Cable preparation tool with jacket removal spur

Abstract

A cable stripping tool having a clamping jaw and an opposed stripping jaw that cooperate with one another to define a channel therebetween. At least one of the clamping and stripping jaws being movable relative to the other between an open and a closed position. A cutting element is positioned in the channel and projecting outwardly from the stripping jaw. A spur movably coupled to one of the clamping and stripping jaws is normally urged toward an engaged position wherein the spur extends into the channel. In operation, the stripping tool is rotated about an end portion of a cable gripped between the clamping and stripping jaws in a first direction to cut portions of the cable, and in a second direction, opposite the first direction, wherein the spur engages a portion of the cable to be removed for separating the cut portion from the remainder of the cable.

1 . A cable stripping tool comprising: 
 a clamping jaw and opposed stripping jaw;    said clamping and stripping jaws cooperating with one another to define a channel therebetween, at least one of the clamping and stripping jaws being movable relative to the other between an open and a closed position;    a cutting element positioned in the channel and projecting outwardly from said stripping jaw;    a spur movably coupled to one of said clamping and striping jaws, said spur being normally urged toward an engaged position wherein the spur extends into the channel.    
   
   
       2 . The cable stripping tool according to  claim 1  further comprising first and second handles pivotally coupled one to the other, said clamping jaw coupled to said first handle and said stripping jaw coupled to said second handle, said first and second handles operable for moving said clamping and stripping jaws between said open and closed positions.  
   
   
       3 . The cable stripping tool according to  claim 2  further comprising biasing means coupled to said first and second handles urging said clamping and stripping jaws toward said closed position.  
   
   
       4 . The cable stripping tool according to  claim 1  wherein said spur further comprises a tip portion disposed in the channel when said spur is in said engaged position, said tip portion for engaging an outer layer of a cable to be stripped.  
   
   
       5 . The cable stripping tool according to  claim 2  wherein said stripping jaw further comprises a jaw cartridge releasably coupled to an end portion of said second handle, said jaw cartridge having said at least one cutting element mounted thereto.  
   
   
       6 . The cable stripping tool according to  claim 5  wherein said spur is mounted to said jaw cartridge.  
   
   
       7 . The cable stripping tool according to  claim 1  wherein said spur is movable to and retainable in a disengaged position via contact with a portion of a cable disposed in said channel when said stripping tool is rotated relative to the cable in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the length of the cable.  
   
   
       8 . The cable stripping tool according to  claim 7  wherein said spur engages a portion of said cable to be removed when said stripping tool is rotated relative to said cable in a second direction substantially opposite said first direction, said spur for separating said portion of said cable to be removed from a remainder of said cable.  
   
   
       9 . The cable stripping tool according to  claim 2  wherein said cable stripping tool further comprises a stripping element spaced apart from said cutting element and mounted to said stripping jaw.  
   
   
       10 . The cable stripping tool according to  claim 9  further comprising a clean-out member mounted to one of the first and second handles for dislodging material removed from a cable and lodged between said cutting element and said stripping element.  
   
   
       11 . A cable stripping tool for simultaneously removing a plurality of layers of material from the end portion of a cable comprising: 
 a pair of opposing jaws including a clamping jaw and a stripping jaw, said stripping jaw having a cutting element and a stripping element spaced apart and mounted in a fixed position thereon;    said clamping and stripping jaws being movable between open and closed positions relative to each other and defining a channel therebetween;    first and second handles pivotally coupled one to the other, said clamping jaw being coupled to said first handle and said stripping jaw being coupled said second handle, said first and second handles operable for moving said clamping and stripping jaws between said open and closed positions;    a spur having a tip portion normally biased toward an engaged position wherein the tip portion is engageable with an outer surface of a cable positioned in the channel.    
   
   
       12 . The cable stripping tool according to  claim 11  further comprising biasing means coupled to said first and second handles urging said clamping and stripping jaws toward said closed position.  
   
   
       13 . The cable stripping tool according to  claim 11  wherein said stripping jaw further comprises a jaw cartridge releasably coupled to an end portion of said second handle, said jaw cartridge having said cutting and stripping elements mounted thereto.  
   
   
       14 . The cable stripping tool according to  claim 14  wherein said spur is mounted to said jaw cartridge.  
   
   
       15 . The cable stripping tool according to  claim 11  wherein said spur is movable to and retainable in a disengaged position via contact with a portion of a cable disposed in said channel when said stripping tool is rotated relative to the cable in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the length of the cable.  
   
   
       16 . The cable stripping tool according to  claim 15  wherein said spur engages a portion of said cable to be removed when said stripping tool is rotated relative to said cable in a second direction substantially opposite said first direction, said spur for separating said portion of said cable to be removed from a remainder of said cable.  
   
   
       17 . The cable stripping tool according to  claim 11  further comprising a clean-out member mounted to one of the first and second handles for dislodging material removed from a cable and lodged between said cutting element and said stripping element.