Milwaukee is expanding its Made-in-USA hand tool lineup with a new wire stripper, and the price is accessible enough to make it a no-brainer add-on for anyone already using their tools.
The MT702 is an 8-20 AWG dipped-grip wire stripper and cutter, launching at Home Depot in April 2026 for $21.97 MSRP. It’s built at Milwaukee’s Wisconsin facility using USA-sourced materials — the first Milwaukee electrical hand tool beyond screwdrivers and pliers to come out of their domestic manufacturing operation.
What It Does
- Wire stripping: 8-18 AWG solid, 10-20 AWG stranded
- Wire cutting: V-shaped blade rated for copper and NM cable
- Bolt shears: 6-32 and 8-32 machine screws
- Wire looping hole for outlet and switch termination work
- Handles: Spring-loaded with swing lock, dipped grip
- Warranty: Milwaukee lifetime guarantee
- Made in: USA (Wisconsin, USA-sourced materials)
Why It’s Worth Noticing
The AWG range covers the bread-and-butter of residential wiring — 14 AWG for standard 15A circuits, 12 AWG for 20A, 10 AWG for dryers and ranges. The bolt shears handle the 6-32 and 8-32 screws that secure outlets and switches to boxes. The wire looping hole speeds up making pigtails and hook-end terminations at device screws. It’s a focused tool that does exactly what an electrician reaches for a dozen times a day.
The Made-in-USA angle carries weight in 2026’s supply chain environment. Milwaukee has been steadily moving production to Wisconsin — earlier this year they announced a sweeping lineup of new M18 tools at World of Concrete, and the MT702 continues that domestic expansion into hand tools. The lifetime guarantee is the same coverage Milwaukee puts on its power tools.
At $21.97, this isn’t a statement purchase — it’s a quality replacement for whatever stamped-steel stripper came in a cheap combo pack. If you’re already running Milwaukee M18 for power tools, adding the hand tool side to match makes practical sense. Check our best pro combo kits guide for M18 FUEL starting points, or our battery platform comparison if you’re still deciding on a cordless system.
