Best Automatic Wire Strippers: 2025 Expert Review
Oli at OR Electrics
18th Edition Qualified Electrician
If you've ever tried stripping a wire with a pair of side cutters or a Stanley knife, you'll know how easy it is to nick the copper conductor. In the electrical trade, a nicked wire creates a 'hot spot' which can lead to fires or faults down the line. It's simply not worth the risk.
Specifically in Leeds, where we deal with a lot of older PVC cabling in areas like Armley or Harehills, the insulation can be stubborn. Automatic wire strippers are a game-changer because they grab, cut, and pull in one motion, usually leaving the copper underneath pristine.
In this review, I'm looking at three very different tools. We have a budget-friendly hand tool for DIY tasks, a solid professional hand tool for daily use, and a heavyweight motorised machine specifically for electricians looking to recycle scrap copper efficiently.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Universal Stripping (0.2-6mm²)"
"Marketing claims these tools handle absolutely any wire within the range perfectly every time."
Flat Twin and Earth cable (common in UK homes) can be tricky for automatic strippers due to its shape. They work best on round flex or single usage cores (primary wires).
The Spec: "Built-in Crimping Function"
"The tool eliminates the need for a separate set of crimping pliers."
The crimping jaws on wire strippers are fine for basic automotive connectors, but for mains electricity, I always use a ratchet crimper to ensure a solid, cold-welded connection that won't come loose.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Wire Stripper, Preciva Automatic CableStripper and Cutter Tool Electrical for 0.2-6mm² Wires
Preciva
For just over a tenner, this Preciva tool is excellent value for homeowners needing to wire a plug or fix a light fixture. It feels a bit lighter than professional gear, but the self-adjusting mechanism works surprisingly well on standard flex.
The Good
- Very affordable for occasional use
- Self-adjusting mechanism saves time on setup
- Includes a wire cutter which is handy for quick trimming
The Bad
- Plastic construction feels less durable than steel equivalents
- Can struggle with the outer sheath of flat grey Twin & Earth cable
Installer Tip:
If the strippers are slipping on thinner wire, there is a small thumb-wheel adjuster on the mechanism. Give it a slight tighten to increase the biting force.
Priced at £11.04 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonCREWORKS Automatic Motorized Electric Wire Stripping Machine Portable Scrap Cable Stripper
CREWORKS
This is NOT a handheld tool for wiring sockets; this is a serious workshop machine for electricians who want to recycle scrap copper. If you've just rewired a house in Headingley and have piles of old cable, this machine pays for itself by stripping the insulation so you can weigh in bright copper.
The Good
- Turning scrap cable into 'bright copper' significantly increases its value
- Fast processing speed (30m per minute)
- Handles the thick mains tails that hand tools can't touch
The Bad
- Heavy investment initially
- Strictly for waste processing, not installation work
- Requires mains power to operate
Installer Tip:
Straighten your old cable as much as possible before feeding it into the machine. Kinks and tight bends can jam the feed mechanism or cause the blade to slip off centre.
Priced at £179.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonSTANLEY FATMAX Automatic Wire Stripper, Strips 10-22 AWG wire
STANLEY
Stanley FatMax is a staple brand in most tradies' toolboxes for a reason. This unit is robust, reliable, and handles the day-to-day abuse of site work better than cheaper alternatives. It's the 'problem solver' because it simply works when you need it to without fuss.
The Good
- Excellent build quality typical of the FatMax range
- Powerful spring-loaded handles reduce hand fatigue
- Adjustable wire stop ensures consistent strip lengths
The Bad
- Ideally needs lubrication after working in damp environments
- Slightly heavier than plastic budget versions
Installer Tip:
Use the adjustable yellow stop guide when you're second-fixing a row of downlights. Keeping all your strip lengths identical makes terminating into the connector blocks much neater and safer.
Priced at £17.51 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Can I use automatic wire strippers on live circuits?
Why do my automatic strippers tear the insulation instead of cutting it?
Is it worth buying a motorised stripper like the CREWORKS?
Do I need an electrician to change a light fitting?
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