Paladin Tools PA1822 Round Cable Stripper Tool for Precise Cable Jacket Removal - Adjustable Cable Slitter 3/16" to 1" (4.5-25 mm)

I needed a wire stripper for 6 AWG GXL wire I use to make automotive wire harnesses. I bought this one and I'm glad I did. It makes a nice smooth cut. Easily adjusts to cut just the insulation without damage to the strands. The first one I ordered started out cutting a spiral but I just removed and reinstalled the cutter and it worked beautifully. I just let it run against my thumb when I spin it to give it a touch of guidance and it makes perfect cuts every time. I liked it so much I bought a second one for 8 AWG wire I use as well. That one was perfect right out of the box. You can see in the photos how clean the cut is. Both of these were stripped in two sections so you can tell the blade did not touch the copper. No issues with the adjuster moving on its own.

This cable slitter has one feature that you normally have to pay $100 for -- you can manually rotate the blade's orientation. Most of the cheap ones just want you to spin around the cable, then pull down the length, and the blade will rotate all by itself. Sure. This one has a spring-loaded lever that keeps the blade oriented for around the diameter cuts. You do that first -- then re-orient the blade with the lever so you can rip down the length. It also has a nice sharp "breaker" edge to encourage you to not cut all the way, just enough. Then break it open with the edge.

The reason I am giving this item a four, is because even on the smallest setting, you cannot strip the smaller insulated wires or cables. I am going to keep this for the larger jobs. But, if they could tweak it a bit more to where it can take smaller wires and cables, then we would have a winner.

Tool is awkward to set up and use. Knurled depth adustment knob rotates too easily and changes depth of the cut as you are stripping the jacket. Results are either not deep enough to cut through outer jacket or too deep and inner wires are damaged. I used the Ideal auto cable slitter years ago, but was unable to find it, so I tried this tool. Had good luck with several Paladin tools in the distant past, but this tool is a bust. Since receiving and using this tool I have ordered an Ideal slitter and am extremely satisified.

Unlike Jonard's this product is very easy to keep in ring cut orientation. Very easy to flip the lever to do spiral cuts. Automatically shifts from ring to longitudinal cuts when you pull down the cable. Unfortunately mine came with a slightly canted blade or blade holder which makes it impossible to do perfect rings. If this issue could be fixed it would be hands down the best Ring/Spiral and longitudinal combo tool.

I used it on a .420 dia cable, after adjusting it down to it minimum depth, and gradually increasing the depth of the blade to the desired depth to cut the sheath insulation. It took a few moments to understand that after you circle the sheath that you have to hold the lever down constantly (which changes the direction of the blade) to cut the sheath down the length of the cable. Other ones I've used just swivel to accomplish this. Just as easy once you get the knack of it. Worked well!

Been suffering for years using your pocket knife to strip cable jackets? I kept meaning to get one of these, especially during cable maintenance, but continued to suffer. FINALLY ordered one and immediately felt better about existence. It works, saves time, and is a very cheerful orange that matches my tool bag.

Best one I have used! I am an industrial electrician in south Louisiana and when it comes to stripping and terminating wires I might do as many as 100 wires a day on occasion, many of which will be the same size. I like the manual adjustment of this tool. Set it on a scrap piece to get the depth set and then get to work. I have almost doubled my daily production since buying this tool. Other reviews may lead you away from this tool (This is a tool for actual TRADESMEN, not wannabes). Well made and designed tool!