Klein "Self Adjusting" Strippers - Some Said They're Better Than Milwaukee

[@tcatrccreations]

Thanks for comparing these 😎. As always, great content. It’s impossible not to love great tool channels like this. We’re all obsessed with tools and enjoy the thoughts of those who use them. What I like about these automatic wire strippers is that the cut insulation sometimes remains (depending on the length needed to strip) on stranded wire when stripping. I find it nice because it makes it easy and clean to twist the stranded wires by simply holding onto the recently stripped end of the insulation and twisting it, and then remove it. Some clean twists are the result. 👍

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

I like that too for being able to make tags for what’s what… Appreciate you watching 👍👍

[@TinkerWithTools]

Great video! I have the Klein set (picked it up when HD was clearing out the Klein stuff for cheap) and I have been happy with them. Great work!

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

Appreciate it buddy… I was a day late to all that stuff 😂

[@tcatrccreations]

One thing that would have been nice for Klein and Milwaukee to add to these is ruler/measurement markings on the left side of the device near the adjustable stop bar like the Irwin version has. That space is completely open with enough room to add the markings for easier measurement of repeatable wire stripping lengths. If they do decide to add it eventually, they should make it easily legible, such as making the markings in white text and in clear view.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

Good idea 👍

[@Sylvan_dB]

Many times to bring out engraved markings I have applied a bit of white paint and rubbed it off the surface. Just be careful. One time I did that with a pair of new wire strippers (the "many hole" type) and sliced thru the rag into my thumb!

[@1969Irishdave]

First off I’m not a contractor I’m a DIYer. I have purchased two sets of these from Amazon on separate occasions after seeing more reviews and they are consistently inconsistent in stripping wire. In addition the stop block screw WILL fall out eventually. Happened to me on both. On new wire you have a chance with these but on older wire they’re useless. I just stick to an electricians pliers as these are a huge source of frustration. Thanks for the review and a terrific channel continues to get better!

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

I haven’t used them long enough to know for sure… but I can tell that on some wires they work great, some maybe not. If they work on the wire you are using, they’re worth having… and Vice Versa. Appreciate it 👍👍

[@miles13242]

My stop block falls out as well, personally where they shine for me is with small diameter wire I mess around with for circuit boards and stranded wire.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@miles13242 👍👍

[@striderstache99]

I have a Neiko and haven't used it much, but do all self-adjusting strippers do this? I had an Irwin that I loved that wasn't self-adjusting but I lost it between moves. Just curious if it is common for these types of strippers. DIY'er here myself.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@striderstache99 for the most part all the ones of this style must perform about the same based on the comment sections of this video and the Milwaukee version. Several people mentioned other brands that they said were very similar. They are probably all manufactured in the same place. I used to have an Irwin set, but I never knew it took the sheathing off Romex. I didn’t know these did either till I read the package 😂

[@ElectroAtletico]

I own the Milwaukee (the day I got it Home Depot was selling them for $14 less than the Klein). I absolutely love it!! Nevertheless, I also think that the Klien is a slightly bit better. That "stop" on the Milwaukee has a little tendency to get lose and want to fall off. I just put a pin-sized drop of blue Loc-tite and that was sufficient to create necessary "drag" to keep it from falling off. I use it for 22AWG for my electronic experiments and it works wonderfully.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

👍👍...appreciate you sharing about the 22awg. some have asked, but I didn't have any to try.

[@Southernboy302]

I have the Klein... it does the same thing.

[@ElectroAtletico]

Actually $5 plus tax. Open package baby! I was in the return line at HD when I noticed a guy returning his. Asked him what was wrong and he just said he didn't like that a small part at the cut point could fall off. I made the Customer Service Manager an offer she could not refuse.@@k1_w3

[@justinoff1]

I've owned the Klein for about 4 years and love it. Use it daily wiring up houses stripping Romex

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

The sheathing removal is the main reason I picked these up… being able to strip multiple wires is a bonus 👍

[@craigerickson-z9q]

Just bought the Klien and got it home to try them out on some 12-2 and it wouldn't strip the wires . Messed with the tension setting and didn't make a difference. I thought the strippers were faulty. But you showed the clear on the wire and how to hold it. Gonna try that. I'm pretty sure that's the problem. They don't grip tight enough to keep it from slipping on that thin clear coating on the wire. Thank you for showing that.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@craigerickson-z9q you may want to watch this Milwaukee "Self Adjusting" Wire Strippers 2 - Tips & Suggestions from Comments #milwaukee #tools kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZ7XdYmKatKYbsk The Klein and Milwaukee work the same

[@craigerickson-z9q]

@@MORGANSMaintenance I did watch it. . I'm not a pro electrician, just a DIYer. I have a 12x24 shed I'm gonna wire for shop use. Have done some minor stuff in the past with basic tools but I'm using all 20 amp outlets and 12-2.wire. i did my research and always try to do things the best I can. That 12-2 is pretty stiff wire so just wanted to use what makes it easy. I'm 70yrs old and don't have the hand strength like I use to. Thanks for for your help.

[@brandonelliotphotography]

Great review - thanks for taking the time!

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

You are welcome.. thanks for taking the time to watch and comment 👍

[@georgedavall9449]

This Channel has the best content with great presentations, IMO! I told myself NO MORE Channels, but I just had to SUBScribe to yours! Yes, these are same strippers, one red and one blue. 😊 What I’d like to know is if the “Automatic” strippers offer any advantage over these, and what that might be? Stay safe and be blessed! Looking forward to more content! 👍🤝🙏🇺🇸😊

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

Appreciate it, very kind words. I believe the automatic ones (that are by Klein and Milwaukee) actually cut the insulation and pull it off while squeezing the handles, so they probably have less times that they don’t achieve the strip… But you have to line up the gauge wire in the cutters on those. So they are a little more tedious and time consuming to use. Personally I have a hard time using those because I can’t see the gauge slots as well.

[@davidspisak1837]

I know it sucks, but with the 18 awg or smaller, you have to put your left pointer finger on top of the wire holding side of the tool. Used the Irwin's daily, switched to Klein after they crapped out. Love these Strippers!

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

👍👍

[@MrPhoenix1800]

I want to like my Milwaukee but they seem to be fussy sometimes. The big time saver would be stripping all three wires at the same time but I can not seem to make them do that consistently. Imma try that holding the wire upwards trick see if that helps.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@MrPhoenix1800 yeah both pairs have their times when they don’t work first go. I have mostly just been using mine on Romex which I don’t work with real often That trick does seem to help

[@jeffs2183]

Thanks for reviewing. Can you look at the Irwin auto stripper with crimping handle?

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@jeffs2183 I actually used to have it I think, but I believe I gave it away. I will see if I come across one

[@wackyweyland8857]

At first I thought these were redundant, but thinking about how hard that blue wire was to strip on the ground, I can only think of how hard it'd be to strip on a ladder where I found most of this type of wire. It was super annoying to strip with the plier style strippers, even with a second hand putting leverage against the tool. Sometimes the wire was so brittle you'd even snap it doing that. However, these strip just about the same as plier strippers, and with plier strippers you get a better cutter and occasionally a bolt cutter, so I guess it really comes down to preference. Just a final thought, I like how you leave the packaging with the product before you start. 👍

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

👍👍. They have their place… and places where regular pliers are better. They are a luxury type tool to make a certain task easier that you can do with something else. Like you said, just depends on if you want to spend the money and have a preference on which you want to use for certain things.

[@jthatguys]

I’m finishing up some wiring for my shed and bought the Milwaukee. They seem to work fine provided you use the right technique. Wouldn’t quite work on 8ga thhn but they aren’t meant too. 12 ga was fine. It really only seems practical to me when I’m wiring multiple plugs or receptacles in one sitting. Doesn’t seem worth hauling around just for a couple of single strands. Still, I have a lot of electrical projects coming up, they will get used.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

For the size, especially if you wear a pouch usually like I do… they are a little big to just tote around for the occasional wire. I agree, if you are doing a lot, it may save you time and effort… but for a service job, I will probably save room in my pouch. 👍👍

[@rickoneill4343]

Thank you. Was wondering about this.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

You are welcome 👍👍

[@Cavett24]

I think they are the same. I also think stipping further down the wire is harder on the tool. Just because it has to strip and slide more coating, creating more resistance than just stripping the end off. Also technique.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

I think technique has a lot to do with it… that and you need better technique on certain wires than others. Some wires it’s 100% every time no matter what you do.

[@AxxinTheSupernova]

The other trick for thn/tfn, believe it or not is this. Before squeezing to strip, take your pointer finger, and press the two clamps downward towards (right at the gap) the wire, THEN quickly squeeze. Believe it or not, with the Quinn it works 99% of the time for me

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

Appreciate the suggestion, I will have to give it a try. 👍

[@millibarman]

Bought the Quinn version of these pliers at HF. Very similar performance. Used your ‘bend up on the left’ technique. Helped especially with 14 AWG ground wire with THHN clear coat. Slow worked best. Too fast and the tool skates right off that clear coat and just nicked up the coating :/

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

I’m sure any brand of these will work pretty much the same… it appears to me they are all made in the same place when I look at them. Better to get one at the best price on these. Those recommendations from people did seem to make them work better for sure 👍

[@NNITRED]

Outside of the grip they are indeed identical. They are also identical to the unbranded units they sell on ebay. As long the upper jaws are one piece you'll get the same performance across the board.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

Yeah, it’s a what color of the same model car you want situation. 👍👍

[@capt.martin5169]

Good info, Thanks!

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@capt.martin5169 👍👍

[@Auto-Bots.Custom.Detailing]

Where did you get that giant Klein (guessing cooler) but looks like their multi screwdriver

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

It’s a coffee Thermos.. it was a promotional item, so they don’t sell it. I found mine on EBay.

[@three-phase562]

I think sometimes people become attached to brands so they will always view them as better than others. Doesn't look like a lot of differences to me, like you pointed out the surface of the grips is probably the only significant factor. Always good to compare though.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

I feel like they are identical… we do sometimes do that with brands. You can occasionally get two of the exact same tool and one perform better than others… no different than cars or anything else. Sometimes you just get a lemon 😂

[@brucefrank6119]

Will either work on Teflon insulated wire?

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@brucefrank6119 I haven’t tried it, maybe someone will help you out

[@ymp6345]

I watched your first video and a little bit of your second one on the milwaukee and i believe that, that specific part of the blue wire must have being more worn in some way for it to not work the first few times you tried to strip it.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

It may have been, I pulled them out of my scrap wire bucket. It originally came out of a coil pack

[@MichaelAlderete]

Based on what we can see in the video (we can't see the "feel" in your hand, but you say the Klein might be _slightly_ better), I would say the choice comes down to which one is on sale. Or which color do you prefer, red or blue?

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

You are 100% correct, That’s pretty much it… in my opinion. 👍

[@davide2268]

Very close to the same. What did your buddy end up buying?

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

He bought these Kleins... I told him he could pick between these or the Milwaukee ones I just got. He just decided to keep them since he had the receipt for them and they were basically the same.

[@mickbrown942]

Am I the only one who chuckled when he said he went by to “pick up the Milwaukee strippers”? Other cities have strippers too.. Sorry. I have the humor of a teenager..

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

I have a bad case of “that’s what she said” that goes off in my head all the time. I’ve watched The Office one too many times 😂

[@khiaraslaw]

Yea but Milwaukee has Bucks for them strippers

[@nachoisme]

@@MORGANSMaintenanceinstead of saying ‘that’s what she said’ every time that situation arises say ‘I wouldn’t say that in prison’ You be surprised how much they are interchangeable and the prison comment is funnier…obviously depending on if it’s appropriate

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@nachoisme 😂.. 👍

[@Sylvan_dB]

Looks to me like if there is a performance difference not attributable to technique, it will be due to slight differences due to manufacturing tolerance.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

I agree… 👍

[@charlysilva80]

Great video as always. I have used similars strippers with more or less sucess and I'm curretly using the Kaiweets KWS-103 and they have some sort of metalic blades on the jaws that are far better than what you have tested with simplest jaws.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

I will look those up… appreciate the suggestion 👍

[@christophergrove4876]

At 8:54 you said "the Klein might be SLIIIGHTLY better" and I think that MAYBE that was because, by then, the Milwaukee had been used JUST A TAD and the MICROSCOPIC high points had been knocked off by then.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@christophergrove4876 it was probably just a small difference that for some reason made it “seem” that way at the time. They are pretty much the same tool in my opinion

[@troyblanks8308]

Do either of these leave those teeth marks on 20 g or smaller ?

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

I didn’t have any 20 to try… maybe someone else can help you out. It left some teeth markings n most things I used it on. Not that significant on wires, more so on the Romex sheathing

[@troyblanks8308]

@@MORGANSMaintenance thanks is mate great review

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@troyblanks8308 👍👍

[@ruddyff]

I've used the Klein ones for years doing automotive wiring I won't go back to stamped strippers

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

Appreciate that. Helps to get others experiences so people can make the best decision 👍👍

[@ruddyff]

​@@MORGANSMaintenance I combine it with the Klein ratcheting crimper takes care of all my ring terminals butt splice etc I had so many less failures using these vs traditional crimper strippers

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@ruddyff that’s about the only crimper I use… it is really good 👍

[@hatfieldw]

I own the Klein pair but I also own another similar pair that I’ve had for more than ten years maybe even longer than 15 years. 😂 That pair is made by IRWIN and they still make it! Although new version has updated handles but the head still the same from what I can tell, I may be wrong but IRWIN may be the original maker of this Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper. It was the 1st one I’ve ever seen on the market and I hate to say but the Klein and Milwaukee are copying the IRWIN tool. I love my Klein tools and the only reason I bought the Klein version is because it’s “made” by Klein even though I have a perfectly good IRWIN version. 😂

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

I think I had an Irwin pair many moons ago… they are one of the first I remember as well. We are all guilty of the buying “the name” from time to time 😂

[@naezro]

I would love to see the Knipex automatic stripers. It looks like the German tool companies have more original designs.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

I've had a few in my list for awhile... I will probably get some one day 👍👍

[@OShackHennessy]

I picked these up yesterday and loved them but after about 5 minutes I broke one of the adjustment screws right off because I’m a bull in a china shop and had no idea how it worked. I’m going to get another set now that I understand how to adjust them. 😂 My fault not the tool to be fair.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@OShackHennessy 😂… I’ve been known to do it myself. I like trying to figure out how stuff works a lot of times without reading instructions which sometimes leads to an oopsie

[@2121contreras]

The Klein's seem to be the same as the Milwaukee's. Couldn't see much difference. Womder how good Irwin or crescent versions are in comparison to Klein and Milwaukee??

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

I had an Irwin version a long time ago, but I don’t really remember using them. It has been so long that it may not even be the same pair they sell now.

[@gnic76]

When your buddy loans a tool snd you give him a different colored one back.😂 Next.. blindfolded tool reviews.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

I know, I thought… if these Kleins end up being better I would have to sway my review so he would choose the worst of the two 😂

[@MyKnifeJourney]

Would be nice if you could put that free power to use. Charge electric tools - wrong video post. Edit I really like how you give no-nonsense reviews on tools. Very informative

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

I’m not sure what you mean?.. you talking about the energy created by squeezing these?

[@MyKnifeJourney]

@MORGANSMaintenance sorry that was for the previous video

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@MyKnifeJourney 👍

[@paultinajero9733]

Hi, Klein is made in USA?

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

Not this particular tool. Some of their tools are but these aren’t. I can’t remember what the package said, but I know it’s not the USA

[@colincody5474]

That blue hurts my eyes. What happened to Klein orange? Save a buck and get the red ones.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

That’s what I’d do… get whichever one is on sale at the time 👍

[@hugh007]

My Klein has never failed to do a quick accurate job. Never had The Mileaukee.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@hugh007 they are pretty much identical in my opinion. These work great on solid wire and Romex for me

[@puffnstuff12]

I ended up buying the Milwaukee's.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

👍👍… I feel like they are the same. If you get one that’s better or worse, it’s just because of the wire you are using or a manufacturing issue.

[@puffnstuff12]

@@MORGANSMaintenance With my military discount it was a hair over $20 at HD but I also believe that they are basically the same.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

👍👍. Appreciate your service my friend

[@puffnstuff12]

@@MORGANSMaintenance Thank you sir.

[@bobbymoss6160]

LMAO, it's team blue vs team red kinda choice. I have a non-auto Klein wire stripper, and that works just fine for me.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

It is… it’s basically what color do you want this tool in 😂

[@fraudsarentfriends4717]

No way you can tell by looking at them. You might find out the Milwaukee wears out faster than the Klein from being made with a different grade of alloy. They are about the same price, so it's likely they are the same except the grips.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

Yeah I expect if there is a difference… it’s insignificant 👍

[@fraudsarentfriends4717]

@@MORGANSMaintenance A different alloy wouldn't be insignificant. The Milwaukee might be made in China. I think the Klein is made in Taiwan.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@fraudsarentfriends4717 I believe they are both made in Taiwan. I’ve been meaning to check the package when I go in Home Depot to see because it’s hard to find online, but Acme Tools has the Milwaukee as Taiwan. I’ve figured as hard as it was to find the answer online it was going to be China, but I would have been surprised if both these weren’t made in the same factory

[@Za7a7aZ]

Same design..patent licenced by these companies. One using less durable materials to make it and will be cheaper.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

👍👍..

[@chrisose]

Both weigh the same. Both have the same capacities. Both are manufactured in Taiwan. Both of these are obviously assembled from the same parts and just get different handles.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

Agree 👍👍

[@corysabiston9773]

You half to adjust the tension screw.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@corysabiston9773 yeah I tried it every which way on the blue thhn and I’d didn’t make any difference. It’s the extra clear coating in it that causes the issue.

[@khiaraslaw]

I knew it I knew it Milwaukee copy cats again never anything original!! 😊.. Makes me wonder who had the original patent and who is going to be brave enough to improve upon it.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

Probably nobody for awhile.. 😂😂

[@ggrimm79]

There are so many of these things floating around with different labels on them, some with a plastic stop, some with metal, some with crimpers in the handle, some with just cutters. My guess is the patent holder either let his patent expire or he doesn't have the desire or means to fight the copycats in court.

[@firstname3430]

Irwin I think

[@khiaraslaw]

@@firstname3430 Yikes Irwin has that peace of crap plastic on their version... now after a quick search it's worst than thought even Temu has a copy

[@cfldriven]

I bet its made by one manufacture and Milwaukee and Klein can order the handle color and logo of their choice, cheaper than building from scratch. I bought a circuit tracer from Harbor Freight and it is identical to the Klein unit except for the price. In regards to these strippers I would buy cheaper ever is cost less.

[@badwabbit1973]

the metal difference alone ? made in USA ? its awesome yet its a copycat product!

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

They aren’t made in the USA… I can’t remember where it said, but I know not the USA. There are many brands I’m sure all made in the same place

[@victrith1]

Its the same tool ....

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@victrith1 I think so too 👍

[@76kamikazi]

Welcome to the world of cloning in Taiwan.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

👍👍

[@Stefan_Kawalec]

Badge engineering will end our civilisation sooner or later. BTW Stanley version is of course yet another clone.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

I’ve seen some other ones lately that all look really similar… there are a few pairs with Crimpers added to the handle, but they all look the same. Just got your email 👍👍