Automatic vs Regular Wire Stripper - Essential or Gimmick? Ideal Stripmaster 45-292 Review

Sometimes a tool ends up being less useful than it promises to be. In the case of the dedicated automatic wire stripper by Ideal I would say that it lives up to the its excellent reputation. Some of the benefits of using this tool include:

Does not damage or stretch the wire insulation back on the conductor.

Makes it easier to strip wires without hitting things.

Cleaner and more consistent insulation removal.

Less hand fatigue and does not require pulling on the wire with your other hand.

Makes you feel patriotic since it's made in the USA! ;)

Blessings from Minnesota,

Ben

[BenjaminSahlstrom]

Thank you for your support and for subscribing! Let me know your experience with wire strippers over the years.

[kpmac]

I’ve had one of these for 40 years. Always been satisfied with it.

[MileyonDisney]

I've had an Ideal Stripmaster for about 30 years, and it's still going strong. Actually, I have two - for different wire sizes.

[bobjohnson]

Just got a set but had a problem with them once the wire was stripped, releasing the handles smashes the strands into the cutters. Thanks to your video, you demonstrated it does release the wire before smashing the strands into the cutter, but only if you squeeze the handles completely when stripping. Only then as you release the handles, the grippers release immediately and you can pull the wire out while the cutters are still closed.

[douglashelsel]

I'm an electronics technician/engineer and have used these for years and find they are perfect for bench work and for electrical connections in and around equipment. I've also used them for electrical work around my house and they are great there as well however tend to be a bit bulky for a pouch, therefore might be cumbersome to work with all the time as an my opinion.

[grundewa]

The flex from pulling on the JB with your regular Klein strippers is exactly why I picked up the stripmasters about 3 years ago. Best choice I could’ve made.

[pinos]

Being using them for about 15years since Klein came out with them and they are still holding strong.

[Oxyflight]

Used these type in aviation avionics all the time, actually the only ones. They have to be calibrated to ensure wire isn’t being nicked.

[kbdrh]

I purchased my first automatic wire strippers in 1979. We were replacing several hundred lighting ballests. It was one of my first apprenticeships job! It made the task much easier! Works well for larger gauges. The smaller gauges not so much! I still use those stripper to this day. Nice job on the videos

[LorisWhirled]

Thanks for the Menards link. I just ordered a pair. This guarantees that my lost pair will show up any day now. 🤪

[justinmartin]

Used these in the military for over 20 years. The only issue is with stranded wire if you don't pull the wire out the cutter side will hit the end of the wire and mushroom everything out. The clamp side can also weaken and not hold the wire over time. Other than that they are beast.

[twowitnesses]

Awesome tool!! Been using them myself for 20 years. They leave no scaring on wires so they will never crack off or cause arcing when twisted under a #35 marette/wire nut .Reduces hand fatigue and blows to the face, seen a few guys whack themselves with pliers/strippers thats for sure lol. Definitely recommend these for electricians.

[JCWise-sfww]

Benjamin Sahistrom, I bought one of those auto wire strippers about 40 years ago. The Job I had at the time was wiring up control panels for automated PLC controlled machines. They were a hand and a time saver from the shear number of wires that needed stripped. I still have the tool, but have not used it much lately, for I'm retired.

[junglejammer]

As others have mentioned, this is actually, a very old design. It works great so, I guess that's why it's still made. I bought mine right out of high school in the mid-70's at Radio Shack.

[condor]

Without even watching the entire video I can tell you the ideal stripper is awesome and I love it I’ve had it for 10 years. Thanks for the video. They’re awesome

[tomhenry]

Bought one last week for a 16 gauge stranded boat wiring project. Can't wait to use it because of the reviews...

[axelbrode]

As an Electronic Panel Assembler I used one of the automatic strippers for over 20 years on practically a daily basis. I'm retired now and still have one although it does not get used as much now. Would have been extremely hard and slow to perform my job without one of these. They do need occasional tweeking to line up the stripping teeth or adjust the clamp that holds the wire still. Thanks for the video.

[perryreese]

Really like your videos! Those look like they work great, striped #10 very easily. Thank you for sharing.

[philshock]

My cousin was the lead electrical technician at a major hospital for close to 40 years and these are the same wire strippers he recommended I get when I converted all my fluorescent fixtures to LED. You'd get his seal of approval and that's good enough for me! :)
I never bought them tho since I was almost done. (Just used the Kliens regular stripper that you show - a bit of a pain).

[DontHaveTime]

i love your videos, vey informative but the way you strip the # 10 is that of a rookie take your thumb in your left hand and push against your stripper, so much easier than pulling your stripper