Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Really delicate wire

2254 views
9 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: US
  • 1,475 posts
Really delicate wire
Posted by overall on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 1:54 PM

I obtained some "grain of wheat" bulbs to light up buildings with on the layout. These come with REALLY small wire. My Klein tools wire stripper goes down to # 22 and this wire just slips right through it. Does anyone make a wire stripper small enough to strip this wire without breaking it?

 

Thanks,

George

  • Member since
    August 2004
  • From: Amish country Tenn.
  • 10,027 posts
Posted by loathar on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 2:20 PM
I just use an Xacto to strip those. On some, you can even hold a hot soldering iron under the end of the wire and the insulation will shrink back exposing the wire.
  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: S.E. Adirondacks, NY
  • 3,246 posts
Posted by modelmaker51 on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 2:21 PM
I usually use my fingernail to strip these wires. You could also use some diagonal cutters or rail nippers. Just squeeze enough to grab the insulation without cutting all the way through and pull.

Jay 

C-415 Build: https://imageshack.com/a/tShC/1 

Other builds: https://imageshack.com/my/albums 

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Pennsylvania
  • 709 posts
Posted by nedthomas on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 2:33 PM

Micromark sells a stripper for small wire, their stock #14221 at $17.15. www.micromark.com

All sugggestions above are good and cost less.

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 2:58 PM

Search Micro Mark for stripper using the keyword option. It strips #22 to #30. I have used an Xacto knife but a small nick can cause smaller diameter wires to break when you bend them. I use #29 or #30 wire for HO scale DCC decoder installations.

 

Rich 

If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.

  • Member since
    April 2004
  • From: Ontario Canada
  • 3,571 posts
Posted by Mark R. on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:40 PM

I use my teeth !!!  Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg]

Mark. 

 

¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 3,312 posts
Posted by locoi1sa on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:58 PM
   Radio Shack has wire strippers that will go down to 32 gauge wire for about $10.

 I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!

 I started with nothing and still have most of it left!

  • Member since
    June 2004
  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
  • 25,640 posts
Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 6:26 PM
I use a wire stripper from Radio Shack that can be adjusted down a width of less than a human hair. The only problem is you have to preset it for whatever size wire you're stripping.

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
          Joined June, 2004

Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running Bear
Space Mouse for president!
15 year veteran fire fighter
Collector of Apple //e's
Running Bear Enterprises
History Channel Club life member.
beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam


  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Overland Park, KS
  • 343 posts
Posted by dadret on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 7:49 AM
I bought s stripper at Lowe's, Gardner Bender SE-94, that has jaws that adjust to any size wire and will strip the really small wires if you're careful.
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: US
  • 1,475 posts
Posted by overall on Friday, July 25, 2008 7:19 AM

Thanks to everyone for the replies and the excellent information.

George

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!