Step-by-Step

The easiest way to remove plastic sheathing from nonmetallic sheathed cable is to use an inexpensive cable ripper. Slip 6 to 8 inches of cable into the ripper's jaws, squeeze, and pull. This slits open the sheathing without damaging the insulation of internal wires. The same job can be done with a knife, but you must be careful: Run the blade right down the middle so it doesn't strip insulation from the wires.

Pull back the sheathing you have just slit, as well as the paper wrapping or strips of thin plastic, if any. You'll find two or three separately insulated wires, as well as a bare ground wire.

Cut off the sheathing and paper. Remove the slit sheathing with a pair of side cutters. Or use a knife, taking care to point the blade away from the wires.

To strip insulation from wires, use a combination tool, which has separate holes for the different sizes of wires. Locate the wire in the correct hole, clamp down, give it a twist, and pull the tool away from you.

Use the same technique with an adjustable stripper. The advantage of this tool is that, once it is set correctly for the wire size, it is not necessary to look for the right hole every time.

Stripping also can be done with a utility knife, but be careful not to dig into the copper wire. Place the wire on a scrap piece of wood, hold the blade at a slight angle, and make several light slices.