Milwaukee Cable Stripper Kit

Stripping large gauge cables can be one of the more tedious and exacting tasks in electrical work, especially when precision and safety are paramount. Over the years, I’ve used a multitude of tools to get the job done, and none have impressed me quite like Milwaukee’s Cable Stripper Kit, model 2935CU-21. This cordless tool, part of Milwaukee’s renowned M18 line, is designed to handle THHN and XHHW copper cables with ease, offering a blend of power, precision, and safety that’s hard to beat.

Design and Build Quality

One of the first things you’ll notice about this cable stripper is its compact and robust design. Measuring 8.46 inches in length and weighing in at 3.85 lbs, it strikes a balance between being lightweight enough for easy maneuverability and heavy-duty enough to handle rigorous tasks. The tool’s compact size makes it particularly well-suited for working in tight spaces, a common scenario in electrical installations.

The build quality is what you’d expect from Milwaukee—solid and reliable. The tool feels sturdy in your hand, with a well-thought-out design that prioritizes user safety. Notably, it has no exposed blades, significantly reducing the risk of accidental cuts during operation.

Performance and Usability

When I first powered up the tool, I was impressed by its seamless operation. The Cable Stripper Kit is powered by an 18-volt lithium-ion battery, part of Milwaukee’s M18 series. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of Milwaukee batteries, though the kit comes with a 2.0 Amp hour battery. The battery charges quickly—about 35 minutes to reach full charge—and it holds its charge well, ensuring that the tool is ready whenever you are.

The tool comes with a set of eleven quick-change bushings, making it versatile enough to handle a variety of cable sizes. The bushings can be swapped out in seconds, yet they lock securely in place, ensuring a consistent and accurate strip every time. The adjustable depth gauge is another standout feature, allowing for strips up to 3 inches in length. This adjustment mechanism is both simple and precise, with clear markings in both SAE and metric units.

Operating the tool is straightforward. The trigger is sensitive to pressure, allowing you to control the cutting speed with ease. A light touch results in a slower cut, while more pressure speeds up the process. This intuitive control makes it easy to achieve the perfect strip without damaging the conductors.

Safety Features

Safety is a crucial consideration when working with large gauge cables, and Milwaukee has addressed this admirably. The absence of exposed blades is a significant safety feature, and the tool’s design ensures that the blade only comes into contact with the cable insulation, not the conductors. This minimizes the risk of nicking the conductors, which can lead to dangerous issues down the line.

Versatility

The Cable Stripper Kit is designed to handle a wide range of cable sizes, from 1/0 to 750 MCM. This makes it an excellent choice for professional electricians who work with different types of cables. The kit includes multiple bushings and an adjustable depth gauge, allowing for precise and consistent stripping. However, it’s worth noting that the tool currently doesn’t support URD cables, which could be a limitation for some users.

Real-World Applications

In practical use, this tool has proven to be a game-changer. I’ve used it for various tasks, from installing battery cables to setting up power ground wires for amplifiers. The tool’s compact design makes it easy to use in confined spaces, and the quick-change bushings save a considerable amount of time. Once the depth gauge is set, you can strip multiple cables with consistent results, ensuring a clean and professional finish every time.

Areas for Improvement

While the Cable Stripper Kit is an excellent tool, it’s not without its drawbacks. The hard-sided carrying case, while protective, is somewhat bulky and takes up significant space. Additionally, the tool doesn’t include dies for all possible cable sizes, such as the older XHHW wire with a black inner coating and color top coat. More die options would certainly enhance its versatility.

Final Thoughts

Milwaukee’s Cable Stripper Kit is a formidable tool that brings efficiency, safety, and precision to the task of stripping large gauge cables. Its compact design, quick-change bushings, and adjustable depth gauge make it an invaluable addition to any electrician’s toolkit.

Would I recommend this tool? Absolutely. Its performance, ease of use, and safety features make it a standout choice for professionals who need a reliable and efficient cable stripper. While there are a few areas for improvement, they are minor in comparison to the tool’s overall capabilities. If you’re looking to save time and achieve consistent, high-quality results in your electrical work, the Cable Stripper Kit from Milwaukee is well worth the investment.