How to Use an Automatic Wire Stripping Machine

For anyone who regularly deals with large quantities of insulated wire, whether from construction, demolition, HVAC work, or scrap recycling, an automatic wire stripping machine is a fantastic upgrade.

It takes a job that’s slow, repetitive (and sometimes painful), and turns it into something fast, clean, and surprisingly easy.

The big drawback with automatic wire stripping machines, though, is that they appear extremely complex, especially if you have never used one before.  Also, there is the question of determining if the machine even works with your type of wire. 

So, are automatic wire strippers difficult to use? And how do you get one that does the job?

How to Use an Automatic Wire Stripping Machine (Step-by-Step)

Once you have the right machine, using an automatic wire stripping machine is surprisingly simple. The key is setup: get the blade height right, feed the wire correctly, and let the machine do the work. Straight wire feeds better. 

Step 1: Prepare the Wire

Before feeding wire into the machine, straighten your wire, loosen knots, and clean it up. Check for the following:

• Bends, kinks, or twists
• Dirt, adhesives, or residue
• Knots in multi-core lines

If needed, uncoil long wires on the floor and pull gently to straighten them.

Step 2: Adjust the Blade Height

Adjusting the blade height is the most important part of the process of using an automatic wire stripping machine.  You have to make sure the blade cuts just deep enough to slice the insulation, but not cut the copper or aluminum conductor inside.

You adjust the blade until:

• A test feed shows the insulation splitting cleanly
• The conductor remains smooth and unscored
• The wire doesn’t snag or resist the feed wheels

Many machines have adjustment knobs for adjusting cutting blade height, a quick-set blade tension, and depth indicators. Take a minute to dial this in: it saves you from damaging expensive wire.

Step 3: Adjust the Feed Slot (If Needed)

Some automatic wire stripping machine models let you widen or narrow the feed channel to fit different wire diameters. Other machines come with different feed holes for different kinds of wires.

Make sure the wire sits snugly but can still glide through.

Step 4: Turn On the Machine

Once the blade and feed slot are adjusted:

• Power on the motor
• Wait for the wheels to reach full speed
• Make sure nothing is vibrating or wobbling

Step 5: Feed the Wire Into the Machine

Hold the wire firmly and insert it into the feed channel. Ideally, you want the machine to grab the wire automatically, pull it through the blade, and split the insulation open in one smooth pass. If the machine doesn’t grab the wire:

• Raise the feed rollers
• Adjust blade height
• Realign the wire into the center of the slot

Step 6: Peel the Insulation Off

Once the insulation is scored, it usually slides off easily by hand after the wire exits the machine. For thicker insulation:

• Use pliers to grip and pull
• Bend the wire slightly to loosen the cut

Repeat the process, and you’ll strip wire far faster than with any manual method.

How to Choose the Right Automatic Wire Stripping Machine for Your Wire Type

Before you buy or think of using an automatic wire stripping machine, make sure it actually fits the wire you plan to strip. Not all wire is the same… and not all wire strippers can handle every type of insulation, thickness, or material. 

Here’s what to look at when using an automatic wire stripping machine: wire diameter, insulation, type of feed (manual vs insulated), and motor power.

i. Check Wire Diameter Range

Different types of automatic wire stripping machines accept different wire sizes. So start with evaluating the diameter of the wire you intend to strip:

• 1.5mm–25mm
• 3mm–50mm
• 10 AWG to 1” cables

So, always check your most commonly used wire sizes and match them with the machine’s capacity. Some automatic wire stripping machines, like Creworks’ automatic wire stripping machine, have 5 separate feed holes and can cover wires from 0.06" to 1" (1.5 to 25 mm), letting you safely and easily handle the most common wire sizes.

ii. Check the Type of Insulation

Different automatic wire stripping machines handle different types of insulation. Soft insulation (PVC, rubber), hard insulation (armored, BX), multi-core cables, or coaxial or shielded cables.

If you work with tougher insulation, you’ll need a machine with stronger feed wheels and an adjustable cutting depth.

iii. Manual vs. Fully Automatic Feed

• Automatic feeders pull the wire through without you touching it.
• Semi-automatic models require you to guide the wire as it moves.

If you’re stripping hundreds or thousands of feet of wire, automatic feeding is worth every penny.

iv  Motor Power

When it comes to wire stripping machines, more power means easier stripping, less stalling, and smoother feeding.
If you have heavy, thick, or commercial-grade wire, choose a machine with a stronger motor.

Knowing your wire type is the first step to getting the machine that will make your workflow easier, not harder.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using an Automatic Wire Stripping Machine

Even though these machines are easy to use, beginners often run into the same issues. Avoid these mistakes, and you’ll get cleaner results, faster.

Mistake #1: Do not set the blade too deep. This can damage or score the conductor, reducing scrap value or ruining usable wire.

Mistake #2: Dot feed in a bent wire. A bent wire can bind the machine, jam the feed wheels, and produce uneven cuts. Always straighten the wire first for smoother stripping.

Mistake #3: Do not use the wrong slot size. If the slot is too loose, the wire won’t strip. Too tight, and it won’t feed at all.

Mistake #4: Do not run the machine too fast. High speed is great… unless it burns insulation instead of cutting it. Start slow, then increase the feed rate once the cut is clean.

Mistake #5: Ignoring Safety Gear. You absolutely need gloves, eye protection, and a clean workspace. Wire shards and insulation fragments can fly.

Advantages of an Automatic Wire Stripping Machine (vs. Manual Strippers)

Key Features to Look for When Buying an Automatic Wire Stripping Machine

If you regularly deal with large piles of insulated wire, whether from construction, demolition, HVAC work, or scrap recycling, you’ve probably wondered if an automatic wire stripping machine is worth the investment. 

Here are the essentials worth paying attention to:

• Adjustable blade depth: Necessary for clean insulation cuts without damaging wire.
• Wide wire size compatibility: Choose a machine that fits the full range of wires you handle.
• Strong motor: More power equals smoother feeds and fewer jams.
• Durable blade material: Look for hardened steel or high-speed steel (HSS).
• Automatic feeding rollers: Speed up production and eliminate manual pulling.
• Multiple feed channels: Great for switching between different wire sizes fast.
• Easy maintenance and blade access: The easier it is to clean and change blades, the longer the machine lasts.

Final Thoughts on Buying and Using a Wire Stripping Machine

Using an automatic wire stripping machine is far easier than most people expect. Once you match the machine to your wire type and learn how to set blade depth correctly, the process becomes fast, clean, and incredibly efficient. 

Whether you strip wire for work or recycling purposes, an automatic machine will save you time, effort, and money, and deliver results no manual stripper can match.

Here are the top 5 uses for your wire stripping machine.