wire stripping tool

  • Klein 11046 Wire Stripper: My Field-Tested Review

    ByMike Izzo

    I’ve stripped more wires in crawlspaces and attics than I care to count, and the Klein 11046 has earned a permanent spot in my tool bag. This isn’t some fancy gadget that impresses the apprentices—it’s a straightforward stripper that does exactly what you need when you’re running thermostat wire or low-voltage controls.

    The precision-ground holes consistently strip 16-26 AWG stranded without nicking the copper, which matters when you’re dealing with delicate control circuits. At under six inches, it fits where those bulkier strippers won’t, especially in tight junction boxes. Yes, it’s Made in USA, and you can feel it in the build quality.

    After six months of daily use, the cutting edges are still sharp and the spring tension hasn’t weakened. It’s not revolutionary, but it’s reliable—and in this trade, that’s what counts.

  • Klein 11061 Wire Stripper: My Honest Field Test

    BySteve

    I’ve been running the Klein 11061 self-adjusting stripper for three months now, and it’s earned a permanent spot in my tool bag. After stripping countless thermostat wires and Romex runs in cramped attics and tight mechanical rooms, this thing just works. The self-adjusting mechanism actually lives up to the hype—no more fumbling with different gauge settings when you’re wedged behind a furnace. It handles 18-gauge thermostat wire as cleanly as 12/2 Romex, which matters when you’re doing control wiring one minute and power the next. The cuts are clean, the grip doesn’t slip when your hands are sweaty, and it’s taken some serious abuse without failing. At this price point, it’s not a gamble—it’s a solid investment that’ll pay for itself in time saved alone.