The 5 Best Wire Stripping Machines – [Reviews & Rankings]

A wire stripping machine, also known as an automatic wire stripper or a copper wire stripper, is a tool that lets you strip the plastic insulation or cover present over cable wires. Wire stripping machines are convenient tools to make an accurate cut along with the cover on a wire so that you can use the naked cable for soldering, better electrical conduction, etc.

The best wire stripping machines should have a high-quality blade, sturdy construction, fast stripping action, and the ability to strip wires of variable sizes efficiently (Source).

Wire stripping machines work in different ways, depending upon the type of machine you have. If you possess a manual wire stripping machine, then you will need physical effort to strip a cable.

A tabletop manual machine is fixed to a counter using a clamp or vice to keep it stable. Then, you need to insert a wire from the opposite side of the machine where the blade is present. After tightening the cable near the blade, you pull the cable from the other side using pliers. That causes the wire to strip as the blade cuts along with the insulation of the cable.

Additionally, a compact manual stripping machine might have a lever that keeps spinning a blade over a cable to cut off its plastic coating and expose the metallic wire beneath. On the other hand, an automatic one uses the same principle as a tabletop one.

However, it involves a motorized force, such as a drill machine, to move the cable along the blade of the wire stripper (Source). In this review, we’ll help you in choosing the top wire stripping machines for you to achieve higher productivity.

What Is A Wire Stripping Machine?

A wire stripping machine is a tool that lets you strip the plastic insulation or cover present over cable wires.  Wire stripping machines are convenient tools to make an accurate cut along with the cover on a wire so that you can use the naked cable for soldering, better electrical conduction, etc.

The best wire stripping machines should have a high-quality blade, sturdy construction, fast stripping action, and the ability to strip wires of variable sizes efficiently.

How Do Wire Stripping Machines Work?

Wire stripping machines work in different ways, depending upon the type of machine you have. If you possess a manual wire stripping machine, then you will need physical effort to strip a cable. A tabletop manual machine is fixed to a counter using a clamp or vice to keep it stable.

Then, you need to insert a wire from the opposite side of the machine where the blade is present. After tightening the cable near the blade, you pull the cable from the other side using pliers. That causes the wire to strip as the blade cuts along with the insulation of the cable.

Additionally, a compact manual stripping machine might have a lever that keeps spinning a blade over a cable to cut off its plastic coating and expose the metallic wire beneath. On the other hand, an automatic one uses the same principle as a tabletop one.

However, it involves a motorized force, such as a drill machine, to move the cable along the blade of the wire stripper (Source).

Comparing the Best Wire Stripping Machines 

Product Name	Weight	Best For	Price
The Stripmeister Automatic Wire Stripping Machine	3.8lbs	Best for the price	Check Price
The Benchtop Automatic Wire Stripping Machine	6.5lbs	Best for Copper wires	Check Price
The STP 1000 Wire Stripper Tool	1lbs	Best for removing hard plastic and rubber coating	Check Price
The Hardin WS-1270 Manual Cable and Wire Stripper	3.7lbs	Best for all shapes of wires	Check Price
The Seatek SA200SK Wire Stripper	4.8lbs	Best feature-packed wire stripper	Check Price

1. The Stripmeister – Best Automatic Wire Stripping Machine

If you are in the market for an industrial grade automatic wire stripper, consider the Stripmeister Automatic Wire Stripping Machine. This machine attacks all your 18 to 250mm scrap wire, simplifying your work.

It boasts a Romex adaptor, which enables users to cut several layers of wire in just one shot and saves up to 33% of the user’s time.

Moreover, it is constructed from a solid aircraft-grade aluminum that doesn’t give up on any form of abuse. It also has pure stainless steel hardware and feeder drives that are precision machined from stainless steel.

Likewise, it is precision-engineered with a machine knife made from hardened and heat-treated tool steel. It comes with a blade depth reference indicator for easy adjustment of blade height, too.

Furthermore, this North American ISO 9001-compliant product is retailed and sold only by its manufacturers; hence, it is free from intermediary price hikes.

2. The Benchtop Automatic Wire Stripping Machine – Best Wire Stripper for Copper Wires

If you are looking for an easy and efficient way of recycling copper wires, consider ordering the Benchtop Automatic Wire Stripping Machine. It is the best alternative to the common use of razor when stripping copper wires.

This device helps against exposing yourself to hazardous smoke when burning the copper wires. Additionally, it has a wire stripping capacity of between 3mm to 25mm and strips up to an estimated 450 inches of copper wire per minute when used with a drill.

It also easily connects to a power drill for enhanced automatic operation and can be manually used through the included crank handle.

3. The STP 1000 – Best Wire Stripper for Hard Plastic and Rubber Coating

If you are searching for an effective way of removing plastic and rubber coatings of undamaged scrap wire, the STP 1000 Wire Stripper Tool is your tool of choice. It is a portable tool that takes advantage of its compact nature.

It is made of aluminum, which makes it sturdy and lightweight. Additionally, features hardened steel angled-blade with a wire gauge cutting range of 18 AWG to 6AWG.

Therefore, as mentioned, this handy, reliable, and overly durable wire-stripping machine works best for removing hard plastic, insulation and rubber coating off undamaged scrap wires.

Lastly, the machine comes with specially designed blades made from high carbon steel that strips wires of various gauges.

4. The Hardin WS-1270 Manual Cable and Wire Stripper – Best Wire Stripper for All Wire Shapes

The Hardin WS-1270 Manual Cable and Wire Stripper can trim any shape of wire including square, parallel, and triangular and Romex insulation. It can also accommodate wires ranging from 24 AMG to 7/8 inches.

Unlike the STP wire stripper, it independently adjusts rollers and blades thus easing your work. Moreover, according to manufacturers, this product produces up to 65% of copper for various electrical applications including wires and cables.

However, note that copper is often insulated for safety reasons and its conductive properties. Insulation detracts copper’s value, which often determines your returns before stripping any wire.

With this in mind, the Hardin WS-1270 Manual Cable and Wire Stripper can easily remove the insulation from most wires and cables, producing premium scrap prices. It is simply designed and users can strip the wire or cable at the beginning by slipping through the guide rollers.

5. The Seatek SA200SK Wire Stripper – Best Feature-Packed Wire Stripper

If you need a wire stripper for the plenum, computer and communication cables, flat and round Romex coax, line cords, twisted jacketed cables, and category 3 and 5 wires among others, the Seatek SA200SK Wire Stripper is an ideal choice.

This product features an extra sharp surgical type blade that easily slices through cable jackets of up to 5/8 inches and ring cuts cables of up to a half-inch.

Meanwhile, its wire cutter produces excellently accurate cuts while preventing damage to the conductors. This is made possible by setting the micrometer dial to an accurate and correct blade depth.

Lastly, it comes with a spare blade cartridge that can be easily replaced.

Most Common Issues People Have with Wire Stripping Machines

• Slower than Manual Work: The speed of wire stripping machines (best thermal wire strippers here) is something which many people don’t consider. When this happens, it is much more common to purchase a model that doesn’t even strip as fast as you can manually with a traditional wire stripper.
• Different Wire Types & Sizes: Working with different cable sizes is pretty straight forward with a traditional wire stripper. If this is your first experience using a machine, there will probably be a learning curve for you to face. One of the common things people can get tripped up on is adjusting the machine to strip wires of different sizes and types.
• Doesn’t Cut Strong Wires: You need to have realistic expectations while looking for a wire stripping machine. This means understanding that certain wires like aluminum or steel armored wire won’t always be able to be stripped. These sorts of jobs are usually best done with a manual wire cutter.

Features of the Best Wire Stripping Machines

If you want to get one of the best wire stripping machines, it’s important to consider the many options and potential features that are available. In order to help you understand the market behind wire stripping machines and make a good decision, here are some of the most popular features which you need to look for.

Durable Blade Material

The blade in your wire stripping machine is what does all the hard work. This is where the wire covers are removed. It also should be made with strong material like steel, which can last a lifetime of use.

In the more affordable wire stripping machine, one of the common features that are cut back on is the blade. Unless there are spare blade cartridges readily available, a weak blade can leave you with an ineffective machine and buyer’s remorse.

Easily Works with Many Different Wire Types and Sizes

A high-quality wire stripping machine will easily adapt to different wire types and sizes. With the exception of armored wires or ones thicker than 10 inches, for example, wire cutting machines are very versatile and easily adjust to strip different wire types and sizes.

Things to Consider Before Buying Wire Stripping Machines

Wire strippers come in various forms and styles with diverse features that makes one different from the rest. This complicates the search process, especially for interested persons who don’t have an idea of what to look for in a good wire stripper.

Stripping machines are not limited to be used only by electricians. Other interested parties may also need to work on home or commercial wires. So, before looking at the buying tips, what are the benefits of using wire strippers?

Advantages of Using Wire Stripping Machines

Stripping a wire through standard means takes a lot of time and energy. It can also be a hazard, especially if you resort to awkward methods, such as using your teeth. Outlined below are some of the key benefits associated with the use of wire stripping machines.

Quality stripping – unlike stripping wire by hand, using a wire stripping machine guarantees the utmost quality and promises good returns. Machines also make it easy to strip bigger wires, which often seem difficult by hand.

However, note that achieving quality stripping often comes down to choosing the best wire stripping machine. Additionally, some machines are operated manually while some are lightweight, portable, and can be used anywhere.

Manpower – a quality wire stripping machine will hold the wire by itself and does the entire process for you. Having the right machine by your side in a workshop or at home eliminates the need for others’ help in your work. It does everything for you.

That said, below are some of the things to consider when searching for the best wire stripping machine on the market:

Wire Stripping Machine Design

Like any other workshop equipment, you must consider the design of the wire-stripping machine. There are primarily two types of wire strippers: manual and automatic. Before settling on either, consider which one is best for your needs.

The Manual model, judging from its name, requires low maintenance and little space to work on. On the other hand, automated machines are certainly powerful and can handle heavy-duty wires much better. Of both models, the manual machines are affordable than automated models.

Machine Speed

As mentioned before, people seek the services of wire stripping machines for various applications. Regardless of the use, it is of immense importance to consider the speed of the machine.

Quick machines come in handy if you need to strip as many wires as possible. Some models are faster than others. However, speed in some models can compromise the quality of certain wires.

Ease of Use

You should always ensure that the machine is easy to set up and use. Otherwise, you will spend much time trying to understand the working ability of the machine, instead of working on your wires.

Others

• Construction – wire stripping machines are built from various materials. Whereas some are aluminum coated, others are made of steel. The choice of either material determines the longevity of the machine.
• Price – consider an affordable machine that provides all the features of a wire stripper of your needs.

FAQ’s about Wire Stripping Machines

Q: How fast do wire stripping machines strip wire?

A machine’s wire stripping ability depends on the model and whether or not you use it with a drill. Additionally, the type of wire, diameter, and condition influences speed.

Q: How often do I have to change or sharpen my wire stripper’s blade?

Usually, wire stripper machine blades don’t have to be sharpened. They can last for years with constant use. Moreover, they can last for 8,000 feet to 40,000 feet of stripped wire.

Q: What type of wires can’t be cut by most wire strippers?

Most wire stripping machines can’t cut aluminum or steel armored wire. You’d have to manually cut the armor with a wire cutter.

Q: What maintenance work is needed for a wire stripping machine?

Usually, these machines do not need much maintenance aside from regular cleaning and proper storing.

Q: Can you make money by wire stripping?

Yes, you can sell copper wires stripped by wire stripping machines. Alongside that, you’re also helping with recycling.

DIY Wire Stripping Machine: Making Your Own Instead of Buying

Creating your own wire stripping machine does not have to be expensive. With basic materials like a wooden plank, a few screws, and a razor, you can put one together in less than an hour.

To make your own wire stripping machine, take a wooden plank and clamp a razor to it. Drill a hole onto each side of the razor so you can bolt it down later.

Next, lay the drill bit on the wood and create a slot where the wire will go. Then, sand the slot down just to clean it up. Next, lay the razor down flat and insert the wire under it.

Finally, bolt down the razor with screws and push the wire through. Follow the steps below for more.

Ready To Buy The Best Wire Stripping Machine?

The best that guarantees precise wire cutting and stripping should be of good design, easy to use, have reasonable speed, and be affordable. It should also have options for manual usage to increase its portability.

Whether you need an industrial wire stripping machine or one for residential use, this guide will help you find a device that strips wire fast and efficiently.

From our wire stripping machine review above, which machine do you think is your favorite? Share with us in the comments section below!

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