4 best wire cutters

Wire cutters, also known as side cutting pliers or diagonal cutting pliers, are hand tools used for cutting various types of wires and small cables. They are a type of pliers specifically designed to make clean and precise cuts in wires and similar materials. Here's what you need to know about wire cutters:

Design and Features:
- Wire cutters have a unique design with angled cutting edges, allowing for close-to-surface cuts in tight spaces.
- The cutting edges are typically at an angle of about 15 to 30 degrees from the handle, which provides a shearing action.
- The handles of wire cutters are often covered with rubber or plastic grips to provide comfort and a non-slip surface for the user.
Functionality:
- Wire cutters are primarily used to cut wires made of various materials, including copper, aluminum, brass, and steel.
- They are essential tools for electricians, DIY enthusiasts, and professionals in the field of electrical work.
- Wire cutters are versatile and can cut wires of different gauges and thicknesses, making them useful for a wide range of tasks.
Types of Wire Cutters:
- Diagonal Cutting Pliers: These are the most common type of wire cutters, featuring angled cutting edges for efficient cutting in confined spaces.
- End Cutting Pliers: These have cutting edges at the tips of the jaws, allowing for flush cuts when trimming wires.
- High-Leverage Wire Cutters: These have longer handles and increased leverage, making it easier to cut through thicker wires with less effort.
Usage:
- Wire cutters are used for cutting wires during electrical installations, repairs, or any task that involves handling wires or cables.
- They can also be used for cutting other materials such as plastic ties, small nails, or even soft metal rods.
Safety Precautions:
- Always wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection, when using wire cutters to prevent injury from flying debris.
- Ensure that the wire cutter is appropriate for the material and thickness you are cutting to avoid damaging the tool.

In summary, wire cutters are hand tools with angled cutting edges used for cutting wires and similar materials.They come in different types, each suited for specific cutting tasks, and are vital tools for electricians and DIY enthusiasts in various applications.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best wire cutters on the market

BOENFU Wire Cutter - Precision Side Cutter 6 Inch Cutting Pliers

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Harder than other wire Cutters -- the edge is specially Hardened. It easier to cut most hard things.
Safer & non-slip scrub instead of PVC -- the handles of most wire Cutters are PVC. However, the design of our wire cutter is scrub. It is non-slip and comfortable for usage, which has the function of anti-electronic shock. It is safer during operation.
Cut all kinds of wires up to 1. 8mm -- the wire cutter is made of super quality solid and durable steel. It is great tool which is easy to cut all kinds of wires including cables, memory wires, headpins, eye pins, small chain, Tiger tail, cords, beading and so on.
Modern & scientific workmanship -- the production of wire cutter is adopted modern material chrome molybdenum alloy steel + CR-V. The scientific design of the ergonomic coating handle provides comfortable grip to protect your arm, it can save time and reduce fatigue while working.
100% satisfaction -- we are confident that BOENFU Wire cutter is your best choice. If you are unhappy with the product, please feel free to Contact us. We will do our best to provide the best service for you.
material type: Iron

User questions & answers

Question:	Where are they manufactered. usa, china
Answer:	J2000-48 (blue molded grips) is made from a hardened steel to have the ability of being able to cut harder metals such is those used in the manufacturing of steel screws and nails. D2000-48, as well as all other 2000 series cutters (with blue grips to indicate capable of being able to cut screws and nails) is made of the same material. The J248-8 (red molded grips), J228-8 (rubber slip on grips), and all other red colored grip cutters are made with a softer metal and are not able to cut the harder materials that fasteners and other hardware contain without causing damage to the cutting edges.
Question:	Will this cut 18 guage steel wire? I need it to cut floral wire
Answer:	I used to cut flex with my red handled diagonals all the time and never had an issue. As long as you bend the flex and use these to snip (not cut) you will be fine. After you snip, bend back and forth until the metal breaks.
Question:	Will these cut the metal ring of a parakeet's leg
Answer:	Blue handles on Klien tools mean they are the hardest. They will cut lots of screws before dulling out in the crevice at the pivot point. I think dresser knobs are like 10-32 screws. If so then they will cut those all day with no issues.
Question:	could I cut toenails with these
Answer:	Black and Blue handles (for this model) signify the toughness rating. Black and Blue handles for this diagonal cutting pliers means it will easily cut through small zink bolts (#4 (or less), #6, and #8 max) as well as stainless steel (but i personally would never do that, I would switch to bolt cutters at that stage of the game). Don't use diagonal cutting pliers to cut small bolts, but you could if you had to. Also, the thing about them needing to be "broken in" because they are stiff .... blah. You are thinking about crappy Chinese made pliers. These pliers do not need to be broken in, stiff is good. To make them looser, put a dab of white lithium grease in the crevice where the cutting edge of the tool meets the pivot joint. Do it on both sides of the pliers and then open and close the handles over and over again until you see the grease leak out of the pivot. Wipe clean and your good to go, for life. If you get the red and black handles for this pliers, its a good choice for cutting copper wire. It's a softer smoother cut than the blue and black handles one. It will never hurt your hand when cutting, and can make millions of cuts. I got black and blue because I already own the other ones.

Product features

BOENFU 6 Inch Wire Cutter - The Professional Cutter

Our factory produces wire cutters for more than 10 years and exports to the whole world.

Specifications

Color: Black
Weight: 164g
Size: Approx. 16 * 5 * 1 cm / 6.3 * 2 * 0.4 in
Material: advanced CR-V chrome vanadium alloy steel

Attention

Please do not scratch objects with the blade tip.
Please do not touch the blade part directly with hand.
Please do not use the cutter to cut hard material and steel wire, etc.

Note: If you see or smell oil on the tool, it is normal phenomenon. A little oil can make the tool work more smooth and protect the tool.

IRWIN VISE-GRIP Wire Stripping Tool / Wire Cutter, 8-Inch (2078309)

IRWIN

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The IRWIN VISE-GRIP Multi-Tool Wire Stripper/Crimper/Cutter is a must-have for anyone performing electrical work. With an induction hardened cutting edge, this single tool combines a wire stripper, wire cutter, and crimper into one tool that strips and cuts 10-22 AWG, crimps insulated and non-insulated terminals, and cuts bolts to size with a perfect lead thread. This handy tool features a pliers nose for pulling and looping wire and ProTouch grips for maximum comfort and reduced hand fatigue to keep working all day. Meets or exceeds all ANSI standards.

Wire cutter with induction hardened cutting edge stays sharp longer
Strips and cuts 10-22 AWG
Pliers style nose allows wire stripper to pull and loop in wire
Bolt cutter cuts bolts to size and leaves perfect lead thread
Crimps insulated and non-insulated terminals

User questions & answers

Question:	Anyone uses it for jewlery making? How is it? Thanks
Answer:	I've never used it for jewelry but it cuts wire very crisply and the nose has a flat crimper that would close small metal parts easily.
Question:	does it cut guitar strings ? how about bike break cable
Answer:	As a bike mechanic, I would highly recommend getting a tool specficially for cable cutting. It's a curved blade that won't fray the stands. I expect steel cables will dull this blade quickly.
Question:	How can you tell which crimp area to use? The color codes on the tool show 2 "ranges" of wire gauge, but it looks like there are 3 crimp areas
Answer:	On the left there is a label ("INSUL AND NON-INSUL") that points the center of the two places to crimp, with the one closest to the pivot color coded for blue and yellow connectors (or 16 - 10 gauge), and the next crimp area for red connectors (or 22 - 18 gauge). The bump on the right side between the two is not meant for crimping.
Question:	Where are these made
Answer:	Thank you for contacting Irwin Tools. The country of origin for this self adjusting wire stripper is Taiwan.

Product features

IRWIN VISE-GRIP Wire Strippers

Get the job done right with IRWIN VISE-GRIP Wire Strippers. Featuring comfortable, textured-grip handles, and special features such as AWG selection dials, spring-assisted jaw openings, built-in crimpers, quick-release locks, and dual-metal construction (features depend on model), IRWIN VISE-GRIP Wire Strippers are the tools you need to get electrical and other wire-based work done faster, easier, and with less hand fatigue.

IRWIN Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper

Self-adjusting stripper strips wire from 10-24 AWG.

IRWIN Multi-Tool Stripper/Crimper/Cutter

Induction hardened cutting edge stays sharp longer.

IRWIN Wire Stripper/Crimper/Cutter

6 stripping stations for 10-24 AWG selection adjusts for stripping wire of varying gauges.

IRWIN Wire Stripper/Cutter

10-20 AWG selection dial adjusts for stripping wire of varying gauges.

Make IRWIN Part of Your Total Worksite Solution

The IRWIN VISE-GRIP brand is legendary. Professional tradesmen have trusted the strength and durability of VISE-GRIP pliers since 1924. With proven performance in every turn, these are the tools that tradesmen choose first – and pass on to the next generation.

Anti-pinch, non-slip ProTouch Grips provide comfort, control, and less hand fatigue. VISE-GRIP offers a full line of pliers, wrenches, wire strippers, and more. IRWIN VISE-GRIP products continue to set the standard for dependability, quality, and innovation. ..today and tomorrow. Wherever there’s a need for a quality tool, IRWIN VISE-GRIP is on the job.

Hakko-CHP-170 Micro Cutter - Red

Hakko

Based on 11 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Hakko CHP-170 cutter is an excellent general use tool.

Flush-cut micro soft-wire cutter has 8mm long jaw with angled head for flush-cutting applications on up to 16 gauge (1.3mm) copper and soft wire
21-degree
2.5mm heat-treated carbon steel construction provides durability and long life
Precision-ground holes and surfaces provide smooth movement, and spring returns tool to open position to reduce operator fatigue
Dolphin-style nonslip hand grips with curved fore-edge provide comfort and control, and Parkerized surfaces prevent glare and increase corrosion resistance

User questions & answers

Question:	Will this work for cutting a jump rope wire? item in question: http://www.amazon.com/jump-rope-training-crossfit-adjustable/dp/b00lgxe5ns/ref=sr_1_1?i
Answer:	If the jump rope has a "wire" rope(metal cable) you need a special pair of pliers. I use Falco wire rope cutters for cutting safety cable at work. They're not very expensive and you won't ruin a good pair of side cutters in the process
Question:	Are these small enough to cut kanthal wire on a rda
Answer:	Thats exactly why i bought these, on recommendation from my friend. In my opinion they are perfect! Mine were great quality made in Italy. And they cut super close to your posts! Ive cut single strand 30 awg up to 3 strand twist 26 awg. If I get another one it will be another one of these!
Question:	I see some questions/answers on beading/jewelry questions. I am looking to use these cutters on 20 to 26 gauge jewelry wire. Thoughts and thank you
Answer:	Jewelry wire comes in several alloys.These cutters are for soft-alloy wires, as copper or tin.Steel wire will dull the blades quickly.Concorde
Question:	I need to cut chicken wire. Should I get this pair or a heavy duty pair
Answer:	NO! These are not for cutting steel wire (which is what I think chicken wire is made of). Most cheap big diagonal cutters are most appropriate.

Product features

QUALITY POLICY

We continually strive to put a smile on our customers’ faces by interacting with integrity and seeking the truth with courage as we constantly improve to meet their expectations

EXPERIENCE

For over 60 years, Hakko has been producing superior quality soldering and desoldering tools, hot air rework stations, smoke and fume extraction systems, technical training classes, and a wide assortment of accessories and related equipment for the electronics, industrial and hobby industries.