Knipex Forged Wire Strippers with Locating Ridges

Wire Stripping Redefined

How many different ways can we really reinvent the wire stripper, really? If the Knipex Forged Wire Strippers are any indication…at least one more time. However, in this case, the classic electrician’s hand tool might not need to go through any more refinement. We really like the choices Knipex made with this tool. They really hit it out of the park.

Knipex on the Forged Wire Strippers

Wire strippers used to, you know, strip wire. Now, however, manufacturers build several tools into one to save time and reduce the number of tools required in your pouch. The Knipex Forged Wire Stripper doesn’t add anything new in terms of capabilities—but it tweaks the usage of the tool in such a way as to speed up its use. The tool seems designed to improve upon the wire stripping experience as a whole. The result? Electricians can complete tasks (and thus jobs) much more quickly and easily.

Editor’s Note: Check out our best pliers reviews article for our top suggestions

Meticulous Engineering

Starting with the design—Knipex Forged Wire Strippers look like a heavy-duty pair of strippers. They strip and cut 10-18 AWG solid and 12-20 AWG stranded wire.

Leverage looks good on these stripping pliers, and we love the use of a reinforced Torx bolt fulcrum. The lock holds them in a closed position and activates easily with your thumb.

Non-threaded Screw Shearing

Perhaps the most unique feature of these wire strippers is its screw cutting shears. Traditionally, you would have to thread your 6-32 or 8-32 screw into its appropriate hole to cut your screws to the length you want. With the threadless Knipex Wire Strippers, you simply slide your screw into the appropriate hole from either side of the tool to create a clean, burr-free cut. Honestly, I’m not sure why most tools don’t work this way as it saves a ton of time.

Cutting it Fine

Another excellent feature comes in the form of helping you find the right slot for stripping wire. This tool gives you unique locating ridges between your five wire-stripping points. Ultimately, these let you easily find the correct stripping positions by feel. That’s right, you don’t actually have to see them since you have two giant ridges that stick up to point the way. This seems extremely helpful for both dimly-lit rooms and for electricians who can’t be bothered to look at what they’re doing…you know who you are!

Knipex Forged Wire Strippers Jaws

The Knipex Forged Wire Strippers feature wide knurled gripping jaws for twisting and bending wires. The cross-hatched jaws look like they should provide a solid grip when needed. They also extend far enough out to clear both the strippers and shears, making these a decent tool for when you need a strong pair of pliers.

Strong Cutting Shears

The induction-hardened cutting shears give you plenty of cutting capacity. The jaws should make quick work of individual wire cutting, NM-B, BX/MC, and even larger battery cable.

Ambidextrous

You can use the Knipex Forged Wire Strippers either right- or left-handed. The multi-material handles should stay comfortable, even when applying a lot of pressure. An internal spring provides easy-opening, while that bolted joint provides smooth, precise cutting adjustments.

Knipex Forged Wire Strippers Specs

• Model: Knipex 13 72 8
• Pliers: Black atramentized
• Handles: Multi-component grips
• Cu Cable, fine stranded: 1/2 Ø Inch
• Cu + Al multi-conductor cable, strand and multi-stranded: 10 to 20 solid and stranded AWG
• Stripping capacity for cross sections: 10 to 20 solid and stranded AWG
• Crimping Capacity: 12-20 AWG
• Weight: 0.54 lbs
• Length: 8 in.
• Price: $54