Southwire Automatic Wire Stripper Review

Traditionally, using wire strippers has been a two-handed operation. This has made the job a chore. Especially while on a ladder or in a tight space. Automatic wire strippers have been on the market in one form or fashion for a while now. They haven’t all been created equal though, and for me, this is the first of its kind that has been a pleasure to use. Let’s take a look at this addition from Southwire in the Southwire Automatic Wire Stripper Review.

Southwire Automatic Wire Stripper Review Overview

Southwire has come to the rescue of those who strip wire all day every day. These automatic strippers are designed for professional electricians to maximize efficiency and speed. Even with a high-quality set of traditional strippers, you need two hands for the operation. Being able to keep one hand free to do other things, like hold another tool is valuable. Even being able to steady yourself on a ladder or in a precarious position can be commonplace.

Southwire Automatic Wire Stripper Review Features

The handles are over-molded with a comfortable yet durable plastic.

The cutting jaws are clearly labeled for the size of the wire. Note that the difference in size between solid and stranded wire.

The rear jaws hold the wire’s insulation securely while cutting and stripping the forward section.

The jaws will open up to 2-1/2″ wide but only remove around 1″ of insulation. You can remove more, but you have to manually pull the insulation the rest of the way off.

Southwire Automatic Wire Stripper Review Performance

I used these exclusively while wiring a room for a friend recently. I was amazed at how well they worked! They were fast and accurate. Did I mention fast? I can’t stress enough how much faster they are than a traditional pair of strippers. I know that with enough practice (like a pro) that you may be able to move just as fast, but I don’t strip wires all day every day. To be able to pick these up and get to work so fast and easy is just really nice.

They worked just as well on a solid wire as they did on stranded wire. The only issues I see is if you aren’t sure of the size wire you’re working with. Also, with them being automatic, you can’t delicately strip a wire like you can with a traditional pair.

Unlike other styles of automatic strippers, you can choose exactly how long or short of an end you want to expose.

Southwire Automatic Wire Stripper Review Value

Lowes carries these Southwire Automatic Wire Strippers for $25.98 on Amazon. Being as how well they worked, and how well they’re built, I would consider paying upwards of $40 for them. Specialty tools like this often carry high price tags, but at $25.98, these are a smoking deal in my opinion.

At this price, I would immediately replace them should they get lost, broken, stolen, or worn out. The amount of time that they save is worth way more than what you pay for them. Definitely a good investment.

Southwire Automatic Wire Stripper Review Final Thought

While these may not completely replace all of the wire strippers in your toolbox or bag, they certainly should be some of the first ones you reach for. Southwire designs their tools for the professional in mind, and these Wire Strippers are a testament to that. The speed, quality, ease of use, and price are all winners. I was blown away at how well they worked and I think you will be too.