Manual wire strippers are a pair of opposing blades much like scissors or wire
cutters. The addition of a center notch makes it easier to cut the insulation without cutting the wire. This type of wire stripper is used by rotating it around the insulation while applying pressure
in order to make a cut around the insulation. Since the insulation is not
bonded to the wire, it then pulls easily off the end. This is the most versatile type of wire
stripper. When engaged, an automatic wire stripper simultaneously grips the wire from one side
and cuts and removes the insulation from the other. To use it, one simply has to place the wire
in the jaws and squeeze the handle. This device allows even a novice to strip most wires very quickly.