Different Types of Wire Cutters

Last Updated on January 11, 2023 by TechChecking

Men of each house do some simple tasks with tools. So, each household has a toolbox. A toolbox is arranged with different types of tools. Wire cutters or pliers are one of them. Everyone keeps a plier because without it the toolbox is really incomplete. A professional knows different types of wire cutters and they can pick the one they need. But, as you are a DIY enthusiast you can have a common wire cutter so that you can continue your work. If you know different types of pliers, you should purchase the one you need most. Besides knowing how different types of wire cutters work, we will discuss here different types of best wire cutters with pictures that we need in our everyday life.

What is a Wire Cutter?

A wire cutter is one kind of hand tool that is used to cut or strip wire and can be done in a variety of applications. You can potentially cut or connect wire simply and easily. So, in a word, a wire cutter is a tool that is commonly used for cutting, connecting, and stripping a wide range of materials such as brass, copper, iron, aluminum, steel, and so on.

An average pair of pliers has two levers that are fixed together by a fulcrum which is located closer to one end. There are mainly two parts of a wire cutter. The one part is a longer section that comprises the handles and the other part is shorter which is all about the jaws of the cutter.

Since these tools have levers, extending and increasing the strength of grip is great and then you can cut any materials by pressing the handles. So, when you press the handles, the power is magnified and it is directed to the points where the pincers meet. It is an amazing tool.

Do you like to know how different types of wire cutters are made and what different types of wire cutters are used for? You will know all of them later.

Different Types of Wire Cutters Explained

There can be a lot of questions raising in your mind like how different types of wire cutters work or how different types of wire cutters are made, and other questions like these. You may know there are different types of wire cutters out there and you need to choose the one you need. We will explain different types of wire cutters and their functions too. Besides, you should need to know the different types of wire cutters needed. However, we are going to explain different types of wire cutters with pictures so that you can understand them easily. Let’s get started.

1. Lineman’s Wire Cutters

One of the most common and widely used wire cutters in the world. These are also known as combination wire cutters. They are called combination wire cutters because they have a sharp cutting edge along with a firm surface to grip perfectly. The Side Cutters and the Lineman’s Wire Cutters have a great similarity. The only difference in them is in their wide and flat jaws for gripping any objects.

Lineman’s Wire Cutters are quite able to cut steel fencing wire, thick nails, or even steel screws. The levering action of the long handles helps to cut those materials easily. Moreover, these wire cutters often incorporate a guillotine-like cutting action. Quite amazing. Do you know how often different types of wire cutters are made? However, you can see the different types of wire cutters catalogue to know more.

So, if you work as a lineman and are searching for a good and quality wire cutter for your job, Klein Tools HD2000-9NE Side Cutter Lineman’s Pliers is the best option to choose. There are many reasons to pick this one before others. First off, this plier has a pair of thicker dipped handles that are amazingly more comfortable and easier to grab with gloved hands. This Klein Tool cutter can cut ACSR, screws, nails, and most hardened wire easily. It has also a high-leverage design. The hot-riveted joint ensures a smooth action. Most importantly, this product is made in the USA with custom. Finally, the Klein Tools HD2000-9NE Side Cutter has a unique handle that tempering helps absorb the ”snap” when cutting wire.

2. Side Cutters

A Side Cutters is a very perfect hand tool for holding, splicing, or cutting leads. You can even use this tool for stripping wire. So, how does a side cutter work? Well, a side-cutter works by indenting and wedging the cable apart. A cleaner finish what scissors or knives can’t do, a side-cutter can. But, using side cutters on any harder materials such as nails or screws would be a mistake because it may damage and can even render the tool unusable. To make you understand, we will set different types of wire cutters examples.

However, if you want such a nice and quality Side Wire Cutter, Whizzotech Wire Cutter would be a fantastic choice. This Whizzotech Wire Cutter is made of Chromium Vanadium Stainless Steel. In addition, it is a 4.5-inch diagonal cutting plier. Very convenient and comfortable with nonslip rubber handle and opening spring. Besides, this handy side cutter hand tool is easy to cut memory wire, headpins, eye pins, small chain, tiger tail, cords, beading, thin wire, and your electrical repair needs. Moreover, it is a great tool for electricians, jewelers, and other professionals.

3. Shear Cutter

If you want the smoothest cut to any material, a shear cutter, in that case, can give you one. They require the least force to cut items. Knowing how to cut with a shear cutter is important. If anyone can’t take care of it properly, the blades can dull if they are pressed too hard. Two blades are sharp enough to cut objects smoothly and without any difficulties. However, it would not be wise to cut any hard material with this shear cutter because the blades can be blunt or unusable. So, if you are able to cut materials properly, this cutter can serve you for a longer time.

However, Xuron – 170-II Micro-Shear Flush Cutter is a good quality shear cutter. This is worth a shot. The Xuron 170-II flush cutter is made of alloy steel and it features a return spring and nonslip hand grips. This shear cutter can cut soft wire up to 20 American wire gauge (AWG) (0.8 mm). In addition, this shear flush cutter has the perfect cutting edge on one jaw side allowing an even cut. You can know more about different types of wire cutters manufacturers.

4. End Cutter

STANLEY MaxSteel Pliers (different types of wire cutters)

The End Cutting Pliers are also known as nippers have an almost flat head which allows the tool to cut close against the surface of the material without digging into it. The end cutters are great for working with leads, springs, nails, bolts, rivets, and so on. The jaws of these end-cutting pliers look like half-circles. We can cut materials easily because of the cutting edges at right angles to the body of the tool. However, you can cut items without marring the surface. Moreover, the half-circled or rounded shape of the jaws of the end cutter is also used for exacting nails from wood by using the jaws as a fulcrum.

Remember, the alignment of the jaws is really important. They should be so aligned that if you close them, no light would be visible between them. What I mean is there should be a full contract between the cutting edges. Know more about when different types of wire cutters are used. It would be great.

So, are you seeking such kind of good end cutters? Well, you can try STANLEY Maxsteel End Cutting Plier. You can like it because this end-cutting nipper is overall 6-1/2 In. length. The tip width is 7/8 In., the jaw length is 25/64 In., and the jaw width is 1-11/32 In. The nippers are made of quality materials to last longer. It is a perfect tool for flush cutting soft wire or pulling small nails and brads. Most importantly, these pliers have hand-finished and induction-hardened cutting edges. And yes, it is important to know, MaxSteel pliers are designed to reduce cutting effort by 45%, and increase edge life by 33%. Really amazing!

5. Diagonal Cutting Wire Cutters

Diagonal Cutting different types of wire cutters

The name explains itself as these wire cutters have diagonal-shaped edges. These kinds of cutters are the favorite tools for carpenters and electricians. Diagonal and Side Cutters are no different from one another. As the diagonal cutters are usually dealt with the electricity, the handles are made completely insulated so that no accidents happen. However, the diagonal wire cutters are different types of wire cutters and they are very useful.

Such a quality and fantastic diagonal plier is Klein Tools D248-9ST Pliers. This is also an Ironworkers’ pliers. Due to its short jaws and beveled cutting edges, you will be allowed to close the cutting of wire. Besides, it has a hooked handle for reduced slippage. This is a diagonal-shaped cutter and the angle of the head is designed for easy work in confined space too. Most importantly, this hand tool plier is made in the USA with custom. Moreover, the high-leverage design has 36% more cutting power. A diagonal plier is a durable tool for longer use.

6. Insulated Wire Cutters

Insulated different types of wire cutters

Another type of important wire cutter is an insulated cutter. They are designed to prevent electrical shocks while you are dealing with electricity. The handles of insulated wire cutters are covered with rubber or plastic materials. You can save yourself from a dangerous field by using an insulated wire cutter while working. Soft grips are not always protective against electrocution so when you are going to buy a plier, make sure that the coating of the handles is made of quality rubber or plastic. You can feel better using this type of cutter.

However, if you are searching for a well-insulated wire cutter, you can have a shot at KNIPEX – 70 08 160 SBA Tools. The steel Knipex uses is precisely hardened with a maximum of 0.8 percent carbon. And the parts of the Knipex wire cutter are used chromium and vanadium to have an optimum cutting performance. In addition, the angles, the sharpness, the hardness, the toughness of the cutting edges are really remarkable. So, these types of wire cutters are worth a shot.

7. Needle-Nose Wire Cutters

The needle-nose cutters are also known as pointy-nose pliers, long-nose pliers, or pinch-nose wire cutters. They are sometimes known as snipe-nose pliers. These needle nose pliers can mostly be seen to electricians and plumbers. This type of cutter has tapered jaws to bend and insert the wire into switchgear in electrical panels. Due to its long, needle, and pinch nose, the works get easier to be done. Even when you will find not enough space to work, this needle nose wire cutter would be your only hope to do the work. However, besides electricians, these needle-nose cutters are ideal for artisans, network designers, jewelry designers, tradesmen, and many others to bend and reposition wire.

So, do you want a good-quality needle nose cutter? Well, NEIKO 02105A Long Nose Plier can be one of the best ones. You have many reasons to choose this one for your job. It is an extra-long 11-inch plier that is suited for industrial, construction, home garage, or professional automotive use. Speaking of construction, this NEIKO 02105A Long Nose Plier is drop forged and high carbon steel construction. Moreover, this plier is great for different angles. You can easily make it work at 45 and 90-degree angles. And, above all, this needle-nose wire cutter has riveted joint for smooth action.

Some Other Types of Cutters

We have already discussed some important pliers and now we will try to focus on some other types of cutters. Those cutters are also used in our daily life. We will try to cover more about different types of wire cutters with pictures and different types of wire cutters explained.

Bolt Cutters

The bolt cutters are designed to cut bolts. This type of cutter needs a big amount of torque to cut through metals. These kinds of tools can be commonly seen or used in the construction industry. The main features of these types of tools are for snipping bolts off containers and cutting through thick chains or leads.

Hydraulic Cutters

Hydraulic cutters are different types of wire cutters. This is one of the most powerful cutters. With an immense level of torque, these hydraulic cutters are used on different types of conductors, wire ropes, and solid bars. The main feature of hydraulic cutters is it has a guillotine-style head shear to minimize jams. However, big and famous companies use these kinds of powerful cutters in the fields of power utility as well as the electrical industry. So, to conclude the answer to the question is these types of powerful and strong hydraulic cutters are particularly used for chopping copper or aluminum power cables and overhead conductors. So, you can understand how powerful and valuable they are.

Wire Rope Cutters

These types of cutters are different. They work by pulling the rope into the jaws and this is how they work. However, when it pulls, it traps it and makes a clean and perfect cut. This is the reason, wire rope cutters are great for shearing wire rope.

Tips on How to Use Wire Cutters

A wire cutter can last long if you use some tips. They will be sharp as well as new for a long time if you really follow some useful instructions. These are actually safety tips. However, if you really follow these important safety procedures, you can avoid injury and complete the task quickly and easily.

First off, what you need to do is wear your safety goggles to protect against any airborne particles that can potentially harm your eyes.
Always try to cut maintaining the right angle or your tool can easily wiggle.
Don’t try to cut nuts and bolts using wire cutters because if you do there is a higher possibility to get the tools damaged. This is why you should use a wrench for this kind of tasks.
Again if you need to cut any hardened cable, select the appropriate tool that is designed especially and specifically for this type of job.
If you are an electrician or plumber, or any professional, you must take care of your tools by putting drops of oil on the hinge regularly that will make your tool easier and in good condition to use.
Exposure to excessive heat, for example – keeping the tools under the direct sun for a long time, can damage your wire cutter tools.
Use insulated wire cutters while working with electrical wiring or else you can risk to lose your life. So, don’t those types of wire cutters those don’t offer a sufficient level of protection.
Another important tip is pick a tool that has a grip span between 6cm and 9cm to prevent hands or fingers because this gap protects you from getting pinched when the tools are closed.
Make sure that your tools are clean and dry, if not, greasy or worn-down edges can compromise safety and could cause repetitive strain injuries.
Some bad habits like hammering on tools to cut objects should be refrained in order to last your tools long.

Remember, pliers, are used to pulling on them instead of pushing away when applying pressure. If anyhow the tool slips, the user can sustain an injury. So be careful when you are dealing with such types of wire cutter tools.

Frequently Asked Questions [Different Types of Wire Cutters]

1. What is the wire cutter used for?

A wire cutter or a plier is generally used for cutting different types of materials such as brass, iron, copper, aluminum, and steel wire.

2. What tool is used to cut wires?

Different types of wire cutters are used for different purposes. There are many types of wire cutters that are specifically designed for specific purposes. For example, lineman’s cutters are used for grasping, splicing, or chopping leads. They are used for stripping insulation too. Hydraulic cutters are used in the power utility and electrical industry for chopping copper or aluminum power cables and overhead conductors. Bolt cutters cut nuts and bolts. Wire rope cutters cut wire ropes. Diagonal cutters are used for crimping or wedging cable apart to allow precision cuts. Flush cutters include pincers that are angled and narrow. So, different types of wire cutters are used for different purposes.

3. How are wire cutters similar to scissors?

Yes, it is obvious that a wire cutter is very similar to scissors. They both have strong jaw hinges and their blades of them are designed to cut through strong materials. Wire cutters are superior to scissors though they both have similar tasks. Scissors are used for specific tasks while wire cutters are good to do everything.

4. What is the use of a side cutter?

Side cutters are also different types of wire cutters. They are supposed to use for cutting wires and the leads of the components in electronics. However, the side cutters play an important role to strip the insulation from the wire.

5. What are the basic parts of wire cutters?

The basic parts of wire cutters are tip/nose for holding, twisting, or creating hooks or loops in wire. Different size stripping blade slots.

6. Can side cutters cut steel?

Cutting different types of materials such as copper, brass, iron, aluminum, and steel wire, a diagonal cutter is the best. But yes, a high-quality side cutter can cut hardened steel.

Final Words

In our daily life, we use different types of wire cutters. In this article, we have tried to clear your view about different types of wire cutters and how to use them. We also have tried to show them with images. Moreover, to make you a proper understanding, we have given examples. We hope you have got some idea and your conceptions about different types of wire cutters are clear. Well, if you still have different types of wire cutters question , you can reach out to us.