Devices and devices for stripping insulation on the wiring are included in the mandatory set of tools of any master who deals with electrical work. The range of such tools is extensive and includes cable tongs, wire cutters, strippers, etc. The simplest solution to this problem is a knife with a heel for stripping insulation, which is cheaper in price and does not have special maintenance requirements.
Features and purpose of the knife with the fifth
By their general design, such knives differ little from ordinary kitchen knives. The device is formed by the same handle, rubberized pad and blade with a protective cap. Features lie in the details, but from the point of view of application they are significant. In particular, a knife with a heel for stripping insulation has compact dimensions and a small cutting part. At the same time, the blade itself is modest in thickness, but it is necessarily made of a durable alloy.
Another feature of the knife, as the name implies, is the presence of a heel. This is a kind of blade hook, which simplifies the process of working with the wire. Usually the heel is welded to the end of the blade, but there are also monolithic versions - they are the most reliable. This configuration allows you to cope with flat cables of the VVGng-P format. Although, in the hands of a skilled craftsman, it can be a universal means of stripping. And another extremely important point is the electrical insulation. To work under voltage, you should use a knife to remove insulation with a 1000V heel, which is just designed for most communication lines for domestic and public use.
Main characteristics
Cable knives are mainly characterized by three parameters - the length of the blade, the total length and the cross-sections allowed for operation. The size of the cable, which can be processed by the tool, will depend on the length of the functional area. On average, a blade has a length of 25 to 50 mm. Moreover, it is not worth considering enlarged sizes only as a way to expand work activities. A small blade is more efficient with thin wiring. The master spends less time on such operations, so it still makes sense to focus on a specific group of target materials.
As for the total length, a knife with a heel for stripping insulation on average reaches 170-220 mm. The convenience of the master depends on this value, that is, the handle is selected for a comfortable grip of the user's hand. In some cases, small knives are more ergonomic, and in others - large knives. The standard range of sections with which this tool can work includes 3 * 1.5 formats; 2 * 1.5 and 2 * 2.5. Also, do not forget about knife insulation - electrical protection at 1000V is the main characteristic of such devices.
Knifex Knifex 985303
The model has a non-standard blade shape, even by the standards of the general segment of knives with a heel. Instead of a hook-shaped end, a recess for gripping the insulation is made in the central part of the cutting contour. This solution reduces the risk of accidental slippage, but can complicate the process itself in terms of grip comfort. Other features of the device include the use of soft, but wear-resistant materials. The practice of use shows that while holding the handle provides a high transfer of force to the branded curved Knipex blade. At the same time, the tool is designed to work with round wires, which distinguishes it from most generalist knives with a heel. But, it is important to consider that the models of this company are more expensive than analogues - about 1000-1300 rubles. In this line, modifications with price tags below 1000 rubles are rarely found.
Model NWS 2040
Another major manufacturer of electrical tools, made according to the standards of the VDE standard. The tool is a dielectric knife provided with an insulated handle based on a multicomponent material. The work area has a length of 50 mm, so the user can work with a wide range of cables. Among the features of the blade can also be attributed to its thickening, it allows you to apply a higher force in the process without risk of damaging the base. However, stainless hardened steel was used as the material for the cutting part. This is not the best option, given that most modern models (the same Knipex) receive blades made of tool steel. With such metal, an electrician's knife lasts longer and needs less sharpening. But the handle has no special complaints - it is safe, shockproof and ergonomic to handle.
Model KVT NMI-01
The modification is designed to work with multicore wiring without the risk of damage to its base. The surface of the handle has a special anti-slip coating with the effect of a dielectric, which gives the tool ergonomics and safety. The model itself is compact - with a mass of 120 g, it has a fixed blade and a total length of 175 mm. User reviews about this tool are controversial. On the one hand, many craftsmen emphasize the convenience of its use, the thoughtful design of the handle with protective barriers and the presence of a two-component cap. However, physical strength is far from the strength of the model. During operation, the stripping knife with KBT heel must not be tilted laterally at an angle. Small cares are acceptable, but the risk of damage to the blade remains. And the heel itself is especially sensitive to such manipulations. It can be accidentally broken off, and it will be almost impossible to weld it. At least with the preservation of basic integrity.
There are also reviews in which KVT knives are criticized for the asymmetry of the heel landing relative to the blade. Of course, this is not good from the point of view of influencing the quality of the operation, but if desired, the heel can be sharpened, giving it the desired shape.
Model SHTOK 14004
The knife is provided with a partially insulated blade and heel, designed to work with large and small sections. The support shoe is characterized by a rounded shape, therefore, the risk of damage to even the internal insulation of the wire, which in accordance with the task will need to be left intact, is reduced. The tool also has slip protection and barrier inserts included in the handle design. It is important to keep in mind that the manufacturer in the latest versions made a small departure from the classical forms. How is it shown? Consider a knife for stripping the heel with the “Stem" has a reduced cap, optimized blade size and a reduced end. Moreover, the heel not only became more compact, but also received an angle relative to the cutting blade. And in this case, the asymmetry is not a marriage, but a well-informed design decision.
The nuances of choice
The knife should be selected based on considerations of comfort, safety and acceptability for effective work with a particular wiring. A quality knife does not imply a high risk of causing cuts and scoring in an area that should remain intact. This largely depends on the performer, but the developers of the design make the tool as safe as possible in terms of the likelihood of such errors. It is important not to forget about the distinction of models when possible to apply to sections of different shapes. A classic knife with a heel for stripping insulation - a tool for flat cable. But there are modifications that work with round wiring. They are distinguished by a large blade with a deep notch and a more massive heel. Do not underestimate the importance of the shape of the handle. The probability of making a mistake depends on it, among other things. It is advisable to choose models with rubberized inserts, a protective barrier and cuts for the integration of the cap.
How to make an electrician's knife with your own hands?
To make such a tool, you will need a metal profile (for example, a segment from a mosquito net frame), a blade from a clerical knife, and several wooden bars. An oval-shaped metal plate can be used for the heel - the main thing is that it is strong and allows solder to be possible with respect to the blade. Initially, a small hole-strip should be made in it, into which the end of the blade will enter. Next, use a soldering iron to fix the heel at a certain angle or symmetrically.
You can begin to manufacture the handle. Usually a homemade knife for stripping the heel is made with a metal handle, for which a profile has been prepared. This solution is only justified at home, since it is almost impossible to adjust high-strength plastic to a specific shape without a special tool and material. The blade is fixed in the profile with the help of wooden blocks that will clamp it. To make the structure more reliable, several rivet holes should be made in the niche of the profile itself and fastened.
Finally
The function of the stripping tool is not particularly difficult. Anyone who has faced stripping insulation knows how simple and undemanding this time is. Nevertheless, it is not always possible to perform it qualitatively, therefore it is recommended to use special devices.
For professional electricians, for example, products from NWS and Knipex are recommended. The tools of these brands are distinguished by their basic quality of construction performance and durability. Regarding the considered SHTOK and KVT models, we can say that they focus on domestic use. These are functional and ergonomic knives, but in responsible work it is still worth giving preference to more solid products.