Description:

Key Features

Strips 20 to 10 AWG This wire stripper handles solid and stranded conductors from 20 to 10 AWG, with locating ridges that let you find the right hole by feel inside a crowded box. Cuts Cable Up to 1/2" Induction-hardened shear blades cut copper and aluminum conductors plus NM-B, BX, and MC cable up to 1/2", so you are not reaching for a second cutter. Spring-Loaded Comfort An integrated opening spring and KNIPEXTEND comfort handles take the strain out of repetitive stripping, and the handles accept color-coding and tethering clips.

Overview

The Knipex 13 72 8 Forged 8-in. 10-20 AWG Wire Stripper and Cutter is a multi-function electrician's hand tool for stripping, cutting, and prepping wire in residential, commercial, and service work. This is a wire stripper designed for stripping 20 to 10 AWG solid and stranded wire and cutting cable and conductors up to 1/2". Model Number 13 72 8 is made in Germany from forged, multi-stage oil-hardened tool steel.

The stripping stations cover the wire sizes that make up most branch-circuit, lighting, and control work, with separate solid and stranded markings. Locating ridges on the jaw let you index the right hole by feel, which is faster and more accurate than squinting at stampings in a dim panel or an overhead box. Among Knipex wire strippers, this is the forged, do-everything design rather than a single-purpose stripping tool.

On the cutting side, the shear blades are induction hardened and Knipex rates them for 50% higher cutting capacity than competing strippers, with less hand effort per cut. They cut copper and aluminum conductors up to 1/2" and cable up to 1/2", including NM-B, BX, and MC. The integrated opening spring reopens the jaws after every cut and strip, which adds up over a day of trim-out.

The head packs in the small functions that usually mean carrying extra tools. A screw shear cuts 6-32 and 8-32 machine screws without damaging the threads, so device screws can be shortened and still start cleanly. Wide gripping jaws twist conductors together, a wire looping groove forms hooks for terminal screws, and a built-in conduit reamer knocks the burr off a fresh cut before you pull wire.

Build quality is classic Knipex. The forged body has a bolted joint for smooth, precise action without slop, a polished head with black atramentized finish, and a lock that works for left- or right-handed users. At 8" long and 0.61 lbs, it has enough leverage for cable cutting without being a burden in a pouch.

The KNIPEXTEND comfort handles are designed to accept optional KNIPEXTEND ColorCoded clips for identifying crew tools at a glance, plus TetheredTool clips for working at height. Both are sold separately. For contractors who standardize on Knipex, that makes this stripper easy to fold into a tracked, tethered tool setup.

Who should buy it? Electricians, apprentices, maintenance techs, and low-voltage installers who want one forged tool that strips, cuts, shears screws, loops, twists, and reams. It is not an insulated tool, so it is for de-energized work.

Built for Work at Height

The KNIPEXTEND handle accepts a TetheredTool clip, so a dropped stripper stays on the lanyard instead of falling to the floor below. Add KNIPEXTEND TetheredTool clips and connect it to a lanyard system.

• Accepts KNIPEXTEND TetheredTool and ColorCoded clips (sold separately)
• Works with the KNIPEX TetheredTool system

Clean Strips by Feel

Solid and stranded stations are marked separately on the jaw, and the locating ridges let you find the right size without looking.

• 20 to 10 AWG solid and stranded
• Wire looping groove for terminal screw connections

Cuts the Cable You Actually Pull

The shear blades take on armored and sheathed cable, not just single conductors, so rough-in goes faster with one tool in hand.

• Cuts NM-B, BX, and MC cable
• Copper and aluminum conductors up to 1/2"

Trim Device Screws Without Ruining Threads

The induction-hardened screw shear cuts device screws to length and leaves threads that still start, so receptacles and switches go back in without a fight.

• Cuts 6-32 and 8-32 screws without threading
• Conduit reamer for deburring fresh cuts

Key Specifications

Compatibility

KNIPEXTEND ClipsHandles accept KNIPEXTEND ColorCoded clips for tool identification and TetheredTool clips for tethering (sold separately). KNIPEX TetheredTool SystemWith a TetheredTool clip installed, connects to KNIPEX tool tethering lanyards. Cable TypesCuts NM-B, BX, and MC cable plus copper and aluminum conductors up to 1/2".

Built For

Electrical Rough-In Wiring Device Installation Panel Work Facility Maintenance Service Work Work at Height

Pro Tip

After cutting conduit, give the fresh end a few turns on the built-in conduit reamer before you pull wire. A burr left on the cut edge will skin conductor insulation as it slides past.

Warranty & Support

Knipex limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.

Tool Nut's Take

Tool Nut's Take

The Knipex 13 72 8 Forged Wire Stripper Earns Its Spot in the Pouch

One forged, German-made tool that strips, cuts cable, shears screws, loops, twists, and reams, with a spring that saves your hand on every cycle.

• Who it's for: Electricians, apprentices, and maintenance techs doing daily 20 to 10 AWG wire prep and device work.
• Why it stands out: Hardened shear blades rated for 1/2" cable, a thread-friendly screw shear, and KNIPEXTEND handles ready for color-coding and tethering.
• Worth knowing: It is not insulated. For work near energized circuits, step up to the 13 78 8 SBA 1000V insulated version.

Common Questions

• What wire sizes does it strip? 20 to 10 AWG, solid and stranded.
• Will it cut MC and BX cable? Yes. It cuts NM-B, BX, and MC cable up to 1/2".
• Is it rated for live work? No. It is not 1000V insulated.
• Are the tether and color clips included? No. KNIPEXTEND ColorCoded and TetheredTool clips are sold separately.