Once the jacket and neutrals are out of the way, medium voltage cable prep calls for removing the semi-con layer from the insulation. Ripley UtilityTool makes tools for two different jobs here. Shaving tools take off bonded semi-con. Scoring tools cut through the semi-con so it can be peeled. This guide sorts the Ripley semi-con tools by cable size, voltage and job. Check your splice or termination instructions first, since they say how the semi-con should end. For the jacket step, see our Ripley jacket removal tool guide.

Ripley semi-con removal quick pick

Shaving tools

US02

• Cable OD 0.71 to 2.36 in, 5 to 35 kV primary distribution underground. Works at the end or mid-span.
• Removes semi-con within 1.18 in (30 mm) of the jacket, up to 0.095 in of semi-con.
• Blade depth adjusts in 0.004 in (0.1 mm) steps. The blade shape preserves the insulation surface, so Ripley says no deburring is needed.
• A stop position squares off the edge without an extra clamp.
• Part numbers: US02-7000 with hard case, US02-7005 with pouch. Replacement blade US02-7501.

US02 MAX

• The larger version, for cable 2.17 to 3.15 in OD. Part number US02-7100, blade US02-7501.
• Removes semi-con within 1.96 in (50 mm) of the jacket. It has two feed positions and leaves a 12 degree chamfer at the semi-con end.
• Comes in a molded carrying case.

WS 76

• Cable OD 0.71 to 2.36 in, 15 to 35 kV, polyethylene and XLPE insulated primary underground cable. End access.
• A thumbscrew switches between a spiral shave and a square-cut finish, with no extra stop device. The tool leaves a 20 degree chamfer.
• The forward position removes semi-con within 0.984 in (25 mm) of the jacket. The reverse feature removes semi-con shield within 0.275 in (7 mm).
• Part numbers: 43580 tool only, 43560 with case. Replacement blade 43577.

WS 9 series

The WS 9 shaves bonded semi-con and shield in a helical pattern from the end of the cable. Pick the model by cable OD and by radius or taper cut.

Scoring tools

SCS

• Cable OD 0.31 to 2.0 in, 5 to 35 kV, end access. Makes spiral, longitudinal and calibrated square cuts.
• Blade depth is adjustable from 0 to 0.16 in (0 to 4 mm) in 0.002 in steps, in inch or metric versions.
• The standard SCS has a general-purpose cable guide. The SCS V2 has a narrower guide for sheathed and jacketed three-phase assemblies and gives better control on bowed or curved cable.
• Part numbers: 43630 (inch), 43625 (metric), 43651 (V2 inch), 43650 (V2 metric). Replacement blade 43645.

SCS MAX

• For larger cable, 1.77 to 2.96 in measured over the semi-con screen. Scores to 0.16 in deep in 0.002 in steps. Part number US05-7100, blade 43645.
• The US05-7110 clamp guide is sold separately.

Banana Peeler (BP series)

• A single-handed scoring tool for 5 to 35 kV primary underground cable at the end. Cuts spiral and longitudinal. Blade depth is 1 to 90 mils.
• Pick the model by semi-con diameter: BP A (0.38 to 0.75 in), BP 1A (0.75 to 1.10 in), BP 1AH (1.10 to 1.30 in), BP 2A (1.25 to 1.75 in), BP 2AH (1.75 to 1.95 in), BP 2AK (1.95 to 2.00 in) and BP 3A (2.165 to 2.63 in). Metric versions exist for the 1A, 1AH and 2A.
• The BP AR, 1AR and 2AR are set up for soft jacket removal, with a 50 to 140 mil blade depth.
• Replacement blade 34230.

Motorized: WS 40

The WS 40 shaves semi-con shield on a motor, on 115 VAC power. It handles 5 to 34.5 kV primary underground cable from 0.625 to 1.875 in OD, with XLPE, EPR and PE insulation. It weighs 13 lb and is 12 in long. Master shaving bushings and adapter sleeves are sold separately. It is for crews or shops that prep a lot of cable.

How to choose a semi-con removal tool

1. Check your splice or termination instructions for how the semi-con should end.
2. Decide if the semi-con is bonded (shave) or can be scored and peeled (score).
3. Measure the cable OD and match it to the tool range.
4. Confirm the voltage class and whether you need mid-span access. The US02 does both mid-span and end, and most of the others are end only.
5. Order blades and, where needed, bushings or guides with the tool.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between shaving and scoring?

Shaving removes bonded semi-con as a thin layer. Scoring cuts into the semi-con layer without cutting the insulation, so the semi-con can be peeled off.

Which tool works at mid-span?

The US02 and US02 MAX list mid-span and end access. The WS 76, WS 9, SCS and BP series list end access.

Which tool leaves a chamfer on the semi-con?

The WS 76 leaves a 20 degree chamfer and the US02 MAX leaves a 12 degree chamfer. For a separate chamfer step, see our chamfering and penciling tool guide.

What do I use on larger cable?

The US02 MAX shaves cable up to 3.15 in OD, the SCS MAX scores cable up to 2.96 in, and the WS 9D and 9E cover 1.90 to 3.625 in transmission cable.

Do these tools cut the insulation?

No. They are made to leave the insulation intact. Set the blade depth to match your semi-con thickness and follow the instruction sheet.

Where to buy Ripley semi-con removal tools

Powertech Associates and Utility Power Supply Company carry the Ripley UtilityTool line. Browse the Ripley semi-con removal tools or all Ripley tools in our store, or contact Powertech Associates with your cable type and size and we will match the tool.

Last updated: November 2026.