Recommendation for good/affordable wire crimp tool and wire stripper

[viking]

With all the wiring I've done over the past few years and planned projects I'm in need of a good crimp tool and wire stripper. From research these are the 2 I'm looking at but need something that is a compromise on quality/affordability/and compact enough to use in confined spaces (like in a boat) :)

http://www.amazon.com/Ancor-701030-Double-Crimp-Tool/dp/B000NI3EMK/ref=sr_1_1?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1424785138&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/IDEAL-45-092-Stripmaster-Stripper-No-10/dp/B000Q8SCT2

What is everybody else using??

[jstenger]

I have never used that crimper but I do use the same type of stripper for work. The stripper is great in small spaces. I highly recommend them.

[parrothd]

I have this one, more reviews and cheaper. http://www.amazon.com/Ratcheting-Solderless-CML-Supply-101-900/dp/B0002KR9GQ

I find its the crimps that make the difference, the cheap ones don't work well.

[parrothd]

You must like expensive tools.. Lol

I use this one.. $13..

http://www.amazon.com/Automatic-Wire-Stripper-with-Cutter/dp/B0002KR95W

[gregski]

At work, we have the nice tools like those. At home, I go a bit cheaper on tools that are used less frequently. For wire stripping, I use the similar Irwin (www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OQ21CA/) It's not as nice as the Ideal tool you are looking at but it works great for me. For crimping, I just use a cheap pair of the standard combo strippers like these (http://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-3775-Electricians-Combination-Tool/dp/B000NPUK2A/). I've never had a problem with the crimps but it would probably get annoying if I had to use them all day long. The ratcheting kind like you linked to are really nice to work with but I can't justify that kind of money for home use. For that matter, the Irwin strippers also have crimpers, so that could be a one tool solution for $20.

[viking]

HA - I do like expensive tools. I just don't like to PAY for expensive tools. Hence the thread!
I currently have a combo strip/crimp tool like Gregski linked. Also have a wire strip tool almost exactly like the partsexpress version Parotthd linked. It's time for an upgrade. The strip tool is not reliable anymore and as much work as I'm doing on my toys (and family, neighbors, ect...) it's time!!

[bergermaister]

You must like expensive tools.. Lol

I use this one.. $13..

http://www.amazon.com/Automatic-Wire-Stripper-with-Cutter/dp/B0002KR95W

I have a cheaper version of this and after 10 uses it became a POS. Plus there was that whole 'almost cut my pinky in half' moment with the little nipper on the front.

It would have been great though, especially in tight places, had it held up. Especially for the small gauge wires powering LEDs and all that crap I can't seem to live without.

[trayson]

LOL. I have this Harbor Freight Crimper and it looks just like the one on Amazon.

http://www.harborfreight.com/ratcheting-crimping-tool-97420.html


http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_13193.jpg

And likewise I have the harbor freight Wire stripper. The wire stripper is mediocre quality. But it works. I had one that broke, it lost a spring. Returned it and got another that's working fine. It pretty much does any gauge. I'm cool with it, especially for the money. But I'm sure there's plenty here that would say it's not good enough.

http://www.harborfreight.com/heavy-duty-self-adjusting-wire-stripper-36810.html


http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_17549.jpg


You asked what I was using, so there ya go!

[sandm]

I believe that harbor freight is good for one-time use tools. anything that I am going to use again and again, I prefer to spend the cash for some quality products. I only buy dewalt cordless gear and have dropped them over and over on concrete only to have them keep on running. not the same for my buddies ryobi gear. granted there are return policies but who wants to have a tool break mid-project and have to return it.

for wiring, I have started buying the klein stuff from home depot. both cousins are electricians and like the brand so I started. seems to be pretty good stuff so far.

[beat taco]

Here's what I have in my automotive/stereo tool box.
The blue handled strippers are ideal stripmasters and over 40 years old, I assume since they're older than me. I used them a lot screwing around as a kid, I really don't ever use them anymore. Yellow strippers are also Ideal, crimpers are klein. I have a half dozen various klein strippers for home use.
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/02/24/5fc79969eb59a87cb580245f59afed53.jpg

[jmvotto]

I used the self adjusting one, works really well.

http://www.amazon.com/Neiko-01924A-Ultimate-Self-Adjusting-Stripper/dp/B000IYTCG6/ref=pd_sim_hi_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=07NMRSK3JBTEXSNQC09J

[wolfeman131]

I have a half dozen various klein strippers for home use.

the deletion of one word could make this thread so much more entertaining.

[bergermaister]

Don't forget the pictures!

[Badfoot]

Quote Originally Posted by beat taco View Post
I have a half dozen various klein strippers for home use.



the deletion of one word could make this thread so much more entertaining.

You got that "right turn Klein" and don't for get the pictures.

[beat taco]

Plenty of pics but I'm sure I'd get banned..

[jmvotto]

Try them!!!! :o

[newty]

I second the Kleins Beat Taco has. Had them for 18 years. Use them for cutting, stripping, and crimping. Not sure on price but, one good tool will pay for itself after buying and replacing 3 different tools. It's all in the technique.

[beat taco]

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/02/24/3738b4c7ac396b30ffa037413490b491.jpg

Pg enough?

[newty]

Actually mine are Blue Points, very similar.

[newty]

Hers are purple...

[bergermaister]

I've seen some red tipped ones that work pretty nice, uh well.

[viking]

Somehow I knew this thread would take a turn when I used the phrase wire "stripper"