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Exposing The Wires Without Cutting It [message #89190]

Tue, 13 November 2018 08:16

Junior
Messages: 69
Registered: July 2018

Viscount

This inquiry is in connection to my little project which is found here: https://audioroundtable.com/forum/index.php?t=msg&th=22208&start=0&

I have a problem when exposing the wires in the cables. I often cut a few strands of the wires when I like to expose the wire at the tip of the cable. What is the technique in removing the outer covering of the cable without cutting the wire strands?

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Re: Exposing The Wires Without Cutting It [message #89192 is a reply to message #89190]

Tue, 13 November 2018 09:20

Wayne Parham
Messages: 19064
Registered: January 2001

Illuminati (33rd Degree)

You can use wire strippers, or you can carefully use a razor blade to cut through the insulation. With a lot of practice, you may find that you can use wire cutters, with the jaws held just close enough to cut through the insulation without nicking the conductor.

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Re: Exposing The Wires Without Cutting It [message #89249 is a reply to message #89190]

Mon, 19 November 2018 01:06

Junior
Messages: 69
Registered: July 2018

Viscount

I'm using the jaws of my long-nose pliers to open up the wires. I agree with you that practice will help. My hands tremble easily when I'm trying to concentrate on exposing the conductors.

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Re: Exposing The Wires Without Cutting It [message #92245 is a reply to message #89249]

Tue, 01 September 2020 13:52

The Noise
Messages: 175
Registered: October 2012

Master

Wire strippers were made precisely for this job. Places like Harbor Freight is where you can get them on the cheap. And I don't know what they're called, but there are razor knifes that are thinner than most which would work well too.

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Re: Exposing The Wires Without Cutting It [message #98981 is a reply to message #89192]

Sat, 18 October 2025 04:31

Becky
Messages: 114
Registered: September 2025

Viscount

Not everybody knew how to work with wiring and if not careful, one can make a drastic mistake while cutting the wire. In order to have a clean cut, use razor blade of strippers to cut wires as a non professional because professionals use wire cutters to do the work.

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Re: Exposing The Wires Without Cutting It [message #98994 is a reply to message #89190]

Sun, 19 October 2025 22:10

gofar99
Messages: 2035
Registered: May 2010
Location: Southern Arizona

Illuminati (5th Degree)

Hi, I guess this depends on what type of wire you are using. There is a major difference in 12 gauge wire and tonearm wire. For any type of wire above 26 gauge I use strippers. The ones that look like pliers and have markings for the wire sizes are the ones I prefer. Normally a clean strip. The issue is with sub standard wire then you may have to pick a size different from what the wire was listed as. This is becoming ever more common. I also use the ones that look like small scissors but leave the setting screw at max. I then strip by feel. It takes a bit of practice to not harm the conductors. For tonearm wire that is usually in the size range of 28 to 34 gauge the above strippers will not work. I use a "burning" method. I heat up the wire with a hot soldering arm (I usually use 775 F) and melt the insulation. It will carbonize and then all you need do is scrape it off. For fabric insulated tone arm wire you can often use a slightly different method. I use a gas fire starter to burn it again and the peal it off. The heating method also solves a second problem with tonearm wire that is the strands are usually covered with enamel. The heating also burn this off as well. Now the magic question...if you strip any wire from say 20 gauge and up (bigger) losing a few strands is of little consequence.

Good Listening
Bruce

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Re: Exposing The Wires Without Cutting It [message #99273 is a reply to message #92245]

Mon, 09 March 2026 01:07

Kurt
Messages: 26
Registered: December 2025

Chancellor

The Noise wrote on Tue, 01 September 2020 13:52

Wire strippers were made precisely for this job. Places like Harbor Freight is where you can get them on the cheap. And I don't know what they're called, but there are razor knifes that are thinner than most which would work well too.

Wire strippers always got the job done for me as well. It is pretty straightforward to use. One just needs to be very careful to avoid cutting off more wires in the process. I got mine from a shop in my neighbourhood as they sold cheaper than what it is sold in Harbor Freight.

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Re: Exposing The Wires Without Cutting It [message #99575 is a reply to message #99273]

Sat, 11 July 2026 12:49

Hank
Messages: 47
Registered: December 2025

Baron

Kurt wrote on Mon, 09 March 2026 01:07

The Noise wrote on Tue, 01 September 2020 13:52
Wire strippers were made precisely for this job. Places like Harbor Freight is where you can get them on the cheap. And I don't know what they're called, but there are razor knifes that are thinner than most which would work well too.
Wire strippers always got the job done for me as well. It is pretty straightforward to use. One just needs to be very careful to avoid cutting off more wires in the process. I got mine from a shop in my neighbourhood as they sold cheaper than what it is sold in Harbor Freight.

I agree that the wire strippers are the best for the job. I can't even think of a better option when it comes to removing wires from the coatings.

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