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Cable Stripping
Hi All, Looking for feedback from the industry on what our linemen and cable jointers are using when stripping PVC and XLPE cables. Over the years we have tried all sorts of cable stripping tools and devices, and while these perform well under ideal circumstances and with new cable they are less reliable in the real world on old cables.
The art of sharpening knives seems to have been lost into the mists of time, and the subject of knives seems to have been omitted from most literature. which brings us back to what appears to be the preferred tool, a Stanley type knife.
We have had a couple of near misses with these that could have resulted in much worse injuries so if anyone has any in sight that you can share or if anyone has developed a work instruction around cable stripping that you can share, I’d appreciate the help.
Thanks Jacko
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3 Replies
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Jacko – we use these kits or bits of them, expensive but designed for the removal
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We have had pretty good success with this type of knife for UG works and they are part of most of our generic toolkits and insulated toolkits.
I have had good success with the old orange “D” type hand cutter for sheath removal only.
The issue is generally that OH covered PVC is considerably tougher and blades do not fair so well (plus most line mechanics don’t generally carry a gas torch in their back pocket) so the old faithful hook knife still seems to do the trick for most OH works, if, as you said, it is sharp 🙂
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We use the same tool as Electrix. Work on cold cables really well. The stripping knives, someone brought them into our business recently. Already we’ve had the tip break off one leaving you with a knife that’s likely to result in severe injury. Go for the safest option regardless of cost
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