Best tool for stripping MC/BX/armored cable?

[NetWareHead]

If any electricians or guys with experience could comment, Id appreciate your insight. Tried the hacksaw, it does work but you risk nicking the wires. Even if you make it through the armored jacket, I still leave a jagged piece that needs trimming. Tried to cut through it with diagonal cutters or snips and its also time consuming.

Which leads me to the purpose built tools made for de-sheating this cables, aka Roto-Split etc... Klein Tools, Greenlee, Ideal & SeaTek make one. Doing my research and so far, the SeaTek is the only one I have found that is made in usa. These tools are not that expensive for the convenience offered and make the job nice and neat and make the cut much much faster than the aforementioned methods. Thanks...

 

[NutBucket]

I would guess they're all pretty similar? I just bought whatever Home Depot had and it works just fine.

 

[NL5]

Roto-splitter is best. If you know how to do it right with diagonal cutters, it can be done way faster. I'd stick with a roto. Any of the brands you mentioned should be fine. Most Klein stuff is made in the USA, but not all.

 

[stormkroe]

Anything smaller than #8 just crack and twist, then make a nice cut with side cutters. Don't let n00bprentices do it that way though, if you're ham fisted you can damage the insulator or cheap BX sometimes.