Thingiverse user Brian Beebe created this fantastic wire stripping tool that uses a simple electric circuit and a couple of razor blades so you always know when to stop cutting.
When the blades have made it through the plastic sheathing to the metal wire beneath, the circuit is completed, turning on an LED indicator. The design is quite clever. Unfortunately you can’t just buy one.
Brian actually made the plastic housing on a 3D printer, and has posted the plans and models to Thingiverse. So if you want one, you’ll need to get your hands on something like a MakerBot first and print your own. Unless one of our clever readers can think of an easier solution, so please post your ideas in the comments for those of us lacking a 3D printer. [Thingiverse via Make]
Dionysus
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 9:07 AMGood idea but anyone that knows how to use a good pair of pliers would say this is pointless.
mstrsam
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 2:44 PMAgreed.
I’m a telecomms tech by trade and stripping the sheath off of cables and not damaging the conductor is like a second nature to me.
jeremy
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 11:26 AMnope you don’t need you own 3d printer, just use shapeways.com.
Graeme
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 3:00 PMEven easier, just use a small bit of plywood and cut out the shape with a saw then carve out the small holes with a knife.
jeremy
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 11:30 AMmore details : grab the stl files and upload. You will need an account to do this. Someone will probably upload the part into a public gallery soon if you could not be bothered. select you material and you are gold – it will arrive in the post in a week or so.