Knipex ErgoStrip Review: The Multi-Function Wire Stripper That Actually Delivers

Multi-function tools often promise the world but deliver mediocrity at every task. The Knipex ErgoStrip 16 95 01 breaks that pattern—a compact pistol-grip tool that strips round cables, coax, and data cables with genuine precision. After seeing this tool in action across job sites, here's what low voltage techs need to know.

Quick Verdict

The Knipex ErgoStrip earns its spot in a data installer's tool pouch. The ergonomic pistol grip and integrated blade for longitudinal cuts make jacket removal genuinely effortless on CAT5/6 and coax cables. At roughly $48, it's premium priced but built to German standards that justify the cost. If you strip round cables daily, this tool pays for itself in time savings within the first week.

Who This Is For (And Who Should Skip It)

Ideal for:

• Data cable installers working with CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6, and CAT7
• Low voltage techs handling coax for CCTV and satellite
• Fire alarm installers stripping FP cable without nicking cores
• Anyone who strips metric-sized round cables (8-13mm diameter)

Skip it if:

• You primarily work with THHN or nylon-jacketed wire (requires two passes)
• You need AWG-sized stripping holes rather than metric
• Budget is tight and you can live with separate dedicated strippers

Key Features That Actually Matter

Three tools in one compact package: The ErgoStrip combines round cable stripping (8-13mm), conductor stripping (0.2-4.0mm²), and a longitudinal blade for jacket slitting. This means fewer tool changes when terminating cables in junction boxes.

Precision stripping for data cables: CAT5 through CAT7 cables insert with gentle pressure thanks to chamfered entry points. An integrated length scale ensures consistent stripping depth when you need repeatability across 50+ terminations.

Coax cable ready: The tool handles coax from 4.8-7.5mm diameter, stripping outer and inner sheaths without touching the center conductor. Essential for clean RG6 and RG59 terminations.

Location ridges for blind work: Knipex added tactile ridges at each wire stripping hole. When you're reaching into a dark telecom closet, you can find the right conductor size by feel.

Real-World Performance

The pistol grip shape isn't a gimmick—it genuinely reduces wrist fatigue compared to traditional plier-style strippers. When you're making off a long length of FP cable in a control panel, the longitudinal blade feature saves significant time. Place the cable against the side blade, apply pressure, and draw along the length. The blade scores the outer sheath cleanly without biting into inner cores.

Working in a cramped ceiling plenum, the tapered tool ends reach into flush-mounted boxes where bulkier strippers can't fit. The fiberglass-reinforced plastic housing has proven tough enough to survive drops onto concrete—after months of job site abuse, the grip surface shows scuffs but the cutting mechanisms stay sharp.

For CAT6 terminations specifically, the consistent stripping depth eliminates the guesswork. Set your length once using the integrated scale, and every cable comes out identical. On a recent 200-drop structured cabling project, this consistency meant cleaner terminations and fewer failed certifications.

The rubber overmold provides grip even with sweaty hands in hot attic spaces. The opening spring has a satisfying resistance—not so stiff that it fatigues your hand, but firm enough for positive control.

What I Like (Pros)

• Longitudinal blade strips long jacket sections without tool changes or separate knives
• Compact enough to pocket—only 135mm long and 75g weight
• Handles CAT5-7, coax, and round installation cable in one tool
• Location ridges allow stripping by feel in dim spaces
• Integrated length scale ensures consistent stripping depth
• German engineering with fiberglass-reinforced construction
• Left-handed version available (16 95 02 SB)

What Could Be Better (Cons)

• Metric-only wire sizes (0.2-4.0mm²)—no AWG markings
• Struggles with THHN nylon jacketing, requiring two stripping passes
• Premium price at ~$48 compared to basic strippers
• Right and left-handed versions are separate purchases
• Small stripping holes require good lighting or the tactile ridges
• Not ideal for larger gauge conductors beyond 4mm²

Specifications

Specification	Value
Model Number	16 95 01 SB (right-handed)
Overall Length	135mm (5.3 inches)
Weight	75g (2.6 oz)
Round Cable Diameter	8-13mm
Conductor Sizes	0.2, 0.3, 0.8, 1.5, 2.5, 4.0mm²
Coax Cable Diameter	4.8-7.5mm
Data Cable Compatibility	CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6a, CAT7 (UTP/STP)
Construction	Fiberglass-reinforced plastic housing
Country of Origin	Germany

How Does the ErgoStrip Compare to Alternatives?

The closest competitor is the Jokari line of strippers—and some suggest Jokari actually OEMs for Knipex on certain models. If budget matters, Jokari versions often cost less for similar functionality. However, the Knipex version typically offers slightly better fit and finish with the distinctive red accents and refined ergonomics.

Compared to dedicated CAT cable strippers like the Platinum Tools 15015C or Jonard CSR-56, the ErgoStrip trades single-purpose precision for versatility. If you only strip CAT cable, a dedicated tool might be faster. But if your work spans data, coax, and round installation cables, the ErgoStrip consolidates three tools into one pocket-sized package.

Is It Worth the Price?

At roughly $48, the Knipex ErgoStrip costs more than basic wire strippers but less than buying separate dedicated tools for round cables, coax, and data cables. The math works if you regularly strip multiple cable types.

Consider: a decent coax stripper runs $15-20, a CAT cable stripper another $15-20, and a round cable stripper $20-30. The ErgoStrip replaces all three while taking up less pouch space. For techs doing residential data/AV work or commercial structured cabling, the versatility justifies the premium.

The Bottom Line

The Knipex ErgoStrip 16 95 01 delivers on its multi-function promise without sacrificing quality at any task. The pistol grip design, integrated longitudinal blade, and precision stripping capabilities make it a genuine time-saver for low voltage professionals. The metric-only sizing limits its appeal for traditional electrical work, but for data installers, fire alarm techs, and anyone working with CAT cable and coax daily, it's become an essential tool.

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Find Projects That Need This Tool

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