Whether you are working on an electrical project or want to sell scrap copper, you will need to strip the insulation from specific metal conductors. Cable stripping tools are easy to use and come in a variety of designs to accommodate cables of any size and type. You could also use a utility knife to cut and remove the insulation, but it takes an experienced hand. Since magnetic cables have an enamel coating that is too fine for a wire stripper or knife, the best option is an abrasive surface, such as fine-grit sandpaper.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Use a Wire Stripping Tool
Step 1. Obtain a stripping tool labeled for your type of cable
Wire strippers look like pliers with multiple notches in the jaws, varying in size to accommodate different types of wire and gauges. There is a range of designs available for a variety of cables, such as electrical cables, coaxial cables, or thin communication cables.
You can find wire strippers to suit your needs online or at your nearest DIY or electrical supply store
Step 2. Find the notch that matches the gauge of the wire
If you know the gauge of the wire, find the corresponding notch on the stripper jaws. For example, if you have 16-gauge wire, find the notch marked 16.
If you don't know the gauge or the tool isn't labeled, run the wire into each sample until you find the one that matches. The cable should fit snugly into the notch
Step 3. Place the tip of the cable in the appropriate notch
When you've found the correct notch, put the wire inside and slowly close the jaws of the tool. Align it so that the jaws are about an inch from the end of the cable.
If you are using the wire for an electrical project, you will only need to remove the insulation from the end. On the other hand, if you are going to strip cables for scrap metal, it is more efficient to cut the length of the cable with a functional blade instead of tearing it off little by little with a pair of pliers
Step 4. Gently squeeze the handles of the stripping tool
Try to use enough pressure to cut through the insulation. You shouldn't tighten too hard or you could damage the wire under the insulation, making it unsuitable for an electrical project.
By using the correct gauge notch, you should be able to cut through the insulation without causing any damage
Step 5. Twist the tool around the wire to make sure you've cut through the insulation
After you have closed the stripper jaws around the wire, carefully rotate the tool around it, ensuring that the entire circumference of the insulation has been cut.
Step 6. Slide the wire stripper down the wire to remove the insulation
Keep the tool's jaws closed as you slide it down the cable to remove the insulation from the tip. Pull the tool toward the short end of the cable or the end that is only about an inch (2.5 cm) from the jaws.
Method 2 of 4: Using a Utility Knife
Step 1. Hold the utility knife so that it rests lightly on the cord
Lay the cord on a flat work surface. Use one hand to hold the knife about an inch or two from one end of the wire. Do not make any cuts yet, but let the knife rest on the exact place you are going to cut.
Step 2. Twist the wire under the blade to score the insulation
Continue to hold the knife with one hand, and with the other, twist the wire so that the blade marks the entire insulation coating.
- Don't press hard on the knife or you could pierce the insulation and cut the metal conductors.
- It will take some practice to apply the correct amount of pressure, so you can try the technique first on disposable cables.
Step 3. Bend the wire at the marked line and break the insulation
After you have scored all of the insulation coating, you may need to work a bit more to peel it off. Bend the tip of the wire up and down to completely break the mark. When you have broken the insulation at the marked line, slide it to the end of the wire.
Marking and bending the wire carefully will help if you want to reuse it in an electrical project. If you're throwing it away, it's easier to cut the wire lengthwise with a utility knife or use a wire stripper
Method 3 of 4: Strip Wire for Scrap
Step 1. Place one end of the wire in a vise
Use a mounted one or clamps to hold the cable. That way, you can use both hands to cut the insulation and separate it from the metal conductor.
Step 2. Cut the insulation with a sharp blade
Put on some thick gloves before you start cutting. Pierce the insulation near the end secured in the clamp with the tip of a utility knife or razor blade. Cut the length of cable insulation away from the body to avoid injury.
- Since you're only going to sell the wires for scrap, you don't need to be as careful about cutting the metal conductor under the insulation.
- Use a flat-edged blade instead of a serrated knife. The teeth of a serrated blade would make a mess instead of cutting through the insulation cleanly.
Step 3. Remove the insulator from the metallic conductor
Cut the wire lengthwise with one hand, and use the other to separate the insulation from the metal. Cut and strip the insulation from the end of the wire secured in the clamp. Grab that end of the insulation and pull it out while cutting the rest of the length of the wire
Step 4. Buy a heavy-duty wire stripper
If you have a lot of cables, stripping them by hand can be tedious. For about $ 50 (USD), manual tabletop machines are the most economical option. If you're serious about scrap wire and plan to strip thousands of yards or meters a week, consider investing in an automatic stripper.
Automatic machines can peel at least 200 feet (60 meters) per minute, but cost several hundred dollars. Buying one will only be worth it if you cut cables in bulk on a regular basis
Method 4 of 4: Stripping Magnetic Wires on an Abrasive Surface
Step 1. Cut a small piece of fine-grit sandpaper
Take a piece of sandpaper with a fixed grit, such as 220 grit. Cut out a small square piece with edges about two inches long.
If you don't have sandpaper, you can also use two nail files
Step 2. Wrap the sandpaper around the end of the wire
Fold the sandpaper square in half around the end of the wire. Position the sandpaper so that it wraps around the wire from the tip to about an inch (2 to 3 centimeters) long.
If you only have nail files, place one on top of the end of the wire and one underneath
Step 3. Run the wire through the sandpaper to scrape the coating
Use one hand to squeeze the paper and the other to run the wire through it. Twist the wire and then pull it again to scrape the entire surface. Keep pulling the end of the wire through the sandpaper until the enamel coating has been removed.
- Use the same extraction technique if you are using nail files.
- Repeat the process until you have removed the desired length of the cable jacket.
Warnings
- Always check the wire for damage after stripping it if you are using it for an electrical project.
- Work in a well-lit area when working with sharp tools.
- Put on work gloves when using sharp tools to avoid injury.