Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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

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

Very versatile, works great. While there are some professional grade wire crimpers of a little higher quality, they don't usually have the versatility of this set.

Pros:
+ Great price
+ Fine quality

Cons:
- I personally like wire strippers that are spring loaded; I just haven't found any that are as versatile that have this feature.
- Strip gauge on the tool only gives the gauge for solid strand, not multi. This is a really nitpicky comment, and if you don't know what I'm talking about, then you won't notice or care.

very well made at a good price, print on tool is easy to read. not much else to say. they work well.

These strippers are sturdy and strong, but lack a spring to open them and a lock to keep them closed. Neigther of these are advertised as being part of the tool, so I suppose you get what you order. I recommend them to anyone who regularly needs to strip heavier gauge wire.

I've not yet used the crimper or bolt cutter parts and cannot review them.

I really like these cutter/strip/crimpers. They seem like good build quality, no over-laping when cutting or crimping they cut & strip great. crimpers work good i am just used to my last pair that had the crimpers @ the end, it is a personal preference i have & i know many don't like crimps @ the end but if i am trying to crimp in a tight spot it can be hard to get these in there! That is why i gave 4 stars not 5! Definite buy again!

These are well made and versatile. Only complaint is the finish is not rust free.

I am Electrician, I have two more Multi tools (Stripper, Cutter and Crimper) similar to this one, but this one is great!! The handles are ergonomic (not too soft not too hard), the steel is really good, the size, good price, etc.
The last weekend I was fixing an electrical problem in my car, and I was crimping some terminals, the result was "five stars".

This tool is necessary in the home tool box!! I recommend this tool.