Cable Strippers Key Terms

Learn about cable stripper terminology to make good business choices

By Howard Robertson

A cable stripper is a device with which you can strip the insulation over an electric wire or a set of wires. Although traditional cable strippers operate mechanically, powered strippers are available.

If you want to buy a cable stripper or learn to use one, you'll need to be aware of certain terms related to cable strippers. This guide covers some of the terminology related to cable strippers, such as wire stripper, ratchet cutter, laser wire stripper and wire crimping.

B107.37

B107.37 is a standard set by the ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) for cable strippers that states the performance and safety requirements for wire strippers and describes other functions. ASME has developed this standard for manufacturing wire strippers and cutters.
Try: To learn more about this standard, you can read through its scope at ASME International.

Wire strippers

To make an electric connection, the insulation covering wires must be taken off. Wire strippers or cable strippers make this job easy. Using a wire stripper you can grab the wire and pull off any length of insulation over a conducting wire.
Try: To learn more about wire strippers, you can read through information at GlobalSpec, an informative Web site.

Ratchet cutters

A ratchet cutter is a manual cable cutter that has a fixed and moveable handle part, and a blocking lever that can move into a release position to cut the cable in the requisite manner.
Try: For information about ratchet cutters, read through the glossary at CableOrganizer.com, a supplier of electrical supplies and components.

Laser wire strippers

A laser stripper applies a laser beam that vaporizes the wire insulation without damaging the underlying electrical conductors. A laser wire stripper consists of a laser, an optical system, safety devices and other controls to protect the operator from any injury.
Try: You can get detailed information on laser wire strippers and related technology at Assembly Magazine, an e-magazine catering to the manufacturing industries.

Cable jacket splitters

A cable jacket splitter is a tool that can easily split the insulation jacket from the cable, exposing the underlying conducting wires for establishing connections.
Try: You can get an overview of cable jacket splitters, at Electrical Materials Company, a manufacturer of electrical products.

Wire crimping

Today, you can get multipurpose tools in the market, such as hand crimpers that are useful for crimping as well as for stripping insulation. Proper crimping makes electrical connections less prone to shorting.
Try: You can get further information on wire crimping at Acroname, Inc., an expert in robotic applications.