Best Wire Stripper and Crimper (2026): 4 Picks Compared
Four wire stripper and crimper tools compared by strip range, crimp range, functions, and build, from a 2-piece Klein kit to compact 4-in-1 pliers.
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Top picks at a glance
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- 1
Best OverallKlein 80013 Kit9.5/10View on Amazon - 2
Best Strip RangeKlein 1019 Kurve9.5/10View on Amazon - 3
Best CompactNEIKO 02037A9.4/10View on Amazon - 4
Best for Tight SpacesGOLD DEER 4-in-19.4/10View on Amazon
Rewiring a trailer plug on the garage floor is the job that shows whether a stripper and crimper earn their drawer space, and the best wire stripper and crimper is the one that strips clean, crimps tight, and fits the gauges on the bench. We compared four wire stripper and crimper tools by strip range, crimp range, functions, and build, using only what each listing publishes.
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Quick picks
- Best Overall Klein 80013 Kit: 2-piece kit with ratcheting crimper and self-adjusting stripper Check price on Amazon
- Best Strip Range Klein 1019 Kurve: Strips 10-26 AWG solid and 12-28 AWG stranded wire Check price on Amazon
- Best Compact NEIKO 02037A: 4-in-1 tool in a compact 7 in body for common repairs Check price on Amazon
- Best for Tight Spaces GOLD DEER 4-in-1: Tapered head fits tight spaces, 12-20 AWG Check price on Amazon
Picks for the garage
Klein Tools 80013 Klein Tools 80013 Wire
A 2-piece kit with a ratcheting crimper for 10-22 AWG insulated terminals and a self-adjusting stripper for 10-20 AWG solid wire.
Pros
- Ratcheting crimper with three cavities: 22-16, 16-14, and 12-10 AWG
- Self-adjusting stripper handles 10-20 AWG solid and 12-22 AWG stranded
- Strips 12/2 and 14/2 Romex cable
- Adjustable compound action and adjustable stopper for strip length
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- Spec table lists Pack of 1 while the title and bullets say 2-piece kit
- Heaviest tool here at 2.33 lb
- Crimper handles insulated terminals only
Klein Tools 1019 Klein Kurve Wire
A Made in USA stripper, crimper, and cutter for 10-26 AWG solid wire with B and IDC connector crimping.
Pros
- Widest strip range here: 10-26 AWG solid, 12-28 AWG stranded
- Crimps insulated and non-insulated terminals, plus B and IDC connectors
- Shears 6-32 and 8-32 screws cleanly
- Made in USA with a reinforced head that reduces flex
Cons
- No warranty term is stated; the listing says to call the vendor
- No ratcheting action is stated
- No strip-length stopper is stated
- Single tool rather than a 2-piece kit
NEIKO 02037A Compact Wire Stripper
A compact 7 in 4-in-1 tool that strips, crimps, cuts, and grips 12-20 AWG wire.
Pros
- Four functions in one compact 7 in tool
- Forged alloy steel with heat-treated CNC machined blades
- Cuts copper, aluminum, automotive wires, and soft steel wires
- Gripping nose pulls, holds, twists, and bends wire ends
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- Narrowest range here at 12-20 AWG
- No ratcheting action is stated
- No strip-length stopper is stated
GOLD DEER 4 in 1 Wire Crimper Stripper 7 Inches
A compact 6.9 in 4-in-1 tool in chrome vanadium steel with a tapered head for tight spaces.
Pros
- Four functions in one compact 6.9 in tool
- Chrome vanadium steel with anti-rust and corrosion resistance
- Tapered head fits into tight spaces
- Ergonomic handle for a comfortable grip
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- Narrowest range here at 12-20 AWG
- Title rounds the size to 7 inches while the bullets list 6.9 inches
- No ratcheting action is stated
Compared on paper
Specifications are manufacturer rated, as published on each listing and collected 5 November 2026. Where a listing contradicts itself, both figures are shown.
| Tool | Shop Score | Strip range | Crimp range | Functions | Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Klein 80013 Kit | 9.5/10 | 10-20 AWG solid, 12-22 AWG stranded | 10-22 AWG insulated | Strip, crimp, cut | Not stated | 2.33 lb |
| Klein 1019 Kurve | 9.5/10 | 10-26 AWG solid, 12-28 AWG stranded | 10-22 AWG insulated and non-insulated | Strip, crimp, cut, shear | 7.69 in | 0.34 lb |
| NEIKO 02037A | 9.4/10 | 12-20 AWG | 12-20 AWG insulated and non-insulated | Strip, crimp, cut, grip | 7 in | Not stated |
| GOLD DEER 4-in-1 | 9.4/10 | 12-20 AWG | 12-20 AWG insulated and uninsulated | Strip, crimp, cut, grip | 6.9 in | Not stated |
How the points were given
The Shop Score weighs performance, build, value, safety and warranty, with the weights published on our How We Pick page. None of the four listings states a UL, ETL or CSA listing, so all score zero on safety, and none states a warranty term.
| Product | Shop Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Klein 80013 Kit | 9.5 | 32 | 22 | 21 | 0 | 0 |
| Klein 1019 Kurve | 9.5 | 30 | 21 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| NEIKO 02037A | 9.4 | 27 | 20 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| GOLD DEER 4-in-1 | 9.4 | 27 | 20 | 19 | 0 | 0 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.
What the listings tell you
We read four wire stripper and crimper listings. All four strip and crimp, while two are 4-in-1 tools that also cut and grip. Only one is a 2-piece kit with a separate ratcheting crimper, and only one strips Romex cable. None states a UL, ETL or CSA listing, and none states a warranty term.
Buying guide: the best wire stripper and crimper
Match the AWG range to your wire
Wire gauge is the first number to match. The Klein 1019 strips the widest range here: 10-26 AWG solid and 12-28 AWG stranded. The Klein 80013 kit strips 10-20 AWG solid and 12-22 AWG stranded, and it also strips 12/2 and 14/2 Romex cable. The NEIKO and GOLD DEER cover 12-20 AWG, which suits common automotive and home wiring. Check the gauge printed on your wire first; an automotive wire gauge chart shows which sizes suit each circuit.
Ratcheting crimper or pliers
A ratcheting crimper squeezes in stages and holds the terminal until the crimp is done. The Klein 80013 ratcheting crimper has an adjustable compound action design and three cavities: 22-16 AWG red, 16-14 AWG blue, and 12-10 AWG yellow insulated terminals. The Klein 1019 crimps 10-22 AWG insulated and non-insulated terminals, plus B connectors and Scotchlok IDC connectors. The NEIKO and GOLD DEER crimp 12-20 AWG insulated and non-insulated wires in a pliers-style tool, which suits quick repairs. Match the terminal to the cavity; see our best wire connectors guide for terminal types.
Strip, cut, grip, and shear
One tool can cover more than stripping. The Klein 1019 shears 6-32 and 8-32 screws and cuts with precision shear-type blades, and its reinforced head reduces flex. The NEIKO and GOLD DEER add a gripping nose that pulls, holds, twists, and bends wire ends. The Klein 80013 stripper has an adjustable stopper to control the length of the core strip, so each strip comes out the same length. Pick the extra functions you will actually use on the bench.
Size and weight on the bench
Small tools get used more often. The NEIKO is a compact 7 in tool, the GOLD DEER is 6.9 in, and the Klein 1019 measures 7.69 by 2.49 by 0.38 inches and weighs 0.34 lb. The Klein 80013 kit is the big one here at 2.33 lb, with two tools in the set. A light tool suits work overhead or in a door panel; a heavier kit stays on the bench.
Use rated jack stands on solid ground, wear eye protection with power and air tools, keep fuel-burning equipment out of a closed garage, and follow the manual for every tool. Read our Safety Disclaimer.
Garage Fit Check
- Check the AWG range against the wire on the bench: the Klein 1019 strips 10-26 AWG solid, the 80013 kit strips 10-20 AWG solid, and the NEIKO and GOLD DEER cover 12-20 AWG.
- Check the crimp cavities: the 80013 crimper has three cavities for 22-16, 16-14, and 12-10 AWG insulated terminals.
- Check the strip length before the first strip: the 80013 has an adjustable stopper to control the length of the core strip.
- Keep the small tools in a drawer: the NEIKO is a compact 7 in tool and the GOLD DEER is 6.9 in.
FAQ: garage tools
What is a wire crimper?
A wire crimper is a tool that squeezes a terminal onto a stripped wire end so the connection holds. The ratcheting crimper in the Klein 80013 kit crimps insulated terminals onto 10-22 AWG stranded copper wire.
How does a wire crimper work?
The crimper presses the terminal around the bare wire, and the ratcheting design on the Klein 80013 puts more crimping power into each squeeze with an adjustable compound action.
What wire sizes do these tools cover?
The Klein 1019 strips 10-26 AWG solid and 12-28 AWG stranded wire, the 80013 kit strips 10-20 AWG solid and 12-22 AWG stranded, and the NEIKO and GOLD DEER cover 12-20 AWG.
How do you use a wire terminal crimper?
Strip the wire to the right length, slide the terminal on, and squeeze the crimper on the matching cavity: the 80013 has cavities for 22-16 AWG red, 16-14 AWG blue, and 12-10 AWG yellow terminals.
How do you use a Klein wire crimper?
Match the terminal color to the cavity: red for 22-16 AWG, blue for 16-14 AWG, and yellow for 12-10 AWG insulated terminals on the Klein 80013 ratcheting crimper.
Related: the best wire crimper set, the best wire crimper for heat shrink connectors, our diagnostics and electrical hub and our best digital multimeter for home garage. Also see our best wire connectors. Also see our automotive wire gauge chart. Also see our types of battery terminals.
