Customer Reviews

GB SE-94 10-gauge to 26-gauge Automatic Stripper and Crimper

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a good muti-use wiring tool, especially for those repair jobs where you have to do a combination of cutting, stripping, and crimping for a number of connections. This tool comes in several different brands, including GB and Calterm. This exact style appears to be being replaced by the Leviton style, so don't rely on this review for that style stripper.

The stripper works by differential gripping forces, with one side gripping the insulation securely while the other side grips and slightly cuts, then tears the insulation off the wire. A brisk squeezing motion gives the cleanest and most precise cut. Stranded wire gets stripped without cutting any of the copper strands, but solid wire may show a slight shaved area on one side. It strips about 5/8 inch right off the wire, or you can take a bigger bite and simply pull a longer section of insulation off the wire after the stripper has separated the insulation.

The wire cutter is a blade and anvil type and works OK for the entire range of wire, from 10 gauge on down. Cutting effort is reduced by the cutter being placed right next to the pivot. For most jobs this will be the only wire cutter you will need.

Remembering that this is an automatic wire stripper, the crimping function is decent. Not as good as a dedicated terminal crimper, but more than adequate, especially if you practice to get a feel for the crimping action. Crimping will take more effort due to the location of the crimping dies away from the pivot fulcrum. But the finished crimp should be tight enough for most connections.

As a wire stripper this tool gets an easy 5 stars, as a wire cutter 4 stars, and as a crimper 3 to 4 stars, for an overall rating of 4 stars.

No automatic wire strippers work to our satisfaction because they choke on little bits of insulation, lose parts, and are hard on the hands, causing repetitive injury. Regardless, this GB stripper gets 5 stars because it works better than any other product we've tried in the past 4 years of daily use.

We also have compared the JT&T Products auto wire stripper #5020F. Unlike the JT&T device, the GB allows the bits of insulation to fall out the back. The JT&T adjustment knob and plastic stop eventually fall off. The GB rarely falls apart.

Don't pay attention to any of the cutting/crimping features on the GB's handle. They are gimmicks.

Enjoy!

My son has used this tool while working on his car and commented that he was soooo glad that a friend had told him about it. I was changing out the switch on a ceiling fan/light and couldn't find ANYthing to strip the wire. I had resorted to a razor blade and remembered my son's comment about this tool. I searched around and found it. Took me awhile to figure out how to use it (nobody else was home to give instructions) but WHAT a MARVELOUS discovery! I was working overhead and this tool saved the day! I've hidden in my own "mom's toolbox"!!

I do low-voltage wiring for a living and tools such as this one are in my hand for several hours each day. I've used a number of different automatic strippers and this one is the best I've found by far. It's sturdily built, got comfortable handles and does the job quickly and precisely.
My only gripe (and it's a tiny one) is that about a month after I ordered it from Amazon, I found this exact same item in a local hardware store for thirteen dollars and fifty cents. Oh well, it's still a good deal no matter how you look at it.

I am very pleased with this purchase. It amazaing how smoothy it works and how neatly it stips wires

Have you ever bought one of those tools that is just too cool and you actually like using it? Well this is one of those tools. It works just like it says and makes wiring a breeze. My only complaint is that the plastic handle grips slide off very easily.

I bought this crimper for use in wiring a home theater. Once I figured out how to use the crimper it made short work of the job. Zero broken strands, yielding nice, clean, even stripped ends for the banana plugs. I've had probably 5-6 wire strippers before, but this tool was clearly superior. I highly recommend this excellent tool.

I am no professional electrician, but I do all my own work on my car audio and also some basic electrical around the house (installing some lights, a garbage disposal, etc). For YEARS i have used the same electrical tool...ya know, the common one where in order to strip a wire, you pick the right gauge area, crimp the handles down tight, then try to hold the wire and keep it from twisting as you TWIRL the tool around, hopefully making an even cut around the insulation. THEN you have to hold the wire tight as you YANK against the little piece that you just cut which is SUPPOSED to pop right off (But rarely does). Finally, the stripped piece flies off with gusto (along with a few strands of your wire), making you bang your hand against the closest, hardest thing that you didn't know was there.

In comes the auto stripper and crimper. Insert wire (any gauge, any type) into the jaws. Squeeze handles (easy one-hand operation). Admire perfectly stripped wire with NO work at all! (and no nicked conductors!)

This thing is amazing. I haven't had an electrical job to do lately so just for giggles I was cutting and stripping, cutting and stripping a piece of scrap wire just because the process is now so magical. Seriously.

In general, tools fall into three categories for me: 1. Great tool that does what it's supposed to and does it well. 2. So so kind of tool and does a pretty good job....should have bought the better brand. 3. What a piece of 3rd world garbage. This tool definitely falls into the #1 category. I like the quality, ease of use (If you have a hard time using THIS tool, please do not use any tools and hire someone.), and the comfort of this tool. I have big hangs and this has good ergonomics. Hope this helps you in deciding to buy a great tool and a great price.

Works well but not flawless. Great for tight spaces and it is quick. However, if not used correctly, or if it doesn't get a good bite the first time, it will not strip cleanly and you either have to cut the wire and strip a new portion or go to the old standby of the regular style stripper. Haven't tried the crimper and don't plan on it. Would stick to my old crimper. Overall it was definitely worth the money and is a time and patience saver.