The Ripley UtilityTool BP Series, known in the field as the Banana Peeler, is an adjustable scoring tool for removing the semi-con layer from 5 to 35 kV primary distribution cable. You set the blade depth, score around and along the cable, and peel the semi-con away without cutting into the insulation underneath. This guide covers the models, the sizes, and how Ripley says to use it.
Ripley lists 13 models. The right one depends on the semi-con diameter you are working on. The AR models are for soft jacket removal and use a deeper blade range. The -M models are metric. All of them are linked to the BP Series product page in our store.
| Model | Part # | Scale | Blade depth | Semi-con diameter | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BP A | 35250 | Customary | 1 to 90 mils | 0.38 to 0.75 in (9.65 to 19.05 mm) | Semi-con removal |
| BP 1A | 34244 | Customary | 1 to 90 mils | 0.75 to 1.10 in (19.05 to 27.94 mm) | Semi-con removal |
| BP 1A-M | 42220 | Metric | 0.0254 to 2.30 mm | 0.75 to 1.10 in (19.05 to 27.94 mm) | Semi-con removal |
| BP 1AH | 34190 | Customary | 1 to 90 mils | 1.10 to 1.30 in (27.94 to 33.02 mm) | Semi-con removal |
| BP 1AH-M | 42335 | Metric | 0.0254 to 2.30 mm | 1.10 to 1.30 in (27.94 to 33.02 mm) | Semi-con removal |
| BP 2A | 34245 | Customary | 1 to 90 mils | 1.25 to 1.75 in (31.75 to 44.45 mm) | Semi-con removal |
| BP 2A-M | 42336 | Metric | 0.0254 to 2.30 mm | 1.25 to 1.75 in (31.75 to 44.45 mm) | Semi-con removal |
| BP 2AH | 34615 | Customary | 1 to 90 mils | 1.75 to 1.95 in (44.45 to 49.53 mm) | Semi-con removal |
| BP 2AK | R35330 | Customary | 1 to 90 mils | 1.95 to 2.00 in (49.53 to 50.80 mm) | Semi-con removal |
| BP 3A | 38445 | Customary | 1 to 90 mils | 2.165 to 2.63 in (55.0 to 66.80 mm) | Semi-con removal |
| BP AR | 37760 | Customary | 50 to 140 mils | 0.38 to 0.75 in (9.65 to 19.05 mm) | Soft jacket removal |
| BP 1AR | 36401 | Customary | 50 to 140 mils | 0.75 to 1.10 in (19.05 to 27.94 mm) | Soft jacket removal |
| BP 2AR | 36402 | Customary | 50 to 140 mils | 1.10 to 1.30 in (27.94 to 33.02 mm) | Soft jacket removal |
These are Ripley's published specs for the BP series, listed on the BP 1A page.
| Spec | Ripley's listing |
|---|---|
| Cable access | End |
| Voltage | 5 kV minimum, 35 kV maximum |
| Scores semi-con | Yes |
| Cutting type | Spiral, longitudinal |
| Compatibility | Primary distribution underground |
| Length | 9.4 in (239 mm) |
| Weight | 13 oz (369 g) |
| Replacement blade | Part # 34230 |
Ripley says the blade depth is adjustable so the semi-con is scored without damaging the insulation. A Teflon-coated cable guide and a spring-loaded blade assembly keep the scoring depth consistent. You score both the circumference and the length of the cable with one hand.
| Feature | What Ripley says |
|---|---|
| Adjustable blade depth | Scores the semi-con without damaging the insulation underneath |
| One-handed scoring | Scores the cable circumference and length with one hand |
| Teflon-coated cable guide | Helps keep scoring depth consistent and accurate |
| Spring-loaded blade assembly | Helps keep scoring depth consistent and accurate |
These steps come from Ripley's BP1A instruction sheet, which covers the BPA, BP1A and BP2A adjustable models.
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Set the blade depth. Ripley says to set it slightly less than the semi-con thickness. For 30 mil semi-con, set the blade to 25. |
| 2 | Hold the cable, depress the lever and place the blade at the scoring point. The spring-loaded jaws close and the blade cuts to the set depth, scoring the sheathing 360 degrees. Remove the tool. |
| 3 | Turn the tool 90 degrees, depress the lever and seat the blade in the groove from step 2. Release the lever and draw the tool lengthwise off the cable. |
| 4 | Repeat around the cable as needed. More longitudinal scores make tightly bonded sheathing easier to remove. |
| 5 | Peel the scored segments with needle-nose pliers or a similar tool. Properly scored semi-con comes off cleanly without damage to the insulation. |
The replacement blade is part 34230. The instruction sheet gives this order for a blade change.
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Turn the knurled adjustment knob clockwise until it stops. The dial should read 0/50. |
| 2 | Loosen blade retaining screw A, the small set screw in the brass collar, and remove the blade through the top of brass collar B. |
| 3 | Depress the handle, insert the cable section and release the handle so the blade guide base rests on the cable OD. |
| 4 | Insert the new blade assembly, blade first, down through the brass collar. Tighten the blade holding screw against the flat portion of the blade shaft. |
| 5 | Open the tool and remove the cable. |
| 6 | Turn the adjustment wheel counterclockwise to the desired score depth. |
Dial tension can be adjusted with a 1/16 inch Allen wrench on screw C. Turn it clockwise to tighten and counterclockwise to loosen.
Ripley's instruction sheet gives these warnings.
| Warning | Detail |
|---|---|
| Live circuits | Do not use the tool on live electrical circuits |
| Eye protection | Wear OSHA/ANSI or other industry-approved eye protection |
| Intended use | Do not use the tool for purposes other than its intended use |
| Instructions | Read and understand the instructions before use |
Ripley covers the tool with a one year warranty against defective materials and workmanship from the date of shipment from the factory, when it is used per the instructions and specified ratings.
The BP series scores the semi-con by hand. If you strip a lot of cable, these Ripley tools from the store cover other methods.
| Tool | Type |
|---|---|
| WS 9 Series | Cable bonded semi-con and shield shaving tool |
| US02 MAX | Semi-con shaving tool |
| WS 64 Series | Adjustable cable stripper for cable jackets and insulation, 5 to 35 kV |
| WS 22A Series | Power-driven end stripper |
It is the nickname for the Ripley UtilityTool BP Series, an adjustable scoring tool for removing semi-con from 5 to 35 kV primary distribution cable.
Ripley lists it for primary distribution underground cable from 5 to 35 kV, with end access.
Match the model to the semi-con diameter in the size table. The BP 1A covers 0.75 to 1.10 in, for example, and the BP 2A covers 1.25 to 1.75 in.
Both fit 0.38 to 0.75 in. The BP A scores semi-con with a 1 to 90 mil blade range. The BP AR is for soft jacket removal with a 50 to 140 mil range.
Slightly less than the semi-con thickness. Ripley's example is a setting of 25 for 30 mil semi-con.
Ripley lists part 34230 on the BP 1A page. It does not say which other models use that blade, so contact us to confirm the blade for your model.
Yes. The BP 1A-M, BP 1AH-M and BP 2A-M have a metric scale with a blade depth of 0.0254 to 2.30 mm.
No. Ripley warns that the tool should not be used on live electrical circuits.
Powertech Associates supplies Ripley UtilityTool products to electric utilities, line contractors and municipal crews. Shop the BP Series Banana Peeler online. To confirm the right model or blade for your cable, contact Powertech Associates at info@powertech-upsc.com or (860) 678-8772.
Last updated: November 2026.
