Wire Stripping: How to Strip a Wire

Wires are made of metals due to their ability to conduct electricity. This property of metals is attributed to the availability of free electrons in the outermost shell that conduct electricity as they move across a potential gradient. Some of these wires carry very high voltage electricity. To prevent life forms being electrocuted, in case they came in contact with the wires, these are often enclosed within an insulating cover. However, while working on a project one often needs to remove this protective cover. There are a number of special tools like a wire stripper to do this. However, a simple knife or a pair of scissors can also do the trick.

How to Strip a Wire

Using a Wire Stripper

• Measure 1 to 1.5 inches from one or both sides of the wire that is being used and mark it with a marker. Although it is not imperative to carry out this step, putting a mark allows better precision while scoring on the wire insulation.
• Now using the wire stripper, score a line all along the diameter of the wire, along the mark. Be careful that, the scoring slices through, just the insulating cover and does not nick the wires.
• Now insert the wire into the matching slot of the wire stripper or adjust its screw according to the diameter of the wire.
• Hold the wires in one hand with the thumb extended towards the end. Now with the other hand, hold the wire stripper over the score which was marked on the protective cover earlier. Keep the wire stripper at an angle and press the handles.
• Move the wire stripper back and forth till the insulating cover is severed.
• Now pull off the detached cover with fingers or the wire stripper itself.

Without Using a Wire Stripper

Sometimes we might not have a wire stripper at hand. In such a scenario, a wire could still be stripped of its insulation using a utility knife or a pair of scissors in the following way:

• Measure the length of wire that is required and cut it using the utility knife. A pair of scissors could also be used in case a utility knife does not work.
• Then put a mark about 1 to 1.5 inch on either side of the wire.
• Now under a good light start scoring along the mark. The key to executing this process is to be able to find the right amount of pressure that needs to be applied, so that the underlying wires are not damaged. This can be easily done by placing the wire on a hard surface and applying a constant pressure on the wire insulation. As the pressure is being applied turn the wire around so that a score is neatly marked along the entire diameter of the protective covering.
• Once the wire insulation has been nicked properly, take the severed part off with your fingers.

Things to Avoid

Do Not Damage the Wires: Either while scoring or while cutting the wire insulation, take care that only the protective covering is severed. Take care that the wire is not nicked in any case. A damaged wire will easily break when it is bent to make a connection. In case the wire does get damaged while stripping it, start with a new length of wire all over again.

Burning the Wire: Many people burn the wire so that the insulating cover melts and can be easily removed. This practice should be avoided as it is harmful for the individual burning the wire, as well as for the environment.

Hammering: Some people hammer the wire to remove the protective cover. Though it is not harmful either to the user or the environment it consumes a lot of energy and time.

A wire can be stripped using a box cutter or a stripping machine also. However, stripping machines are expensive and it makes sense to use them only when a large amount of wire needs to be stripped.