One of the more overlooked things when talking about useful tech based gadgets are the tools that help us with our infrastructure such as testing equipment, infrastructure cabling tools, and converters/connectors.

One of the common items found in a typical network installation engineers toolbox will be a good cable cutter and stripper – in this review we’ll be taking a look at the Data SureStrip cable cutter and stripper from Paladin Tools.

The Data SureStrip is a cable cutter and stripper designed for use in data and network, telecom environments.

It is more compact than the typical data cable cutter and stripper we might typically see as the traditionally long handles have been replaced with a scissor like mechanism. As a result the SureStrip feels a lot more comfortable in operation particularly when stripping cable as the entire tool can be rotated around the cable more easily.

Network and telecoms cable often consists of a number of cables contained within a master housing so it’s good to see the SureStrip can deal with a range of cable pairs including 4, 6, 8, and 25 pair cable – we tested this on 4 pair cable and it performed well – it takes a few tests to get just the right depth for cutting but once the position was found it worked consistently.

The Data SureStrip is also happy dealing with unshielded twisted pair, shielded twisted pair, and multi-conductor round cable bundles (with a maximum diameter of 12.7mm), as well as flat satin cable that often accompany telecoms equipment.

An accessible thumbscrew helps adjust the blade for cutting flat and round cable whilst the cable stripper is also adjustable for stripping round cable. Next to the round cable stripper are the blades for the flat satin stripper which are located at a fixed depth.

A good feature to see on the SureStrip is that it is naturally in the closed position as cable cutters are often spring loaded in the open position – the closed position feels more natural and ensures the device isn’t left laying around in the blade open position.

The Data SureStrip is currently available for around £24.55, for more information about the Data SureStrip head over to Farnell Electronics: Data SureStrip Cable Cutter/Stripper.