Entertainment Center: TVs, Stereos, VCRs and DVDs - Splitting Speaker Wire

I am looking for a tool or tips on splitting speaker wire without exposing the conductor on one of split end.

I am using UL rated speaker wire - either 14 or 16 ga. (I can't recall).

I am having difficulty splitting the conductors. If I cut the cable at the end and try to rip it one of the conductors rips out of the insulation. If I try to score/cut down the middle with a utility knife I end up knicking a conductor because of the location/orientation of the wires.

Any help is appreciated,
David

I've run into that on occasion, usually with 20 gauge or smaller wires.

You have the right idea with the utility knife, but the blade might be too big. Try an Xacto. It helps to staple the end to a chunk of wood so you can lay it out flat and stretch it tight. Make the cut as close to the staple as you can, then cut off the end after you remove the staple.

If you nick the insulation off one of the wires you can always patch it with electrical tape. As long as they don't short you'll be fine.

I have overcome the same problem by making a short cut in the end of the wire and then placing the wire into a pot of hot tap water to soften it up, then slowly separating the two halves.

Sounds like 16 or even smaller.

You'll have to work slow. Start at the end that's cut and do a quart inch or so. Continue working along a little at a time. Once you get an inch or so, it becomes easy.