Wire Stripper/Cutters
What are wire stripper/cutters?
Wire stripper-cutters are multi-purpose tools that are designed to both cut wire and strip wire. They are able to perform the jobs of two different tools and allow you to fully prep a wire for termination with only two strokes of a single tool. How do they do that in two strokes? Simply slide the wire to where the blades meet and close the tool. This shearing action leaves a clean cut ready to be stripped. Now place the wire into the appropriate nest based on the gauge. Be sure to measure how much insulation needs to be removed, and again, close the tool. Now, with the tool closed, pull the wire and the tool away from each other to remove the insulation.
"They are able to perform the jobs of two different tools. This is the entire point of wire stripper/cutters."
Where are these products implemented?
Wire strippers/cutters are the ideal multi-purpose tool
Pacer wire stripper/cutters are implemented in applications that where wires need to be properly cut and stripped. This makes it ideal for use in field service. Pacer wire stripper/cutters are perfect for use in new installations as well as when replacing parts. If you have damaged wire stripper/cutters then these are the solution you have been looking for. These tools work with our primary marine wire. Now that we have covered where wire stripper/cutters are implemented, let us take a look at the differences between a wire stripper and a wire cutter.
What is the difference between a wire stripper and a wire cutter?
A wire stripper is designed to remove the outer jacket, or insulation, of a wire but does not have the ability to cut the wire correctly. A wire cutter, on the other hand, has the ability to cleanly cut a wire, leaving it prepped for stripping. The issue with a cutter is that they cannot strip wires. This leaves you needing two different tools to get the job done unless you use a wire stripper/cutter. These convenient tools are built to combine the best functions of both a wire stripper and a wire cutter and give you the ability to get a job done faster and easier than before.
Stripping Wire
Cutting Wire
Are these tools both wire strippers and wire cutters?
These tools are, in fact, both wire strippers and wire cutters in one convenient, easy-to-use tool that is small enough to fit in your pocket. Since wire stripper/cutters must have the ability to both strip wire and cut wire, only tools that can do both will be found here. This eliminates the need to carry multiple tools and allows you to complete tasks and projects faster than using a conventional single-purpose tool. You can rest assured knowing that the tools on this page are able to both cut wire and strip wire quickly, cleanly, and efficiently.
What is the difference between these tools?
The main difference between these tools is the gauges that they are built to work with. The VT45-121, for example, is designed to be used with 26 AWG to 16 AWG stranded wire. The VT45-124, on the other hand, is made to work with 20 AWG to 12 AWG stranded wires and 10 AWG to 8 AWG solid wires. If you look closely at the pictures, you will see that the stripping nests are different sizes, indicating which wire gauges each tool will accept. Many of our production employees are issued both of these wire stripper/cutters so that they can handle any job they need to on the production floor. This goes to show you just how useful these wire stripper/cutters are. We literally use them in our own manufacturing processes.
Solid Wire
Stranded Wire
Do these tools work on solid wire and stranded wire?
All our wire stripper/cutters are designed to work with stranded wire, while the VT45-124 can also handle solid wire. It is an important distinction to make, as using the wrong tool for the job will not give you the optimal results. Below you will see a simple chart that we have added to help make the difference between these wire stripper/cutters easier to identify. You will notice that the chart shows you which wire stripper/cutter can cut which type of wire and what gauges they can cut as well.
| Image | Part Number | Stranded AWG | Solid AWG |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
VT45-121 | 26 - 16 AWG | - |
 |
VT45-124 | 20 - 12 AWG | 10 - 8 AWG |
What multipurpose functions do these wire stripper/cutters offer?
Both of our wire stripper/cutters have a specialized nose that can serve several different functions. The VT45-121 has a plier-like nose that can be used to assist in stripping wire or to apply pressure to smaller objects. The VT45-124, on the other hand, has a serrated nose that easily holds wire and cable for twisting and pulling. In this way, each of these tools becomes more valuable as they can perform a greater number of tasks.
*This page was updated on 12/03/2025*