Best Wire Cutter

Unless you live a life of a monk in some far away monastery, you would probably find yourself in a world surrounded by wires. Almost every other gadget or equipment we use has wires for the power supply or charging. We can safely say that we are wired to use wires. 

Considering such an intricate network of wires around us, the wire cutter becomes an indispensable tool for troubleshooting scenarios.  A wire cutter enables you to DIY fixing at home for issues that don’t need professional help.

A wire cutter is specially designed to grasp, bend, hold, cut, and separate different types of wires.

In this review, you will read about the uses of a wire cutter, things to avoid using a wire cutter, factors to consider before buying a wire cutter, Types of wire cutter, safety tips to consider and 8 best wire cutters.

Things to avoid while using a wire cutter

  • You should not use your wire cutters to cut any wires unless it is designed for that purpose or else, it will damage your tool.
  • You should not expose the pliers and wire cutters to excessive heat.
  • It is not advisable to bend stiff wires with light wire cutters such as needle-nose cutters. Some sturdy tools must be used instead.
  • You should never use your wire cutters as hammers.
  • If you have a small cutter, you shall not extend the handle’s length to gain leverage. Instead, it is advised that you should use a bigger cutter.
  • While handling electrical components, it is not advised to use cutters with cushion handles. You are advised to use electrically insulated handle wire cutters only.

What are wire cutters used for?

A wire cutter is specifically intended to be used to cut wires or help you to peel off the insulation from the wire when you are trying to connect them with other wires.

They have two jaws which are intersected from between which can cut the wires at an angle. They are designed for use in electrical fixing, so they are provided along with electrical insulation.

While figuring out the uses of wire cutters, we must know that the two essential uses of wire cutters are stripping the wires and cutting the wires. 

Wire Stripping is a process of removing the insulation from the wire to make contact. Most of us are dependent on the traditional methods of insulating those wires using your teeth which will only result in dental bills.

If these wire cutters are placed on the outer coating of wires and just pulled off, you can easily strip those wires.

Wire Cutting is another process which is done with the help of these wire cutters. Cutters have an intersecting jaw that cuts the wire at an angle, leaving a narrow end which can be further used.

These cutters are generally used to cut copper, brass, iron, aluminum, and steel wire. The prime advantage of using a cutter which is insulated is to prevent yourself from getting shocked through the bare wire ends.

Some safety tips while using a wire cutter

  • If you are fixing something and if there is a potential hazard of any flying particles, it is safer to use goggles and protective glasses which help you prevent any damage to your eyes.
  • You will get the maximum result if you are cutting the wire at right angles. Never rock your cutting tool from side to side or bend the wires back and forth while performing the cut.
  • Choose a cutting tool which has a grip span of 6cm-9cm so that whenever you are cutting the wires, your palms and fingers do not get pinched when the tool is closed.
  • While performing any fixing of electrical appliances, it is advisable that your cutting tool must have protective insulation to prevent yourself from electric shocks.
  • Use a drop of oil at the hinges if you find the tool difficult to open and close.
  • Make sure that the jaws are clean and sharp. If they are greasy at the jaws, you will find it difficult to cut the wires.

Types of Wire Cutter

With the emerging market, there are a lot of varieties and ranges of wire cutters available. As there are different types of wires available, so are the types of wire cutter.

There is hardly any profession or trade which does not use this tool. Jewellers, doctors, electricians, auto mechanics, florists, and even firefighters have been dependent on this tool for professional results.

Flush Cutter: 

It is a type of mini wire cutter which is efficient to cut wire of about 16 gauges (1.3mm).This makes it preferable to professions such as jewel shops and electronics.

It is not good to have a spike in your wire if you are working in jewelry, florist or electronic shop. The best option would be using a cutter having reduced leverage.

It helps you to cut the wire finely, without forcing it to break at the site of the cut before completing the cut.

The reduced bevels on the wire cutters mean that you have to apply less force for cutting those wires which prove to be helpful for those people who have to complete at least 100 cuttings a day.

Shear Cutter: 

The shear cutter is one of the best cutters present in the list which finely cuts all the wires without putting much pressure on it.

One has to take great care by not putting too much pressure while cutting because it can eventually dull the blades after the cut is complete.

To prevent this, high-quality tools are fitted with adjustment screws that prevent the blade from touching each other after completing the cut. This should be one of the main features when you are looking for shear cutters.

Diagonal Cutter: 

The most commonly used type by the tradesmen all over the world is the diagonal cutter. It is also known by other names such as side-cutters, diagonal cutters, “dykes,” or even “diags.”

As the name suggests, it offers diagonal cuts. However, they usually leave a sharp spike on the wire after cutting it because of the jaws that force them to break instead of cutting them finely.

One should take care that these cutters should not be used while cutting nails, steel wire, fencing wire, screws, or anything harder than copper or aluminum wire because they can lead the cutter blades to be blunt and be useless.

Insulated Cutter: 

Almost all the cutters are provided along with insulation on it to prevent the users from getting electric shocks while operating it. Special care must be taken to not confuse between the plastic or rubber coated handle with the proper insulation.

Most of them come along with soft grip which makes them easy to handle, but it does not offer protection from electrocution. It is recommended that you buy insulated cutters from a reputed brand which will offer safety during use.

Lineman’s Wire Cutters: 

These are also known as combination cutters and is considered to be the workhorse of the family of tools.

They can be specialized for cutting materials such as steel fencing wire, thick nails, or even steel screws with no trouble at all, thanks to the levering action of the long handles.

When you open the handles, it aligns the two groves, and when you close it, a shearing action is produced which cuts the wire.

Needle-Nose Wire Cutters: 

This cutter’s primary speciality is its long jaw, which can be used while you are bending and twisting the wire in switch-gear in electrical panels. If you use other cutters, there would not be enough space to insert those wires.

Buyers’ Guide:

  • Cable Size: The wire cutters should be chosen by considering the cable size which needs to be cut. Different cutters are designed for use for a specific size. Large cutters are not appropriate for cutting tiny sized cables and wires.
  • Rubber Grip: While handling the wire cutters, it should not slip off from the hand while using it. When you are working continuously, it is evident that you can develop sweat on your hands. If the grip is not good, it gets slipping off from the hands too often and disturbs your job.
  • Pressure Applied: A trait of a good wire cutter is such that it cuts the wire easily without too much pressure applied to it. Look for a product which fulfills this need.
  • Adjustment Screws: Some of the wire cutters don’t need too much pressure to be applied to it while cutting. If you apply too much pressure, the blades come in contact with each other which can make them blunt. It is advisable that these cutters must have adjustment screws that prevent blades from coming in contact with each other.
  • Excellent Cutting: Most of the cutters produce a spike while cutting the wires which is because the wires are forced to break off from the site before completing the cut. The wire cutter must produce fine cuts on the wires.
  • Size: Handling a more significant sized wire cutter for a long time can cause pain on your hands. So, you should go for a smaller sized tool.
  • Construction: The tool must be built in such a way that it does not harm the users. Usually, while using most of the tools, the pointed metal may harm you. So the construction of these tools should be in such a way that it does not cause you harm.
  • Usage: The wire cutters are designed to be used for cutting the wires correctly and even removing the insulation of the wires. A useful tool must serve these purposes fully.
  • Insulation: Almost all the cutters are provided along with insulation on it to prevent the users from getting electric shocks while operating it. Special care must be taken to not confuse between the plastic or rubber coated handle with the proper insulation.

8 Best Wire Cutter

1. Visko Tools Wire Cutter

Visko Tools 239 6-inch Wire Cutter or Stripper
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For all your DIY stuff and works, Visko Tools 239 6-inch Wire Cutter or Stripper is one of the best tools available for you. Its sharp cutting edges provide you with extra freedom of finishing all your jobs in no time.

The build quality of this product is excellent, and it can be used to cut any copper wires easily. There are other features and specifications of this product, let us have a look at those.

Main Features
  • The product is made up of high-grade steel which makes it a robust and sturdy tool to be used against any strong wires
  • The springs provided in the jaws of the cutter makes the movement of the cutter smooth
  • This tool can be used for cutting as well as stripping
  • This cutter can be used for cutting any metal wires as well as small branches of the trees
PROS (What we liked)
  • The stripping feature prevents you from cutting off the inner core of the wire
  • The plastic grip which is provided on the handles lets you use the cutter quickly and comfortably
  • It can be operated easily by professionals as well as those people who wish to do their job on their own
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • The glue which is used to stick the grip may come off after some time
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2. AmazonBasics Wire Stripper and Cutter 

AmazonBasics is a multi-purpose wire stripper and cutter that enables you to cut and strip aluminum cables and 10-22 AWG solid copper wire conveniently. It makes up an excellent addition to any contractor’s, mechanic’s, or electrician’s toolbox.

It is a versatile wire cutter that is suitable for cutting and stripping wires and can also be applied for crimping insulated and non-insulated terminals.

Main Features
  • This wire cutter features a serrated nose that is designed for providing a strong and sturdy grip while bending, shaping, pulling, or twisting wires
  • It features high-carbon alloy steel construction that provides immense durability and long-lasting strength
  • It features an ergonomic handle that provides a secure and comfortable grip while holding and operating with hands
  • It is a robust wire cutter that provides efficient stripping and cutting of aluminum cable and 10-22 AWG solid copper wires
  • It effectively crimps insulated as well as non-insulated terminals
  • It comes with a 1-year limited warranty from the date of purchase
PROS (What we liked)
  • It provides reliable and robust performance due to its durable steel alloy construction
  • Its ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip for convenient handling
  • It can be used for cutting screws
  • It gives excellent workmanship at affordable costs
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • It’s not suitable for crimping small connectors

3. PagKis Wire Cutter Stripper 

PagKis is a self-adjusting wire cutter and stripper that is designed to work with cables up to 6mm in diameter. It is an automatic and high-quality stripping tool that is ideally suitable for cutting and stripping the electrical insulation from the electric wires.

It can strip the network and CCTV cables without damaging the inner wires. It has a pressure adjust button that enables you to make the required pressure adjustments.

Main Features
  • It is a heavy-duty wire cutter and stripper that features a self-adjusting mechanism
  • It is a cable insulation stripper that is prepared from the high-quality cutting blade
  • It features anti-corrosive properties along with great compressive strength
  • Due to its self-adjusting mechanism, this cutter works smoothly as per the size of the wire and provides high-quality stripping without causing any damage to the inner core
  • It is engineered for stripping and cutting insulation on copper wire in the range from 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm or 6 mm in diameter
PROS (What we liked)
  • It is designed for day to day maintenance and repairing of electrical wires & cables
  • It is easy to adjust as per the thickness of the wire
  • This wire and cutter is suitable for various applications like electronics, automobiles, aviation, etc
  • It is ideally suited for DIY enthusiasts and professionals like technicians, electricians, repairmen, etc
  • It is a lightweight cutter that works as a self-adjusting stripper and cutter
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • It does not come with the markings on the dial

4. Taparia Side Cutting Mini Plier

Taparia 1405 Side Cutting Mini Plier
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All the wire cutters are not designed to be used against strong wires else it could damage them while using.

Taparia 1405 Side Cutting Mini Plier is a strong and sturdy wire cutter and plier which is trustable to be used while cutting any hard wires without even damaging the tool.

The brand also provides nine different types of cutters – flat nose, round nose, long nose, side cutter, end cutter and bent nose, combination, long needle nose, long needle bent nose.

Main Features
  • The pliers are fully polished which makes it look good and elegant
  • The product’s dimensions are 18 x 9 x 1 cms
  • It is made up of high-grade steel which makes it sturdy and strong to be used
  • It has gone under multiple tests to be used under extreme heat conditions
PROS (What we liked)
  • It comes along with twin-cloured cushion coating which gives a good grip while using it
  •  It is fitted with leaf spring between the shanks to facilitates smooth and ease in operation
  • It is easy to handle them because of their long handles
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • Even though they are strong, they are not that sharp to cut wires smoothly
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5. EZ Life Cable Cutter Crimper

EZ Life Self-Adjusting Automatic Cable Cutter Crimper
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With its 5-in-1 multi-purpose feature as a wire stripper and a wire cutter, EZ Life Self-Adjusting Automatic Cable Cutter Crimper with 5 in 1 Multi-Tool Wire Stripping Cutting Pliers, 10-24 AWG, Large (Yellow) has been the best seller out of all these wire cutters listed.

The wire cutting tool is specially designed to be dealt with copper, cable, coaxial, thermal and aluminum wires. The wire stripping feature of this tool is so good that it is convenient, efficient and harmless to the cable core.

Main Features

  • The tool is designed to easily strip off wires as it comes along with adjustable jaws to strip off the wire from the range 10-24 AWG
  • A copper swivel knob is also provided with this tool which gives accurate precision adjustment to the two machined jaws which makes it easy to be used with any cables
  • It is a 5-in-1 multi-purpose tool with cutter and crimper. It is easy to deal with any wire such as copper, cable, coaxial, thermal and aluminum wires without much effort
PROS (What we liked)
  • The tool comes along with a long handle which increases the leverage of this product. Now using very fewer efforts and without applying too much pressure, you can easily operate this tool
  • It is also a good wire crimper
  • It has precisely built machined teeth, which will grab, hold, pull and remove off the jacket of the wires in just a single-handed motion
  • The motion of the diagonal jaws is very smooth which makes it easy to complete all your tasks
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • The auto release feature does not work very well
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6. Stanley Wire Stripper

Stanley 84-475-22 Wire Stripper
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Stanley 84-475-22 Wire Stripper with Cutting Edge is designed as a wire stripper and a cutting edge to be used as a wire cutter.

With its insulation grip that is provided on the handles, it is safe to be operated while you are dealing with electrical appliances and prevent from any kinds of electric shocks. Let us have a look at the other features of this product. 

Main Features
  • This product removes the insulation jacket of the wire without any effort
  • The machined teeth jaws are designed in such a way that it does not need much pressure to remove 
  • The diagonal jaws have a spring attached which facilitates the motion of the jaws and provide a smooth work
  • This product can be used for suppressing and line bending functions as well
PROS (What we liked)
  • It is a very good and sturdy product which can be used to strip off thick insulation jackets as well
  • It is pretty efficient while using because it does not cut off the inner core of the cables while dealing with the outer insulation
  • The super quality tool will work with electrical as well as electronic devices and is a must-have if you are an electronic hobbyist
  • Spring and lock action for easy operation
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • It is not recommendable when you are dealing with thin wires
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7. Thermo Yamato Cutter

Thermo Yamato Brand Heavy Duty Nipper
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When you are operating circuit board, it is very difficult to cut and strip off the wires using a standard wire cutter because of their small sizes. You need to have a useful tool which could be used for those small wires as well.

Thermo Yamato Brand Heavy Duty Nipper/Cutter -Made in Taiwan has a precise and sharp cutting edge which gives it an extra precision while dealing with thin wires.

Main Features
  • The product is a forged steel construction which is made up of high-quality grade alloy steel which makes it a robust and sturdy tool
  • It has been gone through multiple test 60 HRC on cutting edges to withstand excessive heat conditions
  • It is also made up of stainless steel material which prevents it from getting rusted
PROS (What we liked)
  • It is easy to handle because of its light-weight feature
  • It comes along with a sturdy grip which makes it very comfortable for using
  • It can also be used for jewelry making because it has been designed in such a way that it handles the job finely and precisely
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • The cutter is not that sharp
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8. Ruston Wire & Metal Cutter

Ruston Wire & Metal Cutter
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Ruston Wire & Metal Cutter (10 inches) is made up of carbon steel giving it a good look as well as improving the quality of this product. The swift and smooth motion of this tool makes it handy and easy to operate. 

Let us have a look at the features and specifications of this product. 

Main Features
  • The tool is made up of high-quality carbon steel which makes it sturdy and strongto be used against hard wires as well
  • The build quality of the product is very nice
PROS (What we liked)
  • The sharp blades of this cutter allow you to cut the wires off without a lot of efforts easily
  • The long handles of this tool increase the leverage and make it easy for you to handle and use them
  • These cutters come along with plastic coverings that provide insulation as well
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • It could be sharper
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Conclusion

A wire cutter is a great tool to have in your house for solving wire related issues. It’s not practical to call a professional like electrician, technician, or cable repairer; every time for doing small things that you can do it yourself.

Whether you need to remove the worn out/damaged wires or replace the old wires with new ones, a wire cutter does the job smoothly and makes it look effortless. With so many electrical and electronic appliances we have, we require wire cutter day in and day out.

Our favourite picks are AmazonBasics Wire Stripper and Cutter, Visko Tools Wire Cutter and  Taparia Side Cutting Mini Plier

A wire cutter allows you to perform tasks that are impossible to do with bare hands. It a must-have component for your DIY home tool kit. It gets your things fixed in quick time.

Justin Mathew
 

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