Posted by gmharris [71.105.35.249] on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at 14:40:27 :
In Reply to: OT - Home Wiring posted by Matt Wilson [71.170.81.169] on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at 13:13:01 :
Get one of the multi-purpose wire stripping pliers (not the automatic kind) available from just about any hardware store. Klein makes some of the best. They run about $13.00 It will be the end of nicked wires.
Stripping pliers are like using a scalpel compared to a butcher knife. Lineman's pliers are too heavy for precise work. Stripping pliers are one of those tools that you don't appreciate until you use them, then you wonder how you did without them.
If you nick a wire, you should redo them. They will definitely be subject to breaking. Work hardening is not much of a problem with copper and the re-twisted wires won't be subject to any more movement.
The wire nut should be all you need and the wires will get somewhat twisted nyway when you put on the wire nut. I like the wire nuts that have little wings on them so you can apply a little more torque.
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