Question about stripping speaker wire

[Adegan]

I'm kind of new at this stripping business and was wondering if it's ok when you are stripping to have cut a few of the strands or do I have to cut and strip again?

[Steve]

A very few really won't hurt anything, but you want to be careful to lose as few as possible. Ideally you won't cut any. If you think you've cut too many, just cut it off and try again.

[red_5ive]

Originally Posted by Adegan

I'm kind of new at this stripping business and was wondering if it's ok when you are stripping to have cut a few of the strands or do I have to cut and strip again?

I'm sure glad you're talking about wire

But yeah, like Fireman said.

[Nick4Blu_81]

Originally Posted by fireman325

A very few really won't hurt anything, but you want to be careful to lose as few as possible. Ideally you won't cut any. If you think you've cut too many, just cut it off and try again.

+1

[Steve]

Thanks for the support guys.

I should have noted above that if you're using a wire stripper that works like this one, it may help to reduce the tension on it.

[Rob J in WNY]

Originally Posted by fireman325

Thanks for the support guys.

I should have noted above that if you're using a wire stripper that works like this one, it may help to reduce the tension on it.

Those are nice strippers.

I use ones like that at work, and they effortlessly remove the jacket from the wire. Still have to have enough common sense to choose the right cutter opening, though.

At home, I just use one of the simple ones with the holes where you manually pull the strippers to remove the jacket. Not as nice, but I've had them for 20 years, and you get good with it pretty quickly.

[Steve]

I have a couple of pairs like you're describing and I guess I have cheap, crappy ones, cuz I can't hardly strip anything with them to save my life. I went out and bought a pair similar to the ones in the link I posted (same thing, different brand) and they're wonderful. No hole size to select. Just lay the wire in it and squeeze. If you get the tension on them right, they'll even strip stranded wires without breaking off the strands.

[Adegan]

Thanks for all the replies, I am using a wire stripping tool and the first ones I did were perfect, but the last two I cut about 2 or 3 strands. I'm testing it and it sounds pretty good to me so far.

[Steve]

If all you cut was 2 or 3 strands I wouldn't worry about it. What size wire are you using by the way?

[Adegan]

16 gauge

[JasonR]

Originally Posted by fireman325

I have a couple of pairs like you're describing and I guess I have cheap, crappy ones, cuz I can't hardly strip anything with them to save my life. I went out and bought a pair similar to the ones in the link I posted (same thing, different brand) and they're wonderful. No hole size to select. Just lay the wire in it and squeeze. If you get the tension on them right, they'll even strip stranded wires without breaking off the strands.

I have a couple of cheap ones and a pair of Snap-On wire strippers, there really is no comparison. I can strip wire all day with the Snap-Ons....

[Steve]

Originally Posted by Adegan

16 gauge

2 or 3 strands missing from 16 gauge won't be a problem.

Originally Posted by JasonR

I have a couple of cheap ones and a pair of Snap-On wire strippers, there really is no comparison. I can strip wire all day with the Snap-Ons....

You mean the type where you select the right size hole and pull the insulation off? I'm sure some are way better than others, and the pair I have are not one of the better ones. My spring loaded ones are awesome though.

[JasonR]

Yep, like these.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog

[JunkBoy]

Oh come on guys...I cut no strands and I use my handy dandy single edged razor!

[aramis109]

Originally Posted by JunkBoy

Oh come on guys...I cut no strands and I use my handy dandy single edged razor!

And it only takes you 20 minutes and three nicked fingers per wire!



I use cheap wire strippers and have never had an issue with them. The only thing is that I have to work around the jacket a bit, so it's slower than some of the nicer strippers.

[StimpsonJCat]

Originally Posted by fireman325

Thanks for the support guys.

I should have noted above that if you're using a wire stripper that works like this one, it may help to reduce the tension on it.

I do hear strippers reduce tension....just don't think the wife would agree this is the best way.

I've found some brands of speaker wire are just a pain to strip. I bought some that was real hard and brittle and a nightmare to strip.

[DiverSpear]

You guys should quit buying the junk strippers including the ones mentioned earlier and just buy Klien wire strippers. Being an Electrician for 22 years there is none better. I deal with wire from 14awg to 1000MCM.

[DonRSD]

i only use wire citters to cut the wire to the desired length

when i need to cut the tip off to expose the wire, i just use a lighter for a few seconds then pull off the outer casing.

works everytime with no 'strands'

[quest88]

Originally Posted by DiverSpear

You guys should quit buying the junk strippers including the ones mentioned earlier and just buy Klien wire strippers. Being an Electrician for 22 years there is none better. I deal with wire from 14awg to 1000MCM.

Thank You !!!!