Even the most experienced electricians can fall into the habit of relying on the same old tools, but today’s cutting, gripping and stripping gear is evolving fast. Jason Cunningham, Product and Technical Support at KNIPEX, explores what to look for when upgrading your toolkit.
You know your tools. After years on site, cutting cable, gripping fittings and stripping insulation becomes second nature. But even the most seasoned spark can fall into the habit of sticking with what’s familiar. In a trade where time, precision and safety all count, the tools you rely on every day should earn their place by reducing fatigue, cutting down on slips and delivering cleaner, faster results. So, what should you really expect from your cutting, gripping and stripping gear – and what might you be missing?
Let’s start with the obvious. If you’re working live, or even potentially live, VDE-tested tools are non-negotiable. Any tool carrying the IEC 60900 stamp has been tested to 10,000V and rated for safe working at 1,000V. Certain markings on VDE products are vital for them to be compliant. These are the manufacturer, article or part number, the year of production, the test centre details, a double triangle symbol with 1000V and, finally, the IEC 60900. But beyond that red-and-yellow handle, the best tools do more than insulate. Technology moves on and today’s tools are designed for performance, built to cut cleaner, grip tighter and strip more accurately with less strain.
Cutting
Cutting tools might seem straightforward, but in practice, they’re anything but – you need clean, consistent results right up to the tip of the blade. Diagonal cutters for instance, are a toolbox staple but they need precision-ground edges and a cutting hardness of at least 60HRC. It’s this hardness that keeps the edge sharper for longer and gives you that neat, crush-free cut every time. If you’re regularly working in tight spaces, a narrow head design can make all the difference, letting you get in close but stay accurate.
Diagonal cutters that have forged parts made of high-performance chrome vanadium tool steel, known for its high strength and abrasion resistance, will be exceptionally durable and stable. Chrome-plated models aren’t just about aesthetics either. That finish adds an extra layer of rust protection – handy if you’re working outdoors, and it makes the tool easier to clean at the end of the job.
Grip
Pipes, conduits, locking nuts, compression fittings – gripping tools are a toolbox essential. But pliers should do more than simply clamp tight. Today’s high-performance models, like the KNIPEX Cobra VDE, have self-clamping features that let you grip nuts, bolts and fittings without the tool slipping and, importantly, without requiring constant force. This is a real advantage when working in awkward positions or when both your hands are already occupied. Some of the newer pliers also offer push-button adjustment with fine-tooth settings for a perfect fit on oddly sized fittings. This helps avoid rounding off components and keeps your wrist in a more natural, strain-free position.
High tooth hardness, again, is what gives you reliable grip over time. Anything around 60HRC offers strong resistance to wear without becoming brittle. Bonus points if the tool comes with a pinch guard. It won’t help with your technique, but it’ll save your fingers. And if you want to reduce the weight of your toolkit, look for tools that combine different functions. A pliers wrench, for instance, can replace the need for a whole set of metric and imperial wrenches. The KNIPEX Pliers Wrench family also have smooth jaws for a truly gentle installation, which means that you can work directly on chrome.
Strip
Wire stripping might be one of the most routine tasks on any electrical install, but that doesn’t make it simple. Get it wrong and you risk conductor damage, inconsistent connections or wasted cable. Get it right, and everything else, whether it’s crimping, fitting or terminating, gets easier.
Manual strippers have their place, but if you have a high volume or are working with different cable types, it’s worth considering an automatic tool. The best models now self-adjust to conductor size and insulate against nicks. Some, like the KNIPEX Automatic Insulation Stripper, also offer long stripping lengths and include blade replacement options.
For those moving quickly between different types of cable, like coaxial and data cable, there are also hybrid options that make it possible to dismantle and strip all standard cables in modern house wiring with one tool. The KNIPEX ErgoStrip integrates several functions for dismantling and stripping and includes internal markings so you can repeatedly and accurately strip single conductors and dismantle coax cables – no guesswork, just consistency. Tools that combine a wire cutter, wire stripper and end ferrule crimper, like the KNIPEX NexStrip, will also speed up jobs considerably.
Electricians don’t need telling how to use their tools but sometimes it’s worth revisiting whether those tools are still earning their place in the bag. When you’re kneeling in a cupboard, working above a ceiling void or chasing a fault in the rain, it’s the small design choices that suddenly become essential. A slimmer head, a better grip, a clean strip, a tool that does more than one job – they save you time, reduce fatigue and frustration and help you finish the job safely and neatly.