ENGINEER PA-14 Professional Precision Wire Strippers

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing the ENGINEER PA-14 Professional Precision Wire Strippers. This tool is designed for precise and clean stripping of thin electrical wires, ensuring no damage to the conductor. Please read this manual thoroughly before use to ensure safe and effective operation.

Figure 1.1: The ENGINEER PA-14 Professional Precision Wire Strippers. This image displays the overall design of the wire strippers, featuring green ergonomic handles and a black carbon steel head with various wire gauge markings.

2. Safety Guidelines

Always observe the following safety precautions when using the PA-14 wire strippers:

• Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent injury from flying debris.
• Ensure the power to any wire being worked on is disconnected to avoid electrical shock.
• Keep fingers clear of the stripping jaws during operation.
• Do not use the tool for purposes other than wire stripping.
• Store the tool in a dry, secure place, out of reach of children.
• Inspect the tool for damage before each use. Do not use if the jaws are bent or chipped.

3. Product Overview

The ENGINEER PA-14 is engineered for precision wire stripping. Its key features include:

• Precision Jaws: Made from exceptionally sharp carbon steel, designed for clean cuts without damaging the conductor.
• Wide Wire Compatibility: Strips both stranded copper wire (AWG34-AWG22 / SWG38-SWG23) and solid core wire (AWG32-AWG20 / SWG36-SWG21).
• Spring-Loaded Mechanism: Facilitates easy and repetitive operation, reducing hand fatigue.
• Comfortable Handles: Oil-resistant Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) grips provide a secure and comfortable hold.
• Storage Latch: Handles latch shut for compact and safe storage.

Figure 3.1: Close-up view of the precision stripping jaws. This image highlights the multiple, precisely machined grooves on the carbon steel jaws, each corresponding to a specific wire gauge for accurate insulation removal.

Figure 3.2: Detail of the handle with a keyring attachment. This image shows the end of one of the green TPR handles, featuring a small hole and an attached metal keyring, allowing for convenient tethering or storage.

4. Setup

The ENGINEER PA-14 wire strippers require minimal setup before first use:

1. Remove the tool from its packaging.
2. Inspect the jaws for any shipping damage or debris. Clean if necessary.
3. Release the handle latch (if engaged) to open the jaws. The tool is now ready for operation.

5. Operating Instructions

Follow these steps to effectively strip wire using your PA-14 strippers:

1. Identify Wire Gauge: Determine the American Wire Gauge (AWG) or millimeter (MM) diameter of the wire you intend to strip. The PA-14 supports AWG34 to AWG22 for stranded wire and AWG32 to AWG20 for solid core wire.
2. Select Correct Notch: Locate the corresponding notch on the stripper jaws that matches your wire's gauge. The notches are clearly marked with AWG and MM values.
3. Position Wire: Place the wire into the selected notch, ensuring the insulation is positioned where you want the strip to begin. The wire should sit snugly in the notch.
4. Close Handles: Gently but firmly squeeze the handles together. The sharp jaws will cut through the insulation without touching the conductor.
5. Remove Insulation: While maintaining pressure, pull the wire strippers away from the wire. The cut insulation should slide off cleanly, exposing the conductor.
6. Inspect: Examine the stripped wire to ensure the insulation was removed cleanly and the conductor is undamaged.

Figure 5.1: Demonstrating wire stripping with the PA-14. This image shows a hand holding the PA-14 strippers, with a yellow insulated wire inserted into one of the gauge-specific notches, ready for the insulation to be removed.

6. Maintenance

Proper maintenance will extend the life and performance of your PA-14 wire strippers:

• Cleaning: After each use, wipe the jaws and handles with a clean, dry cloth to remove any dust, debris, or wire insulation residue.
• Lubrication: Periodically apply a small amount of light machine oil to the pivot point to ensure smooth operation. Wipe off any excess oil.
• Storage: When not in use, engage the handle latch to keep the jaws closed. Store the tool in a dry environment to prevent rust.
• Inspection: Regularly check the jaws for any signs of wear, nicks, or damage. Damaged jaws can impair stripping performance and potentially harm the wire.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your PA-14 wire strippers, consider the following:

• Wire Not Stripping Cleanly:
  • Ensure you are using the correct notch for the wire's gauge.
  • Check the jaws for any debris or damage that might be obstructing the cut.
  • Apply firm, consistent pressure when squeezing the handles.
• Conductor Damage (Nicked or Cut Strands):
  • You may be using a notch that is too small for the wire gauge. Select a slightly larger notch.
  • Ensure the wire is seated correctly in the center of the notch.
  • Avoid excessive force when closing the handles.
• Handles Sticking or Stiff:
  • Apply a small amount of light machine oil to the pivot point.
  • Clean any accumulated dirt or grime from the pivot area.

8. Specifications

Figure 8.1: Dimensional drawing of the PA-14 wire strippers. This diagram illustrates the overall length (175mm) and width (50mm) of the tool, providing precise measurements for reference.

Figure 8.2: RoHS2 compliance information. This image displays the RoHS2 logo and Japanese text indicating compliance with the RoHS2 directive regarding the restriction of hazardous substances.

9. Warranty and Customer Support

ENGINEER products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For information regarding warranty coverage, product support, or to report any issues, please refer to the official ENGINEER website or contact your authorized dealer. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.