[sts9fan]

As I continue down the DIY road I have decided that my tools suck.  I need some qaulity hand tools.  What is everyone using?  What is the top of the line, Mid etc. 
My main issue has been stripping fine gauge stranded without ripping half the strands.  Is there a tool that is very good at this?

[NagysAudio]

Razor knife and taking your time...

[sts9fan]

Is that an aerospace grade razor?

[bunnyma357]

As I continue down the DIY road I have decided that my tools suck.  I need some qaulity hand tools.  What is everyone using?  What is the top of the line, Mid etc. 
My main issue has been stripping fine gauge stranded without ripping half the strands.  Is there a tool that is very good at this?

I've gotten best results with the simplest stripper - takes a little trial & error to figure out how much pressure to apply.

http://www.newark.com/cooper-tools-weller/100v/wire-stripper-cutter/dp/08WX2291

If you're talking really fine wires like tonearm cables, this is too coarse, but it works great for the internal conductors for interconnects.

Jim C

[Dan Banquer]

Try Contact East/Techni Tool.
   d.b.

[NagysAudio]

sts9fan, absolutely!!

[turkey]

I've gotten best results with the simplest stripper - takes a little trial & error to figure out how much pressure to apply.

I use one like this too. I think I got it from Parts Express.

[jrebman]

As for strippers, the two best I have ever used are a CK one that handles from 20 to 30 gauge (they also have models designed for a single size wire), and Klaus No-Niks -- which you buy for a given wire size.  None of them are cheap, but you won't nick the strands or solid connector with them like just about every other tool will do (unless you happen to have the steady hand of a neurosurgeon.)

I don't use the Klaus anymore as they are an ergonomic challenge with my nerve and joint problems, but the CK is probably the easiest that I've ever used..  Note, the CK does not look like a typical stripper -- you push the wire in one end, pinch the v-handles together, and pull the wire out, and it has an adjustable length stop.

HTH,

Jim

P.S. got both the CK and Klaus' at HMC Electronics, which I think is near you.

[Steidl Guitars]

Just yesterday, I stripped wire from 12 to 24 awg with the tool on top of this page:

http://www.kyptool.com.tw/html/wire_strippers.html

It really is fabulous and cost me <$20.  Shove the wire in, squeeze the handle, and it's stripped. 

A bit more care was needed with 24 awg, but still very easy. 

Plus, before they renamed it as "The Crimpstriper" it was called "The Easy Stripper" which alone made it worth the price.
 

[JimJ]

Just yesterday, I stripped wire from 12 to 24 awg with the tool on top of this page:

http://www.kyptool.com.tw/html/wire_strippers.html

It really is fabulous and cost me <$20.  Shove the wire in, squeeze the handle, and it's stripped. 

A bit more care was needed with 24 awg, but still very easy. 

Plus, before they renamed it as "The Crimpstriper" it was called "The Easy Stripper" which alone made it worth the price.
 

I just bought one of those over the summer...one of those, "How did I live without this before?"

[stereocilia]

I'm guessing I'll see you Monday at the you-do-it electronics sale with a list this time.   

[cryoparts]

Klein makes nice strippers for not a lot of money, and you can buy them at Home Despot:

http://www.amazon.com/Klein-11057-Klein-Kurve-Stripper-Cutter/dp/B000XEUPMQ

The Clauss Jim mentioned above are fantastic, although probably not priced right for the occasional DIY'er, because like he mentioned, each different model is only sized for a certain gauge, so one would have to buy a set of them:

http://www.twacomm.com/catalog/model_NN008.htm

And, if you really want a nice piece of USA made gear, get the Model G from Wirestrippers.com.  Can't nick the wires with a thermal stripper!:

http://www.wirestrippers.com/modg.htm

Peace,

Lee

[sts9fan]

I'll be at You Do It for sure. I am preparing a
big nerd distractor so I can be first in line.  Maybe something like a real lady. I just hope I do not get distracted.

[JimJ]

Any time I'm up there to visit family, I always seem to make a detour to You-Do-It...

[BobM]

A couple of tool related funnies:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsxgiL3LN50

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqzVm93ObTc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4i86wfEKVac

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOHt6H9SE0E