Description:

Key Features

Wide Cable Range The Knipex 16 30 135 SB Dismantling Tool handles round cable sheaths from 1/4 inch to 1-1/8 inch. That gives electricians and low-voltage installers one tool that covers small control cable up through larger jacketed cable. Controlled Blade Depth The knurled adjustment nut lets you set cutting depth before you start. That matters when you need to open the jacket without nicking conductors underneath. Switch Cut Direction Turn the tool body to go from circular cuts to longitudinal cuts, and use spiral cutting when you need to remove intermediate jacket sections. It is a faster way to strip outer sheaths cleanly on the job.

Overview

The Knipex 16 30 135 SB Dismantling Tool is a compact cable dismantling tool built for removing outer sheaths from round cable. This is a dismantling tool designed for stripping round cable jackets cleanly and with better control than a utility knife. Model Number: 16 30 135 SB. If you work with PVC, rubber, silicon, or PTFE-sheathed cable and want a safer, more repeatable way to open the jacket, this is the kind of tool that earns a spot in the pouch.

Its working range covers cable sheath diameters from 1/4 inch (6 mm) to 1-1/8 inch (29 mm), which makes it useful across a broad mix of electrical and low-voltage work. Instead of guessing blade angle by hand, the self-tightening holding lever keeps the tool positioned on the cable while you work. That helps you stay consistent, especially when you are stripping multiple runs and need the cut to be clean every time.

The feature that really matters here is the knurled nut for cutting depth adjustment. On cable work, blade control is everything. Too shallow and you waste time making repeat passes. Too deep and you risk scoring insulation under the outer jacket. Being able to dial in the cut depth is what makes a dedicated dismantling tool better than forcing the job with a pocket knife.

Knipex also built in flexibility for different cut styles. By turning the tool body, you can change from circular cutting to longitudinal cutting. That makes it easier to open a cable end, then run a straight cut down the jacket as needed. It also supports spiral cutting for removing intermediate sections, which is useful when you need access in the middle of a cable run instead of only at the end.

The housing is made from impact-resistant plastic, so it stays light in hand without feeling disposable. At about 0.215 lbs and 5-1/2 inches long, it is easy to carry and easy to control in tight spaces like panels, boxes, and retrofit work. The bare plastic handle keeps the overall shape simple and compact, which suits a tool meant for quick, precise sheath removal rather than heavy cutting force.

Another practical detail is serviceability. The blade is replaceable and uses replacement blade 16 39 135. That means the tool is not throwaway gear. When the edge finally wears down, you replace the blade and keep working instead of replacing the entire tool.

This Knipex dismantling tool makes the most sense for electricians, control techs, telecom installers, panel builders, and serious DIY users who work with round jacketed cable often enough to appreciate a dedicated solution. If you only open cable once in a while, a general knife may get you by. If you do it regularly and want cleaner work with less risk to the conductors underneath, this is the smarter tool.

Clean Jacket Removal Without Guesswork

This tool is built to open round cable sheaths in a more controlled way than freehand cutting. The adjustable depth and self-tightening hold help you make clean cuts while reducing the chance of damaging what is under the jacket.

• Works on PVC, rubber, silicon, and PTFE cable sheaths
• Handles round cable diameters from 1/4 inch (6 mm) to 1-1/8 inch (29 mm)
• Changes from circular to longitudinal cutting by turning the tool body
• Supports spiral cutting for removing intermediate jacket sections

What's in the Box

• (1) Knipex 16 30 135 SB Dismantling Tool

Key Specifications

Compatibility

Cable Jacket Materials Designed for round cable sheaths made of PVC, rubber, silicon, or PTFE. Cable Size Range Fits round cable diameters from 1/4 inch (6 mm) to 1-1/8 inch (29 mm). Replacement Blade Uses replaceable blade part number 16 39 135.

Built For

Electrical Low-Voltage Cable Prep Control Wiring Panel Work Telecom Installation HVAC Controls General Contracting DIY / Hobbyist

Pro Tip

Set the blade depth on a scrap piece of the same cable before you touch the actual run. Once the jacket score is right, switch from a circular cut at the end to a longitudinal cut along the body of the cable for a cleaner peel with less chance of tagging the insulation underneath.

Warranty & Support

Lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects.

Tool Nut's Take

Tool Nut's Take

Why the Knipex 16 30 135 SB Dismantling Tool earns its keep

This is the kind of specialty tool that seems simple until you use it, then you stop reaching for a knife.

• Who it's for: Electricians, low-voltage techs, panel builders, and anyone regularly opening round cable jackets.
• Why it stands out: Adjustable blade depth, a self-tightening hold, and the ability to switch between circular, longitudinal, and spiral cuts make it much more controlled than improvised cutting methods.
• Worth knowing: This is a dedicated dismantling tool, not a general-purpose cutter. If your work involves round sheathed cable often, that focus is exactly why it works so well.

Common Questions

• What types of cable sheath can this tool handle? It is designed for round cable sheaths made of PVC, rubber, silicon, and PTFE.
• What cable sizes does it fit? The working range is 1/4 inch to 1-1/8 inch, or 6 mm to 29 mm cable diameter.
• Can the blade be replaced? Yes. It uses replacement blade 16 39 135.
• Is this an insulated 1000V tool? No. It is not 1000 volt insulated.