When skinning a small wire, what is the primary reason for keeping the insulation "pencil down" rather than cutting it square?

Keeping the insulation "pencil down" when skinning a small wire primarily serves to decrease the danger of nicking the wire. By orienting the wire this way during the stripping process, you provide an adequate angle that prevents the blade of the wire stripper or knife from cutting too deeply into the conductor. This is significant because nicked wires can lead to increased electrical resistance, potential failure points, or even short circuits if the nick exposes the conductor to moisture or other conductive materials.

In addition to maintaining the integrity of the wire, this approach can also contribute to a cleaner and more efficient splicing process. While there are reasons concerning the braid, the efficiency of splice making, and the amount of insulation remaining, minimizing the risk of damaging the wire stands out as the most critical consideration in effective wire handling and installation practices.