Wire stripping tools

#This invention relates to tools for stripping the sheaths or coverings from wires, cables, and the like, for example from the end portions of the same. This may be accomplished by making a cut or cuts wholly or partly through the sheath, and then displacing the sheath and the core relative to one another.

#The object of the present invention is to provide a simplified tool for these purposes.

#In accordance with the present invention, a wire stripping tool comprises a first pair of gripping jaws, a second pair of cutting jaws located between the first pair, an axially movable part coupled to the second jaws by a lost motion device whereby a first part of an axial movement is effected without displacing the second pair of jaws, and a second part of said movement displaces the second pair of jaws relative to the first, and cam and abutment means between the said part and the first pair of jaws whereby axial movement closes both pairs of jaws before the displacement occurs.

#FIG. 1 is a sectional elevation of a tool in a first position;

#FIGS. 2 to 4 are fragmentary views of the same showing successively, second, third and fourth positions.

#Referring now to the drawings, particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, the tool shown comprises a bifurcated body 10 which houses, between its two parallel portions, a pair of first jaws 12, each of which is pivoted on a corresponding cross pin 14, the two cross pins being parallel to one another, and the ends of the cross pins being received in the two body portions. Hence the jaws 12, which form gripping jaws, can pivot from a parallel position as in FIGS. 1 and 4 to the intermediate and relatively inclined positions of FIGS. 2 and 3.

#Located between the gripping jaws 12 is a second pair of jaws 16, which are pivoted on a common pin 18 carried at one end of a stem 20. A compression spring 22 between the two jaws 16 urges them apart and takes the heels 24 of the jaws towards the adjacent surfaces of the gripping jaws 12.

#Jaws 16 are provided with inwardly directed chisel like cutting portions 26 and jaws 12 are provided with inwardly directed and conveniently serrated gripping portions 28.