Best Wire Strippers for Low Voltage Techs (2026)

A good wire stripper is one of those tools that separates efficient techs from frustrated ones. Strip too deep and you nick the conductor. Strip too shallow and you're fighting to remove jacket. The right stripper for your wire gauge and work style makes every termination faster and cleaner.

We've tested and researched wire strippers specifically for low voltage work—data cable, speaker wire, control wiring, and coax. Here are our top picks for 2026.

Our Top Picks at a Glance

Pick	Product	Best For	Price
Best Overall	Knipex 12 62 180 Automatic	Versatility & precision	$49.99
Best Value	DOWELL 22-30 AWG	Budget-conscious techs	$6.99
Best for Data Cable	Klein VDV110-061 Radial	Coax prep	$14.97
Best Premium	Knipex 13 72 8 Forged	Heavy daily use	$59.51
Best for Round Cable	Jonard CST-1900	Jacket removal	$59.95
Best Multi-Function	Knipex StriX 13 62 180	Strip & cut combo	$50.20

How We Chose These Wire Strippers

Low voltage work has different demands than residential electrical. You're typically working with finer gauge wire (22-26 AWG for Cat6, 18-24 AWG for speaker wire) and need cleaner strips to fit into keystones, banana plugs, and modular connectors.

We evaluated strippers on:

• Strip quality — Clean cuts without nicking conductors
• Gauge range — Coverage for common low voltage wire sizes
• Ergonomics — Comfort during repetitive stripping
• Durability — Blade longevity under daily use
• Value — Performance relative to price

Best Overall: Knipex Automatic Wire Stripper (12 62 180)

Price: $49.99 | Gauge Range: 10-24 AWG

The Knipex automatic stripper is the tool you reach for when you don't want to think about settings. Insert the wire, squeeze, and the insulation comes off cleanly. The self-adjusting mechanism handles different wire gauges automatically, which matters when you're switching between speaker wire and control cable throughout the day.

Why It's Our Top Pick

Consistency is what sets this apart. After hundreds of strips, users report the same clean results on strip #500 as strip #5. The V-shaped stripping blades are precisely ground, and the fiberglass-reinforced body keeps everything aligned even after drops.

For low voltage work specifically, the 10-24 AWG range covers most of what you'll encounter—from 22 AWG Cat6 conductors up through heavier security wire. The ergonomic handles reduce fatigue during long termination sessions.

What Could Be Better

No crimping feature, which some competitors include. At $50, it's a significant investment compared to manual strippers. The primarily plastic body may concern those who prefer all-metal tools, though Knipex's fiberglass reinforcement is proven durable.

Pros

• Self-adjusting eliminates gauge selection
• Consistent, repeatable strips without conductor damage
• Comfortable ergonomic handles for all-day use
• German engineering with precision-ground blades
• Wide 10-24 AWG range covers most low voltage work

Cons

• Premium price at $49.99
• No built-in crimper
• Primarily plastic/fiberglass body

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Best Value: DOWELL 22-30 AWG Wire Stripper

Price: $6.99 | Gauge Range: 22-30 AWG

At under $7, the DOWELL stripper is almost disposable—but it performs well above its price point. For techs just starting out or anyone who needs a backup pair, this delivers reliable strips for fine gauge wire without breaking the budget.

Why We Recommend It

The 22-30 AWG range is specifically suited for data cable work. Cat5e and Cat6 conductors typically run 23-24 AWG, putting them right in this tool's sweet spot. The safety lock prevents accidental opening in your pouch, and the multi-function design includes cutting capability.

Build quality is surprisingly decent for the price. High-quality materials that withstand continuous use, according to user feedback. The ergonomic handles work for extended stripping sessions.

What Could Be Better

No coverage below 22 AWG limits versatility for larger gauge wire. Blade longevity won't match premium options. Not ideal for thick jacket removal.

Pros

• Unbeatable value at $6.99
• Perfect gauge range for Cat5e/Cat6 conductors
• Safety lock for pouch storage
• Includes cutting functionality
• Ergonomic grip reduces hand strain

Cons

• Limited to 22-30 AWG only
• Blade life shorter than premium tools
• Won't handle heavier gauge wire

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Best for Data Cable: Klein Tools VDV110-061 Radial Stripper

Price: $14.97 | Specialty: Coax cable prep

For techs who work with coax alongside data cable, the Klein radial stripper is purpose-built for the job. The sliding cable stop ensures consistent strip lengths—critical when you're terminating dozens of F-connectors and need each one identical.

Why Data Techs Love It

The exclusive sliding cable stop pre-measures cable for fast, accurate, and repeatable strips. No more eyeballing strip lengths or inconsistent terminations. It preps RG59, RG6, and RG6Q coaxial cables with two-level depths (5/16" and 1/4").

High-carbon steel blades automatically adjust to different cable diameters. The bright color makes it impossible to lose in a toolbag. The finger loop design provides controlled rotation during stripping.

What Could Be Better

Specialized for coax—won't replace a general wire stripper. Doesn't handle twisted pair prep directly. Single-purpose tool requires additional strippers for other wire types.

Pros

• Sliding cable stop for repeatable strip lengths
• Auto-adjusting to different cable diameters
• Two-level coax prep (5/16" and 1/4")
• High-carbon steel blades stay sharp
• Bright color prevents loss

Cons

• Coax-specific—not for general wire stripping
• Single-purpose tool
• Requires separate tools for twisted pair

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Best Premium: Knipex 13 72 8 Forged Wire Stripper

Price: $59.51 | Gauge Range: 10-20 AWG

When you need a wire stripper that'll last years of daily professional use, the Knipex forged stripper delivers. The forged steel construction sets it apart from stamped-steel competitors—these are built like lineman's pliers, not disposable strippers.

Why It's Worth the Premium

The shear cutting blades offer 50% higher cutting capacity than competitors with 25% less cutting force required. That matters when you're stripping wire all day—less effort per strip adds up to less fatigue.

Screw cutting capability (6-32 and 8-32) is a bonus feature you'll appreciate when mounting junction boxes. The locating ridges make it easy to find the right stripping hole by feel, speeding up work in tight spaces.

Strips both solid and stranded wire from 10-20 AWG. Cuts cable, wires, NM-B, BX, and MC. This is a multi-purpose tool that replaces several single-purpose ones.

What Could Be Better

Doesn't reach down to the fine gauges (22-24 AWG) common in data work. At nearly $60, it's a significant investment. Overkill if you primarily do light-duty low voltage work.

Pros

• Forged steel construction for maximum durability
• 50% higher cutting capacity with 25% less effort
• Screw cutting (6-32 and 8-32) included
• Strips solid and stranded 10-20 AWG
• Locating ridges for blind gauge selection

Cons

• Premium price at $59.51
• Doesn't cover fine gauge (22+ AWG)
• Heavier than compact strippers

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Best for Round Cable: Jonard Tools CST-1900

Price: $59.95 | Cable Diameter: 3/16" to 1-1/8"

When you need to strip the outer jacket off round cables—data cable bundles, control cable, or anything with a circular cross-section—the Jonard CST-1900 does it without the risk of nicking internal conductors.

Why It's Essential for Cable Work

The patented stripping mechanism provides three actions: longitudinal cuts for end stripping, spiral cuts for mid-span access, and circular cuts for complete jacket removal. This versatility means one tool handles multiple prep scenarios.

Adjustable blade depth (0-3mm) prevents conductor damage regardless of jacket thickness. Works with PVC, rubber, PE, and most common jacket materials. The range of 3/16" to 1-1/8" diameter covers everything from thin control cable to fat multi-conductor bundles.

What Could Be Better

Doesn't strip individual wire conductors—you'll still need another stripper for that. At $60, it's a specialized tool investment. Learning the spiral cut technique takes practice.

Pros

• Three stripping modes (longitudinal, spiral, circular)
• Adjustable blade depth prevents conductor damage
• Wide diameter range (3/16" to 1-1/8")
• Works with multiple jacket materials
• Replacement blades available

Cons

• Jacket stripping only—not for individual conductors
• Premium price for specialized tool
• Learning curve for spiral cutting

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Best Multi-Function: Knipex StriX 13 62 180

Price: $50.20 | Gauge Range: Up to 8 AWG

The StriX combines insulation stripping with serious cable cutting capability in one tool. If you want to minimize tool swaps during cable prep, this does the work of two tools.

Why Multi-Function Matters

The V-shaped stripping prism handles conductors up to 8 AWG—heavier than most low voltage work requires, but useful when you encounter larger security or fire alarm wire. Universal blade adjustment via knurled screw means you can dial in the perfect strip depth.

The induction-hardened cable cutter handles up to 9/16" diameter cable. This isn't a token cutter—it's a genuine cable shear that replaces a separate cutting tool. Adjustable joint maintains precision as the tool wears.

For techs who prep both round cables and individual conductors, this eliminates reaching for multiple tools during each termination.

What Could Be Better

At 7.25", it's larger than compact strippers. The multi-function design means neither the stripper nor cutter is as specialized as dedicated tools. Learning to adjust the blade depth takes experimentation.

Pros

• Combines stripping and cutting in one tool
• Cable cutter handles up to 9/16" diameter
• V-shaped stripping prism up to 8 AWG
• Universal adjustable blade depth
• Adjustable joint for long-term precision

Cons

• Larger than dedicated strippers
• Jack of all trades, master of none
• Blade adjustment requires experimentation

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Buying Guide: What to Look For

Gauge Range

Match the stripper to your typical wire sizes. Data cable work (Cat5e/Cat6) needs coverage in the 22-24 AWG range. Speaker wire varies from 12-18 AWG. Control wiring runs 18-22 AWG typically. Buy for what you strip most often.

Automatic vs. Manual

Automatic strippers like the Knipex 12 62 180 adjust to wire gauge automatically—faster for mixed gauge work. Manual strippers with gauge-specific notches are more precise when you're stripping the same gauge all day.

Additional Features

Look for built-in cutters if you want fewer tool swaps. Crimpers are useful for insulated terminals. Loop benders help with screw terminations. More features mean more versatility but often more bulk.

Durability

Forged steel outlasts stamped steel. Precision-ground blades stay sharp longer. German engineering (Knipex) and American industrial brands (Klein, Ideal) generally outperform budget imports for longevity.

FAQs About Wire Strippers

What gauge wire stripper do I need for Cat6 cable?

Cat6 conductors are typically 23 AWG. Look for a stripper that covers at least 22-24 AWG range. The DOWELL 22-30 AWG or Knipex automatic (10-24 AWG) both work well for data cable prep.

Do I need separate strippers for solid and stranded wire?

Most quality strippers handle both. Stranded wire strips slightly easier due to its flexibility. The gauge markings on strippers typically apply to both solid and stranded wire of that size.

How often should I replace wire stripper blades?

Quality strippers last years with daily use. Replace when strips become ragged, when you need excessive force, or when you start nicking conductors despite proper technique. Budget strippers may need replacement in months; premium tools in years.

Can I use electrician wire strippers for data cable?

Standard electrician strippers often don't go fine enough (many stop at 20 AWG). For data cable work, you need coverage down to at least 22-24 AWG. The tools in this roundup are selected specifically for low voltage gauge ranges.

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Find Projects That Need These Tools

Looking for commercial jobs where clean terminations and professional-grade tools make the difference?

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