Review on 🔧 IRWIN VISE-GRIP Wire Stripper, Self-Adjusting, 8-Inch – Ideal for Efficient Wire Stripping (2078300) by Freddie Newton

Works well with thick wire but causes problems when trying to strip 22 gauge or smaller strands. I disassembled the block to understand how it works. The lower handle on the left has an adjustment screw. I noticed that this screw offers no resistance until at least 1 1/2 turns. Then, after looking around, I found a spring and a hardened spherical pin. This pin controls the pressure that the wire stripper clamp applies to the wire. On a thin strand, screw it all the way in at maximum value, it doesn't exert enough pressure to strip the wire. I solved this problem by taking a small 2/56 Phillips head screw and shortening the thread length to about 1/8 inch. It enters the bore first with threads in the spring, and then the hardened ball enters the hole in the backplate first. If you fully adjust the screw after assembly, you will not be able to complete the compression. This means the spring is fully compressed. To strip 26 gauge wire I would try 2 to 2 1/4 turns to fully back out the set screw. I would also suggest putting a small amount of lithium grease on the plate. This reduces pressure wear when stripping thinner wires. I can now strip very thin wires and still use a 12 gauge home wire tool.