For stripping the wire I use the Ideal Stripmaster Part No. 45-092. There are many strippers that will work, and also that sell for less money, but the most important thing to consider is how carefully you strip with them.


It's somewhat important that you do not nick the wire or remove any strands when stripping. The blue Klein crimper/strippers I showed earlier are also a decent DIY quality stripper, but not as easy to use. They are also not as easy to get a consistent strip with without damaging some of the strands.


The Ideal Stripmaster 45-092 is one of the most reliable tools I own. I own a few of them and one of them I've owned since the early 90's. That tool has literally made thousands and thousands of strips and I can't tell which one is twenty years old and which one is 5 years old. Keep it oiled/lubed and clean, easier said than done working on boats, and they will perform well for decades.


When using the Ideal Stripmaster please be aware of the AWG and SAE markings on the stripping dies. If using AWG wire, as we should on boats, be sure to use the AWG slot for the wire gauge you're using and not the SAE slot.


Which ever stripper you use, always examine the wire after the strip to check for strand damage. If the wire will carry any sort of high load you'll want a good clean strip with all strands intact..