Wire- and Finger-Safe Cable Stripper
This compact cutter slices through tough jackets without damaging wires or fingers.
The indoor and the outdoor units of most ductless heat pumps are connected by a cable with four wires. The wires provide 240V power, communication, and grounding, and because they are rated for both indoor and outdoor use, they’re enclosed in a tough, UV-resistant, PVC jacket. Cutting back the cable’s jacket to expose the wires at the terminal blocks has always been a hassle.
It’s critical not to nick the wires. Even damaging the insulation around the wires could risk a short circuit or communication error. My practice has been to carefully score the jacket lengthwise with a utility knife, then peel and trim it with a diagonal cutter. This process always takes more time than I think it should, leaves ragged ends, and on at least one occasion has resulted in a sliced finger.
Enter Knipex
The Knipex 16 20 16 SB Stripping Tool makes this job faster, safer, and tidier and is handy for stripping any type of cable with a thick jacket. It’s about the size and shape of a utility knife, with a tiny scalpel blade protruding from one end. This blade is fully enclosed by a spring-loaded clamp, which holds the cable against it.
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Cutting depth is adjusted with a small wheel at the other end of the tool. Rotating the tool around the cable scores the jacket so that it can easily be snapped and slid off. Turning the blade 90° allows you to score lengthwise by sliding the tool along the cable. You can find it at specialty retailers and online for about $30.
— Jon Harrod; contributing editor. Photos by Mark Petersen.
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