It’s been said that, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” This is certainly the case when it comes to old wire. There is a ton of wire out there (especially copper wire) getting trashed which could be scrapped and recycled. Not only is it better for the environment but it’s a great way to make a quick buck.
Manual wire stripping is pretty straightforward, but when you have a whole mess of wire to strip you don’t want to be working with a pair of standard wire strippers. Luckily, there’s some really high quality automated wire stripping machines out there nowadays and you don’t have to break the bank to afford them.
Also, the best wire stripping machine will pay for itself, especially if you plan on stripping copper. But if you don’t plan on stripping a ton of copper, you might want to look for a budget option. We will show you the best automatic wire stripping machines for super large volumes of wire as well as some budget options for those who don’t plan on doing large volume but still want a clean cut.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Using a Wire Stripping Machine
It is a well-known fact that a good wire stripping machine pays for itself. Collecting wire scrap is a time-consuming job and you can save a lot of time on the back end with a machine. You can potentially cut your time and energy down to one-fourth of your original effort, and in some cases even more. Not only that, but it’s much safer to use a wire stripping machine than a manual cutter.
Also, lots of times you need a lot of different types of cutters depending on what wires you’re cutting. You also need a different cutter for a different type of wire diameter. A lot of the automated machine make switching between wires simple and easy. No more messing around and trying to figure out how to strip each wire by hand. Just let a good wire stripping machine do the work for you.
Qualities of the Best Wire Stripping Machines
What makes owning a wire stripping machine worth spending your hard-earned money? First of all, it pays for itself. Think about all the wire you used to throw away. Now, you don’t have to. And if you are not already collecting all the scrap copper wire you can find, someone else will be.
If you are already in the wire scrapping business, you might be using slow method of scrapping copper wires that are just tedious. Someone else is most likely using faster methods. And the device you’re currently using might be producing terrible cuts and wasting wire.
Everything your cutting method can’t do equal you losing money, whether in time or wire waste. If you want the best result, you need the best wire cutting tools to assist you. The best wire stripping machine will give you the best result, period.
Here are some of the qualities to look for in the best wire stripping machines:
● Power: You need a wire stripping machine with a powerful engine. A powerful engine means scrapping more wire in lesser time. A strong wire stipping machine also means to be able to work hassles free and continuously without interruption. An automatic, high-wield machine ideally does not require much supervision. You set up the machine, choose the wire type, adjust the speed, and it takes care of its workload.
● Flexibility: Copper is hidden in all sorts of wires like Romex, coax, TV cables, car harnesses, electronic equipment, etc. You do not want to waste time or lose money on low quality or roughed up copper scrap that could have been clean and high-quality easily. With a wire stripping machine, it is important to know how good is the end product.
● Ease of Use: One of the most important things about a wire stripping machine should be its convenience of working with different types of wires. If you invest in a tool, it should be helping you perform the task with multiple products, with the least number of limitations.
Now that you know how to find the best wire stripping machine, let’s take a look at the best automatic wire stripping machines on the market this year.
Top 10 Best Automatic Wire Stripping Machines
1. Bluerock Model WS-212 Automatic Wire Stripping Machine
Bluerock makes the best wire stripping machines, period. This machine is the standout, even among Bluerock wire stripping machines. Experts swear to the benefits of this wire stripping machine, especially its ability to self-adjust to different wire sizes. No matter the type of wire, or size, this machine adjust quickly, saving you a ton of time compared to other wire stripping machines.
This best electric wire stripping machine also allows you to cut two wires at the same time. This also saves you a ton of time and effort in stripping various wires. Most machines on the market don’t have this feature and the ones that do aren’t usually available in this price category.
The blades on this machine are super sharp and last a long time. However, you can prolong the life of the blade of this wire stripping machine by merely adjusting the blade tension. This way, you do not have to worry about investing money in multiple blades.
Due to its high quality, multi-purpose settings, and top-notch technology, you can easily rely on this automated wire stripping machine to last for a long time. And whether you’re technical or not, it’s easy to use and the learning curve isn’t too steep.
It is the best automated wire stripper on the market, period. The only downside of the machine is the price, but with all the copper wire you’ll be stripping, it’ll pay for itself (literally).
2. CO-Z Automatic Motorized Electric Wire Stripping Machine
With its powerful motor, universal feed hole, robust aluminum alloy frame, and durable blades, this automatic wire stripping machine is a great option. The solid aluminum frame makes it light, sturdy and portable. You can also use this machine for heavy duty wire stripping and it will get the job done right every time.
The powerful 180W motor runs hiccup-free even during the busiest of operations. If you want to strip several different types of wires for copper recycling, there’s a universal feed tube that saves you the frustration you may experience with other machines.
The real highlight on this machine is ease of operation, though. With minimal setup, all you have to do is turn it on and the machine takes care of the rest. But, if you do find that you need to fine tune the blade, there’s an easy method. You just have to turn the top screw nut and you’d good to go.
Compared to other automatic wire stripping machines, this machine is a bargain, especially for its durability. And with its ease of use it’s good for both pros and novices alike.
3. StripMeister Automatic Wire Stripping Machine
This StripMeister Automatic Wire Stripping Machine is the best wire stripping machine for the professional. This automatic wire stripper will save you a ton of time and get to the copper quickly. With its ability to strip a variety of wires, from 18 gauges wire to 250 MCM (including both Romex and stranded wires), this wire stripper is a perfect tool that offers you more end product with unlimited usage.
Now, if you do not have a lot of time to invest in the wire stripping work, this tool’s built-in Romex slot will save you an extra 33% in stripping time (compared to other wire stripping machines). Its durable and weatherproof quality ensures prolonged ease for you, no matter in what weather conditions you work in.
Hence, with this power tool around, you do not have to put any extra efforts into all your wire stripping tasks.
If you are in search of the best wire stripping machine that will make stripping easier, then this one is the number one pick. This automatic wire stripping machine is excellent for professional users but easy enough for the average Joe to use as well.
4. Happybuy Wire Stripping Machine
This is a wire stripping machine has a dedicated gauging system which covers virtually every wire and cable size you can imagine. With this wire stripping machine, you can scrap fines wires as well as wires made of rubber, plastic, and other types of materials that are usually difficult to work with when stripping wire.
This machine comes with an additional gearbox, so you get a faster speed when stripping all types of wires. And because of its heavy duty and powerful 370 watt motor, it can strip wires up to 1.5 inches thick.
This wire stripping machine has ten blades and eleven feeding holes to strips all types and sizes of wire. Not only that, there’s also an adjustable backup hand crank in case of a power outage.
This machine is best suited for those stripping large quantities or wire of different sizes with varying types of insulation. It’s efficient, robust, and will last for a long time. Highly recommend this high quality wire stripping machine.
5. SST Industrial Wire Stripping Machine
This automatic wire stripper is a full metal wire stripping machine making it extremely durable. This machine’s best feature is its powerful and sharp tungsten blades that easily cut through wire. Both the blades and the machine will last a long, long time.
This machine has an adjustable wire grid that works with many types of cables, including Romex. You can also use it for bulky wires up to 300 MCM and still not have to worry about changing out the blades. The sturdy blades and well-placed feeding holes will give you a clear cut every time.
To power this wire stripping machine you have to attach a motor or drill. However, there is not a lot of setup time so you don’t have to fuss around with anything once your attach a power source.
This industrial wire stripping machine is recommended for users who plan on cutting a high volume of wire but are on a budget. It is a great alternative compared to heavy and hard to move wire stripping machines.
6. Steel Dragon Tools WRA15 Benchtop Automatic Wire Stripping Machine
This wire stripping machine is the best wire stripping machine for those looking to strip copper wire on a budget. It’s not going to have all the bells and whistles of the previous machines, but it’ll get the job done.
This machine works by using a hand drill for automated stripping, or a crank for stripping manually. However, if you decide to strip the wire manually you have to pull the wire by hand.
The simplicity of this machine makes it less likely to break and easy to fix if something goes wrong. It’s also made of solid steel, so it’s extremely durable, especially in this price range. It’s also each to set up and move around, if needed.
Basically, it offers all the essential benefits of a good wire stripping machine, like fast stripping speed, sharp blades, adjusting knolls, and a durable frame, but it’s much cheaper. However, this isn’t going to be a work horse for extremely large amounts of wire. It’s also only good for 0.15 to 1 inch wire, and won’t be able to handle thicker wires.
If you plan on just stripping standard copper wires that isn’t too thick, this wire stripping machine is one of the best options.
7. Steel Dragon Tools WRM33 Manual Wire Stripping Machine
Wait, isn’t this a manual wire stripping machine, not an automatic one? Yes, it is, but hear us out. This machine is as good (if not better) than most automatic wire stripping machines on the market so we thought it was worth a look. Not only are the parts on it high quality, but it’s actually extremely efficient for a manual machine and is easy to use for multiple wire sizes.
This machine is pretty heavy duty for a manual wire stripping machine. The crank is easy to use and it still manages from 34 AWG to 400 MCM industrial wire. It also easily strips Romex wire. It also has seven cutting channels for various wire sizes.
Although the blades aren’t cheap, they are super high quality. They’re industrial strength blades (don’t need replaced very often) and guarded for safety. Some people even sharper the blades after prolonged use the same way you’d sharpen a lawn mower blade.
One major benefit of using this machine is that it has a manual tension system that stays in place well. Once you set it, you can be sure each cut comes out clean. It’s also fairly sturdy at 43 lbs. but it is also easily mountable with only two screws (or bolts).
This machine a good choice for scrapping large quantities of wire. In fact, according to the manufacturer, if you use it with copper it’ll pay for itself in a day. And with its quality build, it’ll last you a lifetime of copper wire scrapping.
8. Happybuy Manual Wire Stripping Machine
Okay, so this is another manual wire stripping machine, but it’s a good option for those who aren’t looking to strip a ton of wire and don’t want the hassle (or the cost) of an automated machine. With an automated machine, there is more that can go wrong and if you’re handling a lower volume amount of wire, it might not be worth the investment.
The main advantage to this machine is the range of wire it can handle. Unlike the automatic machine above (in the same price range), it can handle much smaller wires. The Steel Dragon only handles down to 0.15 inches. This machine can handle down to 0.045 inch wire. However, it can also handle up to one inch wire.
Not only that, it is a durable and high quality manual wire stripping machine. With an industrial-grade aluminum alloy frame, it offers a solid form-factor that you can depend on. And with its covered blade and hand crank, it’s much safer to use than its automated counterparts.
This wire stripping machine also gives you a regulating screw to control the space between its blade and shaft for better wire stripping results. And if you ever have to replace the blade, not only is it easy to do but the replacement blades are extremely affordable (usually between five to ten bucks).
This handles all different types of wires and various insulations, making it a good option for those who work with lots of different types of wires. And even though it is operated manually, it can still strip 50 feet of wire per minute. Not too shabby.
This is a dependable wire stripping machine at an affordable price and is just as efficient (in some cases) as automated wire stripping machines. Also, you don’t ever have to worry about plugging it in.
9. YESCOM Manual Copper Wire Stripping Machine
You’re probably getting sick of the manual wire strippers. However, we had to throw this in for the guy who is just starting off doing wire stripping. This is by far the cheapest on the list, but it doesn’t compromise on quality.
First of all, it accommodates wire sizes from 0.039″ to 0.78″, making it a popular wire stripping machine for finer wires and delicate operations. It’s also really easy to use and intuitive, unlike some of the other machines out there. In general, the simpler it is the less problems you’re going to have, making this great for the beginning wire stripper.
This lightweight and durable wire stripping machine that can clamp down on a flat, narrow surface with the help of screws and bolts, making installation super simple too. It even comes with all the bolts and other installation materials necessary, so you don’t even need any tools of your own to get it set up.
This stripping machine uses a sharp and sturdy blade that cuts wire fairly well given the price. The only downside is that there is no hand crank so you do have to feed the wire itself (however, this is what saves on the cost of the machine itself). However, the blade design does allow for finer and more precise wire stripping.
This is by far the best wire stripping machine for the budding wire stripping enthusiast out there looking to get into the copper scrapping market on a budget.
If you’re looking for the absolute cheapest copper wire stripping machine on the market, there is one cheaper. This is the handheld copper wire stripping tool. However, the quality isn’t nearly as good and you’ll probably end up buying the YESCOM machine after a few uses anyways. That said, we did want to bring this tool to your attention and give you a fair warning.
Wire Stripping and Wire Stripping Machine FAQ
1. How do you use a wire stripping machine?
Wire stripping machines are easy and straightforward to use. Technical and non-technical users can operate them with the help of handles, drills, and powerful motors.
2. How many types of wire stripping machines are there?
There are a lot of wire stripping machines available. Most common are automatic, electrical corded, hand-cranked, cordless, stationed, freestyle, and even rechargeable, light-weighted wire stripping machines.
3. Why should I use a wire stripping machine?
Wire stripping is a simple process, yet it is dangerous to use blunt blades, sharp knives, and sharp-edged blades directly for stripping wires. It is better to use a suitable wire stripping machine to avoid accidents and increase your productivity.
4. How do I make a wire stripping machine?
You can find a lot of DIYs and tutorials online for making a wire stripping machine. However, the best wire stripping machines are designed by professional engineers for safe and reliable results.
5. What is the best wire stripping machine?
There are many wire stripping machines out on the market and all of them are decent. However, we tried to outline the best wire stripping machines above. That said, the best wire stripping machine really depends on what you plan on using the machine for (wire types, sizes, etc.) and how much wire you plan on using with it. There is no one machine that can accommodate everyone.
6. Where to find a suitable wire stripping machine?
You can find a suitable wire stripping machine at your local hardware store, specialty hardware houses, and here at our site.
7. Can you burn copper wire to strip it?
The short answer is “no.” If you try to burn away the rubber, plastic, or any other material covering the copper wire, the insulation will burn and harden on top of it. And if somehow you do manage to burn off the outer layer, you’re going to be left with a dirty coating on the wire most of the time. Not to mention, copper melts at a low temperature which further causes problems.
If you enjoyed this article, you may also enjoy our article on the 11 Best Hydraulic Wire Crimping Tools.