Milwaukee Cable Stripper

Navigating the intricacies of cable stripping often hinges upon finding a tool that balances efficiency, safety, and precision. As an electrician who frequently works with large panelboards and switchgear, I was eager to test out Milwaukee’s Cable Stripper, model 2935-20. This tool, with its compact design and adjustable features, promised to streamline my workflow and enhance safety on the job. Here’s a detailed account of my experience using this tool.

Design and Build Quality

Right out of the box, the Milwaukee Cable Stripper impressed me with its robust construction. It’s clear that this tool is built to withstand the rigors of daily use. The compact head design is particularly noteworthy, allowing for easy access in tight spaces—a common challenge when working on large electrical installations. The tool feels solid in hand, yet it’s not overly heavy, striking a good balance between durability and maneuverability.

Safety Features

One of the standout features of this cable stripper is its emphasis on safety. The tool eliminates the need for an open blade, significantly reducing the risk of hand cuts—a common hazard when using traditional knives for stripping insulation. The optimized bushing design further enhances safety by preventing nicks in the cable, ensuring a clean and accurate strip every time. For anyone who prioritizes workplace safety, this feature alone makes the Milwaukee Cable Stripper a game-changer.

Performance and Efficiency

In terms of performance, the Milwaukee Cable Stripper excels. The variable speed trigger offers controlled stripping, allowing adjustments based on the specific cable and insulation thickness. This level of control is invaluable, especially when dealing with a variety of cable types and sizes. The adjustable depth gauge, which allows for consistent stripping up to 3 inches, is incredibly easy to use and ensures precise stripping lengths without the need for additional trimming.

During my testing, I found the tool to be a significant labor-saver. The bushing change-out process is effortless, taking only a matter of seconds, which minimizes downtime and keeps the workflow smooth. This ease of use is further enhanced by the cable stripper’s compatibility with all Milwaukee M18™ batteries, ensuring long-lasting power and eliminating the need for frequent recharges.

Versatility

The Milwaukee Cable Stripper is designed to handle a wide range of cable types, from copper USE to larger sizes of AL XHHW. This versatility is a major plus for any electrician working on diverse projects. The tool’s compatibility with both Milwaukee and competitive quick-change bushings broadens its utility, making it a versatile addition to any toolkit.

However, it’s worth noting that the tool does have some limitations. It’s primarily designed for stripping cables from 1/0 to 500 MCM Copper RHW/RHH/USE cables, and while it can handle THHN/XHHW cables up to 750 MCM with additional bushings, it doesn’t strip conductors smaller than 1/0. This limitation means that electricians who frequently work with smaller conductors might find this tool less useful for those specific applications.

Battery Life

Battery performance is another critical aspect where the Milwaukee Cable Stripper shines. The tool’s lithium-ion battery offers excellent longevity, allowing me to complete extensive stripping tasks without needing a recharge. This reliability is crucial on job sites where consistent power can’t always be guaranteed. The inclusion of a sturdy, stackable carrying case is also a nice touch, making it easy to transport and store the tool alongside other Milwaukee M18 tools.

Areas for Improvement

Despite its many strengths, the Milwaukee Cable Stripper isn’t without its flaws. The primary issue I encountered was with the dies. In some instances, the dies did not adjust deeply enough to fully penetrate the insulation, requiring a switch to a different die to complete the job. This can be a minor inconvenience and suggests that there’s room for improvement in the die design to ensure more consistent performance across different cable types.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Milwaukee Cable Stripper, model 2935-20, is a well-designed, durable, and efficient tool that significantly enhances safety and productivity on the job. Its compact design, variable speed control, and easy-to-use features make it a valuable asset for electricians working with large panelboards and switchgear. While it has some limitations in terms of the range of cable sizes it can handle and the depth adjustment of the dies, these are relatively minor issues in the context of its overall performance.

I would highly recommend this tool to professionals who frequently work with heavy-duty cables. Its emphasis on safety, combined with its efficiency and ease of use, makes it a worthy investment for any electrician looking to upgrade their toolkit. For those who often work with smaller conductors, it may be worth waiting to see if Milwaukee expands the capacity of this tool in future iterations. However, for its intended applications, the Milwaukee Cable Stripper is an excellent choice that delivers on its promises.