New Romex Outer Jacket

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I've always used an electrician's knife for stripping so the new jacket makes no difference to me. Even my younger guys use the knife. I've never just scored it with a razor knife or used the T-strippers.
 
JohnE said:
I've always used an electrician's knife for stripping so the new jacket makes no difference to me. Even my younger guys use the knife. I've never just scored it with a razor knife or used the T-strippers.
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How often do you replace the knife? I've never owned one? Thanks
 
A/A Fuel GTX said:
Any thoughts on the new outer jacket insulation on Romex? It's very stiff and much harder to work with. Not happy.
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865 Resi brought this up last month.
The jacket reminds me of some the products used in the 70's and 80's.
I score it (without hitty the conductors of course) with a utility knife and snap it. I don't find it a major issue.
 
JohnE said:
I've always used an electrician's knife for stripping so the new jacket makes no difference to me. Even my younger guys use the knife. I've never
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865resi said:
How often do you replace the knife? I've never owned one? Thanks
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Knives we're all I used for decades. I only replaced them when I "lost" them. ;)
Now my go to is a utility knife.
I keep my good knife in my tool box for special occasions.
 
A/A Fuel GTX said:
Just received a reply from Southwire. They are blaming supply issues for the change in the outer jacket stiffness. Apparently they are working to resurrect the old process and produce the more flexible product.
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I really hope they can go back to the old sheathing. I have been trimming out this week, and I must say the old sheathing is so much nicer. But it's only in a few places, mostly outside, DW and bath lights.
 
A/A Fuel GTX said:
Just received a reply from Southwire. They are blaming supply issues for the change in the outer jacket stiffness. Apparently they are working to resurrect the old process and produce the more flexible product.
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You kind of have to applaud them for still getting a product out then even if not to the same standards as they once had. I'd also say this is not a lower standard as it appears it is likely to withstand rough handling better, but is just a little more hassle for the installer.
 
865resi said:
How often do you replace the knife? I've never owned one? Thanks
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Sorry just saw this. They basically last forever. Although the plastic handle insert has broken on one that I had: https://www.victorinox.com/us/en/Products/Swiss-Army-Knives/Medium-Pocket-Knives/Tinker/p/1.4603

I now use this one: https://www.victorinox.com/us/en/Pr...m-Pocket-Knives/Swiss-Army-1-Alox/p/0.8000.26

I use it on everything from romex to 250 URD/ USE although sometimes I'll use a linesman's hook knife on the URD
 
Back on topic... The new jacket on southwires Romex is not user friendly in lower temps. Having a hard time getting it to lay flat and
it wants to remain coiled up on its memory. Seems very stiff.
 
kec said:
Back on topic... The new jacket on southwires Romex is not user friendly in lower temps. Having a hard time getting it to lay flat and
it wants to remain coiled up on its memory. Seems very stiff.
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Been getting more republic wire lately it's not any worse. Cero hasn't changed and although thicker sheathed it lays flat good.
 
Likely a new less costly plastic, which is stiffer at room temp than the wire of 5-10yrs ago.

Best to call wire make and ask.
 
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