tool for stripping wires without cutting them?

able

There are a number of tools for stripping cable sheath longtitudinally eg. Knipex

I ended up getting this one from Radio Shack:

Then I bought a different brand from Menards (home improvement store), where you don't have to choose what size wire you are stripping, for $15

And one of these (the kind where you must select the right hole for your size of wire) for $25:

I tried them both. The $25 set (the only one made in the USA) works great. I'll be keeping that one.

It does strip wire in the middle, but not perfectly. But it will be much easier than manually trying to cut without damaging any strands. I'll still have to make a laterall cut manually.

Thanks for all the input.

I have one of similar design - not of course from Radio Shack - and it cost a deal more than the one they show. It's the best wire stripper I have and I have many. It's also had a lot of use and still works properly on the original jaws which are available as spares.

I can't of course comment on the RS one, but not even trying something after buying seems strange.

I did try it, by working the tool in my hand many times, that was enough. The operation of the left and right jaws weren't right, sometimes when you let the tool close the blades wouldn't be open so you couldn't put the wires in. The handles didn't move smoothly, they wanted to wobble all over instead of moving in an arc. Sometimes it would get stuck open.

As soon as I opened the package of the US made one, I could tell just by the feel of it that it was a much much better tool.

When made correctly that type of tool can work very well. I have one made specifically for RG-59U coax that I use when installing security cameras. It's very quick and reliable. But it's a fairly heavy-duty, well-made item, which means it probably didn't come from Radio Shack. ;)