Cable insulation stripper

[Philip Davies]

RGBarber’s cable insulation stripper has prompted me to offer my version. I’ve probably stripped miles with it, although it’s not 100% effective and while most of the time I can pull the insulation off in one pull, it can be annoying when it doesn’t!



This is an oak table leg, through which I have drilled different diameter holes to form the drawing dies, and to cut the insulation I have used hardpoint screws,2 each side for each die. Why 4 screws per die? To ensure that the cutter centres on the cable. The screws are very sharp and last a long time.
This is Mark IV. The first version used Stanley blades, but couldn’t adjust the depth.
However, adjusting the depth is rather hit and miss. Too hard and the copper comes out too ragged, too light and it doesn’t come out at all.
Of course, having drawn it through, I have to cut off the first inch to pick at it to get started, ( usually my teeth!!)
Lengths more than 4 yards often tangle.
It’s all a bit tedious, but better than burning it.
I know an engineer who has made a machine to do it, so perhaps there are plans on the Forum.
!

[rgsparber]

RGSparber’s cable insulation stripper has prompted me to offer my version. I’ve probably stripped miles with it, although it’s not 100% effective and while most of the time I can pull the insulation off in one pull, it can be annoying when it doesn’t!



This is an oak table leg, through which I have drilled different diameter holes to form the drawing dies, and to cut the insulation I have used hardpoint screws,2 each side for each die. Why 4 screws per die? To ensure that the cutter centres on the cable. The screws are very sharp and last a long time.
This is Mark IV. The first version used Stanley blades, but couldn’t adjust the depth.
However, adjusting the depth is rather hit and miss. Too hard and the copper comes out too ragged, too light and it doesn’t come out at all.
Of course, having drawn it through, I have to cut off the first inch to pick at it to get started, ( usually my teeth!!)
Lengths more than 4 yards often tangle.
It’s all a bit tedious, but better than burning it.
I know an engineer who has made a machine to do it, so perhaps there are plans on the Forum.
!

Philip,

This is a great idea! I really like those screws which are sharp, adjustable, and easily replaceable.

Thanks,

Rick

[DIYer]

Thanks Philip Davies! We've added your Cable Insulation Stripper to our Electrical category,
as well as to your builder page: Philip Davies's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Cable Insulation Stripper by Philip Davies

tags: wire stripper, electrical

[rgsparber]

The tool continues to evolve. I have updated the article plus here is a video showing how it can cut the sheath of an extension cord both radially and axially.

[hilerioal@outlook.com]

THAT IS TOO COOL. BUT WHERE CAN I BUY ONE? NOW?

[rgsparber]

THAT IS TOO COOL. BUT WHERE CAN I BUY ONE? NOW?

Buy? Well, I did buy the materials and the two screws...

[Ralphxyz]

Damm, something else to add to my todo list which I can never find when I actually have some time to do something.

Ralph

[jimirwin]

Like all of Rick's videos, this is great. One improvement, though. Instead of a flat taper, make it a rediused, tapered trough to help guide the tool along the cable.

[DIYer]

Thanks rgsparber! We've added your Cable Slitting Tool to our Electrical category,
as well as to your builder page: rgsparber's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Cable Slitting Tool by rgsparber

tags: electrical, cutting tool

[rgsparber]

Like all of Rick's videos, this is great. One improvement, though. Instead of a flat taper, make it a radiused, tapered trough to help guide the tool along the cable.

I have found that as my fingers hold the flanks of the tool, that also centers the blade for longitudinal cuts. I didn't do a good job of pointing this out, but the cable goes over the blade and then bends around the vertical part. This causes a slight helical cut which is not a problem.

Rick