I sure have the tools. See picture. But still having trouble stripping wires. Lineman pliers/wire stripper. But what works for me is to score the membrane of the wire first, then it strip better. Am I doing something wrong or is it the tools

Those tools look like they have seen better days. Most likely rusted and not very sharp. And the moveable parts don't move very well. Suggest some new wire strippers to replace those at top of photo. You could clean the tools and oil them up good but I think they have literally lost their edge.

I agree with smear, looks like you do not use these tools often, or keep them in good condition.

The top tool is a crimper, and they give you some cheesy stripping holes, rarely work well even when new.

Lineman pliers are not designed for stripping. You will see electricians use these as strippers, however, takes a while to learn how to without nicking the wire.

Cannot say much about the bottom tool, looks like one of those fancy strippers for electronic hobbists.

I found what most electricians use, see photo, here for less than $13.00:

Ideal Industries 45-125: Ideal T-7 Low-Cost Wire Stripper 22-30 Solid (http://www.hmcelectronics.com/product/Ideal/45-125?referrer=googleshopping&gclid=CKjtz7-GyrQCFUQw4AodNC8AOQ)

As long as the correct slot is used for the correct size wire, foolproof.

I agree with the above posters... its really a learned skill... a knicked wire WILL eventually break... and all the better insulations are tough and hard to remove... only the cheap crappy PVC stuff that melts when the sun hits it is easy to remove without doing it right.

Oh, and by the way, see photo of my wire stripper. Again takes "on the job training" to learn how to strip wire with no nicks. This is always with me, wife has orders to bury me with it.

Oh, and by the way, see photo of my wire stripper. Again takes "on the job training" to learn how to strip wire with no nicks. This is always with me, wife has orders to bury me with it.

Very Good

Hi,
Surprised no one said it, but I have often used a Bic lighter and my fingers on the smaller gauge wires.
Peace,
Clarke

That certainly works.. but having been in the Electronics/ Telco field for 32 years.. it wouldn't meet the Quality standards expected of me. But wipe off any carbon left on the insulation if any... it can become conductive in the right conditions.