Wire cutters are one of the types cutting tool, used in everyday life when performing various repair work. With their help, you can cut various types of materials without disturbing the structure of the element and obtaining good quality cutting Various types of wire cutters are available, differing in their purpose. Let's consider their features and scope of application.

Purpose of the wire cutters

By their design, the cutters are universal tool for cutting metal and plastic products, working on the principle of a lever. They can cut the wire electrical wire, power cable, the thickness of which is 5–7 mm.

Wire cutters are used when installing and dismantling equipment and are widely in demand for electrical work. What criteria should be used when choosing this type of cutting tool, taking into account the scope of its application?

Design Features

Since this tool is used to cut material, its selection should be made based on the requirements for performing this function. There are two main elements in the design of the cutters:

• handle for easy handling of the tool;
• cutting lumps, which are also called sponges.

The type of nippers is determined by such design parameters as shape cutting edges, features of their location, geometric dimensions.

The following types of pliers are distinguished according to the location of the cutting edges and purpose:

1. End jaws - jaws are located perpendicular to the surface of the handles.
2. Side cutters, otherwise called side cutters, are characterized by the location of the jaws at a small angle to the handle or on the same plane with it.
3. Power cutters (bolt cutters) – used for working with metal rods.

As a rule, to ensure electrical safety, the handles of this tool are made using insulating material. Electric cutters installation work They have high-quality insulation to protect your hands from electric shock. Based on the design of the handle, there are two types of electrical wire cutters: insulating and insulated.

The difference between these types of handles is that the coating of insulated cutters is made of dielectric, and for insulating type products it is additionally equipped with cutting inserts. By design, the handles are lever guides; their surface does not wrinkle or slip under the hand, and is resistant to moisture, technical oils and substances with high chemical activity.

Types of wire cutters

Based on the type of design of the working parts of the tool, there are 3 types of cutters: end cutters, side cutters and bolt cutters. All types of presented wire cutters can be purchased in the GSM kit online store. You can choose the kuachki yourself on the page http://gsm-komplekt.com/category/kusachki-bokorezy-/.

End

They are used during installation work, in construction, and when laying electrical networks. For the manufacture of the working element, reinforced steel with a chrome-plated surface is used. The cutting edges of this type of nippers have high strength and are sharpened in a special way, which allows you to ensure high-quality execution work for which they are intended. The tool handles, made of dielectric, are resistant to high operating voltages.

The working element is at an angle relative to the tool head. The operating efficiency of the most powerful cutters of this type is ensured by additional reinforcement and hardening with high-frequency currents. Issued various models products that can be used to cut wire made from different metals and having different thicknesses, from aluminum to steel.

For diagonal wire cutters designed for cutting steel wires with a thickness of 1.2 mm, those made of mild steel - no more than 2.0 mm, and copper wires whose diameter does not exceed 2.6 mm, the heads are located at an angle to the surface of the handle. The hinge on the axis, which ensures the mobility of the working parts of the tool, is characterized by significant resistance to the constant influence of monotonous loads.

To manufacture professional side cutters, tool steel is used, which undergoes heat treatment and multi-stage hardening. The handles of this type of nippers are comfortable to grip and can withstand impact forces of up to 75 kg.

Special nippers

One of the varieties of this type of cutting tool is bolt cutters. They are designed for cutting rods whose thickness does not exceed 12 mm. Representing a double lever in design and equipped with long handles, they first apply the applied force to an intermediate link that increases its value, and then to the cutting surface.

Another type of special cutters are products used for cutting small electronic parts. They have mirror surface, open evenly, equipped with a device that removes static electricity. After watching the video presented to your attention, you can get acquainted with information about power cutters used for working with reinforcement.

Types of nippers by area of ​​application

By area of ​​application, the following types of nippers can be distinguished:

• pin cutters and reinforcement cutters for working with wire and reinforcement;
• electrical, designed for cutting cables;
• professional, used to perform cosmetic procedures.

The first type of pliers is used when working with unheated wire up to 4 mm thick. For their manufacture, T8 steel is used, the hardness of which is 42 HRC. The handles of the handles, reaching a length of 210 mm, are made of polyvinyl chloride and have reinforced linings, which are coated with powder paint.

Electrical wire cutters are used for cutting insulated aluminum and copper cables, the working diameter of which does not exceed 35 mm. For the cutting edge, knives made of heat-treated alloy steel are used. Knives are made using the method of volumetric stamping of steel using a hammer falling from a height.

The strength of the cutting edges ensures cutting the cable without significant deformation of the cut and the wires located inside. The products are equipped with fiberglass and rubber handles.

Professional nippers are a tool used in cosmetic procedures such as manicures and pedicures. They have small sizes and are intended for removing cuticles. For production professional cutters Durable stainless steel is used to make surgical instruments.

The metal undergoes a special heat treatment, thanks to which its hardness reaches 50 HRC. The cutting edges of the products are sharpened with high quality, this ensures long service life of the tool.

Pliers are an integral part of any craftsman, be it a professional mechanic, installer, plumber or electrician.

They can be grabbed, held, bent and twisted. various items, including those under voltage (when using dielectric models).

How to choose pliers

• The first thing to consider when choosing a tool is what purpose it is needed for. If the product is required as a working hand tools masters, then you need to consider their professional types.

Varieties intended for domestic purposes are not suitable for constant use and increased loads.

• The second criterion is the manufacturer. High quality tool provided correct operation can last for many years.
• You need to pay attention to the performance and functionality of the pliers. Electricians should definitely choose electrically insulated models. It is advisable for professionals to have several types of products for various types operations.
• It is advisable to choose ergonomic handles for tools that follow the anatomical shape of the hands. In case of prolonged use during a work shift, the technician’s hands will get less tired.
• When choosing hand tools, their color matters because, for example, black pliers are difficult to find in dark rooms.

Therefore, it is advisable to give preference to models with brightly colored handles. Nowadays you can even buy pliers with fluorescent coated handles that glow in the dark.

• When choosing a product, you need to check it by squeezing the handles. In this case, the jaws of the tool should close tightly and evenly.
• The desire to save money on hand tools and purchasing goods from other than authorized dealers may lead to the purchase of non-original products.

This will be a waste of money as they will not last long. A fake will not meet safety requirements.

1. It doesn't matter which decorative coating the body of the product (chrome, nickel, etc.), that is, the external beauty of the instrument. This absolutely does not affect the functionality and other essential characteristics of the product.
2. Availability additional functions in highly specialized models (most likely they will not be useful).

• The best combination pliers are Knipex. Their manufacturer is a German company that produces high-quality hand tools according to VDE standards.

The pliers from this company can cut through hard wire. They are the most expensive, but at the same time durable, ergonomic and highly productive.

• Branded pliers for professionals Bahco(Sweden) are among the best and are produced in factories in Western Europe and the USA.

Products comply with ISO standard. All Bahco combination products are electrically insulated.

• Branded tools IRWIN(USA) are also professional and of high quality.

This manufacturer's electrically insulated combination pliers comply with VDE standards, but they have a shorter service life than the above models.

The combined product has wire cutters in the middle and on the sides (side slots in the hinge area). In addition, the pliers have a notch with teeth for gripping round objects of small diameter.

This model is designed primarily for gripping and manipulating wire and cylindrical objects. Modern pliers can be equipped with a return spring or an adjustable hinge for adjustment to pipes of different sizes.

Pros:

• multifunctionality,
• versatility.

Minus: most often household-oriented.

• Corresponding products of the company BeadSmith is high quality with silicone coating handles that do not slip and fit well in the hand.

They are ideal for straightening wire and working with brittle material, but are quite expensive.

• Model HTP-18 with nylon nozzles from the company Micron is the most popular in Russia due to its excellent combination of price and quality. It has high functionality, despite the budget price.
• Tools with nylon attachments produced Beadalon(USA) are functional and easy to use, but their quality is no better than that of the cheaper Micron model.

Pliers intended for jewelry making and other similar work are made with nylon nozzles (tips).

This is a tool with non-slip handles and soft protection on the jaws, which prevents scratching fragile parts. They can also be used for household purposes.

Since this model is not designed to operate on live electrical installations, its handles are not properly insulated from electrical current.

In addition, such instruments are not reinforced and do not have large stock strength. They cannot be used for other purposes, as they will quickly become unusable due to improper use.

• Wire stripping pliers BAHCO 2223 S-150 made of high-quality alloy steel with plastic-coated handles treated with oxidation and anti-corrosion treatment; capable of cleaning wires up to 5 mm.
• Electric pliers for stripping insulation KRAFTOOL Made of high quality carbon steel with plastic handles and anti-corrosion coating.

These products are of good quality at an average price, but can only strip wires up to 2.5 mm.

• Insulation stripping pliers « BISON ELECTRIC", high-voltage, made of high-quality tool steel, have a durable chromium-nickel coating.

Wire stripping pliers are electrically insulating. They are suitable for use on electrical equipment with voltages up to 1000 V ( AC) and 1500 V (DC).

Using such tools you can strip wires up to a maximum of 5 mm. Their mechanism allows you to remove insulation without damaging the current-carrying conductors.

Such products are safe and functional, but cannot be used for other purposes.

1. BAHCO 2713 A made of vanadium steel with chromium-nickel coating and anti-corrosion treatment.
2. Adjustable pliers USAG(Italy) made of chrome vanadium special steel with 7 positions and enamel finish.
3. ProsKit PN-P010N (254 mm) made of S45C steel with insulated handles.

Adjustable pliers are a type of pliers tool that allows you to change the opening width of the jaws depending on the size of the object you want to grasp.

Such models have clamps to set a certain opening width. They can grip both flat and round objects.

When squeezing the handles, the jaws of such a hand tool should come together tightly.

The regulation mechanism is carried out with a rearrangement of the hinge:

• in holes;
• in half-holes;
• with fixation of protrusions in grooves.

The ability to change the position of the jaws is an absolute advantage of this variety, but the disadvantage is a certain bulkiness.

1. Electrically insulated models of the company Knipex There are combined ones (regular and special power), as well as in the form of elongated pliers.
2. All pliers Bahco are electrically insulated (side cutters, wire cutters, pliers, round nose pliers, bolt cutters). The quality of these products is almost as good as Knipex, but the price is slightly lower.
3. Electrically insulated combination models, duckbills, wire strippers, side cutters and needle nose pliers under the brand IRWIN(USA) are high quality and safe.

This type allows you to service electrical installations with alternating voltage up to 1000 V or constant voltage up to 1500 V.

Dielectric pliers are equipped with well-insulated handles, which ensure the safety of the master from electric shock. Electrical insulation good tools consists of several layers. They are easily recognized by the thicker coating on the handles.

Dielectric can be different models pliers tools. This increases their functionality and safety. However, some manufacturers' models do not have limiters.

1. Adjustable pliers – spanner KNIPEX Made of chrome vanadium steel, forged, oil-hardened. Quickly rearranged with the press of a button.
2. Adjustable pliers Bahco with 11-12 positions, switching with 1 button.
3. Adjustable pliers IRWIN Made from forged carbon steel with anti-pinch protection.

Sliding models allow you to grip round, hexagonal, square and flat objects as tightly as possible. The jaws of such a tool are curved.

The dimensions of the sliding pliers are larger than those of simple types. The opening width of the jaws is adjustable in some cases by pressing a button and can be adjusted with one hand. The working width is up to 45 and 65 mm.

1. Side cutters KNIPEX made of vanadium steel, melted in an electric furnace, hardened in oil, with precision processing for long service life.
2. Side cutters Bahco(high-quality alloy steel with anti-corrosion treatment) with progressive cutting edge geometry.
3. Diagonal cutters IRWIN made of chrome-nickel steel with a hardened cutting edge.

Side pliers have a cutter on one side of the jaws. In fact, these are wire cutters designed for cutting (biting) objects made of various materials.

Side cutters can be used when working with wire different hardness, plastic, sheet metal, cardboard, etc.

When using this model, you need to take into account that the variety designed for cutting copper will not cope with elements made of harder materials (iron, steel). This will damage the cutters of the tool.

1. Long nose pliers KNIPEX.
2. Products with long lips Bahco.
3. Long nose pliers IRWIN.

Models with elongated jaws are called long-nose pliers, duckbill pliers, or needle-nose pliers. They are designed to grasp and manipulate objects (primarily wires) at a greater distance than conventional models.

Such tools may be equipped with cutters for cutting wires.

Most often, this model is used for inserting wiring into distribution boxes, when laying wires, and also when connecting electrical installations. They are also widely used by jewelers to set stones in jewelry.

1. Round nose pliers KNIPEX made of forged chrome vanadium steel, oil-hardened, able to withstand heavy loads.
2. Model with round jaws Bahco made of high quality alloy steel with anti-corrosion treatment.
3. Round nose pliers IRWIN made of chrome-nickel steel.

Tools with semicircular jaws are designed for working with wire. They come without cutting edges or with them. If there are cutters, such products, in addition to grabbing and manipulating the wire, can also cut through it.

Semicircular jaws are specially designed for gripping uneven surfaces. They are made of hardened steel. The tool is in demand for plumbing, installation and repair work.

Advantages of the view: you can work in hard to reach places With round holes. At the same time, their weak point can be called a small working surface area.

1. Recycling pliers AIST made of chrome vanadium steel.
2. Mechanical impact instruments Matrix made of chrome vanadium steel.
3. Multifunctional fishing products Frichy FPN 02 made of polished stainless steel, equipped with a fixation for safe wearing.

Multifunctional (mechanical impact) pliers can be used for their main purpose, and also as a hammer.

This model is equipped with long handles and a metal striker for impact on various objects (nails, etc.). Such products have quite a large weight and increased dimensions.

There is also a multifunctional (recycling) model. In addition, there is a folding model on the market that comes with a knife, opener and screwdriver set. This product is best suited as part of a camping kit.

Amantes sunt amentes

N.B.
Since the review was written by a person far from metallurgy and the daily use of this instrument, during the discussion quite a few remarks and clarifications arose. I strongly recommend that you read not only the text of the review, but also the content of the comments to it.
Brief summary of comments.
1. On the websites of companies selling these products and in some reviews of tool users, there is an erroneous point of view about the material from which the soldering is made. You should refer to the manufacturer's data. Pobedit is not used in the production of these side cutters. The soldering is not carbide. The working edges are made of high-speed tool steel R6M5 (may the readers forgive me for being tongue-tied; due to the nature of my activity, I have nothing to do with the field of metallurgy). The side cutters themselves are made of St45 steel.
2. Side cutters should be used for their intended purpose and should not be used to cut through something that cannot be cut through. Their lot is copper, aluminum and other soft metals. Not nails or springs, not hardened steel products. The working edges are quite sharp, but at the same time fragile and by no means durable. If you don’t want to quickly see dents on them or broken ends, use a tool taking into account its features.
3. The design of the instrument lags behind the requirements of the time, remaining at the level of the middle of the last century.
4. The price is significantly higher than that of other products in this group of products; you should clearly understand the benefits for yourself and calculate the possibility of self-sufficiency of this tool when using it.
5. There are several modifications of this tool on sale (straight-oblique jaws, presence or absence of a locking screw, springs).
6. When ordering online, there is a certain probability and risk of receiving a tool with working edges that are far from ideal.
7. Problematic structural elements include the central rivet, which after some time can become loose, which in turn will lead to a slight lateral play and uneven convergence of the working edges.
As a result, the output is the same as the input - the feasibility of the purchase is very debatable, if not controversial, and must be determined in each specific case potential buyer individually. If you follow the operating rules, the tool's capabilities are enough for home needs.
I express my sincere gratitude to the people who took part in the discussion of the subject of the review.

Annotation
+
1. Easier (2 times) to use compared to analogues. Less effort should be applied to the tool. Apparently due to the sharp and durable working edges.
2. Higher personal self-esteem of the owner, based on ownership, I won’t say that it’s exclusive, but it’s quite rare and original instrument. Obtained with difficulty, not in a nearby hardware store. Not a brass comb, but still......
3. The money was spent within the country, and not invested in the economy of its eastern neighbor.
-
1. Price, I won’t comment here, income and opportunities to amuse yourself and satisfy your needs and desires are different for everyone.
2. “Bare” handles. Without additional movements (“collective farm” of heat shrinkage) it is simply inconvenient to use.
3. The rough appearance of the product, out of the box they look rather unsightly and not aesthetically pleasing, especially in comparison with modern foreign instruments. Not to mention the abundant initial lubrication.
4. The need to comply with a fairly wide list of certain conditions and rules when applying it (see below).
5. Awareness of the fact that if a tool is damaged it will be difficult to replace it, hence the desire for rare, prudent, prudent, thrifty use.

The reasons for writing this review were the following:
1. Reviews of various side cutters from China appear on the resource with enviable regularity, and the item from the current review is always mentioned in the comments. Therefore, as its owner, I wanted to express my point of view as a person whose activities are not related to the frequent use of this tool.
2. Since one of my previous reviews was favorably received, quite highly appreciated by the community of resource users, and I even recently broke my own record for “pluses” on this site, I wanted to tell you about some more successful and more -less in demand, useful purchase completed via the Internet.

Introduction
Many admirers of the resource have a certain craving, weakness, addiction to a certain category of goods: flashlights, knives, and other intricate objects of a phantasmagoric appearance and unknown purpose. This is understandable, especially if you remember the final phrase from the movie “Some Like It Hot” or the lesser-known saying Aliena vitia in oculis habemus, and tergo nostra sunt. I also have such an “Achilles heel” - a passion for cutting objects, especially with carbide tipped. I have already written about some of them (the review was rejected by the mysku administration for quite objective reasons, I had to post it)
Today, having looked at all the goods that were purchased and delivered for lately from China, I clearly realized that there was nothing worthy of attention among them, and that what was of any interest was still on the way. The situation is typical, very well described in chapter 5 of the book “Lost in the Taiga” by Leonid Repin. I think that I am familiar to you and not by hearsay.
And then I remembered these side cutters. I had some doubts about the possibility of writing a review due to the fact that this domestic product was purchased remotely, but through a domestic store. Having asked permission to write and publish it, having received the go-ahead from the site administration, I wrote this text.

Purchase and delivery process
Ordering through the store’s website is not difficult; you just need to fill out the appropriate form, select the delivery method (in my case, Russian Post) and pay for the purchase. About 2 weeks later, I was able to pick up a small box at the post office, which contained the side cutters themselves wrapped in packaging material (with plenty of lubricant) and accompanying documents - invoices. The total amount was made up of the price of the product and the price of delivery by Russian Post (448+178=626 rubles)

A story of love and lust
I first learned about the existence of these side cutters in nature from the materials of the same resource. I immediately wanted to become their owner and this desire was not dampened either by the price of the product or the dubious need for them for me - a sybarite, a refined city dweller, an intellectual, home handyman, and even then, one might say, with a stretch. In short, I wanted it and that’s it, no matter what.
Before the purchase, an analytical search was carried out (based on Internet materials using the context in the search line “IN-0004”).
The Internet provides us with some information about a product. However, they are quite enough to decide on a purchase. From them we learn that:
1. The soldering tips are made of pobedite and cannot be used to cut hard materials (for example, nichrome) - otherwise holes in the edges are guaranteed.
2. You shouldn’t cut with the tips of the solders, they are fragile and break off.
3. Can be found on sale in stores selling jewelry tools.
4. The cutting edges of the tool are fragile; you should not drop it, throw it, or take objects to break it.
Well, this information is also available on the Internet:
Pobedit side cutters are designed for cutting wires. Made of carbon steel in accordance with GOST 28037-89. Used for cutting wires and thin wires when performing work in electronics and precision mechanics. Made of steel St45 (GOST 1050-80). The cutting edges (plates) are made of steel grade R6M5 (GOST 19265-73). The plates are soldered with L-68 solder (GOST 28037-89). Length - 125 mm. Weight - 76 g. Hardness of cutting edges: 52-60 HRC. Chemical composition soldering: C (0.82-0.90) / Cr (3.8-4.4) / W (5.5-6.5) / Mo (4.8-5.3) / V (1.7-2.1) / Co (<0.50). Выдерживают испытание на прочность режущих кромок трехкратным перекусыванием стальной углеродистой пружинной проволоки диаметром 1,25 мм (методика испытаний по ГОСТ 28037-89).
There are side cutters and a review on YouTube:


I haven’t seen side cutters for sale in stores or markets around the city. An acquaintance, while passing through Yoshkar-Ola, also did not see the product on free sale.
Side cutters, they are also wire cutters
Let's inspect the goods

Traditionally, we will evaluate the composition of the alloy used in the manufacture of side cutters.
Lever


Working edges

Since the tool is used at home, the working condition quite predictably has not changed over the 15 times it has been used. But really, a little scary, I even made a reminder and attached it to the instrument. You obviously shouldn’t count on the fact that side cutters are capable of cutting through a rail.


Professionals, I think, have their own view and their own assessment of this tool and its merits; for amateur craftsmen, information about side cutters may be of some interest, although perhaps more abstract than practical.
I was pleased with the purchase. If you want to purchase a product, I advise you not to rush. Let your thoughts settle. Think for a couple of days: do you really want to become its owner, so as not to reproach yourself later for wasted money.
Factum est factam. Experientia est optima magistra.
Especially for GN - “Judge not, lest ye be judged...”
PS
In addition, as a bonus to the review of side cutters, I would like to recommend a cool electrical tape made in Japan.


I bought it from a local online store, because the price on ebay exceeds all reasonable limits.

If you find it somewhere at a reasonable price, buy it, it’s worth it.
Therefore, let me take my leave, with best wishes for success in everyday life, work and leisure, sincerely yours, resource user from NN.


Photo from personal archive.

I'm planning to buy +35 Add to favorites I liked the review +62 +109 A tool that uses the lever principle to increase gain is called a wire cutter. Today, the industry produces several types of wire cutters. If the cutting jaws are at right angles to the plane of the handles, then such a tool is called an end tool. If the cutting edges are located in the same plane as them, then the nippers are called side cutters, or side cutters.

The main purpose of cutters of any type is to cut wires, cables, wires, as well as to make small cuts in plastic and metal when installing and dismantling equipment and metal structures. The object being cut is held as close as possible to the hinge of the cutter - this makes the job easier. At the same time, the capabilities of the tool, despite all the tricks, remain limited - it is used to work with wire of a relatively small diameter.

Specialized cutters

To cut particularly thick wires, special, reinforced wire cutters are used. A power tool designed for cutting thick metal rods is called bolt cutters. If it is necessary to work under voltage, then use a tool with handles covered in insulating material. Household hand tools are designed to work with voltages up to 1000 volts.

Such side cutters and nippers are classified as electrical installation devices. They are isolated and insulating. The former have an insulating coating on the handles, the latter are made entirely of insulating material with metal inserts for cutting products. You can get acquainted with the approximate range of such tools, for example, here.

The quality of electrical installation tools directly depends on indicators such as:

• tight fit of the insulating material to the material of the handle (ideally it should be non-removable);
• the material of the handles should be non-slip, oil-, moisture- and petrol-resistant, and, if possible, not easily soiled;
• solidity and density of the material of the handles - so that dirt, dust, grease do not get clogged and accumulate in the cracks.

A few more words about the handles

The main rule is that the longer the handles, the greater the force that can be applied to the object being bitten. But the longer the handles, the more expensive the product itself. From a practical point of view, it makes no sense to spend extra money on purchasing a massive tool if the task is to cut through wire of only a small diameter.

It is better to take side cutters with long handles according to the principle “with a reserve” - if the volume and type of work to be done is not known in advance.

One of the most common cutting tools for home craftsmen are side cutters. Their principle of operation is based on the use of a lever, which increases the force applied to the handles, and the cutting jaws are used to bite off any material.

A similar principle of operation is found in conventional wire cutters, in which the cutting edges are located perpendicular to the handles, and the distance from the hinge to the object being cut is constant, so the force at the cutting point is also stable, and depends only on the squeezing force of the hand.

Design features

Side cutters differ in their design from ordinary wire cutters in that their sharp edges are located on the same plane as the handles, or at a slight angle to them. They are used for cutting wires or wires with a small diameter, as well as for small cuts in plastic, metal when performing installation and repair work, or when dismantling various equipment.

When working with side cutters, the cutting force can be adjusted by moving the object being cut closer or further from the hinge. The handles of this tool are large, and the cutting edges are much smaller. This allows you to increase the cutting force of the material due to the lever effect. If you need to cut through a thin copper conductor, then it is enough to use the tips of the sponges. To cut through a thick wire, you need to place it as close to the hinge as possible and squeeze the handles.

Standard side cutters include the basic parts shown in the picture.

The working parts are connected using a special lock of reinforced design. An elastic spring is located between the handles. Its task is to return the cutting edges to their original position, which is performed immediately after cutting the wire. The jaws should close tightly along the entire length of the sharp edges. The swivel joint provides a smooth and easy movement in this tool, which is required to make it easier to work with wire cutters.

Varieties

There are several types of side cutters, differing in structure, which should be taken into account when purchasing them.

Standard side cutters

These are the most popular type of side cutters that are sold at any hardware or hardware store. These cutters can cut through wires with a diameter of no more than 2.5 mm.

Reinforced side cutters

Such wire cutters are used by workers when performing plumbing or installation work. The cutting edge of this tool is made from high-strength alloy steel, which is hardened to increase strength.

High voltage

The name of these nippers indicates their applicability. They are intended for electricians performing live work. These side cutters can be used when working with voltages up to 1000 volts, thanks to the dielectric plastic handles.

Mini nippers

These miniature cutters are used by network equipment installers, programmers, radio electronics enthusiasts, and can also be used for household work. They have small dimensions, which allows them to be used in hard-to-reach places.

Side cutters can have different designs and any size, and can also differ in the shape of their sharp edges. The operating feature of the tool depends on this. If the jaws of the nippers are thin and long, then they are best used for biting off thin conductors used in radio-electronic devices. They are also suitable for hard to reach places.

There are models of side cutters that have a recess on the working jaws for easy removal of insulation from wires.

How to use side cutters

There is a misconception that wire cutters are a simple tool and there is no difficulty in using them. However, every job has certain requirements and rules. Let's consider the advice of specialists and manufacturers.

• Side cutters must be positioned at right angles to the wire being cut.
• It is not recommended to apply excessive force to the handles. The nippers must be handled carefully so that there is no unnecessary force on the jaws.
• When working with such a tool, it is necessary to monitor the cutting process and the movement of the tool. If there are people nearby, it is necessary to point the tool away from them so as not to accidentally cause injury.
• If you need to cut through a thick wire, then it is advisable to perform such work in a special recess of the wire cutters located in the cutting part of the tool.
• When biting, the cutting edges should close completely. If at the end of the stroke the jaws begin to move apart, you should stop working, otherwise the cutting part of the tool may break.
• When working with powerful large wire cutters, it is advisable to use a second person to support the parts being cut and promptly remove them to a safe place. Such situations usually arise in production. In everyday life they rarely work with an assistant.

How to choose side cutters

The quality and productivity of the work performed largely depends on the quality of the purchased tool. Therefore, it is necessary, first of all, to select side cutters based on their appearance. Notches and dents on the instrument indicate low quality workmanship.

The cutting parts of the pliers must fit tightly along the entire working length. The edges should not diverge to the sides when closing. Most often, locks on wire cutters are made detachable, but there are also one-piece designs. This does not affect the quality of work.

When choosing side cutters, you should keep in mind that their design can be double-hinged or single-hinged.

It is more convenient to work with a tool with two hinges, since the force required to apply to the handles will require little. If the tool is equipped with a return spring, the handles will quickly return to their original position immediately after cutting the wire.

If you are going to work with side cutters under voltage, you should purchase a special high-voltage version.

This tool is often used at home. Over time, the cutting edges of the nippers become dull, and working with them becomes inconvenient. You can sharpen the cutting part yourself.

If you have emery on the farm, sharpening the nippers will not be difficult. This does not require a large sharpening machine power. Sharpening must be done carefully, without exerting much effort, and following safety rules. The tool should be brought to the sandpaper with the back side. If the cutting edges are curved, then when sharpening you should slowly turn the tool at a small angle to carefully sharpen all the places between the blades. If the sharpening area shines, then everything went well.

Sharpening can be done even with a simple whetstone, but it will take much more time. It is better to use the bar only when absolutely necessary.

To keep the nippers from becoming dull for a long time, you need to use them correctly, knowing that they are not intended for biting off steel products. Their main purpose is to cut through copper and aluminum wires. In rare cases, they are used to cut steel insulation. Although you can use special scissors for this.