Irwin Industrial Tools 2078309 8-Inch Multi Tool Stripper, Cutter and Crimper with ProTouch Grips

by Irwin

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Irwin Vise-Grip 8-Inch Multi-Tool Stripper/Crimper/Cutter features an induction-hardened cutting edge that stays sharper longer. The tool strips and cuts 10-22 AWG, and with a pliers-style nose it allows for convenient pulling and looping wire all in one motion. The included bolt cutter cuts bolts to size and cuts with enough precision to leave a perfect lead-thread behind. The tool meets or exceeds all ANSI standards.

Product Description

Multi-tool strips and cuts wire from 10-22 AWG. Pliers style nose allows pulling and looping wire. Bolt cutter leaves perfect lead thread. Induction hardened cutting edge. Wire crimper crimps insulated and non-insulated terminals. Meets or exceeds all ANSI standards.

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 13.7 x 8.7 inches ; 7.5 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000JNNWQ2
• Item model number: 2078309
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,929 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #11 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Hand Tools > Strippers

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good device, nice to keep around, March 15, 2011

By 

Allen Smalling "Constant Reader," (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Irwin Industrial Tools 2078309 8-Inch Multi Tool Stripper, Cutter and Crimper with ProTouch Grips (Tools & Home Improvement)

About six years I bought a very similar device to the item under discussion. It was and is a durable object containing (top to bottom) a cutting edge, a small-wire cuttter, a small-screwhead cutter, and a stripper/crimper arrayed around a central bolt. On a lark I bought the object at hand -- the Irwin Industrial 8-inch Multi Tool Stripper, Cutter and Crimper, and first learned that its functions are almost identical to the old job -- at top there's a pliers, not blade, then the functions come in the order of the product's name (stripper-cutter-crimper), top to bottom, also arrayed around a central pivot like a shears, and with comfortable handles. - I miss the upper cutting blade from the older model but having a tool that functions as a basic pliers to boot makes it more versatile. When you can still get an item like this for the mid-teens of $$$ and under, you're doing okay.

Why would you need it? If you are doing light crimping, as electronics. If you've got a small screw needs cutting, for a job that's way too small for bolt clippers. Especially if you want to cut OR strip light-gauge wire. I agree with the prior reviwers who said that the cutting/crimping is not the best when we get above 20 on the American Wire Gauge (AWG). This standard increases its numbers as the wires get smaller, so nos. 22, 24 and so on are very thin -- it's not a matter of stength, it's a matter of finesse.

Irwin tools are now owned by Vise-Grip, whose corporate name is proudly displayed on the soft handles. This unit was manufactured in Taiwan. Most of Vise-Grip's home tools now seem to be of non-USA origin (sigh!). I should note that the Irwin Multi does not, however, have a Vise-Grip's lockable squeeze handles. Its pliers are not long or fancy, just basic, but they'll come in handy, I'm sure. The Irwin feels a little light for its size, but is precisely aligned with lots of holes and marks for the cutting and crimping. Mine strips experimental plastic-coated paper clips with great aplomb, shears them too. What it won't do besides lock: it isn't insulated, so don't ever use it to cut live electric wire, no matter how small the current. I cannot find a similarly contented model with this size and price range at Amazon** or from two competing chains, so this guy wins by default. It's good, just don't expect too much of it. At some point in your home ownership, you'll probably be glad you have it. If you can find a similar item made on this continent please post a Comment to that effect.

** (Update, May 5 2011): Eventually I did stumble across a product Amazon carries, the similar Ridgid 21398 Model 84E Cutter/Crimper. My review of it was filed April 22, 2011. The Ridgid costs a bit more at present than the item at hand but is made in the USA.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars nothing fancy, December 16, 2008

By 

P. Smith (Las Vegas, NV, USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Irwin Industrial Tools 2078309 8-Inch Multi Tool Stripper, Cutter and Crimper with ProTouch Grips (Tools & Home Improvement)

good little tool. sharp, well finished, well designed, inexpensive(not cheap). Should be in my tool box for a long time.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice Product, December 6, 2008

By 

J. Kemph (OK, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Irwin Industrial Tools 2078309 8-Inch Multi Tool Stripper, Cutter and Crimper with ProTouch Grips (Tools & Home Improvement)

I am very pleased with these...some of the best I have ever used. Very well made and durable.