Ideal Industries has invented a better mousetrap for the electrician in the form of an improved armored cable cutter. The Sir Nickless ($24) has the simple distinction of having its cable bed slightly curved so that the wires inside are pulled to the bottom, out of harm's way. Pretty simple, but pretty smart. The cutting blade is also depth-adjustable for more control and protection. Are you still taking a risk by stripping Romex with a knife or diagonal cutters? Wire strippers that can safely chop through the outer sheathing of nonmetallic insulated wiring are the way to go. The Reflex T-Stripper has everything you need for 12-2 and 14-2 residential wiring and nothing extra, and its ergonomically curved handle fits the human hand better than a straight handle. 800-435-0705, www.idealindustries.com.
