Fujiya Wire Strippers - Cheaper & More Versatile Knipex Electrical Install Plier? 330-200

[@yunggolem4687]

I've been doing HVAC, Well work, Automotive, Boat, & residential electrical for 15 years & I've never wished I could strip 20 AWG, 12AWG, & 8 AWG with the same pliers rather than picking up the right tool for small stripping (where I typically want to strip many small wires quickly, auto stripper is big time saver) or the right tool for big wire stripping which I basically never do except for 2/0 or 4/0 DC cables which are WAY bigger than this & I just strip manually with a knife. I have the Knipex VDE installation pliers with spring and they are a joy to use when working residential wire (>85% of what I do). Smooth action, nice lock, clean cutting shears, precision cut jaw teeth, chrome coating. They're absolute beauties & make residential electrical almost relaxing. I have had many pairs of $15-30 combi pliers over the years and they are all a SHADOW of what these $60 knipex are for working residential wire. I wasted probably $150-200 over the years trying to cheap out instead of dropping the $60-70 to just buy the good ones. They're electrical installation pliers, they're for residential electrical. All I ever touch with them is 12 AWG Romex, I don't even think I've touched 14AWG. Why would I want a bunch of other junk "features" cluttering up my pliers & ruining the ergonomics? Sure if you're dead broke maybe you want these pliers over the Knipex installation pliers because you need one plier to do everything you imagine you'll be doing (most of which you never actually will) to a mediocre level instead of >98% of what you'll actually be doing to an extremely high level, but you should just get the Milwaukee 7-in-1 & a decent pair of small sprung needlenose instead (or grind the front jaw corners in on the milwaukee to convert them to a semi-needle nose).

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@yunggolem4687 yeah the Knipex are my “Go to” for certain jobs, but many aren’t going to spend $60 on strippers. Especially if they do more than 12/14 and have to buy something else anyway. I would gladly spend $60 on them after I have had them, but to get someone who hasn’t used them yet is a different story. Not many people do the same exact combination of tasks everyday. There are days that I wire 12/14 but also am wiring in 18 gauge fire alarm wire. Sometimes it’s 12/14 and 10. I have certain strippers I used based on my day. I bought these to try them out and to share… if you are in the boat with this price range it’s an option… if the Knipex are in your range and you only do 12/14 they will work for you. Then again, neither one of them might be the right fit depending on what someone else does. Appreciate your thoughts and sharing your experience 👍

[@yunggolem4687]

​@@MORGANSMaintenance I agree, if you can ONLY have one pair for all stripping & electric/electronics jobs, knipex installation are not the ones. But I find that to be an extremely artificial & self-contradictory niche. I mean when are you doing electrical work where you can afford $50-$150 rolls of copper or boxes of switches, outlets & fixtures at $20-$200 a pop, but can't afford +$40 for a big upgrade to the tooling for the job that will save you enough time & frustration to pay for itself in a single day's work, easily? And will last twice as long due to improved heat treat & metallurgy on cutters, better joint construction, better machining, & far better corrosion resistance (if you get the chromed)? Easier to imagine angels dancing on the head of a pin than the person actually in that narrow sliver of possibility. And if you actually need to strip small wires specifically, far better off buying one of the many rebranded Jokari auto strippers which also go for around $30.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@ I’m thinking more on the people who don’t do it all the time, aren’t full time electricians, etc. The ones that it makes more sense to them to put their $40 towards a better level, circular saw, or hammer. As I said, It’s just another option. The Knipex is the better choice for me and you, it just may not be for everyone. Same reason the Forged Wire Stripper is probably the actual better option for most people. It’s cheaper, the same quality of tool you are talking about, and does more… but I personally still like to use the Electrical Installation Pliers for their size

[@yunggolem4687]

@@MORGANSMaintenance You're right. For the home gamers who may do 1 or 2 small installs (sub 1hour) in a year, this option is perfectly fine & mostly the lower cost is the value. I just know from years of trying to cheap out that I've ended up with 8 different sets of strippers & combi pliers (plus another 10 I've lost or given away) that the enjoyment factor of the work is important & worth the extra price. Even for the DIYer doing 2h of electrical work per year, over the course of 10, 20, 30 years of home ownership, it will be worth it to spend the extra 30-40. I'm sure you agree in principle, but ofc people often have more immediate financial considerations in mind rather than their next 20 years of DIYing.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@ I 100% agree with you. I tell people all the time I buy the tool I want because I know if I don’t I will end up with it and the three I bought before them 😂. I just know many people don’t think that way. Most of the people watching my channel might, but the bulk of everyday people do not.

[@ElectroAtletico]

My FUJIYA MP7-150 tweezer long-nose pliers (6in) has a place of honor in my tote bag. Amazing tools that FUJIYA puts out.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@ElectroAtletico I will look those up 👍

[@thenexthobby]

Waiting for the KNECT 52-in-1, which looks like a screwdriver/ratchet/impact until you flip out one end and it's pliers and wirecutters. Work the handles together real fast and it's also a tire inflator that sends emails (WiFi adapter is extra.)

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

They have about 4 more sets to put out first with each of those individually first 😂😂

[@brandonb8103]

These are re-branded and cheaper through sunex, neiko, Gardner bender, kaifnt, and more I can't remember. Napa also has them in their Carlyle line(probably more expensive though). The bolt cutting/wire stripping sizes on all versions mentioned are sae/imperial. I bought the Napa Carlyle version and they strip super clean and easy.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@brandonb8103 appreciate the info 👍

[@brandonb8103]

@MORGANSMaintenance no problem! I don't use them too often but they seem like they should hold up well. The only thing I've seen that worries me, is that the metal is so thin on the stripper section, there is a lot of deflection if you try to use the plier section to twist heavy wire/objects

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@ yeah I don’t think they are for twisting for sure 👍

[@Stefan_Kawalec]

They are definitely more versatile than Knipex counterpart and have some better designed features. This video have unusually quiet audio. In penultimate live with your wife, you had this MC cable stripper (I know using "wife" and "stripper" in one sentence is never a good idea). When I saw it, the fir thing that came to my mind was: if a tool looks like straight from Medieval torture chamber, it means we're doing US electric installation. Good review, as always.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@Stefan_Kawalec yeah I think my microphone might be messed up, or it’s my phone from the last update. I ordered a new microphone to rule that out.. but I have noticed it too. I raise the volume when I edit, but it will only let me raise it so much

[@greenbeard_actual]

Great video as usual. Maybe it’s just me (I am hearing impaired) but ever since a live video you did a week or so ago, your videos of late have been super quiet. I remember someone actually commented on it during that live video. Something has definitely changed about your video volume. I double checked by re-watching your vids from a couple of weeks ago, they’re nice and loud, I can hear them without my hearing aids lol. It abruptly changed at the time of that live video. Just thought I’d mention it. Keep doing what you’re doing brother, love the content you’re putting out.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@greenbeard_actual I noticed it on this one too… I have been trying to adjust it in editing but I’m not sure if my microphone is messed up. I’m hoping it was that and not my phone (or the phone update). I ordered a new set of microphones yesterday. We will see

[@markkempton4579]

@@MORGANSMaintenance Which mics did you go with?

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@ I could the newer version of the one I’ve been using amzn.to/4gzeod8

[@markkempton4579]

@MORGANSMaintenance I just saw those. I was going to get the v2. Might pick these up instead. Good luck!

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@ I went ahead and got those since they came with an adapter for everything I use. My iPad still uses the lightning and I occasionally do the voiceovers on that. I like how these have a magnet type attachment too

[@MattHmm-rq6dn]

Yea I had to try them and get Joey to buy a pair as well. I got the pistol grip and though there not perfect the form factor is exactly what we have been asking for (no them milwaukee 6 in 1s are pure garbage if you like them that's your business). Like he did there is some getting use to but they fit in thoes veto pouches in any pocket soooo well. I find the pistol grip version very comfortable and easy to see what your doing/stripping even more than straight. Your mileage will vary since i do 14awg 12awg the occasional 16 stranded on a light fixtire and the oh so rare 10g awg for dryers. I think of it like this yoy don't bring the big heavy 13in 1 screwdriver for all day repetive tasks you'd use dedicated more comfortable lighter stuff. This fit into the sevice call pouch space that do alot in a unbeatable form factor but not so much for 10 million terminations all day long. If knipex did a model with a true needle nose and the 4 or 6 sizes I needed I'd order them in a heartbeat till then these work well for what I need.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

Good points

[@k3pd795]

Thanks for the review . I think I’m gonna go with a pair of those over the knipex.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@k3pd795 👍👍

[@carnold.knowledge]

I have had bad luck with Fujiya, unlike Tsunoda, Keiba, Marvel, and others. Sent back everything from Fujiya, mainly due to build quality/fit & finish. I have to say the Tsunoda is killing it, and for a low price. The zip tie flush cutters and duckbills are standouts that come to mind.

[@MattHmm-rq6dn]

There crosscuts tsunoda that is are up there with marvel and worlds easier to import. They have a angled flush cut side cutters that are top notch as well that is use in my quick bag. Some of there stuff is dirt cheap and it shows so gotta be careful the price ussaly reflects it. As I got these strippers they are not the fujia kurokin line wich are simply made better fit and finish. That premium black and gold line obviously comes at a cost as well. Now that I think of it every japan brand has some items that are less than desirable and cheap even if it says made in japan. Just gotta look at it ask around to make sure your happy with it.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@carnold.knowledge 👍👍

[@moldyzucchinis3251]

my wife got me tsunoda ultra-slim slip joint pliers [PLC-200GUB] for my birthday a couple months back..no clue how she knew I’d love them, but I have raved to her about quality japanese tools many times. They are amazing tbh you can feel the quality in the knurled metal grips alone.

[@MattHmm-rq6dn]

I found slipjoints under the 200 not 800 model number you put in and yes 3 position rivet is nice. Threy even have a nice black finish as an option. I have some funny looking water pump pliers aka channellocks that are middle of the road but they were under 6 dollars. I wasnt expecting much and they were at least made in Japan. They work as holding pliers in my quick bag for the cobras. Theres a place for all lines and price points in thoes Japanese tools. Last good pair of slipjoint pliers I had that were worth a darn were snapon or wilde with flush rivet both made in usa. You got yourself a good wife 👍

[@moldyzucchinis3251]

@@MattHmm-rq6dn My eyesight failed me on that one. Just updated the comment but you are right it is the 200. We’re hoping to visit there someday. I’ve seen some absolutely amazing videos detailing the experience of shopping for tools in Japan. They have bodega-like shops on street corners but some of the coolest tools you’ll ever see at good prices. A lot of great engineer, vessel, anex, makita, even ryobi stuff that they don’t export.

[@wim0104]

I prefer the NEIKO 02038A, even though the handles too bulky

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@wim0104 👍👍 will look them up

[@Neto-1984]

I ended up trimming the "ears" on my Neiko so it would slide in and out of my bag easier. It's still less expensive than the Napa version.

[@g333k]

They look like a solid set of strippers. Love the progress of the blackout tool loadout, cant wait to see what other brands the full loadout consists of 👍

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@g333k 👍👍

[@three-phase562]

These are available from Supreme Hand Tools in the UK. I have been looking at them alongside some other Fujiya cutters, as I quite like the adjustable spanner I got from them. Probably a Fujiya tool haul coming up 😃😃

[@MattHmm-rq6dn]

I'm looking forward to that!

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@three-phase562 yeah Matt loves them, he sends me Fujiya options all the time

[@llanbull]

I'm happy with my 6 in 1 milwaukee stripper.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@llanbull they are good 👍

[@kristoferbrown8007]

Do you prefer them over the 7 in 1?

[@llanbull]

@@kristoferbrown8007 yes. I like that it’s spring loaded, long nose pliers and the size. The 7 in 1 iirc is a bit similar to knipex stripper. Either way both are good strippers. Cheap enough that I don’t have to worry and it strips pretty good. Been using it for year now.

[@d4ngerd4n]

Gotta get a pair of these before the tariffs kick in

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@d4ngerd4n 👍

[@toolswithtim]

Once Wiha releases their new 8 in 1 Strippers in the States it's going to give the installation pliers a run for their money- at a fraction of the cost. More features, but still limited to 12 and 14 awg

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

I haven’t seen those yet 👍👍

[@sterlingarcher46]

Hey mate the crimper on the Knipex is for crimping ferrules and NOT for butt connectors , hence why it doesn't doa good job on 'em . That's probably because ferrules are extremely common here in EU , we tend to put ferrules on every stranded wire end .

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@sterlingarcher46 yeah I figured that out awhile back. I made a note in the video because I remembered it. Appreciate it

[@leonardpaciora5039]

Sorry I'm old school I'll just stick with my Kleins,Thanks as always!!!!

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@leonardpaciora5039 nothing wrong with that 👍

[@leonardpaciora5039]

@MORGANSMaintenance all I can say is Thanks for all you do!!!!

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@ 👍👍

[@OnusBones]

Nice look. I'm probably more likely to want needle-nose than any other [electrical] plier type, so these would suit me well. The better crimper is a plus, and the smaller cutter isn't a minus (for me). I think you may have succeeded once again in prying my wallet open, and it will have been worthwhile.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@OnusBones they have an angled handle pair too. Matt bought those, but I went straight

[@OnusBones]

@@MORGANSMaintenance I saw that. I went for the straight. So, MattHmm pried open your wallet, and you pried open mine...

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@ 😂👍

[@MattHmm-rq6dn]

He went straight I went pistol grip. Same price i like mine so far. Are they perfect no are they even premium fujia no but the head and form factor is exactly what we have been asking for from knipex.

[@OnusBones]

@@MattHmm-rq6dn When I looked, the pistol-grip was higher ($32 vs. $27?); looked more awkward to put in a tool bag anyway.

[@beemer567]

looks to be very similar to the NEIKO 02038A both made in taiwan. the tip looks more precise on these though.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@beemer567 👍👍… I haven’t seen those

[@k1_w3]

I forgot how expensive the American version of those Knipex installation pliers were. Including ~$16 shipping, the European version is $52 from AMZN Deutschland, but they strip 0.7-1.5 instead of 12, and 2.5 instead of 14. The Fujiyas look interesting though. Thanks for reviewing them. 👍

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@k1_w3 yeah I bought them first because there weren’t Forged wire strippers. I’m glad I did because I love them, but I would have never tried them if the Forged Wire strippers were available for cheaper at the same time

[@MattHmm-rq6dn]

European version come in spring loaded chrome with the lock of installation driver.

[@k1_w3]

@MORGANSMaintenance Yeah, I still need to pick up a pair. Hopefully by the time I finally buy them, Knipex will have an American version with a spring and the dipped or VDE handles.

[@k1_w3]

@@MattHmm-rq6dn Yeah, it's ~$55 for the dipped handles with the spring/lock, but they don't have holes to strip 12 and 14 gauge wire, right? Or are 0.7-1.5 and 2.5 the same size holes as 12 and 14 with different labeling?

[@MattHmm-rq6dn]

Yea European lighting is more like 16g or 15.5g so that's exactly why i never got thoes installation pliers since there not really functional for us in the usa. In fact these fujia were the first ones that looked like they could work on awg and metric.

[@rudylacarl7975]

The crimper on the installation pliers aren't meant for those, it is meant to crimper ferrules. It does a decent job at crimping those i swith between those and the channalock forged wire strippers

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@rudylacarl7975 yeah I figured that out a little while after I got them. I thought the groove on it looked a bit different than others

[@brianhall9019]

I’m sticking with my Knipex.. nice information though. ❤

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@brianhall9019 me too for the MC stuff. These are good needle nose combos to save a spot for those that need it

[@scoogs026]

On sale for only $26 right now👍

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@scoogs026 nice 👍

[@alexgaspar9562]

I think the needle nose with the wire stripper is probably better they have a spring loaded one or one with w crimper

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@alexgaspar9562 it’s a different model than these… these are pretty needle nosie

[@Cynefrid]

Channel Lock has something similar as well.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@Cynefrid I’ve had those in my Amazon list… if I ever catch a deal I’m going to try them

[@MattHmm-rq6dn]

Don't do the channelock strippers I had 3 sets were the handle twisted right off and didn't stop as well as I hoped. They are also thicker than kmipex which I know you want slim. Saving you the return 👍

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@ 👍

[@GustyOinker]

Made it ❤

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@GustyOinker 👍👍

[@robertroberts721]

I’ve had those for a couple years. They are decent however definitely don’t compare to my Knipex installation pliers or the Forged wire strippers. The Fujiya are ok to have in my pocket for random strips but not for running control wiring, extensive stuff, boxes etc etc. The cutters on the Knipex are above and beyond. The crimper on the Fujiya is useless for the connectors that I use. Just isn’t as versatile for me, and the quality isn’t nearly Knipex.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@robertroberts721 yeah I don’t think it’s an even comparison of quality. I was thinking more of size verses cost. Very few strippers at the thickness of the Electrical Installation pliers. They are either the small too thin ones, or thicker. Many people don’t buy the Knipex because of cost. After having them, I’d buy them in a heartbeat if something happens to mine.

[@BobbyCooper-o8p]

Hey Morgan, I sent you an email about a Klein Knect Complete Full Set with pics, not sure if you frequent your email.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@BobbyCooper-o8p appreciate it, my Lowe’s started carrying that one too. It’s a mix of a few sets I already have

[@BobbyCooper-o8p]

@@MORGANSMaintenance No its a full on custom built kit with every Klein Knect piece included. Thought you might want to check it out.

[@saucyg6371]

Took a look at these a while back but decided against it because i need my strippers to go up to 10ga stranded

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@saucyg6371 👍👍.. yeah those are harder to come by.. as far as options

[@MattHmm-rq6dn]

10g stranded in lighting circuits really limits people with strippers. They should change that!

[@cincinnatiking8008]

$77 on Walmart. $26 on Amazon

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@cincinnatiking8008 yeah you never know at either of those places… all depends on the seller at each site

[@plg2208]

Still unsure why you picked that up.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@plg2208 They were recommended and I like trying out tools. I will use these on jobs that I want a thinner pair but am running more than 12/14. Sometimes I trim out Electrical and Fire Alarm at the same time

[@plg2208]

@ it’s all good. I just didn’t have the vibe the other tools you look at have.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@plg2208 Fujiya has a higher quality line.. these aren’t in that line, but a lot of people really like those. I haven’t tried any of them yet 👍

[@qzetu]

These pliers are on a much lower level than knipex. They might compete with Milwaukee strippers but I doubt it. They are I buy cheap and play with but nothing serious in my opinion. Definitely not a all day user.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@qzetu Yeah quality wise I don’t think so… size wise is what I mostly meant

[@qsm1334]

These things are 80 at walmart💀

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@qsm1334 yeah price varies depending on if they are available locally or ship from Japan at different times

[@qsm1334]

@MORGANSMaintenance yeah but they're still 30 on Amazon as of now

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@ 👍