Channellock has come out with new wire strippers, model 968, manufactured at their Meadville, PA factory from 100% forged US steel.
Channellock says that the 968 is everything that pros have asked for, and with the strength, versatility, and durability to outlast traditional wire strippers.
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The new Channellock 968 wire strippers can strip 10-20 AWG solid and stranded wire. It also features screw shears that can cut 6-32 and 8-32 machine screws.
Curved wire cutting shears are designed to contain material during handling.
Additionally, the tool features Channellock’s XLT (Xtreme Leverage Technology) design, reducing the force required to cut wire compared to other high leverage designs.
Features & Specs
- Strips 10-20 AWG wire
- Curved shear
- Machine screw shears
- Spring-loaded handle
- Pivot lock for safe storage and carrying
- Reaming head for deburring, cleaning, flaring up to 1″ conduit
- Comfort handle grips
- 7-1/2″ overall length
- Weighs 0.98 lbs
Price: $45 to $50
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Discussion
Let’s talk about the pricing for a moment.
At the time of this posting, you can get a Channellock basic wiring tool (model 908) for $16 via Amazon. So what do you get for around 3X more with the new Channellock XLT 968 wire strippers?
For one, you get wire stripping holes and a pliers-style gripping zone at the top, with outer jaw edges meant for conduit deburring and reaming tasks.
There’s also the curved wire cutting zone, with curved wire cutters often working much better on thicker cables and insulated wire than straight cutters.
The XLT pivot design should reduce the effort needed to cut thicker wires and cables.
And, you get molded comfort grips.
The new wire strippers are made in the USA and from 100% US-forged steel.
For occasional users, there are quite a few less expensive and competitive alternatives.
- $: Klein 11045
- $$: Klein 11055
- $$: Milwaukee Combo Stripper/Pliers
- $$$: Klein K12055
- $$$$: Knipex Installation Pliers
The Channellock wire stripper looks to have solid features. It seems a tad bit pricey, but it’s made in the USA and it also does take the place of several tools.
Having choices is always good, especially more USA-made tool options.
Jason G says
I have the Southwire version of this and its my go to when I need to just grab 2-4 tools for an outlet or quick electrical repair. This is nice as it has the 16 and 18 gage strippers as well though.
fred says
A wee bit cheaper at Summit Racing ($33.31 – $9.99 shipping = $43.30) – but a special order so arrival date (they say 9/28 shipping) may be an issue.
Another alternative – if you just want a stripper to work with NM cable – you might look at the Klein K1214
https://www.amazon.com/Cutter-Stripper-Klein-Tools-K1412/dp/B000F9HIEC
AngryDrumGuy says
I use the Klein 1214 constantly and it’s a great time saver for the outer sheathing.
DRT says
I think Summit is the answer. Thanks for researching that !
Nathan says
I think it depends so much on who’s using it.
someone that looms racks with cat 6 or does other building maintence I could see this replacing a few tools at once making for a smaller bag.
someone that fixes car electrical might also find them useful.
I have 2 small wire strippers now I think one is a Klein mentioned above. If I needed a new one I’d look at this for certain.
Not so sure I’d spend the money but they do look pretty would like to see a side by side with the Klein and the milwaukee to see how they well they work.
Stuart says
Thanks for the idea – I’ll try to do a comparison as soon as our review sample comes in.
Matt J. says
I’ve been eyeing the very similar Milwaukee ones you linked to. Love that these are USA-made, but a roughly 80% increase seems a bit steep. Hopefully the market pricing comes down to a more competitive price (or Milwaukee moves theirs to US production) before I decide to pull the trigger.
Doc John says
Exactly
Chris S says
For that kind of money just get these.
https://www.amazon.com/Shearing-Stripper-Klein-Tools-J215-8CR/dp/B07BX7QJYH/ref=psdc_553398_t2_B071G1QJ7G
Best combination of strippers and lineman’s with enough weight to still be used as a hammer.
Better/wider jaws with crosshatching teeth for twisting multiple wires (The channel-locks above will not twist well due to the groove’s going in the same direction as the twist).
I upgraded from my Klein Tools J207-8CR because you can’t hold and twist more than ~3 – 12 to 14 gauge wires without slipping or using excessive force which isn’t great for the hands when your older.
Better weighted feel than the Klein Tools K12055.
dll932 says
I already have a pair that does those things, except for reaming and cutting #6. Cost me about $10.
Pete O. says
For large wire applications though this seems pretty slick. I strongly prefer the mechanical style stripper to manual style strippers like these for small wire applications though and for large volume work. I have this set and love them. Years of faithful use.
https://www.grainger.com/product/5LJ02
Rich S. says
Look similar to the $30 Klein K12035
https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/cable-and-wire-stripping-tools/klein-kurve-heavy-duty-wire-stripper-8-20-awg
Jared says
That does seem pricy for Channellock, but I bet the street price ends up lower.
On the other hand, Channellock really won me over as a brand because of the performance to cost of the pliers – maybe this is a foray into a more premium level market? This would be $50 or more if Knipex-branded.
Either way, good to see Channellock coming out with new designs.
Also interesting to see the “code blue” style grips done all in blue instead of blue and red. I avoided code blue grips for awhile thinking they looked like they would wear too quickly. When I eventually tried a pair out I greatly preferred them. The only time I prefer the dipped version now is for greasy automotive work because they’re easier to keep clean (code blue cleans up nice too, but I have to scrub more).
Bryan says
Hard pass at that price.
Plain grainy says
Home Depot has some sales on Klein electrical tools for today(Thursday). It’s on HD’s special buys page.
Plain grainy says
I’m not sure where the Klein wire strippers are made.
Stuart says
Home Depot Special Buys Link