Diagonal cutters are designed to provide precise cuts at an angle, making them ideal for crimping and wedging cables apart. They are commonly used in electrical work, particularly for cutting soft copper or aluminium conductors.

Side cutters, also known as diagonal cutters, are primarily used for cutting and stripping wires in electronic components. They excel at safely removing insulation from wires without damaging the underlying conductors, a process known as stripping. Proper stripping is crucial, as nicking the wire can lead to broken connections or electrical short circuits. While knives and scissors can perform this task, they pose a higher risk of damaging the copper wire. Using specialised wire cutters ensures a clean cut and maintains the integrity of the wire, making them the preferred choice for electricians and hobbyists alike.

For cutting nails and screws, bolt cutters are the tool of choice. These heavy-duty cutters provide the necessary leverage to snip through tough materials. To effectively use bolt cutters, position the tool as close to the shank of the screw or nail as possible. If the fastener is too tight to reach the shank, simply snip off the head instead. Bolt cutters are particularly useful in construction and maintenance tasks, where quick and efficient cutting is required.

Heavy-duty wire cutters are designed for robust applications, capable of cutting through thick wires and cables with ease. These cutters often feature larger jaws and longer handles, providing the necessary leverage to tackle tough materials. They are ideal for industrial and construction settings where durability and strength are paramount.

Bent nose cutters are a versatile type of plier that can grasp, turn, and bend wires. Their flat jaws allow for gripping and twisting, making them essential in both electrical and mechanical applications. They are available in various lengths to accommodate different tasks.

The table below provides a clear and concise comparison of diagonal cutters and side cutters, highlighting their distinct features and applications.

Choosing the appropriate cutter size depends on the specific tasks you intend to perform. Here are some factors to consider:

In the realm of jewellery making, specialised cutters such as flush cutters and wire cutters are essential. The unique design of flush cutters allows for precision cuts that minimise the risk of leaving sharp edges, ensuring a polished finish on delicate jewellery pieces.

Easily recognisable by their unique design, lineman's cutters have a shorter gripping surface and a cutting surface in the middle. They are favoured in electrical and construction tasks for grasping, splicing, or chopping leads and stripping insulation.

Our essential guide covers everything you need to know about cutters, including different types, their uses, common sizes, and popular brands. Equip yourself with the knowledge to select the best cutter for your tasks.

Cutters are essential hand tools utilised across various industries for cutting, trimming, and shaping materials. Below is an overview of various cutter types, highlighting their unique features and ideal uses.

Also known as nippers, end cutters feature a nearly flat head that allows for cutting materials close to surfaces. This design is particularly useful for tasks that require precision, such as cutting leads, springs, nails, and rivets.

Using cutters, especially in electrical and industrial contexts, requires attention to safety and technique to ensure both efficiency and protection from injury. Here are some essential tips and guidelines for using wire and cable cutters effectively:

Side cutters, sometimes referred to as side-cutting pliers, feature a blade that runs parallel to the handles. This design typically makes them more robust, allowing for the cutting of larger and thicker materials. Side cutters are often used for general-purpose cutting tasks, including cutting aluminum and steel wires. They provide greater leverage, which can be advantageous when dealing with tougher materials. The larger jaws of side cutters enable them to open wider, accommodating bigger items and making them versatile for a range of applications.

Flush cutters are characterised by their angled and narrow pincers, allowing for precise cuts on soft and semi-hard metals. Their design ensures that the cutting edge sits flush against the material, making them perfect for trimming delicate components without leaving sharp edges.

Diagonal cutters and side cutters are often terms used interchangeably, which can lead to confusion about their distinct features and applications. Both tools are designed to cut wires and cables at an angle, using a method that involves pressing and wedging the material apart, rather than shearing like scissors. This design makes them durable and suitable for demanding professional tasks. However, there are subtle differences between them that can influence their use in specific situations.

In addition to the main types of cutters mentioned above, there are several alternative models that cater to specific needs:

When the handles are pressed together, the gripping power is amplified and focused at the point where the jaws meet, enabling the cutter to slice through materials that may be too small or intricate to handle manually. This functionality makes cutters invaluable in tasks ranging from crafting and electronics to metalworking and construction. Cutters come in a wide array of types and sizes, each tailored for specific cutting tasks. The three primary categories of cutters include locking, adjustable, and non-adjustable models, with each type offering unique advantages based on the user's needs. Most cutters are constructed from durable materials such as steel, ensuring longevity and reliability during use.

Wire rope cutters are designed to pull the rope into their jaws, creating a clean cut without fraying. These tools are perfect for shearing wire rope and are commonly used in rigging and construction.

For more robust cutting tasks, hydraulic cutters are available. These tools utilise hydraulic power to cut through thick cables, wire ropes, and solid bars with ease. Hydraulic cutters are commonly used in the power utility and electrical industries, where they efficiently handle large conductors and overhead lines.

Mini side cutters are compact tools perfect for precision tasks that require access to tight spaces. With smaller jaws and handles, these cutters are well-suited for electronics, jewellery making, and other delicate applications. Their compact size allows for detailed work without compromising control or accuracy.

Large wire cutters offer a balance between size and cutting capacity, making them versatile tools for a range of applications. They are particularly useful for cutting medium to large gauge wires and are commonly used in electrical work and general maintenance tasks. The extended handles provide additional leverage, reducing the effort required to make clean cuts.

Bolt cutters generate substantial torque, enabling them to cut through thick metal materials effortlessly. Their strength makes them a staple in the construction industry for tasks like snipping bolts off containers and cutting through heavy chains or leads.

Diagonal cutters, also known as diagonal pliers or dikes, are characterised by their angled cutting edges. This angle allows for precise cuts close to surfaces, making them ideal for delicate tasks where accuracy is paramount. They are compact and lightweight, which makes them easy to handle in tight spaces. Diagonal cutters are particularly effective for cutting smaller wires and are widely used in electronics and jewelry making. Their ability to make clean cuts without leaving sharp edges is crucial for maintaining the integrity of electronic connections and preventing injury in jewellery work.

Cable cutters are specifically engineered for electrical applications. These tools often feature insulated handles to protect against electrical shocks, although it’s crucial to distinguish between non-insulated and insulated models. They are indispensable for cutting through thick cables without crushing the internal conductors.

A cutter is a versatile hand tool designed for cutting a variety of materials, making it an essential instrument in numerous industries and applications. Typically, a cutter consists of two levers connected by a fulcrum, strategically positioned closer to one end. The shorter segment of the tool is known as the jaws, while the longer segment comprises the handles. This design leverages the principles of leverage, allowing users to exert significant force with minimal effort.

Cutters are versatile hand tools that find applications across a multitude of industries, including electrical work, jewellery making, and construction. Their ability to cut, trim, and shape various materials makes them indispensable for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. Below, we explore the diverse uses of different types of cutters, highlighting their specific functionalities and ideal applications.

Side cutters, also known as diagonal cutters or dikes, are designed to indent and wedge materials apart, providing a cleaner finish than traditional scissors or knives. They excel in cutting soft wires and leads but should not be used on harder materials like nails or screws, as this can damage the tool.

Hydraulic cutters feature a guillotine-style head that minimises jams and can handle a variety of materials, including wire ropes and solid bars. These tools are primarily used in the power utility and electrical industries for cutting copper or aluminum power cables. They come in various models, including manual and battery-operated versions.

Cutters can be categorised by either jaw length or overall tool length, both typically measured in millimeters (mm). The size of a cutter plays a significant role in its cutting capacity and the types of materials it can handle. Below, we explore some common cutter sizes and their ideal applications.