Stripping cat5 cable which doesn’t have a ripcord

cablecable-managementcat5

I need to patch a couple of cables. Normally I'd work with cat5 cable which contains a ripcord. The ripcord is used to pull outer insulation off without accidentally cutting the individual strands of cable.

The cables I have to patch cannot be replaced, and don't contain ripcords. What is the best way to strip the insulation off, to avoid accidentally cutting the individual strands?

Best Answer

In a pinch you can use scissors. Just slide the cable into the groove of the scissors and slow twist the cable completely around to get a nice nick in the insulation. Then pull on the insulation and it should break free.

See here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSzfbN83wAs

But my long term recommendation is to grab this from Fluke:

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