Wire is cut to length at the rough-wiring stage; splitting and stripping are done when wiring devices. Each step requires a different tool. To cut wires or cable to length, simply use lineman's pliers or diagonal cutters.

You can easily strip small solid-core wires from sizes #18 to #1 using wire strippers or the graduated wire stripper jaws on a multipurpose tool. To strip larger wires--from #8 to #2/0--use a pocket knife to take off the insulation as if you were sharpening a pencil, cutting away from your body. The length of wire you will need to strip varies depending on the job.

Be careful not to nick the wire when you're stripping off its insulation. A nicked wire will break easily when bent to form a loop for a connection to a screw terminal. If you do nick a wire, snip off the damaged wire end and begin again.

1. Using wire strippers, first insert the wire into the matching slot, or set the adjustment screw for the gauge of wire. Holding the wire firmly in one hand with your thumb extended toward the end of the wire, position the strippers on the wire at an angle with your other hand and press the handles together.

2. Rock the strippers back and forth until the insulation is severed and can be pulled off the wire in one quick motion. Once you get the hang of it, wire stripping is easy.

 

Complete Home Wiring
Electricity provides us with comfort and conveniences that we often take for granted until something goes wrong. Fortunately for the do-it-yourselfer, electrical work is one of the easiest kinds of home improvement and repair. 

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