or go blunt after a few uses.

Mine causes no damage to normal cables, works perfectly, and requires no adjustment unless you're working on really small cables.

Perhaps you should try a decent one?

 

[sparkybird]

I'm with Adam151 on this one - no need to have separate tools to cut and strip.

 

[Alarm]

I use the same as Adam and a set of Swedish sides.