Cut That Wire With Ease With Side Cutters
Are you looking for a tool to help you cut through the most rigid materials? Look no further than our list of the four best side cutters!
Side cutters, also known as diagonal pliers or wire cutters, are a type of hand tool commonly used in electrical and electronic work. They have two short blades that meet at the end and create a sharp point for cutting wires or other small materials.
The blades can be either flush or semi-flush, with flush edges providing a flat cut and semi-flush blades leaving a small piece of the wire intact. Side cutters can come in varying sizes and are typically made from hardened steel for durability.
How Mechanicaddicts Chooses the Side Cutters
At Mechanicaddicts, we understand the importance of having high-quality tools for all your mechanical needs. That's why our team of expert reviewers has taken the time to carefully evaluate and review various side cutters to provide you with the best options on the market.
Why We Like This Tool
The Klein Tools D248-8 Pliers is a versatile, high-performing tool designed for professionals. With its angled head design, these pliers allow easy work even in confined spaces. Equipped with a rivet closer to the cutting edge, it offers an impressive 36 percent greater cutting power than other plier designs.
Its short jaws and beveled cutting edges allow precise and close wire-cutting. Crafted with precision, these cutting pliers feature induction-hardened cutting knives for long-lasting durability. Made in the USA using custom, US-made tool steel, you can trust its quality and reliability. The hot-riveted joint ensures smooth action and sturdy construction.
About This item:
- Versatile Design: The angled head design of the pliers allows for easy work, even in confined spaces.
- Improved Cutting Power: A rivet closer to the cutting edge offers 36% greater cutting power than other designs.
- Precision Cutting: Short jaws and beveled cutting edges ensure precise and close wire-cutting.
- Durable Construction: The pliers feature induction-hardened cutting knives for long-lasting durability.
- Quality Materials: Made in the USA using custom, US-made tool steel, ensuring quality and reliability.
- Smooth Action: The hot-riveted joint provides smooth action and sturdy construction, eliminating any possibility of handle wobble.
Why We Like This Tool
The IRWIN VISE-GRIP Diagonal Cutting Pliers is a high-quality tool for professionals and DIY enthusiasts. These pliers are crafted with durable nickel chromium steel and offer exceptional strength and longevity. The ProTouch grips provide added comfort, reducing hand fatigue during extended use.
The induction-hardened cutting edge ensures that these pliers stay sharper for longer, making them a reliable and efficient choice for various cutting tasks. As a testament to their quality, these pliers meet or exceed ANSI specifications.
Plus, with the IRWIN Inc. VISE-GRIP Lifetime Guarantee, you can trust in the durability and performance of these pliers for years to come. Ship this product right to your door and add the IRWIN VISE-GRIP Diagonal Cutting Pliers to your toolbox today and experience the convenience and reliability of a top-notch cutting tool.
About This Item:
- Durable Material: Crafted with nickel chromium steel, ensuring longevity and robustness.
- Comfortable Use: ProTouch grips provide added comfort, reducing hand fatigue during extended use.
- Sharp Cutting Edge: Induction-hardened cutting edge stays more vital for longer, offering efficient cutting.
- ANSI Specifications: These pliers meet or exceed ANSI specifications, guaranteeing their quality.
- Lifetime Guarantee: Backed by the IRWIN VISE-GRIP Lifetime Guarantee, ensuring reliability and performance for years.
Why We Like This Tool
The KNIPEX Tools High Leverage Angled Diagonal Cutters are perfect for challenging and continuous cutting tasks. Designed with precision cutting edges, these diagonal cutters offer a 20% reduction in required force compared to conventional options of the same length.
This high-leverage feature is achieved by placing the rivet closer to the cutting edge, minimizing effort and increasing efficiency. With a cutting capacity of up to 11/64" for medium wire, 1/8" for hard wire, and 3/32" for piano wire, these cutters are versatile and suitable for various wiring needs.
Whether you are a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast, these angled diagonal cutters from KNIPEX Tools will surely deliver exceptional performance and durability. Upgrade your tool collection with these high-quality cutters that make challenging cutting tasks a breeze.
About This Item:
- High Leverage Design: Reduces required force by 20% compared to conventional cutters, enabling seamless and less strenuous cutting tasks.
- Angled Diagonal Cutting Edges: Facilitates precision cutting, ideal for various wiring needs, including medium, complex, and piano wire.
- Versatility: Can handle diverse cutting tasks, making it suitable for professional contractors and DIY enthusiasts.
- Durability: Crafted for enduring performance, ensuring a worthwhile addition to your tool collection.
- Efficiency: The rivet placed closer to the cutting edge boosts the efficiency of these cutters, making challenging cuts more manageable.
Why We Like This Tool
The Amazon Basics 1000 Volt VDE Insulated High Leverage Diagonal Cutters, the perfect addition to any professional or DIY toolkit, designed for use in areas with up to 1000V of alternating current, these 7-inch high-leverage diagonal cutter pliers provide precision and safety in your electrical work.
Crafted with drop-forged, heat-treated chrome vanadium steel, these cutters are built to last and withstand heavy use. The polished black finish adds a sleek touch while providing durability against rust and wear.
About This Item:
- High Voltage Resistance: Suitable for use in areas with up to 1000V of alternating current, ensuring safety during electrical work.
- Quality Construction: Made from drop-forged, heat-treated chrome vanadium steel for long-lasting durability and high performance.
- Design and Efficiency: 7-inch high-leverage design for superior cutting capability.
- Aesthetic and Durability: A polished black finish provides a sleek touch and adds extra protection against rust and wear.
- Professional and DIY Use: An ideal addition to professional toolkits and DIY collections.
Frequently Asked Questions About Side Cutters
1. What Are Side Cutters Used For?
Side cutters, or diagonal pliers or wire cutters, are hand-held cutting tools designed to quickly and precisely cut through wires, cables, and minor components in electrical work, electronics, jewelry making, and other similar tasks and are worth the money spent.
2. What Materials Are Side Cutters Made Of?
Side cutters can be made from stainless steel, carbon steel, and chrome vanadium. The handles are typically insulated with plastic or rubber for better grip and comfort.
3. How Do I Choose the Right Size of Side Cutters?
The size of side cutters refers to the length of the cutting edge. To choose the right size, consider the thickest wire or material you will be cutting and select a knife with a slightly larger cutting edge to ensure it can handle the job without strain.
4. Can I Use Side Cutters to Strip Wires?
Yes, some side cutters have stripping holes near the pivot point of their jaws for stripping wire insulation. However, they are less effective than dedicated wire strippers and may leave rough edges on the stripped wire.
5. How Do I Properly Maintain My Side Cutters?
To ensure your side cutters have a long lifespan, keep them clean and dry after each use. You can also periodically lubricate the pivot point with oil to prevent rusting and stiffness. Avoid using them on hardened materials or attempting to cut wires that are too thick for their size. Always store them in a safe and dry place.
Final Thoughts About Side Cutters
Side cutters are essential in any handyman's or tradesperson's toolkit. They offer precision and efficiency in cutting wires, cables, and other materials with ease. Whether you're an electrician, mechanic, or DIY enthusiast, having a reliable pair of side cutters can make all the difference in your work.
Whether you opt for a traditional or more modern design with ergonomic features, investing in quality side cutters that will last you for years is essential. Always choose ones made from durable materials like hardened steel, and consider the cutting capacity and grip comfort before purchasing.
Thank you for reading!
Your friend,
Todd
Todd Bandel
Are you looking for the best products? We've got you covered! Our editors independently selected each item on this list. Mechanicaddicts may collect a share of sales or other compensation (at no cost to you) from links found within these pages if they choose to buy something (that's how we stay in business); as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Reviews have been edited for length and clarity; enjoy finding your next favorite thing today!