Abstract

Methods of cutting and stripping insulation and other coverings from electrical wires, optical cables, and the like, using one or more blades while protecting the wire from undesired scoring or nicking. In one embodiment, two or more blades are moved radially inwardly to cut the insulation to a desired depth, close to the wire, and then moved apart by a short distance before being moved axially to strip the insulation. In a second embodiment, the blades are moved toward one another to cut the insulation to the desired depth, then moved apart by a distance greater than the depth of cut, moved axially by a distance less than the length of the cut, moved toward one another to grip or pinch the insulation and again moved axially to sever and strip the slug of insulation. In a third embodiment a pair of gripper members engage the insulation as the blade or blades cut to the desired depth and strip the slug off the conductor after movement of the blade(s) out of engagement therewith.