Key Features
Wide Strip RangeThis Knipex PreciStrip16 automatic wire stripper handles 28 to 6 AWG wire, so one tool covers fine stranded conductors through larger round cable. That means less switching tools when you move from control wiring to heavier electrical work.Fine-Tune the CutA fine adjustment dial lets you set blade action for insulation material and temperature changes. That helps you strip cleanly without nicking conductors when the jacket is tougher than usual.Built for RepetitionThe adjustable length stop and ergonomic multi-component handle make repeat stripping faster and more consistent. If you are doing harnesses, panel work, or repetitive terminations, that saves real time.
Overview
The Knipex 7 3/4 in. PreciStrip16 Automatic Wire Stripper 6-28 AWG is a precision hand tool for stripping insulation from fine wires and solid round cables. This is a wire stripper designed for fast, repeatable wire preparation in electrical, control, and assembly work. Model Number: 12 52 195. If you strip wire often and want cleaner results with less trial and error, this tool is built to do that job faster than basic manual strippers.
Its main advantage is range. The PreciStrip16 covers 28 to 6 AWG, or 0.08 to 16 mm², which is a broad spread for one automatic wire stripper. That makes it useful for everything from fine flexible conductors to larger solid round cable. Knipex also uses semi-circular grooved holding jaws and a parabolic stripping blade, which matters because the wire is held securely before the insulation is removed. In plain terms, the tool is set up to grip the wire firmly and pull the jacket cleanly instead of slipping or chewing it up.
Where this tool separates itself from cheaper automatic strippers is adjustability. The fine adjustment dial lets you correct for insulation differences and special operating conditions, including temperature changes. If you work in a cold van, unheated shop, or on wire with insulation that does not behave like the last spool you used, that adjustment matters. It gives you a way to dial the tool in instead of fighting inconsistent strip quality.
The adjustable length stop is another jobsite feature that actually earns its keep. When you need repeated strip lengths for terminals, connectors, or harness work, it helps you keep every strip consistent. That is not just about neatness. Consistent strip length speeds up termination work and helps avoid wasted conductors from cutting too deep or stripping too long.
Knipex built the body from fiberglass reinforced plastic and paired it with a multi-component handle. That keeps the tool light at about 0.4 lb while still giving it enough structure for regular shop and field use. The handle shape is made for controlled squeezing rather than brute force, which is what you want in a stripping tool. There is also an easy-to-replace blade cassette, so the tool is maintainable instead of disposable.
For real-world use, this automatic wire stripper is a strong fit for electricians, panel builders, maintenance techs, low-voltage installers, and anyone doing repetitive wire prep on fine wires or solid round cable. It also includes a tether attachment that works with the Knipex tool tether system, which is useful for elevated work or controlled jobsite safety setups. One important limitation is clearly stated by Knipex: it does not strip THHN wire. If THHN is your everyday material, this is not the right stripper. If your work involves flexible conductors, control wiring, and repeated accurate stripping across a wide range, it is a serious upgrade from general-purpose strippers.
Controlled Grip for Clean Strips
The jaw design is doing more than just holding wire in place. It helps the tool grab the conductor securely so the stripping blade can remove insulation cleanly and with less guesswork.
- Semi-circular grooved metal holding clamps improve grip on the wire
- Parabolic stripping blade is designed for precise insulation removal
Set It Once for Repetitive Work
If you are stripping the same length over and over, the adjustable stop speeds things up and keeps your prep work uniform. That is especially useful for terminal blocks, harnesses, and any run of repeated connections.
- Adjustable length stop supports repeatable strip length
- Good fit for production-style wire prep and organized panel work
Dial In the Blade to Match the Insulation
Not all insulation behaves the same, and temperature can change how it strips. The fine adjustment dial gives you a practical way to tune the tool when the material gets stubborn or delicate.
- Fine adjustment supports special material requirements and temperature changes
- Patented automatic action regulates cutting depth during stripping
At a Glance
28-6 AWGStripping Range0.08-16 mm²Metric Capacity7 3/4 in.Overall Length0.4 lbWeight
Key Specifications
| Tool Type | Automatic wire stripper |
|---|---|
| Stripping Capacity | 28 to 6 AWG |
| Metric Capacity | 0.08 to 16 mm² |
| Overall Length | 7 3/4 in. |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs |
| Handle Type | Multi-component |
| Body Material | Fiberglass reinforced plastic |
| Made In | Germany |
Compatibility
Tether SystemWorks with the Knipex tool tether system through the integrated tether attachment point.
Built For
ElectricalControl WiringPanel BuildingMaintenance WorkHarness AssemblyLow-Voltage WiringRepeated Wire Stripping
Pro Tip
If the insulation starts stripping differently when the shop gets cold or you switch wire types, use the fine adjustment dial before you give up on the tool. A small correction usually gets you back to clean strips faster than forcing another pass.
Tool Nut’s Take
Tool Nut’s Take
Knipex 7 3/4 in. PreciStrip16 Automatic Wire Stripper 6-28 AWG Is for Guys Who Strip Wire All Day
This is the kind of stripper that makes sense when wire prep is part of the job, not a once-in-a-while task.
- Who it’s for: Electricians, control techs, panel builders, and maintenance pros who want fast, repeatable stripping across a wide wire range.
- Why it stands out: The broad 28 to 6 AWG range, fine blade adjustment, adjustable length stop, and replaceable blade cassette make it more dialed-in than bargain automatic strippers.
- Worth knowing: Knipex is clear that it does not strip THHN wire, so buy it for the right application and it will make a lot more sense.
Common Questions
- What wire range does this stripper handle? It is rated for 28 to 6 AWG, which is 0.08 to 16 mm².
- Does it strip THHN wire? No. Knipex specifically states that this tool does not strip THHN wire.
- Can it be used for repetitive strip lengths? Yes. It has an adjustable length stop for repeated, consistent strip lengths.
- Is it compatible with a tether setup? Yes. It has a tether attachment that works with the Knipex tool tether system.
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