Need some Decent but affordable US made wire stripper / crimpers

[hickory n Steel]

Don't have any and after my first foray into minor electrical work I realized I need a pair.
I want something decent that's affordable and US made.

Looking for recommendations here.

[slip knot]

I don't know the COO but I like the curved blue handle kliens. But I make one modification to them. The lock mechanism hits me right under the index finger when I use it. Judicious use of a die grinder and I'm happy.

[bmwrd0]

I'm with SlipKnot. I have used the Klein's for years now with no issues except the one he mentions about the catch.

[hickory n Steel]

Any idea on the model number ?
They have so many different options on their site.

[slip knot]

https://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-Cutter-Stripper-Stranded/dp/B00080DPNQ/ref=sr_1_3?crid=CH6NN8367L64&keywords=klien+wire+stripper+tool&qid=1576636419&sprefix=klien+wire%2Caps%2C259&sr=8-3

I think these are what I have, don't recall the bolt cutters on mine but they may be the older version. There several wire sizes listed make sure you get the correct ones.

[DeadNutz]

I love my Kleins like those. As far as a crimper goes most are made offshore and work just fine for crimping terminals and connectors. Let me check in the shop and see if I have a decent extra pair to send you.

[hickory n Steel]

I love my Kleins like those. As far as a crimper goes most are made offshore and work just fine for crimping terminals and connectors. Let me check in the shop and see if I have a decent extra pair to send you.

That would be great.
Otherwise I'm going shopping tomorrow and can see wat HD or the new big ACE has.

[Jamesyarbrough]

I carry 2 tools. klien crimpers and klien strippers. use them everyday in hvac for almost a decade with no issues. the crimpers run about $30 the strippers are a bit cheaper.

stay con made the best crimpers but they aren't produced anymore

[highland512]

I was in a pinch and bought these one day. I like 'em

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Southwire-Compact-Wire-Cutter-Stripper/1000382071

[torqueman2002]

I use these: IRWIN VISE-GRIP Wire Stripping Tool / Wire Cutter, 8-Inch (2078309)

They are well made and do a good job.

https://www.amazon.com/VISE-GRIP-Stripping-Cutter-8-Inch-2078309/dp/B000JNNWQ2/ref=sr_1_12?keywords=crimpers&qid=1576683101&sr=8-12

If you are a Prime Member - FREE delivery: Friday  |  Order within 11 hrs 32 mins

[gtermini]

Supposedly these are a dead on quality copy of the snappy mini-stripper/crimpers. https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQWSCCP

I have the snappy ones and love how compact they are.

[fatfillup]

I like having separate strippers and crimpers but the combo unit shown above (Irwin) are certainly fine.

Couple of things I have learned about strippers.  You want the style that are scalloped on both sides of the blade.  Also, the ones with the strippers out front on combo units work best.

Thomas Bettes crimpers or similar style make wonderful tight crimps.  You can feel it in you hand when using them

Here is a link and the channellock brand ones look fine and are a ton cheaper,  scroll down
https://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Betts-WT111M-Insulated-Terminals/dp/B0018LD2PU

[slip knot]

I use the T&B crimpers myself but   I didn't know they cost that much.

[stokester]

I've found the all-in-one stripper/crimper tools too often cut into the wire strands and don't provide a strong crimp.

These are the ones I use.

[jeffmoss26]

Klein. I have a whole mess of them. I want to get these: https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/combination-stripping-cutting-tools/forged-steel-wire-crimper-cutter-stripper

[hickory n Steel]

I think right now I really just need wire strippers, so I'll probably just go with those Klein 11055.
Remember I'm no professional and just need something for occasional homeowner type stuff, just something decent but has to be American made because that's what I want when I can afford it.

Maybe I should see what HJE has in stock and if there's anything else from them that I want.

[DeadNutz]

Here is what I found H&S. The first two are Taiwan, 3rd is Hunter USA and the 4th is no name or COO. The Taiwan ones are very common and work fine for crimping terminals and butt splices and the color coding helps. Take your pick and I will send them to you.

[jeffmoss26]

I think right now I really just need wire strippers, so I'll probably just go with those Klein 11055.
Remember I'm no professional and just need something for occasional homeowner type stuff, just something decent but has to be American made because that's what I want when I can afford it.

Maybe I should see what HJE has in stock and if there's anything else from them that I want.

11055 is a good choice.

[hickory n Steel]

Well I went browsing on the HJE site and ended up going with the Channellock #908 because for some reason I missed the Klein's when I first looked.

Anyway I like Channellock and am excited to give 'em a try.
Since I bought those I decided to add some more blue to my little electrical pouch.
Grabbed a 61A 6-1 driver. I'm excited to test out the handle shape, It looks fairly comfortable and was only $8.
A p201A stubby #2 phillips ( had to go elsewhere for it )
I also grabbed a pair of #326 needle nose pliers and a pair of # 524 slipjoint pliers, I never knew they made the little 5" model.

That should sufficiently deck my pouch out in Channellock blue 
eventually I'll add a small pair of their linesman's.
What can I say , they're affordable and I have no problems with them.

Pretty much everything in my pouch came from somewhere else and if I want to keep this filled as a ready to go kit it means tools missing from elsewhere and I can't have that, so I decided to just buy some new tools to fill it with.

Always looking for an excuse to buy new tools aren't I   
Oh well I've earned it.with the way my current work schedule is right now.

[hickory n Steel]

Here is what I found H&S. The first two are Taiwan, 3rd is Hunter USA and the 4th is no name or COO. The Taiwan ones are very common and work fine for crimping terminals and butt splices and the color coding helps. Take your pick and I will send them to you.

Thanks for the offer.
The 3rd ones should do just fine
I've actually got a few pairs of the cheap Taiwan ones around but they seem flimsy and never worked well the few times I tried to use them.

[GNAP]

I use a stripper similar to the Klein, as we do a lot ot of work for the nuclear industry and for DOD contractors, we have to use the ratcheting crimper, that have to be calibrated every 3 months.

[bonneyman]

I was in a pinch and bought these one day. I like 'em

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Southwire-Compact-Wire-Cutter-Stripper/1000382071

Southwire seems to make some good stuff. 

[DeadNutz]

Here is what I found H&S. The first two are Taiwan, 3rd is Hunter USA and the 4th is no name or COO. The Taiwan ones are very common and work fine for crimping terminals and butt splices and the color coding helps. Take your pick and I will send them to you.

Thanks for the offer.
The 3rd ones should do just fine
I've actually got a few pairs of the cheap Taiwan ones around but they seem flimsy and never worked well the few times I tried to use them.

I will get the Hunters out in the mail. I have your mailing info as long as it hasn't changed.

[hickory n Steel]

Here is what I found H&S. The first two are Taiwan, 3rd is Hunter USA and the 4th is no name or COO. The Taiwan ones are very common and work fine for crimping terminals and butt splices and the color coding helps. Take your pick and I will send them to you.

Thanks for the offer.
The 3rd ones should do just fine
I've actually got a few pairs of the cheap Taiwan ones around but they seem flimsy and never worked well the few times I tried to use them.

I will get the Hunters out in the mail. I have your mailing info as long as it hasn't changed.

Still the same
Thanks a big one.

[fatfillup]

I use a stripper similar to the Klein, as we do a lot ot of work for the nuclear industry and for DOO contractors, we have to use the ratcheting crimper, that have to be calibrated every 3 months.

Wow, never knew crimpers had to be calibrated but it makes sense

[DeadNutz]

They are on their way H&S.

[hickory n Steel]

They are on their way H&S.

A big thanks.

[walrus]

Any stripper that is inside the hinge,close to the handles, suck. Take your hand off the handles to get wire in or open them up all the way takes to much time and effort.
Good crimpers are pretty expensive.

[hickory n Steel]

Got my tools today( minus the #2 stubby ), including the Hunters from Deadnuts and an extra he tossed in.

Hunter is not a name I've heard of before, but Ric nor I have.
I think I had a pair of these from my grandfather, but I think I accidentally left them in the plastic Plano toolbox full of beat up junk tools I sold in my yardsale last year because I can no longer find them.

[muddy]

I've learned quite a bit about strippers when I was in college.....but nothing that can be much help here.....

Sent from the twisted mind of the Mudman

[GNAP]

I've learned quite a bit about strippers when I was in college.....but nothing that can be much help here.....

Sent from the twisted mind of the Mudman

Probably nothing Mandy whats to know about either, might not be much help there either....

[muddy]

I've learned quite a bit about strippers when I was in college.....but nothing that can be much help here.....

Sent from the twisted mind of the Mudman

Probably nothing Mandy whats to know about either, might not be much help there either....

Hey two kids later, there might be something I learned that was useful

Sent from the twisted mind of the Mudman

[hickory n Steel]

I've learned quite a bit about strippers when I was in college.....but nothing that can be much help here.....

Sent from the twisted mind of the Mudman

I doubt decent and affordable would apply anyways