9 out of 10 DIYers Don't Know All (5 Wire Stripper Features)

I have 5 must know wire stripper tips for you today. This is the ultimate guide to becoming a wire stripping pro! Did you know wire strippers are actually a multi purpose tool with many features? I'll go over each of these features and give you some bonus tips which will have you stripping wires and making connections like a pro.

[@cityslacker6221]

can’t believe I never actually knew about the screw cutter. that’s awesome!

[@RichardJohnson-GW]

Same here.

[@ricker76er]

They don’t all have that feature. Most of your cheaper strippers don’t have them.

[@richardgarno6591]

Me neither

[@GaroMatossian]

I bought them for installing cabinet knobs before I even knew how to strip a wire 😂

[@jakesully5402]

The 6/32 size also cuts cover plate screws for decora style devices. If your kitchen counter plugs are against tiles, you can get that cover plate tight to the tile by cutting the screws. For me, I find it works well to thread the screw all the way into the cutter; then just back it off about 1/3 turn before cutting it. The screw is still long enough to bite into the receptacle threads, and short enough that it doesn’t jam against the tile and bulge out the cover plate. Cheers !!

[@bcask61]

I enjoy watching videos made by people who know what they are talking about.

[@bierbarrel]

lol

[@yougetagoldstar]

I also enjoy watching such videos. Cheers.

[@clarencealexander1093]

Nor did he talk about the weather, his dog, the price of tea in China etc etc.

[@gfotinakes316]

Thank you, I am a 74 year old DIYer and I've needed some of your tips for years now. Thank you for passing on your wisdom.

[@BackyardMaine]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching

[@ShinyAnvil]

Been using all these features for years but for all DIY-ers this is the most to the point short educational video. No small talk, no BS, just straight valid information. 👍

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you!

[@boatman222345]

Excellent video! I learned more watching this short video than half a dozen longer ones. Clear with just enough detail to ensure that all was understood. Thanks!

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you. So glad it was helpful. I'll try to keep them coming.

[@skipfrary1168]

Took me decades of DIY to learn these tips, just sent this off to my son so he can learn just how many different tasks the strippers can do in FIVE MINUTES. Thanks ! I liked and subscribed. Very nice job.

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you my friend. Much appreciated.

[@TG-fy3ew]

I didn’t know the wire sizes were different for solid and stranded wire. Nor did I know about the screw cutters. Thank you for this video.

[@BackyardMaine]

Awesome.. thanks for watching.

[@sirrob9142]

Man, been using these for decades and you just schooled me. Subscribed. Thanks for the great presentation

[@BackyardMaine]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@wot_hog]

All tutorials should be like this. Clear, concise and on point. Hats off to Backyard Maine. May your lobsters look as good as your J-bends!

[@BackyardMaine]

I appreciate that! Thank you.

[@retiredb777pilot]

I didn't know what I didn't know. This video is clear and concise. I love how such a simple tool when used right can be such a powerful tool. Thank for an excellent tutorial. JS

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@Gary-ts6dh]

1:39 - This is my absolute favorite feature of this type of stripper that I have used since I got my first Ideal brand 'T-5' strippers. I love my T5s! 4:29 - I like to put the forefinger on my cutting hand over the hole and poke the wire through the hole into my finger to make the perfect hook every time! This technique conveniently bends the hook downward allowing the hook to be placed around the device screw in the correct direction for tightening.

[@RoyalGentoo]

I love your videos. They are chock full of useful information and straightforward. Not a lot of extraneous information.

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you. Happy to hear that! I do my best to provide value. I’m more of a teacher than an entertainer. Thanks for watching my videos.

[@retiredtom1654]

As a DIY'er I've used wire cutters for many years, the wrong way, but your video will help me use them properly in the future. Thanks!

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad it helped.. Thanks for watching.

[@BC-vt2nv]

Me too!!! I started posting similar but was too embarrassed to admit it 😂😂

[@music100vid]

Been making electrical connections for 50 years but didn't know all this about these simple wire cutters!! Boy I feel dumb and could have saved myself a lot of time and aggravation through the years. Thanks to the internet and great, knowledgeable teachers such as you sharing your gifts, millions will enjoy their work and projects more and be able to accomplish more, leaving them more time for personal growth, higher callings and service to the world. Thank you sir!!

[@BackyardMaine]

Awesome.. Thank you.

[@BitBuhkit]

@@VEC7ORlt slow day on the troll farm?

[@VEC7ORlt]

@@BitBuhkit what gave it away? Fat pouring out of the monitor?

[@music100vid]

A little context might help explain my lack of knowledge about all the features. When I was in high school, I began building electronic projects and probably was given or purchased a cheep pair of wire cutters with no instructions about the features. Wire cutters back then likely did not have the extra features. I continued to purchase cheep ones a I needed (which turned out to be a false economy considering how much time I could have saved and the enjoyment missed doing DIY, hobby and home improvement work). With cheepo ones you cannot use the needle nose to bend #14 and #12 because the blades twist. At one time I worked in a small industrial setting but there, I was supplied with a deluxe stripper that gripped the wire on one end and stripped the other all in one squeeze. Because of this video I will definitely look through my strippers to check them out and reevaluate what I have and buy a good pair or learn to use the ones I have more effectively. Thanks again!

[@samj1012]

Priceless. Thank you John.

[@BackyardMaine]

My pleasure.. Thanks for watching!

[@richknudsen5781]

68 years and I never knew any of this stuff, boy do I feel dumb.

[@user-mi4fj9rq7v]

Timely, thanks so much! I learned so much new practical information about my wire strippers today. Cheers!

[@BackyardMaine]

My pleasure.

[@MikeJones-rk1un]

If only other video's were this helpful and to the point without music and graphics. Thank you.

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad it was helpful!

[@coryw2223]

Love it when a video like this is made by someone who actually knows what they're doing. 👍

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you..

[@jerryumfress9030]

I use the screw c utters on just about every other job. The J hooks have saved me a bunch of time. I've been blessed by having a good close friend who is a master electrician teaching me over the years in what I needed to know to be efficient on the job. Your video is by far the best one yet, it's brief, and easy to understand

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you.

[@MikeD-ne6ie]

Thank you Sir! I’ve been one of the nine for almost 73 years. Long enough!

[@BackyardMaine]

My pleasure friend.. I love helping people out.

[@wileycoyotesr8623]

Very well done. This video should loop play in all big box electrical departments. 👍👍👍

[@BackyardMaine]

Wow, thanks!

[@brorjordas1979]

Yup. Best wire stripper/cutter model imo too. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@fortwoods]

I actually learned several things I didn't know about wire strippers. Thanks!

[@BackyardMaine]

That's awesome. Thanks for watching.

[@Abenteuerlich77]

Same. I'll have to refer to this video next time I'm doing a wiring project in my house. 👍

[@tonyr1963]

Hi John. Thank you for great info. I didn’t know about the screw cutter feature or the ‘pro’ tip on using the holes to put loops on wire. Cheers from across the pond 😊

[@BackyardMaine]

@@tonyr1963 My pleasure Tony.. My wife just returned from a visit over there..

[@raymond3722]

Super informative with clarity.

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you. Glad it was helpful!

[@tedyoung9825]

Good video since allot of people have no idea about those features. Here is something else to mention about the screw cutter, only one side has the thread feature. Both ways will cut the screw but only one way will straighten the the threads.

[@BackyardMaine]

Great point. I should have mentioned that in the video.

[@Charlie-dm5ug]

I've been doing DIY electrical work on my homes and rentals for over 50 years. I sure wish i'd seen this video 50 years ago. A couple of hints you just gave would have helped a lot. I had no idea about the screw cutter. what a great tool. Thanks

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad it was helpful.. Thanks for sharing.

[@biketothetop]

Great clear, informative video... never knew about the loop forming holes👍

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you!

[@FirstLastOne]

I always used the needle nose end for loops but now I am going try the loop forming holes. This old dog has no problem undoing 39 years of habits. 😉

[@mgomez5606]

John, thank you for teaching a dummy on proper use of these pliers. I may invest in one to make switch replacements much easier since you showed us how to make and properly install the hooks.

[@BackyardMaine]

My pleasure.. But I'm sure you're far from being a dummy. lol

[@rickallen3267]

Very helpful. Learned how to use at least 3 more functions of my wire cutters. Always thought I was missing something on how to use them. Now I know . Thanks!

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@lanceofdance]

I'm never too old to learn! Thanks

[@BackyardMaine]

Me either.. Thanks for watching.

[@ThatGuy-dj3qr]

Thanks John. I definitely learned a few new things frrom this video.

[@BackyardMaine]

You bet! Thanks for watching.

[@rshoe1023]

Heck I've worked with journeyman electricians that didn't know about the little hole for solid wire that will bend the loops for hooking up switches and receptacles.

[@johnnysouth4982]

Had no idea about the screw cutter could have used that for years awesome tips 🤙🤙🖖👍✌️🤟

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you ..

[@kevinkohler2750]

Useful tips! Thank you!

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@igon5176]

I was an industrial electrician for 42 years and your tips are spot on. Hopefully some young guns in the field get to see this.

[@BackyardMaine]

I was also an industrial electrician for most of my career. 30 year electrician and 10 year electrical engineer. Im retired now. Thanks for your comment.

[@mach1553]

Nice that someone makes a video on a necessary wire tool 👍

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad it was helpful!

[@1970Mrscott]

Veey thorough. I appreciate the repetition. Great educator

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks a ton

[@meseahunt]

50 something years and I have never had to cut a screw??? always wondered why those holes were even there??? good video thanks 🤠

[@BackyardMaine]

I did a lot of industrial work and the screw cutters came in handy.

[@fatherguidosarduchi5204]

I learned a lot of good tips here. Thanks much. Nothing better than to learn from a pro. I always have room to learn more.

[@BackyardMaine]

Great to hear that.. Thank you.

[@Thrunabulax10]

i never knew about the J-Hook holes! will be using those a lot!

[@richardgarno6591]

Thank you John. This was very easy to understand and helpful to a true amateur like me.

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching my friend.

[@GaryRayBetz]

Well done! Thank-you.

[@BackyardMaine]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching.

[@tomstadnyk546]

Late to the table, but found your tutorial. It was very helpful. Thank you.

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@fortyofforty5257]

Great video. Highly informative. Thanks for all the tips. I had no idea about many of them, like what those little holes in the wire stripper were for.

[@johnbrunzell]

Awesome and thank you! I learned about the screw cutting- never knew!!

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching..

[@mokhan4748]

Thank you sir. I have 4 different wire strippers but never knew how to use them rightly until this video.

[@BackyardMaine]

That’s great. Thanks for watching

[@cluelessbeekeeping1322]

That was so useful! I never knew it had so many features...thanks!

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@RB-hj7qc]

After watching this video I won't be struggling to make the correct sized loop anymore. Thanks!

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad I could help! Thanks for watching.

[@markp.7165]

I have been doing many of these jobs for years but I still learned a couple things and by chance I just purchased a set of Ideal strippers like the ones you demoed so that was very helpful. Thanks!!

[@BackyardMaine]

My Pleasure.

[@MaxTSanches]

Great video on the tool. :) The only thing that I do is run a piece of electrial tape around the plug to prevent any of the bare wires hitting the contacts on the side.

[@packersprik]

Wow. I learned more in a few minutes than ever.superb video thanks for posting.

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching..

[@chriscash8381]

I’ve been a ticketed electrician for 15 years, when I started the journeyman I worked with gave me the same Ideal strippers. He said they were the best ones he has ever used. I still use them today.

[@n40tom]

Thank you I've been doing my own electric work for over 60 years and the only tip that I needed from you and it was kind of important I did not know that was the tip number one thank you

[@BackyardMaine]

Excellent!

[@gobbletegook]

Well done video. And very informative.

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful.

[@saintkenny9296]

I liked the J-Hook. I never thought of that. Amazing how many tools we have that we use on a daily bases that have hidden secrets many of us just don't know, or thought of. thank you for the video.

[@BackyardMaine]

You bet.. Thanks for watching.

[@MiguelAngel-dj3mu]

i wish all videos were this clear, amazing job!

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad you like them! Thanks so much..

[@Wayondon]

Thanks so much for your presentation. Clear and to the point. From a fan in Northern Maine.

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad it was helpful! I love getting comments from fellow Mainas..

[@stevewilson5292]

Enjoyed watching this - well-paced, great use of close-ups. I learned a lot in just a few minutes.

[@BackyardMaine]

Great to hear! Thanks for watching..

[@chrissupport]

Good video. I never knew about the wire-bending holes, but will use this. Thanks.

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you.. Happy to help.

[@MojoPup]

Great video, great instruction!

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you. Glad it was helpful!

[@stever3886]

Sir I appreciate your review of this tool and pro-techniques used. It is amazing what experience can be passed on in only 5 minutes!!! I NEVER knew that you can cut screws with this…..and the small notes about stranded and solid wires on the tool. And bending the hook….WOW that is a game changer, I was putting the tool down and using needle nose pliers…..beginner mistakes.

[@BackyardMaine]

So glad that you found the video helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@customwoodshiftknobs9322]

Thanks, didn't know about the screw cutter!

[@BackyardMaine]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@anthonyscott16]

Excellent lesson. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@BackyardMaine]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching!

[@erickim2025]

Thanks John. I learned some new today🎉😊

[@BackyardMaine]

Awesome. Thanks for watching.

[@jimpossidente5004]

This is quality info. Thanks

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching

[@jaygrosse8365]

Very helpful and practical information, thanks for taking the time to post this.

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching

[@TheEclecticHandyman]

3:15 another great use for the needle nose functionality is to break the brass tab off electrical outlets to isolate terminals when needed. Great video!

[@BackyardMaine]

Great tip! Thank you..

[@richardM980]

good video, straight to the point, clear and concise!

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you!

[@gregdavis19]

Thanks John! I learned something new.

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching Greg.

[@vitale6633]

Excellent Tips. Very helpful to the home/shop handy person.

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@chuckg2016]

Great presentation all the way through. Respect!

[@BackyardMaine]

Much appreciated!

[@homesteadedman4784]

Southern Maine also, love your channel!

[@BackyardMaine]

Awesome! Thank you! Where are you from? I'm just ten miles outside of Portland.

[@jasonstarr6419]

Ok, New sub here. I'm not an electrician, although I received training from two different journeymen, years and years ago. I've been doing electrical off and on for five decades now, and honestly, most of the tips you shared were news to me. Thanks for sharing. I came away smarter and more knowledgeable for your sharing!!

[@BackyardMaine]

Welcome aboard! Good luck.

[@christianalvarado4430]

What a beautiful video Boss! Greatly appreciate it 🙋

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you.. Glad you enjoyed it my friend.

[@jonathanjudeoneildelisle481]

Excellent tutorial. Thank you.

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@richardtaylor8189]

Excellent video!

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you very much! Glad you liked it.

[@deej19142]

I was literally going to ask why you didn't pigtail and then 5 seconds later you gave us the answer. Awesome. I've been wiring houses and shops since I was 14, I'm 59 now, and it wasn't until 20 years ago that someone showed me the pigtail method, and I have been using that ever since.

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad I could help! Thanks for watching.

[@karlbruns7595]

Excellent Videos John! I enjoy them and have learned so much from your years of experience.

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you! I'm retired now so doing this helps keep me sharp and hopefully helps out lots of people as well. Thanks for watching Karl.

[@HWCism]

Thank you. Very helpful.

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@josephjanecka5080]

Thanks John. Very good info from a knowledgeable source

[@BackyardMaine]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@garys8754]

Very informative. Been doing it wrong for years. Thanks.

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad to help.. Thanks for watching.

[@mapiador]

Excellent video, I learned a lot, I was making the mistake of clamping down on the wire and going up and down, instead of using your thumb, Thank you!!

[@BackyardMaine]

Happy to help! Thanks for watching

[@hhazelton4391]

Thanks, from a fellow USAF vet. I learned something new!

[@BackyardMaine]

My pleasure and thanks for your service. 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@LeslieWood-qb8do]

You are a very good teacher 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you! Much appreciated.

[@kevinrtres]

Thank you!!! Very, very informative!

[@BackyardMaine]

My pleasure.. Thanks for watching.

[@allenellisdewitt]

Needed help with the screw cutter, thank you!

[@gilbertopatino2616]

Thank you so much for a awesome information and a great video🙏👍👏

[@BackyardMaine]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching.

[@dougthorpe5257]

Excellent video, I learned how to make easy J hooks today, thanks

[@BackyardMaine]

Great to hear! Thanks for watching.

[@Billo1281]

Thanks for the educational video! Learned something new!

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching.

[@joebullwinkle5099]

I do my own electrical work at home and am always looking for wonderful pro tips like this presentation. Thank you, I learnt a lot about this tool that I also have, however never found any material on using it too it's fullest potential.

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks

[@danpags7023]

Always great information 👍

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching.

[@johnjohn-ne8fw]

Nicely done. Thx 👍

[@BackyardMaine]

Thanks for watching!

[@commentsedited]

Always wondered what the holes were for. Thanks for the info and wonderful work on the video..

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you.

[@patrickwendling6759]

Thank you for your knowledge and video's USA 🇺🇸

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you.. 🇺🇸

[@richardstewart6900]

... heads to the DIY toolkit to see if my various wirestrippers have that screw cutting feature. Not something I've needed to do yet but you never know! 🙂

[@garyowen9044]

Thank you! This was very helpful.

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@RuvianCSPlays]

I always wondered about those screw cutting holes, just figured they were another option for bending your hook lol. Also most of those types of wire strippers too flimsy to use the needle nose function of it so I always carry needle nose pliers along with them.

[@quinnabrams8875]

this blew my mind. thank you

[@BackyardMaine]

My pleasure.. Thanks for watching.

[@markw9281]

That was fantastic. I learned a lot from this vid. Great Job !

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.