Klein VDV110-061 Review: The Budget Coax Stripper That Earns Its Spot in Your Pouch

When you're terminating dozens of RG6 runs on a security camera install, the last thing you want is a stripper that nicks the braid or leaves you guessing on strip depth. The Klein VDV110-061 Radial Cable Stripper promises consistent two-level preps at a price point that won't hurt if it grows legs on the job site. After putting it through its paces on real installs, here's what you need to know.

Quick Verdict

The Klein VDV110-061 is a solid entry-level coax stripper that punches above its $15 price tag. The sliding cable stop eliminates the guesswork on strip length, and the high-carbon steel blades stay sharp through hundreds of strips. It's not as versatile as premium options that handle RG11 or offer 3-level prep, but for everyday RG59/RG6 work on CCTV and satellite installs, it gets the job done with minimal fuss.

Rating: 4.2/5 - Excellent value for dedicated coax stripping

Who This Is For (And Who Should Skip It)

Ideal for:

• Security system installers working primarily with RG6 and RG59
• Low voltage techs who need a dedicated coax stripper alongside their multi-tool
• Anyone tired of using a knife or generic strippers that nick the shielding
• Budget-conscious contractors who want Klein quality without the premium price

Skip it if:

• You work with RG7 or RG11 regularly (look at the VDV110-095 instead)
• You need 3-level strips for broadcast or professional video applications
• You already have a Belden Cable Pro PSA59/6 or similar premium stripper

Key Features That Actually Matter

Sliding Cable Stop - The Killer Feature

Klein's exclusive sliding cable stop is what sets this apart from cheaper alternatives. Push the cable in until it hits the stop, and you get the same strip length every single time. When you're on your fifteenth camera of the day and your hands are cramping from crimping F-connectors, consistency matters.

Two-Level Prep

The VDV110-061 cuts at two depths: 5/16" (7.9mm) and 1/4" (6.4mm). This gives you the standard prep for most compression F-connectors without manual adjustment. One spin, two cuts, done.

High-Carbon Steel Blades

The pre-set blades automatically adjust to different cable diameters within the RG59/RG6 range. They're not user-replaceable, but they hold their edge well - expect 1,000+ strips before you notice any degradation.

Finger Loop Design

The integrated finger loop makes controlled rotation easy, even with gloves on. It's a small detail that matters when you're working in cold weather or in tight spaces where you can't get a full grip.

Real-World Performance

Here's where a hands-on perspective matters more than spec sheets.

The tactile experience: When you seat the cable against the stop and start rotating, there's a satisfying resistance that tells you the blades are cutting cleanly. After about three rotations, the resistance drops noticeably - that's your cue that the cut is complete. It becomes second nature quickly.

In tight spots: The compact 4.6" length means it fits easily in a tool pouch pocket, and the bright yellow housing makes it easy to spot when you've set it down in a dim attic or behind a TV mount. The finger loop provides enough leverage for clean cuts even when you can't fully extend your arm.

After months of use: The polycarbonate body shows scuffs and scratches from riding in a loaded tool bag, but the cutting performance hasn't degraded. The sliding mechanism still moves smoothly without any play or wobble.

The debris situation: Coax stripping generates plastic shavings and copper bits that can gum up any tool. The sliding depth gauge doubles as a debris clean-out - slide it back and forth a few times to clear the cutting chamber. It's a simple solution that actually works.

Workflow benefit: On a 16-camera commercial install, the consistent strip depth meant every F-connector seated identically. No callbacks, no re-terminations. The time saved troubleshooting bad connections pays for this tool several times over.

What I Like (Pros)

• Sliding cable stop ensures identical strips every time - no more eyeballing the prep length
• Blades auto-adjust to cable diameter - handles RG59 and RG6 quad shield without adjustment
• Compact size fits in a tool pouch - at 1.2oz it adds virtually no weight
• Built-in debris clean-out - the sliding gauge clears shavings effectively
• Bright yellow housing - easy to spot in dim work areas or in a cluttered tool bag
• Price-to-performance ratio - Klein quality at a budget tool price point

What Could Be Better (Cons)

• Limited to RG59/RG6 cables - won't handle RG7, RG11, or RG58 for special applications
• Blades aren't user-replaceable - when they dull, you buy a new tool (though at $15, that's not terrible)
• Two-level only - no 3-level option for applications requiring deeper prep
• Not insulated - should never be used near live circuits (marked on the tool, but worth repeating)
• Finger loop could be larger - techs with bigger hands may find it snug

Specifications Table

Specification	Value
Cable Compatibility	RG59, RG6, RG6-QS
Strip Levels	2 (5/16" and 1/4")
Strip Depth Metric	7.9mm and 6.4mm
Overall Length	4.594" (11.7 cm)
Weight	1.2 oz (34g)
Blade Material	High-carbon steel
Body Material	Polycarbonate plastic
Handle Color	Yellow/Black
Insulated	No
UPC	092644580949

How Does It Compare to Alternatives?

Feature	Klein VDV110-061	Belden Cable Pro PSA59/6	Jonard UST-100
Price	~$15	~$25-30	~$20-25
Cable Types	RG59, RG6, RG6-QS	RG59, RG6 (switchable)	RG59, RG6, RG7, RG11
Strip Levels	2	2	2
Replaceable Blades	No	No	Yes (cartridge)
Debris Clean-out	Yes (sliding gauge)	No	No
Best For	Budget-conscious pros	High-volume installers	Versatility needs

Is It Worth the Price?

At roughly $15, the Klein VDV110-061 costs less than a decent lunch. For that price, you get a purpose-built tool from a company with 160+ years of tool-making experience. The sliding cable stop alone is worth the upgrade from generic strippers that require you to eyeball every prep.

Compare that to the cost of a single service call to fix a loose or improperly terminated F-connector, and this tool pays for itself on your first job. Even if you only do occasional coax work, having a dedicated stripper beats fumbling with a utility knife or trying to make a wire stripper work on cable it wasn't designed for.

The bottom line: If coax termination is part of your job - even occasionally - the VDV110-061 is a no-brainer purchase.

The Bottom Line

The Klein VDV110-061 isn't trying to be everything to everyone. It does one job - stripping RG59 and RG6 coax cable - and does it consistently well at an accessible price point. The sliding cable stop removes the guesswork, the high-carbon blades hold their edge, and the compact design earns its spot in your tool pouch.

For high-volume work or applications requiring RG11 support, look at Klein's VDV110-095 or the Jonard UST-100. But for everyday security camera, CCTV, and satellite work, this is the smart buy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Klein VDV110-061 strip Cat5e or Cat6 cable?

No. The VDV110-061 is designed specifically for coaxial cable (RG59/RG6). For Ethernet cable, you need a jacket stripper designed for twisted pair, like the Klein VDV110-095 or a dedicated UTP stripper.

How long do the blades last before needing replacement?

The high-carbon steel blades typically last 1,000+ strips before showing noticeable dulling. Since the blades aren't user-replaceable, you'll need to purchase a new tool when performance degrades - but at the $15 price point, this is cost-effective for most installers.

Does this work with compression F-connectors?

Yes. The two-level prep (5/16" and 1/4") is the standard configuration for most compression F-connectors used in residential and commercial installations. Always verify your connector's prep requirements, but this covers the majority of applications.

What's the difference between the VDV110-061 and VDV110-095?

The VDV110-095 is Klein's "combination" stripper that handles more cable types including RG7 and RG11 in addition to RG59/RG6. If you work with larger coax cables for CATV or commercial distribution, the 095 is worth the upgrade. For standard security/CCTV work, the 061 is all you need.

Find Projects That Need This Tool

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