Stripping cables is a fundamental activity in electrical engineering that requires precision and the right tools. KNIPEX offers a wide range of stripping pliers, each of which is optimised for different applications and insulation materials. Here you can find out which type of stripping blade is the best choice in each case.
Before we dive into the details of the blade types, it is important to understand some basic principles of stripping:
Cutting the cable: The end of the cable must be almost round to minimise the force required to remove the insulation. Avoid diagonal cutters as these can deform the cable end and use cable shears instead, e.g. the KNIPEX StepCut.
Cutting the insulation: The insulation must be cut as far as possible without damaging the inner strands. Due to temperature fluctuations and the thickness and nature of the insulation material, it is sometimes necessary to adjust the cutting depth of the blades.
The right stripping pliers depend on the insulation material and the area of application. Here are the most important blade shapes and their respective areas of application:
V-shaped blades
Example model: KNIPEX Automatic Insulation Stripper 12 62 180
Capacity: 0,2 – 6 mm²
Features: This blade shape cuts into most of the insulation and only tears off a small part; it centres the conductor and is particularly suitable for standard insulation, but also for highly elastic insulation materials
Not suitable for: Multilayer cables such as solar cables
Straight blades with fine adjustment
Example models: KNIPEX Self-Adjusting Insulation Stripper 12 40 200, KNIPEX NexStrip® Multi-Tool for Electricians 12 72 190
Capacity: 0,03 – 10 mm²
Features: Only a small part of the insulation is cut, the rest is torn off; a wide range of different insulation materials can also be stripped here due to the readjustability of the blades
Model 12 40 200: The proven, durable mechanism and a good price-performance ratio make these pliers an all-rounder
Not suitable for: Multi-layer cables such as solar cables
Straight blades without fine adjustment
Example models: KNIPEX MultiStrip 10 Automatic insulation stripper 12 42 195
Capacity: 0,03 – 10 mm²
Features: Only a small part of the insulation is cut, the rest is torn off; ideal for small stranded cables/cross-sections and standard insulation when working at constant temperatures
Model 12 42 195: The non-existent adjustment option eliminates the risk of unintentional adjustment of the blade depth and thus offers process reliability
Not suitable for: Elastic and highly flexible, armoured and multi-layer insulation such as solar cables
Parabolic blades
Example model: KNIPEX PreciStrip16® Automatic Insulation Stripper 12 52 195
Capacity: 0,08 – 16 mm²
Features: This mould cuts the insulation around the entire circumference of the cable; it is ideal for materials such as halogen-free insulation and highly elastic materials
Not suitable for: Multilayer cables such as solar cables
Annular blades
Example models: KNIPEX Precision Insulation Stripper with adapted blades 12 12 xx
Features: This blade shape enables form-fit stripping with a clean and precise result; it is suitable for almost all insulation materials, including difficult materials such as PTFE and Radox®
Not suitable for: /
Precise fine adjustment of the cutting depth is crucial for perfect stripping results. KNIPEX stripping pliers such as models 12 62 180, 12 40 200, PreciStrip 16 and NexStrip offer the option of adjusting the cutting depth, which is particularly important for different insulation materials, temperature fluctuations and insulation thicknesses.
Choosing the right stripping pliers and blade shape depends heavily on the specific requirements of your work. Standard insulation can usually be processed with V-shaped or straight blades, while special materials such as halogen-free insulation or multi-layer cables require pliers with a ring-shaped or parabolic blade. Fine adjustment options make it easier to adapt to different cable diameters and insulation materials.
With the right tool and the right blade shape, stripping becomes more efficient and precise.
Final tip: For new cable types, always try out a small piece of the cable before starting the actual work. This will ensure that the cutting depth is set correctly and that the stripping result meets your requirements.