Klein Tools L1412 5-in-1 Cable Stripping Tool for 12-14 AWG, NM Cable Ripper (12/2 and 14/2 Romex), Magnetic with Wire Looping Hole

I am a DIY-electrician - I watch the videos and I read-up before starting an electrical project, so I want tools that are easy to learn and use and will help me complete a project safely and right the first time (always turn off the power at the panel before work). This tool takes the place of several others: it cuts the outer sheath, strips the wires, and puts the right bend on the end for attaching to outlets and switches. This tool is versatile and saves me space in my belt as it replaces strippers, blades, and pliers. This is helpful when I'm up on a ladder and space is at a premium. The tool is sturdy and made well (material: plastic and metal blades), it strips precisely (doesn't over-strip), it's light and easy to carry, and it's pretty cool too!

I really like this tool. Just using it for electrical projects around the house. It works great.

Quite good, speeds up the process a lot. Worth it if you have a medium/big project.

PROS: Klein is considered a trusted maker of high quality electrical tools and is one of the top brands used by professionals. This one tool takes the place of a knife, a wire stripper, wire cutters, and needle nose pliers (for bending wire). It's small enough to carry in your pocket. It's faster than using multiple tools to prepare Romex, once you get the hang of it. It's safer than using a knife to slice the Romex PVC jacket down the middle. The length of the tool is designed to match the length of jacket you'll want to strip for the wires to go into a typical junction box. Cons: The tool works best with 14-gauge Romex. I tried it on 12-gauge and had a hard time getting the conductors stripped without them being nicked by the stripping blades. It's sometimes difficult for the tool to cut the Romex jacket and paper wrapping once it's been separated from the conductors. I'll need to practice that more. I'm not an electrician, but a homeowner who occasionally does projects involving 120 VAC wiring. I wish I had discovered this tool 20 years ago (if it existed). In the past I've always used an X-Acto knife to slice the Romex jacket down the middle where the ground wire is, so that I wouldn't damage the hot and neutral conductors. It always seemed a bit dangerous and I worried about the knife slipping. This tool slices the jacket properly and fairly easily, once it's correctly positioned on the end of the Romex. It's a great and inexpensive tool for occasional use, but I have to wonder how long the cutting surfaces will last if used by a professional. Overall, I'm happy I found it.

Very handy tool. Does everything it says it does. Makes the job so much easier