I find it much easier to use the hole for the next smallest gauge with LIGHT preasure, just enough to break the outer sheath. Then I move up to the larger size your supposed to use to pull it off. This way I rarely lose any wire strands.
So, for 12 gauge wire, I start with the 14 gauge hole on the stripper tool. Using light preasure I break the outer coating, then movie up to the 12 gauge hole to pull it off, works great.
Oh yeah, I also twist the bare wires with my fingers before inserting them into the wire terminal on the AVR.
