IRWIN VISE-GRIP Wire Stripping Tool/Wire Cutter, 6-Inch (2078316)

I bought this IRWIN Tools VISE-GRIP Multi Tool Stripper, Cutter and Crimper to strip the ends of the RCA Speaker Wire so that I could hook my Sony Bookshelf Speakers (which are spread around my room) to my Sony Stereo Receiver through which various audio & video components (TV, CD changer, record player, dual cassette tape deck with 3 CD changer, etc.) are connected. Until I got this GREAT item, I was using (and struggling with) scissors and straight razor-blades to strip the outer plastic (or rubber?) sheath off the speaker-wires without cutting/damaging the inner copper wires. Many times I'd end up either cutting too far into the sheath and losing some of the copper-wire strands, or not cutting far enough and not being able to break through the outer sheath to the inner wires -- not to mention that, particularly when I'd use straight razor-blades, I'd inevitably wind up with various slits & cuts on my fingers. Compared to that, stripping speaker wires with this tool was/is literally, a BREEZE! I don't know why I waited so long (over 2 years) to get this GREAT wire stripper, and didn't just get it when I set up my sound system & speakers set up about 2½ years or so -- especially since this IRWIN Tools VISE-GRIP Multi Tool Stripper, Cutter and Crimper is pretty reasonably-priced (I got it for like $12 with free 2-day Prime shipping), given all the time & aggravation it would've saved me when originally setting up my speakers as well as maybe having to redo the wires again on some of them. But for whatever reason, I never thought about buying wire strippers because I always had scissors (and straight-razor blades) and didn't want to spend money for such a use-specific tool, when scissors would suffice. However, the vast difference between scissors (and razor-blades) and these wire strippers became CRYSTAL-CLEAR the moment I started using this tool. Like another reviewer mentioned, there's an old saying about having 'the right tools for the job" -- and that statement could not be any more correct. After the past couple years of trying to strip wires using scissors & straight razor blades, this tool is like the holy grail. Not only has it saved me from countless more cuts on my fingers, but after getting this wire stripper I was able to prepare the wires for my speakers in just a few minutes -- and although I only redid the wires for a couple speakers, with this tool, I have no doubt or worry that when the wires for rest of the speakers need to be redone, I'll be able to do it in just as short (if not shorter) of a time! Using this IRWIN Tools VISE-GRIP Multi Tool Stripper, Cutter and Crimper was/is very easy & comfortable (especially compared to using scissors or razor blades) to use. After taking it out of the packaging, and undoing the nifty little safety latch on the device to keep it closed/immobile when not in use, I put the speaker wire in the groove specified. This tool goes from 10-20 AWG, I have mostly 16 AWG speaker wire (though the wires for some of my speakers are thinner so I put those in whatever groove they fit best in) so I put it in the 16 AWG groove, and lightly clamped it together (make sure not to clamp it TOO tight [like when using scissors] because you could end up cutting through the entire wire, instead of just the outer sheath). Anyway I clamped lightly on the speaker wire with this tool, until there was a clear slit/perforation, and then with a little separation using my fingernail, and a slight tug, I slid the outer sheath off the speaker wire, and twisted the copper wire part (so that the wires stayed together without fraying/going in all different directions) and connected it to the Sony Bookshelf Speakers at one end and the Sony Stereo Receiver at the other end. This wire stripper seems to be solidly constructed and durable, and I'm so glad I finally decided to get one. Its made connecting/reconnecting speakers and other wire-related tasks a snap! ***** 5 STARS!!!

After using Klein tools crimp ears/stripers for the last 25 years and couldn't find my regular set I typically use I went looking for a decent pair on amazon and that's when I found these crimpers, I liked the looks of them and the fact that they are shorter then Klein tools are which is a plus when working in tight dashes and areas with less wiggle room. So I ordered these and some new crimp caps and when they came I opened the box and opened the packaging and starte playing with them to get a feel of them, they fit the hand well and have a nice balance and easy to manipulate and have nice sharp wire stripping edges and easily strip off outer plastic on wiring. The crimp area also works very well and did a good job with standard crimp caps which is what I use them for most, I actually found my original set and got to comparing the new set with my original set and I'm actually going to keep using these new ones over my original set because they just look and feel better and work great so I'll retire my old set and use these as much as possible and expect they will last a long time and work excellent for all my wiring needs

I cannot compare to other multi tools of similar nature as until recently I've used an old pair for many years but this tool is great so far. It is supposed to cut, strip, and crimp - that is exactly what it does and it does it very well. Between the low price (compared to similar tools), the nice brand, and great performance, this is a great value. Cutting - the easiest cut I've experienced. It's effortless and I'm pretty sure my 90 year old grandmother with arthritis could still cut wires with this. Stripping - the various different wire gauges are labeled well and makes it easy for anyone to choose the proper level (assuming they know their wire gauge). Crimping - Crimping is easy with this tool. I'm not a crimping expert but it appears that there's two crimping areas. Regardless of my own inexperience crimping, I was able to crimp butt connectors very easily and correctly. Highly recommend these for the cost and quality involved.

I work with low-voltage wire everyday, so a good wire cutter/stripper is imperative, and these deliver. Pros: they are very sharp and cut well, and the stripper notches do a good job at cutting through wire shielding. It has a pliers like grip on the nose which has come in handy more than once. It also has an area behind the hinge for crimping B-connectors, etc. Another nice feature is that it is thin and compact, which makes it nice when keeping it in a pocket or tool belt. finally, these strippers look much nicer than products from Klien, etc. Cons: My main beef with these strippers is the spring mechanism; it is not held on very well, so it can pop out and get lost if dropped or opened to far. Also, for some reason they are labeled "Vice-Grip" instead of "Irwin", which isnt a con, but its just odd. All said, these are a great product and i would recommend them to any of my co-workers.

There's an old saying about having 'the right tools for the job.' The statement could not be any more correct. After years of trying to strip wires using: tools with a built in wire stripper as a second thought, scissors, razor blades and knives, this tool was like the holy grail. (I remember burning my fingers in college using a lighter, to melt the insulation off.) The stripping blades are super sharp, angle cut. With a little practice, you'll look like a pro in no time. I flew through the project of connecting my new car stereo. The strippers also have a very sharp cutter, crimping mechanism and small pliers on the tip. I combined this tool with some crimp caps (available very cheap) to make splicing wires, a snap. My car stereo install was not only quick and easy, but looks 100% professional. I was so pleased that I went back and redid several wiring jobs I had done years ago on other areas of my car. It took me no time to fix several of these projects. No more nasty, sticky electrical tape wrapped around wires with questionable connectivity. No more cutting my fingers or ruining wire, trying to strip it incorrectly. No more ugly heat shrink tubing. These strippers are very solidly built. The metal is durable and will last many, many years. I highly recommend getting the more compact 7" tool, as most projects will require you to work in smaller, cramped spaces. It has a great locking mechanism, so you can even put them in a pocket, without risking injury or damaging your clothing. The tool also comes nicely oiled. The handles are rubberized and easy and comfortable to grip. I cannot wait to use these on more projects at home and at work. This is an invaluable tool for anyone doing any capacity of wiring. Highly recommended to buy with this tool: crimp caps and zip ties. Using the zip ties to bundle your wiring jobs will give it a much more professional look. Also, I had some trouble with stripping larger gauge wires when I clamped down at an exact 90 degree angle to the wire and pulled straight out. I found that after I clamped down, if I twisted/wiggled/turned the stripper left to right a couple times (before pulling the insulation off) it helped to cut better, without damaging the wire or failing to cut on one side. (Pretend you are rattling a doorknob to imitate this action.) I'm already scouring my home for more projects to use these on.

I love how easy it is to latch and unlatch. It is also very comfortable in my hand. I've used Klein and Gardner Bender strippers in the past, but this is the easiest to use yet. The others would invariably latch when I didn't want it to. So far, this has not done that. Irwin has done a great job of improving a number of common hand tools.

I keep this set of pliers with me every single day they stay sharp they have a great feel to them and I love the locking mechanism highly recommended and excellent for the price. I also love the fact that they come in different sizes I will probably buy these from now on instead of the overpriced name brands. It has a simple crimper on it that works perfect for anything under 10ga. I even like the grips...hard molded plastic that doesn't feel like it will wear through or pull off. Won't be disappointed!

Got these for an electrical class. I must say, the stripping part does an excellent job stripping without marring the wire under it. Fits you hand well, and I have sausage fingers so it was surprising to find a tool which felt comfortable. I had some off brands before which weren't made out of the quality of steel these are. The cutter works without issue cutting even 10 AWG, crimper is so good if you don't watch yourself you'll destroy the crimps your using unlike other brands that take more to squeeze one on. The locking handle on this STAYS LOCKED. I had another brand, which for some reason they designed it poorly and it didn't keep them locked. These, all aspects of the tool, work great. I'd highly recommend them.

Doesn't work for 6 mm wire.... Many strands get cut...

Recomendo. Resistente e funciona perfeitamente.

Work great, good quality.

Sharp and well machined. Cuts effortlessly and accurately, no nicked wires or lost strands on any size. For the price these are excellent and notably better than the CK strippers I've used previously.

I bought two different once from Home depot and I wasn't happy with, I bought this one and this is exactly what I needed.