As a long time user of the straight, yellow handled Klein strippers I was slow to change for a few dollars more. But, I'm glad I did. If you factor in how long these will potentially last if treated properly, and the $15 price tag it actually feels like...wait for it...Klein might be undercharging.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS:
- THE CURVED HANDLE might not look like much, but having used the straight for so long I can report that the extra leverage and ergonomic feel makes a world of difference. Especially on days of heavy use.
- THE HOLES ON THE SIDE for bending solid wire, handy during outlet/switch installation.
- THE SPRING BETWEEN THE HANDLE stays on very well, even when stored loosely in the bottom of an overloaded tool bag.
- THE HANDLES ARE TOUGH, and haven't slipped off after over a year of daily use.
- THE SCREW CUTTERS are a nice bonus. They cover the two sizes you will most commonly find when installing outlets into wall boxes. It is fairly common to need to trim them down for one reason or another.
SOME TIPS ON USAGE:
- Never cut anything other than copper wire with these. Steel wire, even very thin, will nick the cutting blade and create a bump that you will feel everytime you use them.
- People who don't like this type of stripper typically make the same common mistake when using them. Holding the wire with their left hand, and attempting to rip the insulation off with only their right. I recommend holding the wire with your left hand, then clamp the tool down on the wire with your right. BUT, use your left thumb (while still gripping the wire with other fingers) to push the tool off of the wire in a straight motion with minimal effort. Reverse for lefties, obviously. Get this down and you will enjoy using these strippers much more, and your stranded wire will not be damaged by pulling the tool off of the wire, under too much force, at an angle.