Klein VDV110-061 vs Jonard CST-1900 vs Knipex Ergostrip: Which Data Cable Stripper Wins?

When you're terminating dozens of data cables in a single pull, your cable stripper becomes an extension of your hand. The wrong tool costs you seconds per strip—seconds that add up to hours on a big structured cabling job. We put three popular options head-to-head to help you pick the right one for your workflow.

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Klein VDV110-061	Jonard CST-1900	Knipex Ergostrip
Price	$14.97	$59.95	$47.90
Primary Use	Coax (RG59/RG6)	Round cables 3/16"-1 1/8"	Data/Coax/Round cables
Blade Adjustment	Pre-set (auto-adjust)	0-3mm depth	Fixed positions
Cable Types	Coax only	PVC, rubber, PE jackets	Cat5-7, coax, round cable
Cut Types	Radial only	Longitudinal, spiral, circular	Longitudinal, circular, strip
Weight	Light (pocket-size)	Medium	75g (lightest full-feature)
Left-Hand Version	No	No	Yes (16 95 02)
Our Rating	4.0/5	4.5/5	4.3/5

The Quick Verdict

Best for coax-only work: Klein VDV110-061 — unbeatable value at under $15
Best for versatility: Jonard CST-1900 — handles everything from Cat6 to 1-inch cables
Best ergonomics: Knipex Ergostrip — pistol grip reduces wrist strain on long days

Klein VDV110-061 Overview

The Klein VDV110-061 is a single-purpose tool that does one thing exceptionally well: prep coax cable for termination. The sliding cable stop pre-measures your strip length, so once you dial it in, every strip comes out identical. That consistency matters when you're installing 50 F-connectors in a commercial AV closet.

The bright orange body might seem gimmicky until you're digging through a cluttered tool pouch in a dim telecom room—then you'll appreciate finding it immediately. The finger loop design lets you spin it around the cable with a controlled motion rather than awkwardly rotating your entire wrist.

Best for: Technicians who primarily work with coax (CCTV installers, cable TV, satellite) and want a dedicated, reliable tool at a budget price point.

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Jonard CST-1900 Overview

The Jonard CST-1900 is the Swiss Army knife of cable strippers. Its patented spiral stripping mechanism handles jacket removal on everything from thin Cat6 cables up to 1-1/8" diameter runs. The adjustable blade depth (0-3mm) means you can dial it in precisely for different jacket thicknesses without risking conductor damage.

After using the CST-1900 daily for several months, the spring-loaded blade mechanism still clicks positively into its 90-degree rotation positions. The ability to make longitudinal cuts for mid-span access—not just end stripping—is clutch when you need to tap into an existing run without cutting it.

Best for: Low voltage contractors who work with varied cable types and need one tool that handles everything from data cable to larger control wire.

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Knipex Ergostrip Overview

The Knipex Ergostrip's pistol-grip design is polarizing—you either love it or find it awkward. Those who adapt to it report significantly less wrist fatigue during marathon termination sessions. The conical, slimmed-down ends let you strip cables already seated in tight junction boxes where a bulkier tool wouldn't fit.

The integrated stripping positions for specific wire gauges (0.2-4.0mm²) are metric-oriented, which can frustrate American techs expecting AWG markings. However, for Cat5 through Cat7 data cable work, the dedicated stripping channels produce consistently clean strips without nicking the pairs inside.

Best for: Network technicians doing high-volume data cable termination who value ergonomics and work in tight spaces like structured cabling closets.

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Head-to-Head: Cable Type Versatility

The Jonard CST-1900 wins this category hands down. Its 3/16" to 1-1/8" diameter range covers everything from slim Cat6 up to multi-pair control cables you'd encounter in access control or fire alarm work. The blade handles PVC, PE, and rubber jackets equally well.

The Knipex Ergostrip takes second place, covering Cat5-7 data cables and coax in a single tool. Its round cable capacity (8-13mm diameter) handles most low voltage applications except the larger multi-conductor runs.

The Klein VDV110-061 is a specialist, not a generalist. It preps RG59 and RG6/6Q coax beautifully, but that's it. If you're doing mixed cable work, you'll need additional tools.

Head-to-Head: Ease of Use

The Klein VDV110-061 has the lowest learning curve. Load the cable, spin it 3-4 times, done. The sliding depth gauge clears debris without disassembly. New techs can make consistent strips within their first few attempts.

The Knipex Ergostrip takes some adjustment if you're used to traditional strippers. The pistol grip action feels unusual at first, but once muscle memory develops, the ergonomic advantage becomes apparent during long days of termination work. The location ridges make wire alignment intuitive.

The Jonard CST-1900 has the steepest learning curve due to its versatility. Understanding when to use longitudinal vs. spiral vs. circular cuts—and dialing in the right blade depth for each cable type—takes practice. But once mastered, it's the most capable tool of the three.

Head-to-Head: Build Quality & Durability

All three tools come from reputable manufacturers with solid track records, but there are differences:

The Knipex Ergostrip feels the most refined, with tight tolerances on the two-shell construction and a satisfying click on the locking mechanism. At 75 grams, it's also the lightest, which reduces fatigue. German engineering shows in the fit and finish.

The Jonard CST-1900's all-metal construction can take punishment. Drop it on concrete, and it shrugs it off. The replacement blade availability (part number CST-7915) means you can refresh it rather than replace the whole tool when the edge dulls after thousands of strips.

The Klein VDV110-061's high-carbon steel blades are durable for the price, but the plastic body means it's not as drop-proof as the Jonard. At $15, though, replacement cost is trivial.

What We Like (Pros)

Klein VDV110-061

• ✓ Unbeatable value—under $15 for professional-grade coax prep
• ✓ Sliding cable stop ensures consistent strip lengths every time
• ✓ Bright orange body is instantly visible in crowded tool pouches
• ✓ Finger loop design reduces wrist rotation strain

Jonard CST-1900

• ✓ Handles the widest range of cable diameters (3/16" to 1-1/8")
• ✓ Spiral stripping mode tackles tough insulation without conductor damage
• ✓ Adjustable blade depth (0-3mm) prevents nicking on thin jackets
• ✓ Replacement blades available for long-term cost effectiveness

Knipex Ergostrip

• ✓ Pistol grip design dramatically reduces wrist fatigue on high-volume days
• ✓ Conical ends fit into tight junction boxes and structured cabling closets
• ✓ Dedicated data cable stripping channels for Cat5-7
• ✓ Left-handed version available (16 95 02 SB)

What Could Be Better (Cons)

Klein VDV110-061

• ✗ Coax-only—useless for data cable or larger jacket stripping
• ✗ Plastic body isn't as durable for drops as metal alternatives
• ✗ No blade adjustment—what you get is what you get

Jonard CST-1900

• ✗ Highest price point at nearly $60
• ✗ Steeper learning curve to master all three cutting modes
• ✗ Bulkier than dedicated data cable strippers—takes more pouch space

Knipex Ergostrip

• ✗ Metric wire gauge markings frustrate AWG-trained American techs
• ✗ Pistol grip design requires adjustment period for traditional stripper users
• ✗ Premium price for what some view as similar to cheaper alternatives

Price vs Value Analysis

The Klein VDV110-061 at $14.97 is the clear value champion—if coax is your primary cable type. You could buy four Klein strippers for the price of one Jonard, making it the no-brainer choice for coax-focused shops.

The Jonard CST-1900 at $59.95 seems expensive until you consider it replaces 2-3 dedicated strippers. If you're regularly switching between Cat6, control cable, and larger multi-conductor runs, the consolidation saves tool pouch space and eliminates the "wrong stripper" fumble on the job.

The Knipex Ergostrip at $47.90 sits in the middle. The ergonomic value is real if you're terminating high volumes of data cable—the reduced wrist strain over a career is worth more than the price difference. But for occasional data work, it's harder to justify over the Klein plus a dedicated data stripper.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy the Klein VDV110-061 if:

• You primarily work with coax (CCTV, security cameras, cable TV)
• Budget is a concern and you need reliable performance under $20
• You want a pocket-sized backup stripper for your van

Buy the Jonard CST-1900 if:

• You work with varied cable types from data cable to 1"+ control wire
• You want one tool that handles low voltage work plus larger electrical
• You value mid-span access capability for tapping existing runs

Buy the Knipex Ergostrip if:

• High-volume data cable termination is your bread and butter
• Wrist strain or carpal tunnel concerns are a factor
• You work in tight spaces (telecom closets, junction boxes)
• You're left-handed and want a proper left-hand version

Is How Much You Strip the Right Question?

Here's a perspective shift: the real question isn't which stripper is best—it's whether you have enough projects to use any of them at scale. A quality cable stripper pays for itself on a single large structured cabling job where you're terminating 100+ runs.

Find Projects That Need These Tools

Looking for commercial jobs where quality cable strippers pay for themselves quickly?

LVN Signal surfaces structured cabling projects, network infrastructure jobs, and data center buildouts from permit data—before they hit public bid boards.

→ Explore LVN Signal

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