Ripley UtilityTool makes a tool for nearly every step of a cable prep. The tools split into four jobs: removing the jacket, removing the insulation, handling the semi-con layer, and chamfering. Pick by the step first, then by cable diameter and voltage class.
Ranges are from Ripley's 2023-24 Power Utilities catalog and Ripley's website. Linked tools go to the product in our store. Where no range is shown, check the store page or Ripley's data for the size.
| Job | Tool | Cable OD | Voltage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacket and insulation, end or mid-span | WS 64 | 0.5 to 2.5 in | 5 to 35 kV |
| Jacket and insulation, end or mid-span | US01 | 0.5 to 2.5 in | 600 V to 35 kV |
| Jacket and insulation, dual handle | WS 50 / WS 50A | 1/0 AWG to 1000 kcmil URD | 5 to 46 kV |
| Jacket and insulation, higher voltage | WS 70 | See store page | 46 to 69 kV |
| Jacket, insulation and semi-con at the end of large cable | WS 57 / WS 57A | 2.0 to 4.25 in | 45 to 115 kV |
| URD jacket, polyethylene encapsulated | WS 61 | #2 AWG to 1000 kcmil | URD |
| Insulation end strip, with or without semi-con | WS 5 | 0.26 to 1.335 in | 600 V to 35 kV |
| Insulation end strip, higher voltage | WS 6 | 0.9 to 2.03 in | 15 to 46 kV |
| Mid-span on tree wire and spacer cable | WS 55, WS 61B, WS 1, WS 2, RMS | See store pages | Overhead |
| Shave bonded semi-con | US02 | 0.71 to 2.36 in | 5 to 35 kV |
| Shave bonded semi-con, larger cable | US02 MAX | 2.17 to 3.15 in | 5 to 35 kV |
| Shave bonded semi-con, spiral or square cut | WS 76 | See store page | 15 to 35 kV |
| Score semi-con | SCS | 0.31 to 2.0 in | 5 to 35 kV |
| Score semi-con, larger cable | SCS MAX | 1.77 to 2.96 in | Primary underground |
| Chamfer semi-con | SCC | See Ripley catalog | 15 to 35 kV |
| Chamfer URD insulation | IC series | 0.65 to 1.875 in | 15 to 35 kV |
| Chamfer insulation, 30 or 45 degree | US10 | 0.5 to 2.36 in | 15 to 35 kV |
| Slit jacket on large cable | US15 | 10 to 60 mm at the end | n/a |
| Power-driven end strip, secondary cable | WS 68 SNAP | #6 AWG to 750 kcmil | Secondary |
| 600 V secondary strippers | 2x2 Plus, 4x4 Plus, WS 22 | #6 AWG to 1000 kcmil | 600 V |
The WS 64 and US01 cover 600 V to 35 kV cable with an adjustable end and mid-span cut, and the WS 50 covers 5 to 46 kV. All three are adjustable, so one tool handles a range of cable sizes. The WS 70 steps up to 46 to 69 kV. The WS 57 handles large cable up to 115 kV and strips jacket, insulation and semi-con at the end. For URD, the WS 61 removes tough polyethylene encapsulated jackets without damaging the concentric neutrals.
Overhead tree wire and spacer cable have their own mid-span strippers. The WS 55 and WS 61B are adjustable. The WS 1, WS 2 and RMS are non-adjustable, so match the size to your wire.
The US02 and WS 76 shave bonded semi-con. The SCS scores it. The SCC chamfers the semi-con edge so it ends cleanly. Which one you need depends on your splice or termination instructions, so check the instruction sheet first. The MAX versions of the US02 and SCS take larger cable.
The IC series and the US10 cut a chamfer on XLPE insulation for 15 to 35 kV cable. The IC series cuts a 45 degree chamfer. The US10 comes in 30 and 45 degree versions.
The WS 68 SNAP is power driven for faster work on repetitive jobs. For 600 V secondary cable, the 2x2 Plus, 4x4 Plus and WS 22 are end strippers that use interchangeable bushings.
No. Jacket, insulation and semi-con work use different tools.
The WS 57 reaches 115 kV on large cable. For 600 V to 35 kV, the US01 and WS 5 cover the most ground.
The WS 61 for the jacket, the WS 5 for the insulation, and the IC series or US10 for the chamfer.
No. Ripley makes separate cable cutters for conductors, such as the RCC series ratchet cable cutters.
Powertech Associates and Utility Power Supply Company carry the Ripley UtilityTool line. Browse the Ripley tools in our store, or contact Powertech Associates with your cable type and size and we will match the tool.
Last updated: October 2026.
