Patco Wire Stripping tools feature a revolutionary and unprecedented technology not offered by any other company. Patco Strippers meet the highest standards on ESD sensitive hardware, in stripping quality, stripping speed, fumes emission and safety. There is only one stripping element so there is never an alignment problem.
Goto Optima to know more.
Patco PVC Strippers are very fast, low power tools with extremely long life stripping elements. These hard-tempered Nickel-Chromium alloy elements retain their integrity throughout their lifetime. The element’s very low mass allows them to rapidly heat and cools down. Competitive models are designed to be either on or off while the Patco PTS-10 & Patco PTS-100 models are designed to stay continuously energized. The wire insulation is thermally separated, and then simply removed from the conductor. The process is performed in one very fast and fluid motion.
It is often asked if High-Temperature strippers can also remove PVC type insulation? Yes, they can, but the temperature of the elements must be lowered. This can be done by energizing the switch for a very short time or by pulsing it. However, there are reasons why we do not recommend it. The PVC insulation will leave residue on the stripping element which must be removed prior to increasing the element’s temperature. If not, the PVC residue left on the element will burn off when switching back to PTFE insulation. The resulting burn off may be harmful. PVC strippers are set to a much lower PVC melting temperature. They are also smaller, faster, less expensive and have a much longer element life.
The element design for High-Temperature insulation features two sections. Ringing section (a heated section where the insulation is thermally separated) and pulling section where the thermally separated insulation slug is wedged between two parallel edges of the stripping element for an easy removal. Although this section of the element also carries the current which heats the grooving section, it is not annealed (due to it’s greater widths. thus lower resistance) and it retains its hard temper. In addition, these edges are also supported by .025″ thick, hard temper element support. This will allow pulling a slug as long as 12″ without damaging the element. Please note that conductors # 24-30 AWG are stripped directly at the heated end of the stripping element. The inner surface area of these wires against the insulation is very small so there is no danger of damaging the element while pulling off the slug.
The stripping element is only .010″ thick (.008″ Patco PTS-10) and therefore the thermally cut groove width is much narrower than the two element models offered by other manufacturers. Patco’s low mass thermal stripping technology means less needed power, faster heating time, shorter cooling time, fewer fumes and a higher quality strip. The longevity of the element is also greatly extended because the annealed portion of the element is used mainly for ringing (separating) the insulation rather than pulling off the slug.
There are no nicks on the conductor because of the rounded edges of the stripping element. The heated section of the element is also protected by an Element Guard, thus reducing the risk of burns. The segmented design of the studs helps dissipate heat thus reducing the risk of burns even during prolonged use. The weight of the Patco PTS-30 tool is 0.4 kg and the weight of the Patco PTS-3 adjustable temperature model is 0.124 kg.
Patco Thermal Strippers include unprecedented design features such as a Gauge Selector and Flicker Accessory, which are not available on any other tools currently on the market. Patco Thermal Strippers have the most value and cost less than other competitive models making our products the ideal tools for your needs.
If you currently use hand-held mechanical wire strippers there is one question you should ask yourself, “When do I replace a mechanical wire stripper with a new one”? Not knowing when can prove to be quite costly. We at PATCO have analyzed and documented every mechanical detail of sharp edge wire stripping. With over 30 years of experience, we would like to share our knowledge with you.
Mechanical handheld wire strippers do not last forever. The sharp edges will eventually dull and the tool should be replaced regularly or in few cases sharpened. For years, we have been asking actual users of these types of strippers one simple question.
We are still waiting for the correct answer!
“When they don’t work anymore”
“When the stripping becomes difficult”
“When they don’t produce clean strip anymore”
“When they don’t work anymore”.
So what exactly happened to the tool since yesterday? Yesterday they worked, but not today? Yesterday, the operator used the tool stripping wires and today he needs a new one. Why?
“When the stripping becomes difficult”
What about yesterday? Wasn’t it just as difficult to strip wires yesterday or day before? As a matter of a fact, wasn’t it difficult to strip wires for quite some time now? So why wasn’t the tool replaced earlier and why did the operator wait until today?
When the operator gets so fed up with the tool that he finally decides to get a new one. The damage has to become too frequent and too costly. In another word, something drastic has to happen that requires tool replacement.
Here is an example:
An operator is stripping wires of special sensors using standard manual wire stripper with half-round openings. The tool has several of them each opening matching certain wire gauge. Because the stripping blades are not as sharp as on a new tool, there is an increased lead pull on the sensor wires. The operator has stripped wires from many sensors before without a problem.
Then it happens! The wire slips through his fingers and the stripper pulls the lead out of the sensor. It is not repairable so it is a loss.
So what happens now? Maybe the operator was distracted and did not hold the wire tightly enough, his fingers were sweaty or greasy or he may even put the wire into the wrong opening. The operator knows that the tool is probably not as sharp as new but it still works. After all, he just stripped wires of many sensors and it worked. The operator figures that it was most likely his fault. To prevent future accidental damage, he increases the finger grip on the wires….until….it happens again and again. The tool looks fine, works OK and works great on other wires!
This is a typical and frequent scenario where it is up to the factory worker to determine when the wire stripper needs to be replaced. Unfortunately, the degradation of the stripping edges is so slow and insidious that the operator does not even realize it until the damage becomes too frequent and often costly.
One fact we do know, that there is a multitude of hidden costs associated with the use of mechanical wire strippers. These costs grow exponentially as the stripping edges deteriorate.
Even with a new mechanical stripper, there is always the possibility to nick a conductor. Obviously, with use, the blades will eventually dull, resulting in a poor quality strip. More pressure will be applied to the insulation and the conductor, thus greatly increasing a lead pull which can damage certain components.
In the statement above two contributors to hidden costs are revealed. Wire and component damage. How often do these occur? It is not easy to track since most of them are not reported. The point here is that they are inevitable. They will happen and they do cost money.
Thermal Wire Strippers are the answer to these problems. First, thermal strippers do not have sharp edges. The heated stripping element instantly and completely separates the insulation slug without any damage to the conductor. Every strip is the same requiring the lowest possible force to remove the slug thus preventing component damage. (See the examples in the detailed diagrams below).
In this chapter, we delve into the fundamentals of cable reels by examining their definition, design, essential features, and the factors to consider when selecting the right cable reels.
Cable reels are crafted to store, wind, and unwind conductive or lifting cables efficiently. Electric cable reels are equipped with contacts that ensure power continuity during the winding process. These devices are essential for coiling long, continuous materials such as cables, wires, paper, and other items for storage or transit purposes. The designs of reels vary from basic storage solutions to sophisticated self-winding models, some of which support live connections, allowing hoses or electrical wires to be utilized directly from the reel.
Cable reels can be rewound using several techniques, such as manual crank, electric power, hydraulic systems, pneumatic force, and spring technology.
The five principal configurations for cable reels include collapsible, portable, live connection, reel and cable assemblies, and storage reels.
Critical attributes of cable reels include the flange diameter, core diameter, inside traverse, the external diameter of the cable intended for the reel, and the cable length.
Essential considerations in choosing cable reels are:
Safety – Roller systems reduce operator fatigue and promote ergonomic handling, maintaining a consistent cable length with each draw. They are safer compared to reel jack stands when used with optional tie-down kits.
Specifications for Cable Length:
Want more information on cable peeler? Feel free to contact us.
When specifying cable management solutions, it is essential to understand the various types of cable reels available. Each cable reel type offers distinct features suitable for different cable storage, transportation, and deployment requirements within industrial, commercial, and construction environments. Below, we explore the most common and specialized cable reel types—along with key advantages, industry applications, and critical selection criteria important for users seeking optimal cable storage and handling.
Wooden cable reels, as the name suggests, are constructed from durable timber and designed for heavy-duty applications that require the secure transportation and storage of large quantities of cable, wire, or rope. These heavy-duty wood reels are particularly common in the power distribution sector, telecommunications, and utility industries, where bulk cable spooling is necessary for long-distance electrical cable runs and overhead power lines. They can be customized with various traverse lengths and flange diameters to accommodate different cable types, wire gauges, and overall reel load capacities.
The manufacturing process begins with precision crafting of flanges, which are the large circular end plates at each side of the cable drum. Two layers of lumber are attached perpendicularly to provide a solid, stable flange structure. Using bandsaws, square blanks are trimmed into perfect circles, and every edge is smoothed to prevent cable abrasion during winding and unwinding cycles.
Customizable options include adjusting the diameters of arbor holes, start holes, as well as flange bolt holes—which are essential for secure mounting on both manual and automated cable-handling equipment. These modifications allow users to select the ideal wooden cable reel for their unique electrical, fiber optic, or rope application needs.
The central core, or drum, comprises straight-edged lumber that’s carefully machined to produce curved staves, providing a robust and balanced foundation to support heavy cable loads. The assembly is finalized by securely bolting all reel components together, ensuring long-lasting performance even during frequent transport and field installation operations.
Plywood reels represent a cost-effective and reliable cable storage solution, popular in the electrical distribution and wire manufacturing industries. The production process starts with logs that are soaked and heated to soften the wood, allowing for efficient veneer cutting. Each log is processed using a peeler lathe to create thin, uniform veneers, which are sorted by quality grade and dried to optimal moisture content for maximum dimensional stability.
Once moisture is reduced, sheets are assembled and bonded with waterproof adhesives in a hot press, ensuring durable, weather-resistant plywood cable reels. Depending on requirements, plywood cable reels are manufactured using marine-grade or shuttering plywood—each providing tailored resistance properties for specific environments.
Plywood reels offer major benefits such as lightweight construction, ease of handling, and suitability for shipping fiber optic cables, small-gauge wires, conduit, or specialty cable spools. Each unit is precisely cut, marked for traceability, and available in a variety of panel grain orientations for enhanced strength. Plywood’s high panel shear, layered structure, and insulation properties make it a reliable material for storage environments subject to fluctuating temperature and humidity.
Plywood has several notable features, including:
Despite its name, marine plywood cable reels are not inherently waterproof unless properly treated. However, by using premium hardwood and waterproof adhesives, marine plywood reels deliver superior durability, strength, and moisture resistance—making them the preferred choice for cable storage near docks, ships, offshore wind turbines, and waterfront installations.
Opting for higher-grade variants ensures that cable reels are lightweight but strong, with minimal defects—crucial for environments subject to regular exposure to sea spray, moisture, and UV radiation. Marine plywood reels are also repurposed for heavy-duty outdoor furniture and infrastructure, especially when coated with protective finishes for extreme environments. Major grades include A, A-B, B, high-density overlay (HDO), and medium-density overlay (MDO), each offering unique performance characteristics for demanding cable reel applications.
Shuttering plywood cable reels deliver exceptional durability and are engineered for temporary cable formwork and heavy-duty construction applications. With a dense, multi-layered core and smooth finish, shuttering plywood reels withstand frequent assembly, disassembly, and high mechanical loading, making them ideal for concrete work and construction site power management where strength and reusability are essential.
Plastic cable reels, often made from high-impact polypropylene or engineered plastics, are valued in industries requiring corrosion resistance, lightweight handling, and recyclability. Popular among electrical cable manufacturers and used for both industrial and residential cable deployments, these plastic reels protect insulated wires, data cables, textile ribbons, and medical monofilaments.
Plastic cable reels are available in a wide range of flange diameters and can be customized for automated or precision winding requirements. Thanks to their non-conductive and non-corrosive nature, plastic reels are suitable for clean room manufacturing, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and locations where hygiene standards are paramount. Recent advances in 3D printing also allow for tailored spool designs to reduce overall reel weight and optimize space efficiency for on-demand applications. Their environmental benefits are highlighted by full recyclability and compliance with modern sustainability standards.
Steel drums and steel cable reels have become the industry standard in heavy industrial settings, offering outstanding mechanical durability and corrosion resistance. Their robust construction is ideal for large-scale cable deployment in offshore, energy, mining, oil & gas, and marine applications where cable lengths and weights are substantial. Both fixed and collapsible options are available for enhanced versatility and reusability on cable installation projects.
Manufacturers often produce steel reels using environmentally sustainable methods, with each unit designed to support repeated handling, heavy pulling, and rugged transport conditions. Steel cable drums deter theft compared to wood, provide anti-slip features, and are preferred for subsea and offshore cable laying due to their excellent weight capacity and weather resistance. For automated cable management, spring-loaded and motorized retractable models are available, further improving efficiency and safety in high-demand environments. These steel reels support cables of all types and diameters—from armored power cables to delicate control wires.
Spring cable reels are automatic rewind systems engineered for continuous cable extension and retrieval without tangling or interruption. Frequently used in moving mechanical assemblies and mobile power delivery systems, spring cable reels are essential for cranes, lifts, hoists, magnets, excavators, mobile platforms, and automated transfer vehicles. These self-retracting reels excel in scenarios where secure cable management and precise control of electrical or signal transmission is critical.
Key components include motor springs for extended travel, spirator springs for compact power storage, and negator spring assemblies that ensure smooth, constant-force retraction. These elements allow spring reels to operate reliably in both vertical and horizontal orientations—even where hundreds of feet of cable must be deployed and retrieved rapidly and frequently. Advanced spring materials such as Inconel and Elgiloy ensure fatigue resistance and usage longevity in industrial environments exposed to harsh or corrosive conditions.
Their versatility makes spring cable reels the go-to solution for reeling power cords, communication cables, high-voltage wires, or hydraulic lines that must remain organized and accessible during equipment operation and maintenance tasks.
For applications with substantial cable lengths or automated machinery, motor-driven cable reels offer automated spooling and cable management synchronized with machine movement. Typical environments include gantry cranes, warehouse automation, mining excavators, bridge cranes, purification facilities, and large-scale process sites where uninterrupted cable operations and data transmission are vital.
Motor-driven cable reels consist of a robust reel drum, powerful drive assembly (motor-mounted or side-driven), and a slip ring system for continuous power and data transfer. Industry terminology often includes “motor-powered cable reels,” “electric driven hose reels,” “powered cable spools,” and “auto rewind cable drums.” Integrated safety controls, programmable speeds, and overload protection are available to optimize cable management and reduce operator risk—making these reels indispensable for high-volume, automated cable handling tasks.
Fixed reels, unlike take-apart or collapsible variants, are permanently assembled and designed to withstand rigorous operational cycles in lifting systems, incline conveyors, elevators, ropeways, and permanent handling fixtures. Their sturdy design supports repeated winding and unwinding of wire ropes and power cables, while minimizing maintenance and ensuring consistent reliability throughout an installation’s lifespan.
Hose reels specialize in the coiling and management of industrial hoses designed for transferring liquids and gases, making them integral components in manufacturing, automotive, HVAC, and petrochemical applications. These reels are available in steel, stainless steel, plastic, composite, or even wood, accommodating various chemical and environmental resistance needs.
Hose reels come in multiple configurations, such as collapsible, portable, live connection, and dedicated storage types. Many incorporate rotation features, anti-kink mechanisms, and fluid ports to enable continued use during hose retrieval. The choice of hose reel is often determined by hose diameter, length, application pressure, and compatibility with hydraulic, pneumatic, or water transfer systems.
Rewind mechanisms range from manual cranks to powered options—including electric motors, hydraulic motors, pneumatics, or spring-retractable spools. Understanding motor rating specifications (such as torque, RPM, voltage, power, and fluid capacity) is critical when selecting a powered hose reel for specialized industrial workflows.
Hose reels enable efficient winding, unwinding, and protection of reinforced hoses, including textile-braided, wire-braided, multi-layered, and corrugated types for heavy-duty use. Their utility extends to pneumatic hoses, hydraulic lines, firefighting reels, and multi-element ribbon hoses, ensuring workplace safety and reducing wear on hoses used in repetitive or extreme-duty applications.
Retractable cable reels utilize built-in spring tensioners and ratcheting mechanisms that enable secure storage and controlled deployment of cables in workshops, automotive facilities, laboratories, and field service environments. They are commonly used for distributing mains electricity, compressed air, Ethernet cables, and extension cords in locations where flexible mobility and safety are top priorities.
These cable management solutions support OSHA and workplace safety requirements by keeping work areas organized, minimizing trip hazards, and allowing quick access to power or air wherever needed. Retractable cable reels are engineered to maintain cable integrity and prolong cable service life by preventing tangling, excessive bending, and exposure-related degradation.
When selecting any cable reel, consider important factors such as intended application, cable type, environmental conditions (indoors or outdoors), load capacity, required certifications, and ease of installation or handling. Connecting with an experienced cable reel manufacturer or distributor ensures you receive expert guidance, optimized solutions, and dependable reel systems tailored to your operational requirements.
This chapter will explore the various applications and advantages of cable reels.
Cable reels are designed for winding and unwinding the following materials:
Some of the benefits of using cable reels are:
Cable reel rollers, unlike reel jack stands, are a single, stationary piece of equipment. The reel rotates thanks to a low base with steel rollers smoothly. Workers may swiftly disburse cable after installing the reel in place without worrying about serious safety hazards caused by poor setup.
There may be limitations in terms of space for proper installation. Compared to trench rollers, cable rollers are relatively easy to install. You simply need to identify a suitable spot at the edge of the building, lay out the cable, and position the rollers correctly. If a suitable location isn’t available, you might need to dig into the ground to place the rollers. For managing cables around corners and curves, you might need a cable roller designed with specialized curved ends.
Cable reels hold conductive cable or lifting cable and are used for storage, unwinding, and winding. Contacts on electric cable reels keep the power on while winding. Reels are machines that wrap long, continuous goods like cable, wires, paper, and other materials for transport or storage. Simple storage systems such as reels are available, while more advanced versions are self-winding. They can also be ordered with live connections, allowing you to utilize a hose or electrical wire while it's still on the reel. The choice of a cable reel has to be cognizant of the different types, applications, and benefits of each one.
The company is the world’s best copper granulator supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.