Wire Strippers vs. Linemans - Electrician Talk - Professional Electrical Contractors Forum

jmp · 02-28-2010, 11:21 PM

Hey everyone I'm new to the forum...
I have a question regarding using linemans to strip wire vs. wire strippers

My father and grandfather were electricians and taught me to strip with linemans, they never used or even owned a pair of strippers. In trade school for electrical I first used strippers but my teacher (a former union electrician) said it was okay for me to use my linemans if that's what I'm comfortable with. Now working fulltime and my mechanic (former union) yells at me when I use my linemans to strip anything and said I'd be scolded for doing that in the Local which I hope to get into soon. So my question what do you all use to strip wire? Is it true I'll be scolded in the local? And is it okay to use linemans to strip stranded wire?

480sparky · 02-28-2010, 11:41 PM

Sorry........ the Goold Old Days are long gone. Wire strippers have been around since day one.

jmp · 02-28-2010, 11:51 PM

i know they've been around, and i know most of you carry them, but is it one of those tools that's always new and shiny in your bag?

480sparky · 02-28-2010, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmp

i know they've been around, and i know most of you carry them, but is it one of those tools that's always new and shiny in your bag?

No, mine are rusty, crusty and got a few extra electron-induced holes in them.

LawnGuyLandSparky · 02-28-2010, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmp

i know they've been around, and i know most of you carry them, but is it one of those tools that's always new and shiny in your bag?

If you're installing ONE device, most would use a linesmans. But if you're blazing through a job doing nothing BUT devicing, a comfortable pair of t-strippers is the only way to go. Understand that it takes a bit of practice to use linesmans and NOT knick the copper... and they keep changing the goddamned insulation properties... and a chain is only as strong as it's weakest link.

I had one boss that would scold you if you used those "pansy-strippers, use your linesmans like a man..."

jmp · 02-28-2010, 11:59 PM

what brand do you prefer? i've been using them alot lately cause i don't feel like getting yelled at... i own the Klein Curve... and they suck, the blades are shot after only a few months... i know this belongs in the equipment forum so i apologize for that but i hope you'll oblige me anyhow

480sparky · 03-01-2010, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmp

what brand do you prefer? i've been using them alot lately cause i don't feel like getting yelled at... i own the Klein Curve... and they suck, the blades are shot after only a few months... i know this belongs in the equipment forum so i apologize for that but i hope you'll oblige me anyhow

I run around with Ideal 45-618s.

Article 90.1 · 03-01-2010, 12:19 AM

Strippers aren't just for stripping! They are pretty handy for cutting down 6/32 and 8/32 screws too. sure you can cut a screw down with linemans, but try getting it threaded into the hole...

What NJ trade school, MCVT, or MCSOT? Just curious if my old teacher is still there.

pawirenut · 03-01-2010, 12:23 AM

Lots of guys in the first company i worked for just used dikes to strip wire. The only reasoning behind using dikes over strippers is speed one less tool you have to grab. If your good you know how to do it without nicking the conductors.

We stripped the sheeth and individual conductors with dikes. We only used strippers for stranded wire. Maybe it's a jersey thing because that's where i worked.

mikeh32 · 03-01-2010, 02:10 AM

im a low voltage guy, and always stripping wires. Ideal is the way to go

TOOL_5150 · 03-01-2010, 03:05 AM

I got another vote on ideal strippers... klein cant compare to ideals.

~Matt

Innovative · 03-01-2010, 06:13 AM

Strippers...... hmm, the strippers I use are usually tall, blonde, big rack and like to drink..... however, I use my Klein needle nose D203-8 NCR to strip wire......

drsparky · 03-01-2010, 06:25 AM

I like strippers too, but I prefer red heads.

XCasper · 03-01-2010, 11:02 AM

Ideal T-Stripper

Goes up to #8 too

John Valdes · 03-01-2010, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LawnGuyLandSparky

I had one boss that would scold you if you used those "pansy-strippers, use your linesmans like a man..."

Stupid boss Huh?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Article 90.1

Strippers aren't just for stripping! They are pretty handy for cutting down 6/32 and 8/32 screws too. sure you can cut a screw down with linemans, but try getting it threaded into the hole...

Depends on what type strippers you use. The ones with the screw cutters are definitely not a favorite of mine. No leverage on that type of stripper and their to long. I like the plain Jane strippers. One yellow and one red pair always in my tool bag.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeh32

im a low voltage guy, and always stripping wires. Ideal is the way to go

Second that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Innovative

Strippers...... hmm, the strippers I use are usually tall, blonde, big rack and like to drink..... however, I use my Klein needle nose D203-8 NCR to strip wire......

Needle nose? Now that would get a few laughs on the job site. At least from me.

crazymurph · 03-01-2010, 12:26 PM

Nothing like finding a broken piece of wire under a wirenut after some whizzbang used his sidecutters as strippers.

charlie Bob · 03-01-2010, 01:04 PM

I've always used strippers but i love that klein curve knife on #8 on up.

jmp · 03-01-2010, 02:21 PM

I went to BCTHS... it's a highschool/tradeschool, my teacher was Jim Connors.... thanks to everyone for their input... next time i make it to the supply house i'll check out the ideals

LawnGuyLandSparky · 03-01-2010, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Valdes

Stupid boss Huh?

Not if you knew him. He was old school.

Innovative · 03-01-2010, 02:39 PM

The Klein 203-8NCR have a crimper and a slot for #12 wire.........