If you’ve ever had to strip steel wire armoured (SWA) cables, you know it’s not the most glamorous job - and it’s definitely not the easiest. The armour is tough, the cut needs to be clean, and you don’t want to risk damaging the inner conductors. That’s where the KNIPEX TubiX® Pipe Cutter (90 31 02 BK) steps in - a tool that delivers reliable precision and speed every time. Designed for effortless pipe cutting, it’s also a smart solution for stripping SWA cables quickly, safely and with pinpoint accuracy.

Whether you’re on a construction site, doing industrial wiring, or working outdoors, the TubiX® makes SWA cable stripping straightforward and efficient.

Positioning the TubiX on the SWA cable
Setting the blade of the TubiX
Scoring the armour of SWA cable
Rotating the TubiX around the cable clockwise and anti-clockwise
Remove the outer sheath with a knife after removing the TubiX from the cable
Using a safety knife to carefully cut the sheath
Breaking the armour strands of the SWA cable by hands, wearing gloves
The SWA cable is cleaned of the strands, no jagged strands can be seen, allowing the armour wires to sit correctly in the gland cone for secure termination and earth connection.

Why the TubiX® is Perfect for SWA Cable Stripping

The TubiX® Pipe Cutter isn’t just for pipes - it’s engineered with features that make it ideal for cutting and stripping SWA cables:

  • Smooth, controlled cutting: The hardened cutting wheel slices through the steel wire armour cleanly, without snagging or deforming the cable.
  • Quick adjustment: The telescopic function and quick-fix mechanism allow you to set the cutter to the exact diameter in seconds - perfect when working on different cable sizes.
  • Ergonomic handling: The lightweight yet robust aluminium body and comfortable grip mean you can work longer without fatigue.
  • Reliable results: The cutting wheel bearing ensures a consistent, clean cut. 

When stripping SWA cables, the TubiX® lets you score the armour precisely, making it easy to remove without damaging the insulation underneath. That’s a big win for electricians, installers, and anyone working on industrial, underground or outdoor wiring projects.

How to Strip SWA Cables with the KNIPEX TubiX® Pipe Cutter

Using the TubiX® for stripping SWA cables is quick and simple:

  1. Measure and mark the section of armour you want to strip. Position the tool and push the cutting wheel up and press it firmly until it locks in place.
  2. Clamp the cutter around the cable and set the blade, adjusting the quick-fix mechanism to fit snugly. Turn the blue adjustment knob until you feel resistance.
  3. Rotate smoothly around the cable, clockwise and anti-clockwise - the cutting wheel does the hard work. After a few turns, tighten the blue adjustment knob again until you feel resistance, then continue turning the tool in both directions. Approximately 20-30 turns are needed.  
  4. Remove the tool by loosening the blue adjustment knob and pressing the release button to pull the cutting wheel back.
  5. Remove the outer sheath by using a safety knife to carefully cut the outer sheath.
  6. Break the armour strands by bending them back and forth to remove them cleanly, leaving the inner conductors intact and ready for connection.

It’s a simple process, but the precision of the TubiX® makes all the difference. No jagged edges, no wasted time, no damaged cores.

Built for SWA Cables - and Much More

While the TubiX® excels at SWA cable stripping, it’s also perfect for cutting copper, aluminium, and thin-walled steel pipes. This makes it a versatile tool for electricians, plumbers, and general tradespeople alike.

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Conclusion: Make SWA Cable Stripping Easier with KNIPEX TubiX®

The KNIPEX TubiX® Pipe Cutter turns SWA cable stripping from a chore into a quick, precise, and safe task. Built to handle tough jobs and deliver consistent results, it’s a tool that works as hard as you do.

 Ready to make SWA cable stripping easier?
Learn more about the KNIPEX TubiX® Pipe Cutter here and see how it can transform your workflow.

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