Materials List
- Manual wire strippers with AWG gauge holes
- The wire itself
- Wire cutters
Step-by-Step Breakdown
Step 1: Read the gauge, pick the notch
Wire strippers have a row of labeled holes, one for each gauge size. Find the AWG number printed on the wire jacket and match it to the same hole. The wire should sit snug but not forced. If you have to push hard, the hole is too small — that hole will cut copper, not just insulation.
Step 2: Position the wire
Insert about 12–15mm (1/2 inch) of wire into the correct notch — enough to reach a terminal or wire nut. Keep the wire straight as it enters. A bent entry makes the blade cut unevenly around the insulation.
Step 3: Squeeze, don't crush
Close the handles with light, firm pressure until the blades bite through the insulation only.
Step 4: Pull, don't twist
Rock the stripper slightly and pull it toward the wire end. The insulation should slide off in one clean piece. Never twist the wire itself while pulling. Twisting frays stranded cores and weakens the joint later.
Step 5: Inspect the copper
Check the exposed section for nicks, cuts, or frayed strands. Any damage lowers conductivity and makes a weak connection. If you see damage, snip the end off and strip again. Ten extra seconds now beats a short circuit later.
Correct wire stripping takes about ten minutes of practice and pays off in loose-connection-free joints, safer junctions, and zero rework. Grab your wire strippers, test the technique on scrap wire first, and you'll have clean wire stripping down before your next real DIY electrical project. Try it — your junction box will thank you.
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