VariStrip is a line of variable cable stripping tools from Ripley Tools, part of its UtilityTool series. Each VariStrip tool adjusts itself to a range of cable diameters, so one tool or bushing does the work that used to take several fixed-size ones.

The line has two main members. The US21 series is a drill-driven end stripper for THHN and XHHW building wire from #2 AWG to 750 kcmil. The US21-7300 is a self-adjusting stripper for 600V triplex underground service entrance cable from 1/0 AWG to 350 kcmil.

For crews, that means fewer tools on the truck, fewer knife cuts and the same clean strip no matter which cable brand is on the reel.

How does VariStrip work?

Each VariStrip bushing has a spring-loaded ramp that moves the cable into the right position against the blade. Because the ramp flexes, one bushing handles several conductor sizes and jacket thicknesses instead of just one.

On the US21 kits, the bushing locks into a drill-adaptable tool body with a patented quick-change collar. You can swap bushings while wearing gloves, chuck the tool into any drill driver and set a strip length from 0.5 to 3 inches with the built-in strip stop. Bushings are color coded by size and work on copper or aluminum conductors.

The US21-7300 triplex stripper uses the same self-adjusting idea for underground service cable. The conductor positions itself against a recessed blade, so strips stay consistent across cable brands. An oversized knob sets the stripback from 1 to 3 inches, and the setting shows in a marked window.

Why use a variable stripper instead of fixed bushings or a knife?

• Fewer parts to carry. Ripley says the 5-bushing US21 kit covers what would take 20 or more fixed bushings, and the US21-7300 replaces 7 or more of its 4x4 bushings.
• Safer than a knife. The blade is built into the tool, so crews skip the utility knife and the hand cuts that come with it.
• Repeatable strips. The strip stop or stripback knob gives the same length every time.
• Works across brands. Self-adjustment handles the jacket differences between cable manufacturers.

Which VariStrip model do I need?

Pick by cable type first, then by size range.

• US21-7300: 600V triplex underground service entrance cable, 1/0 AWG to 350 kcmil, 1 to 3 in. stripback
• US21-7200: kit with tool body, 5 bushings and case for THHN/XHHW, #2 AWG to 400 kcmil, 0.5 to 3 in. strip
• US21-7210: kit with tool body, 8 bushings and case for THHN/XHHW, #2 AWG to 750 kcmil, 0.5 to 3 in. strip
• US21-7205: 5 bushings only, #2 AWG to 400 kcmil, for use with the US21-7100 body
• US21-7100: drill-adaptable tool body only, fits all US21 bushings

Individual US21 bushings are also sold separately:

• US21-7001: #2 to #1 AWG
• US21-7002: 1/0 to 2/0 AWG
• US21-7003: 3/0 to 4/0 AWG
• US21-7004: 250 to 300 kcmil
• US21-7005: 350 to 400 kcmil
• US21-7006: 500 kcmil
• US21-7007: 600 kcmil
• US21-7008: 750 kcmil

Frequently asked questions

What cable does the Ripley VariStrip US21 strip?

The US21 kits strip THHN and XHHW building wire with copper or aluminum conductors, from #2 AWG up to 750 kcmil depending on the bushings in the kit.

What is the Ripley US21-7300 used for?

The US21-7300 strips 600V triplex underground service entrance cable from 1/0 AWG to 350 kcmil, with an adjustable stripback of 1 to 3 inches.

Does the VariStrip US21 work with any drill?

Yes. The US21-7100 tool body is drill adaptable and works with any drill driver.

Can I change bushings with gloves on?

Yes. The patented quick-change collar is designed for bushing swaps while wearing gloves.

What is the difference between the US21-7200 and US21-7210 kits?

The US21-7200 has 5 bushings covering #2 AWG to 400 kcmil. The US21-7210 has 8 bushings covering #2 AWG to 750 kcmil. Both include the tool body and a carrying case.

Can I buy VariStrip bushings separately?

Yes. Ripley sells the bushings individually and as a 5-bushing set (US21-7205), along with the tool body by itself (US21-7100).

Who makes VariStrip?

Ripley Tools, a maker of cable preparation tools for the electric utility industry. VariStrip is part of its UtilityTool series.

Where can I buy Ripley VariStrip in New England or New York?

Utility Power Supply Company (UPSC) and Powertech Associates represent Ripley Tools across New England and New York State. You can buy the US21-7300 Triplex VariStrip Stripper in our online store. For US21 kits and bushings, we can help you pick the right sizes, set up a demo and send a quote.

Watch the US21-7300 in action in Ripley's triplex stripper demo video, or contact us at info@powertech-upsc.com or (860) 678-8772.