These are literally the best wire strippers in the world, I've used them all and this one's the best. To be fair, Knipex makes lots of tools that are the best.
Butt connectors are actually fine to use, just make sure you get the ones with heat shrink.
Buy this one instead:
https://www.amazon.com/Automatic-Wire-Stripper-10-24-AWG/dp/B003B8WB5U
I use it all the time it rocks when you need to strip a bunch of wires.
I use these tools daily.
Cutter - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0063GL7UM?ref_=cm_sw_r_ud_dp_6H14M9C0ECT33P9FFFNF Hakko CHP Micro Cutter, Clean Cut, 16 AWG (set of 5) - I typically buy cheap cutters in bulk. One of these will last a month or two.
Crimper - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DWIJAWQ?ref_=cm_sw_r_ud_dp_2RR9BJG3518VNM9YPANS MOLEX 64016-0200 Crimp Tool, Mini-FIT JR, Mini-FIT HCS Crimp TERMINALS - I bought one of these when I started making cables for other people. Still use the same one I bought then. Probably crimped 100,000 pins in the last 8 years.
Stripper - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003B8WB5U?ref_=cm_sw_r_ud_dp_SSXSJ83F7QNAD6AYAH8Y KNIPEX Tools - Automatic Wire Stripper, 10-24 AWG (1262180) - I like these because they give consistent length strips pretty quickly. One of these will usually last me about a year until it struggles with the small fan wires.
Torch - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002PEVGPC?ref_=cm_sw_r_ud_dp_XXZ8V4TKYVKKQQ67A5DV Blazer GB4001-02 Stingray Butane Torch, Blue - I like to use these because you can light them, set them down, and power through melting the paracord on an entire order without picking it up or having to relight. Refillable and last forever.
Finger guards - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D42URSG?ref_=cm_sw_r_ud_dp_8SGGYS0Z2E999JK2HSRD Adtech Adhesive Technologies 5707 3-Pack Silicone Finger Guards - Hot Glue Protector Caps , Beige - if you have sensitive fingers or don’t like the burn from melting paracord on the pin, these are great.
Let me know if you have any other questions. Joey Ensourced.net
https://www.amazon.com/Knipex-1262180-Adjusting-Insulation-Strippers/dp/B003B8WB5U/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1522500255&sr=8-3&keywords=knipex+stripper&dpID=41Zec6vGvSL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch I use this stripping tool. It works great.
As far as the crimpers go I don't know. I bought the MDPC ones.
I really like these as well:
...but Rolf is right, you don’t NEED these to build.
You bet. Here is a table of tools, connectors, terminals (pins), wire, and cable wraps. You don't need everything if you just want to try it out, but these tools and parts are highly recommended if you want a good result.
| ITEM | Website | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tools | ||
| Crimping Tool | Amazon | $23.00 |
| Strippers | Amazon | $42.00 |
| Cutters | Amazon | $9.00 |
| Pin Extractors | Amazon | $14.00 |
| Paracord Threader | MainFrame Customs | $12.00 |
| Materials | ||
| Paracord Sleeve - Fabric Texture | MainFrame Customs | $5.00 per 25 feet |
| Teleios Sleeve 4mm - Plastic | MainFrame Customs | $6.75 per 25 feet |
| Various Connectors | MainFrame Customs | $0.65 - $0.85 ea |
| Various Molex Brand Terminals | MainFrame Customs | $0.35 for 5 |
| 16AWG Wire | MainFrame Customs | $7.75 per 25 feet |
| Heatshrink 1/4" 3:1 | MainFrame Customs | $4.50 per 4 feet |
| Wire Wraps | Ensourced | $0.40 - $1.15 per pair |
Ok, that seems like a lot. But you do not need everything to get started. If you want you can sleeve your existing cables and save a lot of cost. It is a little more annoying and time consuming but it is the cheapest option as you do not have to buy wire, pins, and connectors. If you are going to be working with wires though, you are going to need the crimpers and some pins. You are going to mess some up while learning. I still do and I've been sleeving for a little while now.
If you are going to just sleeve your existing cables, I recommend going with the Teleios Sleeve as it'll be easier to feed onto the wire. Or if you want to use paracord you'll need to buy the Paracord Theader. If you don't, the pins will tear up the paracord and it'll look like crap. So the only tools you'll need if you want to go with Teleios are the pin extractors and cutters.
If you want to make extensions, you'll need to buy both male and female connectors and pins. This is a great place to get your feet wet as the pin outs between the connectors are 1 to 1. Watch this video from PCPartPicker. You should also take some time and watch all of Lutro0's sleeving tutorial videos. He runs MainFrame customs and does a great job at providing and explaining everything you'll need to get started.
I hope this helps, if you have more specific questions please let me know.