Abstract: A clamping unit, cutting unit, and drive unit are installed in a main body that may be carried with one hand. The cutting depth of the cutting unit may be adjusted by an adjusting wheel. A handle unit for carrying the main body is shaped and positioned such that a covered electric wire may be raised, and the main body placed in the area under the wire without interfering with the handle unit. An insertion hook holds the covered electric wire securely before the clamping unit, cutting unit, and drive unit are driven. When the stripping unit is actuated, the clamping unit clamps an intermediate portion of the wire, then the cutting unit cuts the covering of the covered electric wire to a predetermined depth, then the drive unit pushes the cutting unit (and thereby a portion of the wire covering) away from the clamping unit.