Homebrew PCBs

Hi

When I need to use a bit or wirewrap wire to patch a board, I find it 
really hard to strip the ends without nicking the wire. Once nicked, it 
is only a matter of time before the wire fails at that point.

Not only that, the insulation is tough and stripping back just 1mm from 
a 1inch length is a bit taxing.

Anyone got any good tips or tool suggestions for this job? Or perhaps 
you use a different/better kind of wire for the task.

Pete