Marking the cutting line
Side cutters are also used to apply notches to thin metal parts, marking cutting lines with a hacksaw or jigsaw.
This function of this tool significantly makes the work of a mechanic easier if he needs to make a precise cut, but simple construction scissors do not bite a sheet of metal, but only slide off it.
Purpose of side cutters
Depending on the nature of the work, different types of side cut pliers are used:
- Dielectric for cutting cables, wires under electric current.
- In construction during installation/dismantling for cutting thin metal sheets and plastic materials.
- For cutting wires, wire, etc. small diameter.
Dielectric cutters are operated at a voltage not exceeding 1000 Volts. It is recommended to store and use the tool at temperatures ranging from -20 to +70 C.
Simple operating principle
The design of side cutters is not much different from the design of pliers and wire cutters. The working components of this tool are connected by a special hinge.
A spring is placed between the handles. After the end of the compression period, it returns the handles to their original position. This happens immediately after biting an iron thread or cutting off a plastic edge.
How to find good metal cutters?
Selecting a quality tool means being able to effectively and easily complete the task of cutting cables and other elements. You can determine that the tool you decide to purchase is of high quality based on several criteria .
Signs of quality wire cutters
There are no dents on quality cutters.
There should be no burrs or other defects. The cutting edges of these pliers should touch tightly in the middle.
Another important point is that the cutting edges should not overlap each other. The cutters may have a detachable type screw lock. However, instruments with such locks are very rare. Most often, wire cutters are offered with permanent locks.
When choosing a quality tool for home use, you should also pay attention to the lock of this tool. It can be single-hinged or double-hinged. The tool, which is equipped with a double-hinged lock, allows the specialist to reduce the force that develops on the tool handles. When choosing, you should be aware that it would be useful to have a return leaf spring in the tool. Thanks to it, the working edges automatically return to their original position. This happens immediately after the pressure is completed.
Manufacturers specializing in the manufacture of hand cutters think not only about the safety of this tool, but also about the ease of use. , an insulating winding is used in manufacturing . This makes it possible to use this tool not only for cutting cables, but also as an electrical installation tool when working with high voltage cables.
According to such criteria as the presence of insulating materials, wire cutters are divided into:
- insulating;
- isolated.
A characteristic feature of insulated handles is their coating, which ensures safety when performing electrical installation work. The handles of insulating tools are made entirely of insulating materials. Only the cutting edge inserts in this tool are made of metal.
Requirements for materials for making tools
When choosing this tool, attention should be paid to the material from which the pliers are made:
- was indestructible;
- had good resistance to moisture;
- was resistant to oil and gasoline;
- didn't slip.
Manufacturers of these hand tools also ensure that wire cutters designed for electrical work have a good degree of electrical insulation and provide reliable protection against electric shock within the limits corresponding to the insulating materials used in the manufacture of the tool.
Durability and comfort
Thanks to the indestructibility of the hinge joint, the master can press the handles of the side cutters as hard as he likes when processing metal workpieces. The strength of the cutting edges of the tool is ensured by the use of metals of increased hardness for their manufacture.
However, even the most durable side cutters must be very easy to use, which is necessarily taken into account during their manufacture.
The best universal side cutters
This type of hand tool combines small size and improved technical parameters. The cutters can be used for cutting wires, electrical wiring, and binding wire. Reinforced return mechanisms reduce the load during prolonged operation. Users can buy models with dielectric and chrome plated
Rockforce RF-612175
The pliers of the Belarusian brand are produced at a factory in Taiwan. When creating, high-strength chrome-vanadium steel is used. This increases the service life and makes it easy to cope with thick steel wire and 10-core electrical wires.
The handles are two-component, which makes the grip comfortable and reliable. The surface of the covers is profiled, there is additional protection against slipping. Aggressive design emphasizes the professional class. Diagonal cutting elements ensure an even cut when processing electrical cables. The manufacturer provides a lifetime warranty for this product.
Advantages:
- Convenient shape of the working part;
- Resistant to wear and corrosion;
- Maintains factory sharpening;
- Good control of cutting force.
Flaws:
- Overcharge.
Ingco Hdcp28168
Designed for flush cutting of wire, wire, electrical cable. Length 160 mm allows you to work in conditions of limited usable space. The cutting part is made of chrome vanadium steel, which increases the hardness of the edges and improves corrosion protection. Side recesses make it easier to strip the cable from the braid. Diagonal edge for neat cutting of wires.
The handles are two-component copolymer with good anti-slip characteristics. The surface of the handles is textured, and the finger rests prevent slipping while cutting thick wire. The increased diameter of the cover reduces physical effort. According to user reviews, they have the best balance between price and quality.
Advantages:
- There is no gap between the jaws;
- Handles very thin wire well;
- No jagged edges are formed;
- Soft cases.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Stanley FatMax 0-89-858
The products of the American brand are manufactured in France; steel with a high content of chromium and vanadium is used in production. The main metal processing technology is forging. This increases strength and service life. The handles are elongated and provide good leverage when biting steel wire. Polished jaws with a diagonal edge for precise work with braided wires.
Handle covers made of two-component polymer material. The material can withstand the aggressive effects of chemicals. The anti-slip coating makes handling cables and wires comfortable. The fit of the cutting edges makes it easy to cut thin wire and paper.
Advantages:
- Durable design;
- Complies with European standards;
- Covers with finger rest;
- Increased edge hardness.
Flaws:
- Sometimes it takes time to develop.
The best oscilloscopes
Modern dielectric cases
For this reason, the handles of side cutters are given ergonomic shapes. At the same time, they are covered with polymer attachments that prevent the hand from fogging in case of prolonged use of the tool. If it is used by the same master for a long time, then the soft handles gradually take on the shape of the owner’s palm.
Modern comfortable polymer materials used for the manufacture of dielectric handle covers do not leave bruises, dents and abrasions on the hands, which can appear with strong compression of old-style hard plastic insulating attachments.
Wire cutters for electrical work
Wire cutters are a fairly important tool in the process of electrical installation work. If the tool is equipped with insulating tubes on the handle made of rubber or plastic, then the cutters are intended for electrical installation. The material used to make the levers for these pliers is steel.
Electrical installation pliers
In the work process, an electrician uses this tool to cut wires when replacing a wire or troubleshooting a problem. Each type of wire cutter has its own tasks when a master performs a job. A high-quality tool will help you get the job done quickly and protect you from electric shock.
Lever operating principle
Thick nozzles on the handles guarantee one hundred percent protection against electric shock. Thanks to the application of lever force to the jaws, this tool allows you to cut fairly thick wires and insulated cables.
Usually, to perform a working stroke, the force of one hand is sufficient, but if necessary, the side cutters can be squeezed with both hands, which allows you to cut a wide-section energy line.
The best mini side cutters
Small-sized wire cutters are used when working with radio components, laying network or telephone cables. Short lips make it easier to process small conductors, but at the same time cope well with thin copper wire and stripping cable insulation. When producing side cutters for electronics, special attention is paid to the shape of the handle, which provides comfortable conditions for complex manipulations in conditions of limited usable space.
Rexant 12-4602-1
The model of the Russian company is designed for cutting wires, copper and steel wire of small diameter - up to 1 mm. This is a universal tool that can be used in everyday life and in the professional sphere. The curved shape of the handles makes it convenient to grip with one palm; the bend radius is chosen taking into account effective leverage. Handle covers are made of anti-slip material.
The lips are made of high carbon steel, which is highly durable. The hardness on the surface of the blades reaches 58 HRC, the copper wire does not leave marks on the cutting part, which does not require sharpening. To achieve such values, the working part is hardened. Diagonal sharpening of mini 120 mm side cutters carefully removes the insulating braid from the electrical cable.
Advantages:
- Light weight;
- Oxidized coating, resistant to corrosion;
- Low price;
- Sharp chamfer.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
The convex shape of the handle allows you to fully control the cutting progress. This ensures accurate work with electronic components of devices, household or computer equipment.
Skrab 22532
The Latvian company has developed a model made of tool steel for professional use in the field of microelectronics. Semicircular handles with return springs ensure easy cutting of copper or aluminum wire. The handle covers are made of two-component material that does not slip in the palm. The total length of the tool is 110 mm, making it easy to work in tight spaces.
The sharpening has a diagonal profile, the presence of an antistatic coating on the lips ensures safety when repairing microelectronics. Features of the blade profile make it easy to remove the braid from the wire and cut copper cable with a cross-section of 2.5 sq. mm. There is a loop on the handle for vertical storage.
Advantages:
- Corrosion resistance;
- The blade retains its sharpness for a long time;
- Good handle return mechanism;
- Wear-resistant pads.
Flaws:
- Covers may come off the handles.
Stayer MiniPro 2219-6-12
Made from tool steel, which is characterized by increased strength. The handles are ergonomic, semicircular, and fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. For return, a spring installed in the head is used. The handles are poured, made of polymer, which has anti-slip characteristics.
Hardened sponges are highly durable and resistant to corrosion. An edge with a slight diagonal angle allows you to carefully cut the polymer braid from the wire. Mini side cutters have a length of 125 mm and can be used for repairing electrical equipment in domestic and professional settings. The manufacturer provides a 24-month warranty on its products.
Advantages:
- Flush cut;
- Light weight;
- Minor physical effort;
- Convenient to work in cramped conditions.
Flaws:
- No antistatic surface treatment.
The best splitters
Main Applications
Side cutters are most often used
- Electricians;
- Assemblers of exhibition pavilions, street kiosks, country and park small architectural forms;
- Representatives of housing maintenance organizations, theater decorators, adjusters of communication systems, ventilation, and air conditioning.
Conventional and electrical side cutters
The set of functions for which a particular type of tool is intended is determined by its design features. Standard side cutters are used primarily for cutting plastic, iron, and wires.
Analogues equipped with thick dielectrics are most often used for laying cables in apartments and offices.
Cutting thin and thick wires
The speed and quality of cutting largely depends on the correct use of side cutters. To cut through thin wire or nylon thread, it is enough to place them at the very tips of the blades.
If there is a need to cut through a wide-section wire, then it is placed at the very base of the blades.
Safety features
Manufacturers equip almost all models of side cutters with insulating handles, which gives the tool several advantages:
- Safety. The handle made of insulating material automatically becomes a protection against electricity.
- Ergonomics. The handles are non-slip, oil and moisture resistant.
- Convenience. The durable and anti-slip coating makes work comfortable.
All parameters and technical characteristics are indicated in the form of letter and numerical markings directly on the handle of the pliers (or on the packaging).
By size, models are divided into standard and reinforced:
- 150 mm
- 160 mm
- 180 mm
Reinforced side cutters include a tool with a length of 180 mm and with its help you can cut wires of a larger diameter or metal sheets thicker than usual.
High-carbon steel is used to make high-quality wire cutters. The jaws are further strengthened either by hardening or equipped with titanium inserts.
Assessing the condition of cutting edges
Any home craftsman or professional installer who is puzzled by how to choose side cutters must first evaluate the quality of the metal from which they are made.
- You should also examine the condition of the blades, especially for nicks, dents, and chips.
- Used tools may well end up in the retail chain, and this fact will be determined by examining the condition of the cutting edges.
How to choose side cutters
What is skate sharpening and why is it needed?
Undoubtedly, the quality of the side cutters used should be quite high, since this directly affects the quality of the work performed. Therefore, choosing high-quality side cutters should first of all look at their appearance. The main difference between low-quality side cutters and reliable ones are various dents or nicks on the tool.
The cutting lips of the side cutters must be in close contact with each other, otherwise the object being bitten will not be completely cut. The hinge on the cutters can be made integral with the entire structure or separately from it - this point does not affect the quality of the side cutters in any way.
One of the interesting designs are side cutters with two hinges. This is required to perform work with virtually no force due to the higher degree of pressure generated.
Checking the tightness of the blades
It is also important to check if there is a gap between the edges. The more tightly the blades fit together, the higher the effectiveness of the tool when cutting thin threads and wires. In some cases, professionals use a microscope to assess the tightness of the edges.
It allows you to see not only the gap between the blades, but also the smallest defects on the cutting edges, as well as defects in the protective coating that will become sources of corrosion.
How to sharpen side cutters correctly
What is a silent block and why does it need to be changed?
If the nippers are used to a large extent at home, and the cutting lips of the side cutters are fairly dull, then you can sharpen the edges yourself.
All that is required for sharpening is ordinary sandpaper. The main condition for this is accuracy, low effort and, of course, safety.
In order to properly sharpen the cutting parts of the side cutters, you need to smoothly turn the side cutters with the back side in relation to the emery, and an excellent result will be a noticeable shine on the cutting edges. If you don’t have emery at home, you can use a regular beam, but it is highly not recommended to do this all the time.
The main thing when working with side cutters is to remember that they are not at all designed for constant work with steel, then the cutters will last a long time. Their main area of application is wires, namely copper and aluminum. In exceptional cases, side cutters can be used to cut through steel insulation, but for this it is better to use special scissors.
Main types of side cutters
There are currently two types of this tool on the market:
- Single-hinged;
- Double-hinged.
Selection of the required modification
When purchasing installation tools, the types and sizes of side cutters suitable for a particular craftsman are determined by the frequency and intensity of their future use. To work with a large number of workpieces, it would be better to purchase double-jointed side cutters.
Thanks to the presence of a leaf spring, they instantly return to their original state. At the same time, a double-jointed tool will allow you to spend much less effort on doing useful work.
The best reinforced side cutters
Reinforced side cutters are made only from hardened steel. This increases the hardness of the edges and allows you to cut through steel wire without the appearance of burrs or nicks. The return mechanisms are strengthened, which facilitates long-term work on the construction site. When positioning the hinge, the maximum lever is selected taking into account the overall size.
Kraftool 2202-6-18
The German brand's fitting and assembly tools are manufactured in Taiwan. The model is designed for cutting copper, steel wire, and large-section wires. The production uses chrome vanadium steel, which has good strength and corrosion resistance. Additionally, the working elements are chrome plated to increase service life.
Handles are made of two-component material for a more comfortable grip, the surface is embossed, helping to prevent slipping. The finger stops are clearly defined, durable, and allow for maximum force. The convex shape of the handle makes the lever effective when working with dense materials.
Advantages:
- High-strength cutting edges;
- Antistatic function;
- Good alignment;
- Low price;
- Comfortable handles.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Gross 17575
The German professional side cutter is made of chrome vanadium steel with additional hardening of the cutting edges by induction current. This made it possible to increase the hardness of the cutting element to 62 HRC. A design feature is the displacement of the hinge closer to the edges; as a result of this decision, the gear ratio of the levers has increased, and the work has become easier for the user.
Additional ribs are provided on the inner surfaces of the hinge to secure the cable. The handles are three-component, made of polymer and rubber. The ergonomic shape of the handle reduces the load on the hand and minimizes the risk of injury. The functionality can be expanded with additional stops for installing a bracket with a suspension or a powerful spring for automatic opening.
Advantages:
- External stiffening ribs to strengthen the structure;
- Anti-corrosion coating based on titanium;
- Manufacturer's warranty 5 years;
- Sharp sharpening.
Flaws:
- Overcharge.
Professional options with dielectrics
While inexpensive standard models are quite suitable for a home craftsman, an electrician will need special dielectric side cutters that can easily withstand electric shocks of up to a thousand volts.
When choosing quality side cutters, the manufacturing company also plays a significant role. A long-known brand that has earned a good reputation among installers is a guarantee of reliability and durability.
If the brand turns out to be little-known or absent altogether, then this fact will give reason to doubt the high quality of the instrument.
Famous brands and fly-by-night companies
Naturally, tools of dubious quality will be offered at a much lower cost than side cutters from proven brands
- N.W.S.;
- Knipex;
- Bahco;
- Wiha;
- Kraftool;
- KBT.
However, this does not mean at all that cheap analogues will not break a week or two after purchase. With a high probability, their cutting edges will quickly become covered with deep dents, after which such a tool will be suitable only for chopping nuts.
FAQ
How do side cutters differ from standard cutters?
+
The main difference between side cutters is the location of the cutting edges - on the same plane as the handles or at a slight angle. This allows you to work more accurately.
How to use side cutters correctly?
+
The tool must be positioned at right angles to the wire or other part. When biting, the cutting elements must close completely. But you should not apply excessive force - this can lead to divergence of the edges and breakage of the side cutters.
Is it possible to sharpen the blades yourself?
+
With regular use, even high-quality cutting elements can become dull. Typically, standard sandpaper is used to sharpen them. You will need to carefully and slowly work each blade along its entire length. The process takes no more than 10 minutes.
