The building industry employs millions of Electrical Tradesman (Electricians) whose task it is to wire a building with high voltage (110, 240 volts or similar) with ‘builders wire’ and connect the ends of the wires to switches, power outlets, light fittings and more. Wire stripping is normally carried out in the field using a pair of pliers. The electrician usually is also carrying a battery/electric drill-screwdriver in his kit.

My invention is to integrate a wire stripper for ‘builders wire’ into the battery drill. This way the tradesman can use the same tool to strip the wire, twist it together (if required) and then tighten the screws.

‘Builders wire’ is usually a flat bundle of 3 wires, in most cases all 3 wires are insulated and then enclosed in an outer sleeve of plastic insulation (Double insulated). This tool strips back the outer insulation to (say) 2 inches and then, in the next step in the same process, strips the inner insulation as required to (say) about 1/2 inch. These sizes are selectable and can be pre-set, as can the size of the wire. As there are variations in size and types of wire the operator can test each process and make adjustments, then set this into a numbered position for future use. This way the operator can change between types and size of wire, and also have different settings for hot and cold weather when the strength of the plastic will vary due to temperature.

This tool also has an adaptor for using any of the major battery brands of the same voltage (18 Volts), therefore if the user has a full kit of 18 Volt Makita then he buys the Makita adaptor and uses the same battery and charger as the rest of his tools.

The process of hand stripping a normal 2.5 sq mm 3 wire builders wire takes around 45 seconds and requires a lot of hand strength. This power tool strips the same wire in 4 seconds. As the operator usually has an entire building to strip and connect, the process which would normally take an entire day is reduced to less than one hour.

The other saving is the reduction of RSI (repetitive strain injury).

By mechanising this process the uniformity of the wires stripped is maximised, and the damage done to the fragile wires when hand stripping is virtually eliminated.

The wire twister built into the side of this tool adjusts to any number and size of wire automatically. Each of these functions is selectable by a separate trigger or button.

The invention is covered by International PCT Patent Application No. 872400 and Australian Patent Application No. 2015201296 ¬
Title: DEVICE AND METHOD FOR STRIPPING
INSULATION FROM FLAT-BUNDLED WIRE