Tools Under $30 Gift Guide: Wire Strippers

Whether it’s for a holiday or birthday, this Tools Under 30 Dollars Gift Guide Series shows you important, yet somewhat uncommon, tools that any gearhead would want.

Today, let’s talk about Wire Stripper Tools

You’d be surprised how many experienced DIY’ers make-do without a nice set of wire strippers.

While it’s possible to use a carefully-held set of diagonal cutters or maybe even a razor blade instead, a dedicated set of wire strippers makes a tedious wire stripping job quick and easy.

More importantly it saves you from the near-incomprehensible feeling of despair that comes with accidentally cutting a wire while you’re stripping it. (That’s how electrical gremlins are born, ya know.)

Heck, there are even automatic wire strippers that’ll do most of the work for you.

You’ll probably want one that can handle multiple wire gauges. For reference, wire diameter (thickness) is measured in American Wire Gauge (AWG) sizes. Most common wiring sizes range from 26 AWG (thinner wire) down to 8 AWG (larger wire). You can find several stripper options in that general ballpark.

Wire Gauge to Wire Diameter Comparison Chart

Here’s a handy primer on automotive wiring that may help.

Wire strippers are a fundamental tool that a lot of folks don’t have. That makes them a smart gift to give and receive. Better still, there’s a good chance you can find one for under 30 bucks.