stripping the small wires on decoders

[MRRSparky]

I use my handy-dandy Exacto #11 blade to make a slight nick in the insulation on one side of the wire.  You can actually feel the blade just touch the wire inside - there is a definite different feel.  Then just pull the insulation off.  Works every time and doesn't damage the wire.

[Gandy Dancer]

I use my teeth. The tongue and teeth are very sensitive and accurate.  With minimum practice you can get very repeatable results.

I did that very successfully in grade school and junior high.  Then I realized how hard it was on my teeth and stopped doing it.

[richg1998]

Hi rich, I got my Klein stripper this morning and I have to say that it works perfectly for me! My old stripper had "V" shaped cutters while the Klein has round cutters.  I think that the round shape makes it superior.  Thanks again for your advice!!  Wayne

 

Your welcome Wayne. It is a little pricier but it does a very good job. I used a V type stripper for quite a few years but working with this small wire required a better tool. It is very repeatable. I also have the next larger size which is a great help with larger size wires on the layout. I have nicked wires a lot in the past. When you nick a solid core wire, the wire can break a lot easier with little bending.

No doubt some of you have a system that works for you and I have no problem with that. 

 

Rich 

 

[Wayne Schauder]

Hi rich, I got my Klein stripper this morning and I have to say that it works perfectly for me! My old stripper had "V" shaped cutters while the Klein has round cutters.  I think that the round shape makes it superior.  Thanks again for your advice!!  Wayne

[train18393]

Wayne,

Radio Shack has a little stripper that is inexpensive, and once you get it set it works quite well. You can mail order one from Micro Mark that appears to be easier to set the wire size on. Don't own one of those, I use the Radio Shack cheepie.

Paul

Dayton and Mad River RR

[ctclibby]

Well your mileage may vary on this...  Pinch the wire between your thumb and first or second finger, pull.  You will get good at it after a few tries.  I have never broken any wires doing it this way, and can get pretty close to 1/4 inch insulation removal!

Have fun!

 

 

[bogp40]

I use Klein wire stripper model 11047 which is for #22 through #30 wire. Most of the time I use the slot for #28 wire. Make sure of the model as Klein sells two other nearly identical models for larger wire. Below is a link for the photo.

http://www.pricegrabber.com/p__Klein_Tools_Klein_Tools_11047_Flat_Design_Wire_Stripper_Cutter_for_22_30_AWG_Stranded_Wire,__18353925/search=klein+tools+11047

rich 

 

Although Klien is probably the best of that type of stripper, Ideal make a 16-26g stripper (red handle) for about 1/2 the price. I have used the larger yellow handle for so many years I can't remember when bought, for Romex and automotive use.  These strippers can be found at HD and Loews.

But as already mentioned, some very small, fragile wires are better stripped by pinching with your fingernails. Even just the slightest nick will break the wire/ strands.

[Otis]

Adjustable strippers are just not good.  Stands to reason....use a stripper hole size designed for the wire.  My regular wire strippers are good from gauge 20 to 30 and almost never miss a perfect cut.  Just get a good pair, go easy on the cutting action and pull the insulation off with you fingernails rather than the tool.

[cordon]

I use my teeth. The tongue and teeth are very sensitive and accurate.  With minimum practice you can get very repeatable results.

 

 

[Wayne Schauder]

Thanks for the answers folks!  My stripper is adjustable but does not seem to work on different colors as they seem to have more or less insulation depending on color!  The fingernail thing doesn't work for me.  I think my nails are too thick on the ends.  I didn't try the hot iron idea yet, but I will try it until I get the Klein stripper I ordered!  Thanks again......Wayne

[ndbprr]

Just pinch it between your thumbnail and your first finger.

[richg1998]

I use Klein wire stripper model 11047 which is for #22 through #30 wire. Most of the time I use the slot for #28 wire. Make sure of the model as Klein sells two other nearly identical models for larger wire. Below is a link for the photo.

http://www.pricegrabber.com/p__Klein_Tools_Klein_Tools_11047_Flat_Design_Wire_Stripper_Cutter_for_22_30_AWG_Stranded_Wire,__18353925/search=klein+tools+11047

rich 

 

[Alroy66]

Hi Wayne

I don't know if you got your answer yet but what I do is heat the end of the wire a little with my iron when it's hot. Just about 1/16" then use my finger to pull the insulation off. This usually gives me just enouph to solder and no missing strands of wire.

Al

[simon1966]

Sounds like you need a better wire stripper. If you are cutting wires then the hole is too small. If you have one that allows you to accurately set the opening for the wire it works like a charm on the finest of wires.

[Wayne Schauder]

Has anyone a sure fire way of stripping those small wires on decoders?  The strippers I have require too much clamping force on the unstripped part of the wire. This squashes the wire and sometimes pulls out a strand or two.  After a couple of tries I wind up with a too short a wire!  Thanks ....Wayne