NEIKO02037A Compact Wire Stripper | 4-in-1 Multi Purpose Electricians Pliers | Wire Crimper, Cutter and Gripper | 12-20 AWG Wire Service Tool | Crimps Insulated & Non-Insulated | Electrical Stripping

This Neiko works by pulling the insulation off, stretching it until it snaps so the cut insulation ends are a bit jagged, and is most noticeable as insulation get thicker but importantly, its very unlikely to cut any of the wires while stripping. I found that thicker insulation requires just a touch longer length to strip as the insulation stretches a bit more before it snaps off; also the adjustable wire grip compensates for wire thickness to allow more grip or as the jaw wear with age.Before this was invented, best strippers had a fixed set of sharp AWG sized openings. You needed several strippers for different AWG wires. Those strippers worked well and fast, one squeeze they nicked the insulation just so deep and the other end pulled the ends off the insulation out. Another popular stripper has a profile of a T.Rex: you fed wire into the mouth; its front teeth gripped one end and pulled it off, and could take a wider set of AWG wires than the bladed version. The bladed version got dull with age, and if you chose the wrong slot, it could cut off a few strands of wire. The T Rex stripper does not strip a wide range of AWG like this Neiko can strip so you tend to need at least two or three T Rex types.ProsHeavy duty steel constructionWorks as described, strips insulation by pulling it apart until it snaps off so unlikely will cut wiresMade in Taiwan, the quality of finish, construction is highCan strip multiple wired cables like Romex!Extremely wide range of stripping, I've tried it from 26 -12 AWG flawlessly, its rated for 30-8 AWGAdjustable wire grip for slippery wires or jaw wear with ageConsLarger and heavier than most strippersNotes:There are many "copies" of this stripper design. All legitimate ones are from the OEM Taiwanese company KYP Tools and who invented the design in 1984. If you have a KYP, Neiko, and Irwin version side by side, they are identical except for the overmolded handles, color, lack of brand name on the OEM while the KYP has its logo in on the back of the head. KYP has at least 3 patented versions of this stripper as well as variations within each version. The Neiko model is KY665. FWIW I could not find the patent number for its claimed US patents. There are "non-KYP copies" that look similar but not identical, likely because KYP claims its patented in China. The true models are all KYP made.The enclosed photos compare a non-KYP version, Irwin, and KYP versions. You can notice similarities and differences.

I love this thing. Seriously, if you've ever had to strip electrical wire or speaker cable, you'll know it can be a real pain with basic wire strippers. It's very easy to cut too deep, sever the wire and have to start over again.As soon as I received this, I used it the same day to strip some speaker cable for some new speakers in my home theater. I first tested it out on some leftover 16 awg cable, just to get the feel for them. It stripped off the jacket, no problem. I then moved on to the 12 awg cable I was currently using and it struggled on the first try and didn't strip off the jacket. I then tightened down the adjustment knob and tried again. The jacket came off no problem. I noticed it also took a more assertive and forceful squeeze of the handles to pull it off since the outer jacket of the 12 awg was very thick but it did it every time after that. The cutting and crimping features also worked perfectly. Honestly, I had a great time using these. Most every other time I've stripped speaker cable, I've cut too deep and ended up severing the some of the cable and needed to start again making sure to be slower and more careful about it. Its made the process longer and more frustrating than it had to be. With these wire strippers, it's quick, easy and actually fun. I look forward to using them again.One thing to note, I bought the Neiko brand because pretty much all of the others are almost exactly the same, more expensive but still made in Taiwan like these. Even the Irwin and Klein models are made in Taiwan. They very well may be made in the same factory. The only noticeable difference I saw were the grips but for double the price or more, I didn't think it was worth it. Neiko is a pretty big brand for tools so I felt theirs would be just as likely to work. So you can pay for the name for basically the same Taiwan tool or less. That choice I leave to you but that's why I bought these and given the fact that they work perfectly (as of now) I think I made the right call. I'll update later if they stop working for some reason and adjust my rating accordingly. As of now, I recommend them.

I work at a Dealership local to me, where I do a large majority of all the electrical work. These pliers are really great. The tip of the pliers have sideways serrations, making them great for removing fuses in tight spots. The wire strippers work excellent for most automotive purposes. If you have extremely small gauge wires then you have to turn the pliers sideways slightly to get it to strip better, but certainly works well. My only two real gripes is that when crimping wires together, the pliers sort of dig into your hand. It's not too bad, but if you're having to do a major wiring job and splice a bunch of stuff together, then they can start to become uncomfortable while splicing stuff together.Also, another small thing, but the wire cutters are inside the pliers on the bottom side of the pivot. They cut great, but it is a bit awkward. Again, especially if you're using them to cut several wires, like replacing a connector pigtail.Other than that, they are a great all-round and do it all electeical pliers. If you're comparing them side, I think the OTC ones are better objectively speaking, but they are also $45 dollars. For that, I think you'd be better off saving your cash and buying these. Definitely recommended for someone to throw into an emergency tool bag in the trunk of their car. They get used all the time in my shop