KNIPEX Tools 13 72 8 Forged Wire Stripper, 8-Inch

These are easily the best hand tool I’ve owned. While other brands make similar tools, once you use these it’s very hard to go back. The design is incredibly efficient and clearly built for professional use. They’re especially well-suited for someone with field experience (roughly 2+ years) who understands proper safety practices. I would never cut anything I wasn’t certain was de-energized, but for approved applications these cut MC cleanly and effortlessly. They’re excellent for splicing and often eliminate the need to carry lineman’s pliers for many tasks. The build quality is top-tier, and they’ve held up extremely well to regular jobsite use. Durable, precise, and absolutely worth the investment.

The KNIPEX 13 72 8 Forged Wire Stripper is, without exaggeration, the finest tool of its kind I have ever used. It perfectly blends the brute strength of a craftsman's plier with the delicate precision of a surgeon's scalpel. The forged construction provides a sense of indestructible quality, yet the compound leverage mechanism makes stripping even tough wires feel incredibly smooth and effortless. The precision-ground stripping holes are impeccably sized and cleanly cut through insulation without a single nick to the copper conductor. The integrated cutters are razor-sharp, and the ability to crimp terminals adds to its remarkable versatility. This single 8-inch tool has effectively replaced two or three others in my bag. For any electrician, technician, or serious DIYer, this is not just an expense; it's a long-term investment in flawless performance. The ergonomics, balance, and sheer quality justify its price many times over. Once you use it, every other wire stripper feels inadequate. An absolute five-star masterpiece.

Why did you pick this product vs others?: I recently wired my new home. Versatility: I was able to use this for every circuit, made perplexing to rough-in, and final inspections a breeze! Speed: My dad was using pair of dykes making up the switch boxes, and I was making up the outlets (so so many outlets) I not only finished first, but ended up jumping in and doing about 1/3 of the switch boxes in the same area he was working in. Total dream to use! Grip: Great grip with and without gloves Works well: Cannot hammer home enough just how sharp, durable, and well engineered for the purpose these are. This was my first knipex product, and it will not be the last!

The Knipex 13 71 8 is pretty much the best all-in-one wire stripper you can get. I'm sure there are plenty of reviews that go in depth about the features, so I won't do that here. I just wanted to add my two cents about a couple of other things. I wasn't completely happy with this right out of the box, so I ended up making a couple modifications. First off, the jaws don't shut all the way, and the locking mechanism was too loose, so it actuates at undesirable times. I decided I would attempt to remove the spring and the lock and did so successfully. What I used was a T25 bit, a driver, a nail punch, and a hammer. First use the T25 and remove the pivot screw. It can be difficult to break loose, because it's set in place with some kind of locking glue. Once the screw is removed you will see a small spring that you can just take right out. To remove the lock, take your nail punch and put it in the hole on the back side of the lock. hammer out the pin and the lock will just fall right out. To put it back together just tighten down the pivot screw again and back it out about .25mm (ever so slightly). If you tighten it too hard the handles won't open. If you feel the need, you can add some Loctite for peace of mind. I much prefer them this way and I will probably be adding some electrical tape to the handles just for a little better grip. The only other thing I would like to add is that I highly recommend the Knipex 13 88 8 Electrical Installation Pliers. They have some small improvements that I prefer over this pair. First of all, they are insulated. Second, they have an almost needle nose tip with a smooth section to prevent damaging copper wire while looping. Third, they have a traditional plier opening that can be used for grabbing nuts, with a small section behind it for crimping. Lastly, the cross-cut section is longer and a better overall shape. The only downside is that they only strip 12 & 14 AWG However, it never hurts to have both on hand as I do.

These wire strippers are a standout tool in any electrician or DIYer’s kit. The ergonomic design makes them incredibly comfortable to use, even during extended projects. They cut wire with ease, delivering clean, precise cuts without requiring excessive force. The grip is excellent, providing a secure, non-slip hold that boosts both safety and control. When it comes to stripping, they perform effectively and consistently, handling a range of wire gauges with precision. The high-quality construction is immediately apparent—these feel durable and built to last. Highly recommended for anyone who values performance and reliability in their hand tools.

Knipex wire strippers are made with very high quality. These are very sharp and do remove insulation quite easily. They feel very rugged and well-built in the hand. I'm not a professional electrical just a weekend DIY warrior, maybe installing some light switches and other simple stuff. I know the pros use these, and they last a long time. For me, they will probably last a lifetime. I have not tried the screw cutting, but all the reviews I read say it works, and no need to thread the screws in like other strippers. These are so sharp and precise that they will cut your electrical screws clean! I've watched many YouTube videos demonstrating this. Looking forward to needing a screw cut down now

They strip wire wery well. The handle lock is very easy to use. The large shear work very well and easily cuts MC cable and is still sharp with no signs of dulling. I just wish Knipex offered every tool with a chrome finish so they won't rust if I get rained on.

These are byfar the best strippers I have ever used. I am an inside wireman electrician and I use these for everything. They strip back even the tightest most mushy of insulation like butter and they slice through MC/AC with ease. I didn't think I would appreciate the fact that they open so far, but it's incredibly useful. The only thing I'm not a fan of is the bolt cutter is unthreaded, but I carry a linesmen that has a threaded cutter so I can retap the ends of plate screws in particular.