Stripping wire is an essential skill for anyone who works on cars or other automotive applications. Whether you’re repairing a damaged harness or installing new components, you’ll need to strip wires to make connections.
Tools for Stripping Wire
Before you start stripping wire, you’ll need to gather a few basic tools. Here are some of the most important items to have in your toolbox:
Wire Strippers: These tools are specifically designed for stripping insulation from wires. They typically have jaws that grip the wire and a cutting edge that slices through the insulation, leaving the bare wire exposed. Wire strippers come in various sizes to accommodate different wire gauges. Make sure you choose a pair that’s appropriate for the wire you’ll be working with.
Side Cutters: Sometimes called diagonal cutters or dikes, these pliers are used for cutting wire. They have sharp, angled jaws that allow you to snip through the wire cleanly. While wire strippers have a cutting edge, they aren’t designed for heavy-duty cutting, so you’ll want to have a pair of side cutters on hand as well.
Pliers: You’ll need a pair of pliers to grip the wire while you strip it. Needle-nose pliers are a good choice for this task, as they have a long, narrow nose that can reach into tight spaces.
Razor Blade or Utility Knife: In some cases, you may need to strip wire using a razor blade or utility knife. This is a more manual process that requires some skill, but it can be useful for delicate wires or wires that are difficult to access.
Techniques for Stripping Different Types of Wire
Different types of wire require different stripping techniques. Here’s a rundown of how to strip some of the most common types of wire you’ll encounter in automotive applications:
Stranded Wire: Stranded wire is made up of multiple thin wires twisted together. To strip stranded wire, place the wire in the jaws of your wire strippers and squeeze gently. The jaws will grip the insulation, and you can then pull it off by sliding the strippers down the length of the wire. Be careful not to cut any of the strands while stripping the insulation.
Solid Wire: Solid wire is a single, solid conductor. To strip solid wire, place it in the jaws of your wire strippers and squeeze firmly. The cutting edge will slice through the insulation, leaving the bare wire exposed.
Coaxial Cable: Coaxial cable is a type of wire that has a central conductor surrounded by a layer of insulation, a braided shield, and an outer jacket. To strip coaxial cable, start by using your wire strippers to cut off the outer jacket. Then, use a razor blade or utility knife to carefully cut away the braided shield, being careful not to cut into the insulation surrounding the central conductor.
Ribbon Cable: Ribbon cable is a flat cable that consists of multiple parallel wires. To strip ribbon cable, use your wire strippers to gently separate the wires from each other. Then, place the cable in the jaws of the strippers and squeeze gently to remove the insulation from all of the wires at once.
Tips for Avoiding Common Stripping Mistakes
While stripping wire is a relatively straightforward process, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some tips for avoiding mistakes and achieving a clean, professional-looking strip:
Choose the Right Tool: As we mentioned earlier, different types of wire require different tools for stripping. Make sure you choose the right tool for the job to avoid damaging the wire or leaving too much insulation behind.
Use the Correct Gauge: Wire strippers come in different sizes to accommodate different wire gauges. Using the wrong size can result in an uneven strip or damage to the wire itself. Make sure you choose the right size for the wire you’re working with.
Take Your Time: Rushing the stripping process can lead to mistakes and uneven strips. Take your time and work carefully to achieve a clean, precise cut.
Test Your Connections: Once you’ve stripped the wire, test the connection to ensure it’s secure and properly connected.
Stripping wire is an essential skill for anyone who works on cars or other automotive applications. With the right tools and techniques, you can strip wire cleanly and efficiently, avoiding common pitfalls and producing professional-looking results. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of wire stripping.
