Product Test: C.K Automatic Cable & Wire Stripper tool

Gary Fisher of Lougar Electrical takes a look at the Automatic Cable & Wire Stripper (T1260) from C.K Tools.

Many years ago, I had a pair of wire strippers which one of my contracting mates kindly let me borrow, but I have to admit that back then I struggled to grips with using them. As such, I was really keen to have a play with the new Automatic Cable & Wire Stripper tool from C.K to see if it overcomes the same issues that I’d encountered all those years ago. I’m very pleased to say that it has…

It’s a simple but very effective device which strips back the sheath and insulation from certain-sized cables – the smaller the cable, the easier the job. Thicker wiring might require you to revert to the old fashioned way of stripping.

To operate, you simply close the handle, which then grips down on the cable and, in turn, cuts into the outer sheath and pulls that part forward. Depending on how much outer sheath you are trying to strip, you may have to just pull that part off as it strips about half an inch or so. After this, you strip the inner cores using the same process.

As I was mainly working with twin and earth cables from 1-4mm in size, the wire cutters had no trouble in stripping the outer sheaths, and it was just as easy for the inner insulation as well. I was also working with some smaller flexible cord as well, and this was just as easy.

The wire strippers themselves are very lightweight, made of plastic, and have a very easy action. They might not last as long as a more robust, steel pair of hand tools, so my key advice would be to look after them. However, what I did like about this pair was that you can thread the T&E cable through the middle of the strippers, making this process even simpler.

Before, I had to carry around separate cutters and strippers, but this device does the work of two tools. It does take a little bit of getting used to, in terms of knowing where to position the device to initially strip the outer sheath, followed by the inner cores. Once you get the hang of it, however, it’s an incredibly easy method.

This tool’s big advantage comes into play with things like second fixings on-site, when cables are identical in size, for example, working 2.5 T&E on power outlets and then connections of light switches, and fitments using 1.0/1.5 T&E. It saves on time and labour, with it being especially useful for new build properties.

When using individual tools, mistakes can happen – for example, biting into the insulation or into the copper conductor. There are no such issues with the C.K tool, however, as it helps the operator to limit any common errors.

If you’re in the market for a tool of this kind then I’d recommend you have a look at these wire strippers. Speaking as someone who’d previously struggled to use other types, I’m now very happy and comfortable using them now alongside my other tools on a daily basis.