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Terminating Wire with the Shepherd's Hook Method

0:54
1:05
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At 0:54 in

Master Electrician Teaches how to Use a Wire Stripper Tool Properly, with Terminations, Thoughts?

What happens here

For older or simpler electrical switches and outlets that lack direct wire insertion holes or strip gauges, the 'shepherd's hook' method is used. The electrician confirms with his son that this is the correct technique. To perform this, strip the appropriate amount of insulation from the wire (solid or stranded), form a small hook at the end of the bare wire, and then wrap this hook clockwise around the terminal screw. As the screw is tightened, the clockwise wrap ensures the wire is pulled firmly under the screw head, creating a secure electrical connection and preventing the wire from being pushed out. This is particularly important for stranded wire to ensure all individual strands are captured securely.

Goal: Securely connect electrical wire (solid or stranded) to screw terminals without direct insertion holes.

Tools and materials

  • Electrical wire Unspecified — Solid or stranded wire for termination
  • Screwdriver Unspecified — To tighten the terminal screws on the switch
  • Standard electrical switch Leviton — For demonstrating screw terminal termination (lesser grade type without direct insert holes)
  • Wire strippers Knipex — To strip insulation from the wire

What they say

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really nice GFCI. It's got the built-in test. It's got [music] that nice washer right there. But what happens when we don't have that? What happens when we have a lesser grade like this one? How do we use solid and stranded wire on something like this? >> We're just going to have to make a like a shepherd's hook around the screw. >> Correct. So,

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