Cable stripping tool

Abstract

A cable stripping tool, for stripping insulation from a cable that includes a stripper cord, includes a cylindrical mandrel having first and second ends, with a cord end receptacle formed in at least one end. The receptacle is dimensioned to receive the exposed end of a stripper cord. In use, the exposed end of the stripper cord is inserted into the receptacle, and the mandrel is rotated about its longitudinal axis, thereby pulling the stripper cord through the insulation layer. When the desired point is reached along the length of the cable, the cord is cut. The coil of cord that becomes wrapped around the mandrel may be cut axially to remove the cord from the tool. In a preferred embodiment, the mandrel is formed as a hollow tubular extrusion, with a longitudinal slot along its entire length. Alternatively, the mandrel can be formed as a solid rod of material, with a longitudinal slot formed along its length. The cord end receptacle is formed as a notch in at least one end, and preferably both ends, of the mandrel. If two notches are provided, they lie along the same diameter so as to be parallel with each other. The slot is located so that the slot and the notch define a diameter of the mandrel. The slot, which is wide enough to receive a knife blade, provides a guide for the blade when the blade is used to cut the coiled cord from the mandrel.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.