Check out Klein Tools

You need a pro wire stripper for decoder work:

These aren't cheap, but the last thing you need when working with tight DCC installations is tiny bits of wire strands getting loose on your circuit boards. It's worth the investment to get a pro-quality wire stripper, these work perfectly every time without damaging the tiny decoder wires. Don't have a part number, look in an electronic supply, rather than a home improvement store. Good luck!

Dear RJ, I have been known

Dear RJ,

I have been known to use my small Zuron sprue nippers under some conditions,
(Takes a fine hand and feel to squeeze "just enough to strip the insulation, but not nick the wire",
I've been wiring micro-electronics for many decades now, so it's a skill I've acquired... ),

but if I'm at all afraid of putting too much strain on the wire (or the solder joint at the other end of said wire),

using the shaft of the soldering iron tip (Not the tip itself, gotta keep that clean for soldering!),
to melt the insulation away has always worked for me...

Happy Modelling,
Aim to Improve,
Prof Klyzlr

That's why I sought out the answer when I owned Litchfield Stn

I use a T Stripper.

I use a T Stripper from Ideal Industries.

http://www.idealindustries.com/

T®-7 T®-Stripper Wire Stripper, Solid 22-30, Stranded 24-32. Catalog #45-125

Jerome-Oklahoma City

These are the best

These are the best strippers for small wire I have ever used:

They were made by Xcelite, model 413 SEO. Unfortunately, they are no longer in the catalog. (I bought them in 1982.) Perhaps you will find a pair in a yard sale or the dusty section of an electronics store. The end consists of two V-shaped cutters which are adjusted by the set screw. There's a lock nut to make the adjustment semipermanent. They are a bit fussy to adjust, but once they're  right stripping is a breeze. They will reliably and consistently strip wire down to 36 gauge. They cut any insulation, including teflon. (Teflon isn't so much hard to cut as hard to hold. The better the cutter, the less resistance to pulling the insulation off.)

I see something that looks similar online listed as the C.K RedLine VDE Wire Stripper 160mm and on Amazon as the Knipex 1102160. Very little information is given, so I don't know how fine they will go. Sears also has something that looks like these, but are definitely too big.

You also may be able to use something like this:

This is a wire wrapping tool, used to make prototype circuits by wrapping stiff wire around little posts. The smallest wire used for this is 30 gauge solid. The wire is stripped by the notched blade in the center. Since stranded wire is physically bigger than the equivalent gauge solid wire, this works pretty well on 34 stranded. On 36, you may have to fuss a bit.

In the distant past I built my own. I started with a pair of cheapies, removed the irritating adjustment mechanism and replaced it with a set screw. I also ground the end down so I could get into tight spots.

pqe

Small Wire!

Bruce has a good handle on sources for small wire strippers so will need a set that will strip up to #32 wire.  Most decoder wire is #30.  Can't stress this enough, get good wire strippers.  Cheap ones are just that, CHEAP!  All it takes is one errant strand of wire to short something out and blow up a decoder.

Found a pair

of T-Strippers @ local hardware store. Thanks Jerome.

As tools are a mans best friend, I will continue to acquire more varieties of strippers and other tools as long as I continue with modeling. So thank You all for your suggestions.

RJ

...

In a pinch, I have been known to use a lighter...

Just got it

Thanks to Bruce's tip I just got one such wirestripper from Litchfield Station. Just one week from I ordered until it was in my mailbox in Norway. good news travel fast! And I really like that dealer

wire strippers

As a retired electrician, Klein or Ideal are the best. A little expensive but these tools are made for more than just stripping wire. The shock protection from line voltage is worth more than the price of the tool. Stick one of these in a load center and dont pay attention to what you are doing and you will destroy the tool, But you will be around to go and buy a new one. Just stripping low voltage wire these tools will last forever. Just dont cut music wire or other hardened wire. Dont use the tool as a general duty pliers,it is not one.

john

Here's anotherr approach...

Go like the pro

"Fuzzflyr" a thermal stripper !

Yes they look neat and quite efficient and a large variety to choose from. Then their is the price tag, I don't purchase tools on the cheap, but thermal strippers are out of my league. I don't strip enough wire to depreciate the cost in the rest of my life.

Thanks anway

...

My BIC5000 cost me 3 for $2.99... it thermally strips wires quick, though it leaves a black sludge...