One of the most important tools for a home handyman is side cutters. Their main use is to bite any material with cutting lips, and the force applied to the handle when working with side cutters is increased by using the tool as a lever.

A similar type of this device are ordinary wire cutters, but in fact both tools cope with the task in almost the same way, since in both objects the cutting parts exert strong pressure on the place where the material is cut, and the degree is justified only by the force of pressing on the handle.

Characteristics of side cutters

The main difference between side cutters and ordinary wire cutters is their design feature– for cutters, the cutting lips are located perpendicular to the handles, and for side cutters – parallel to the handle or at a small angle.

In almost all cases, the object of cutting is products made of wire or wires with a small diameter, or thin plastic, or metal when installing or dismantling devices.

When working with this tool, you can easily control the degree and force of cutting the material by moving the work site along the edge of the side cutters. The design is made in the form of long and large handles and a short cutting part - this provides an additional opportunity to create more high blood pressure at work.

When you only need a small snack copper wire, you can use only the very tip of the cutting lips, which will be quite enough due to the force applied, and if the wire has quite large diameter, then it is recommended to place it closest to the hinge and apply more force to the handles.

The design of the most common side cutters includes eight main parts, namely:

• Spring
• Handle
• heel
• Cutting lips
• Side part
• Back surface
• Stiffening rib
• Zapyatnik

You can see the design in more detail in the photo of the side cutter. Each of the parts of the tool is certainly connected using a specialized lock with a reinforced system - a hinge, the purpose of which is to give a smoother ride during operation.

There is a spring between the handles, which makes it possible to return the side cutters to their previous shape immediately after biting an object.

Types and sizes of side cutters

There are four main types of side cutters. When purchasing, you should carefully study their purpose so as not to make a mistake with your choice.

Standard – designed for wires and wire products of small diameter up to 2.5 mm. They are available for sale in absolutely every construction or hardware store.

Reinforced side cutters are already a more professional tool and are indispensable for metalworking and installation work Oh. The cutting lips of this device are made of high-strength hardened steel and have increased reliability.

High-voltage (dielectric) side cutters are used in the same field of work for electronics. Used when working with wires that are under any voltage. The safety of these cutters is ensured by dielectric plastic handles, which make it possible to carry out electrical installation work with voltage up to 1000 volts.

Mini side cutters are main tool programmers, network equipment installers, radio electronics specialists or home handyman. Their main advantage is their small size when working in places that are difficult to reach for large nippers.

In general, this instrument can look completely different both in size and shape. The degree of shape of their cutting elements can also be different, which gives each device a peculiarity of its operation. If your lips are thin and long, then these cutters are ideal for cutting thin wires.

In addition to all this, there may be a recess between the lips and the hinge, which helps to easily remove the rubber insulation from the wire.

Application

The main common mistake when working with side cutters is carelessness in relation to the complexity of working with this tool. As with other devices, side cutters should be handled according to certain rules. For this, there are tips from experienced specialists, as well as recommendations the best manufacturers side cutters

When cutting a wire or wire, the side cutters should be held exactly at a right angle to the object. Also, don't try too hard great effort on the handle of side cutters, and therefore on the cutting lips, as this leads to their rapid dulling. It is strictly not recommended to inattentively monitor the work being carried out, especially near people.

If the object being cut has too large a diameter, then it is recommended to bite using a special recess, which is located immediately after the cutting lips.

The elements of the side cutters, which directly carry out the main work, must be tightly adjacent to each other; in no case should they be allowed to diverge to the sides, as this may affect the operation of the side cutters or lead to their breakage.

How to choose side cutters

Undoubtedly, the quality of the side cutters used must 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 interesting performances are side cutters with two joints. This is required to perform work with virtually no force due to the higher degree of pressure generated.

If the task of side cutters is to work with live wires, then when purchasing, you should pay attention to the appropriate design of such side cutters.

How to sharpen side cutters correctly

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, it is necessary to smoothly turn the side cutters with the back side in relation to the emery, and excellent result there 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 intended for permanent job with steel, then the nippers 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.

Photo of side cutters

The tool is a type of wire cutter. The main purpose is to cut hard materials (wires or wires) by squeezing the blade, while the working cutting surfaces are located on the side. Using side cutters you can cut through single-core wires (copper or aluminum) large section up to 10 squares.

The tool itself is very durable, as it is made of high-tech metal. It is comfortable due to the handle, which is made of a special material that prevents the hand from sweating when working for a long time.

Operating principle

The mechanism of side cutters is based on the principle of a lever. The action is based on a spring; it activates the return mechanism, that is, it returns the handles to their original state, which significantly reduces the effort when biting off hard material.

The master chooses the cutting force independently. To do this, simply move the wire to the required distance in relation to the hinge mechanism.

In cases where you need to bite through thin material, you can use only the tips of the sponges. When working with a thick wire, the place for biting is located closer to the hinge, then the handles are squeezed.

Please note, do not allow the cutting parts to move apart, as this may cause the blades to break. All side cutters are equipped with insulated handles. They are electrically safe and easy to use and do not slip.

Varieties

When purchasing a tool, it is necessary to take into account that all nippers differ from each other in structure, size, and shape. To understand the types of tools, consider the following types of side cutters:

Standard ones are used for cutting wires with a cross-section not exceeding two and a half millimeters. They are popular among ordinary consumers.

Professionals prefer reinforced side cutters, which are made according to the principle of increased strength using alloy steel. They are widely used for plumbing, construction or installation work.

The high-voltage type is designed for work under electric voltage up to a thousand volts. They are equipped with a heat-treated surface and insulated handles.

The next type is mini side cutters. Distinctive feature is the presence of long narrow sponges, which are used for thin wire.

Not replaceable for installation computer networks, network equipment, for household work V hard to reach places. Very multifunctional and compact.

You can also highlight:

• Insulating. These are universal side cutters; models have insulated handles.
• Insulating. They are designed to perform the assigned tasks with current, made entirely of safe material.

They have standard differences in size: 150; 160; 180 millimeters in length. A thick wire is cut with a tool 180 mm long.

Purpose of the tool

The main scope of application is economic needs, necessary in construction or when performing repair work. In electrical networks they are used for cable installation, aluminum and copper wires, which have a voltage of up to a thousand volts.

Mechanics are used to work with metal or plastics to cut products. There are mini manicure side cutters and reinforced ones that will cut through steel reinforcement.

The dialectical instrument works with electronics. Micro side cutters for electronics and precision work are distinguished by the presence of triangular shaped working parts at an angle of 40°.

In order to determine which side cutters are best to choose, you need to decide what work tasks it should perform. Look at the photos of side cutters in advance, this will help you navigate your choice.

Further, the main selection criterion is, of course, the quality of the material from which the tool is made. So, high-carbon tool steel is used for manufacturing. It is important that the blade is free of nicks and other damage.

The handle itself must be made of high-quality, safe material that can withstand shock up to 1000V. It must also be ergonomic to fit the installer’s hand.

And, of course, pay attention to the manufacturers of side cutters; not only the price of the tool depends on this, but also the service life of the product itself. Give preference to reputable manufacturers who have a rating in the sales market.

Photos of modern side cutters

One of the most common cutting and biting tools are wire cutters, or, as they are also called, side cutters. The principle of operation of the tool is based on the principle of a lever, with the help of which the force applied to the surface of the workpiece is increased, and with the help of cutting edges (jaws), the material is bitten. In this article we will talk in detail about this tool and also find out what you need to know in order to choose and buy side cutters.

Purpose of the tool

The choice and purchase of a tool largely depends not only on the quality of the tool, but also on its area of ​​use. Thus, the price of a side cutter may depend on whether the tool can be used to work in electrical networks and installations, or you can use it exclusively in plumbing and installation work.

Therefore, today, side cutters are used for cutting wires or wires; special dielectric side cutters are used for cutting live cables and wires. Also, cutters can be used for cutting thin sheet metal or plastic when installing or dismantling a particular construction site or equipment. By the way, using side cutters, you can cut wires of only small diameters.

As a rule, good side cutters are suitable for working under electrical voltage, up to 1000 V, and the parameters for storing and operating the tool look like this:

- T the ambient temperature should be no more than -20°C to +70°C;

- pIn this case, the relative humidity should be no more than 80%, with an average temperature of 25°C.

There are several varieties of this tool, which are classified according to shape and size. For example, there are power cutters that are designed for cutting fairly thick wires, but they are already called bolt cutters.

Almost all modern side cutters are equipped with special handles made of insulating material. This provides several advantages during work - firstly, such cutters automatically become electrically safe, and secondly, thanks to the convenient and ergonomic handle, working with such a tool becomes much more convenient and comfortable. In addition, this coating is moisture and oil resistant, as well as strong and non-slip. You can learn about all these parameters by reading the letter and number designations on the handle or packaging of the side cutters.

Tools are also differentiated by size. Thus, there are side cutters 160 mm in length, as well as models 150 mm and 180 mm. Side cutters with a length of 180 mm are reinforced, and with their help you can cut through thicker wires or sheet metal.

Working with side cutters

In order to use side cutters, it is necessary to inspect the tool before using it. The coating of the handles must not have any defects that could lead to a reduction in mechanical or electrical strength. This is very important, since when working with live wires, there is a risk of injury electric shock very high.

To bite off wire, cable or sheet metal, all you need to do is hold the workpiece between the jaws of the tool and press down on the handle. The cutting edges of the tool must bite through this or that material, wire, cable, etc. Among other things, side cutters can also be used as a tool for removing insulation from a surface. electrical wires. To do this, use the adjusting screw to adjust cutting edges to the diameter of the wire from which the coating will be removed. If such a screw is not provided in the design, you need to use your own efforts.

Choosing the best side cutters

Now about what is needed to choose and buy side cutters?! First of all, you need to decide for what purpose the tool will be used. This will determine the type of cutters you choose, their size and the price of the side cutters. For example, you can choose reinforced dielectric side cutters - with their help you can cut fairly thick cables, or cut sheet metal up to 2-3 mm thick.

Attention should be paid to the material from which the tool is made. Typically, high-carbon tool steel is used as the main material of side cutters. The tool jaws can be additionally hardened or have titanium inserts for more durable and reliable operation. The handle of the tool must be made of high-quality, insulating material, capable of not transmitting voltage up to 1000 V. And, of course, when choosing a tool, pay attention to the manufacturer - the price of the tool and its quality depend on this, so preference should be given to those companies that engaged in the production of other tools and construction equipment.

One of the most common cutting tools home craftsmen use 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 have a thin snack 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 may have various designs and any size, and may also differ in the shape of 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 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 first of all necessary to select side cutters according to 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 in living conditions. 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 much power sharpening machine. 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.

I think everyone at home has some simple wire cutters that are very useful when working with wire, wires and even nails. So, the correct name for this tool is side cutters.

We all know perfectly well how they work and how much benefit they can bring. But few people know that they exist different types, and even when choosing such a seemingly simple tool, there are some peculiarities.

Purpose of side cutters

First, let's talk about the scope of application of this tool. A person's productivity is influenced not only by his skills, but also by the quality of the tools he uses. Versatility comes at a price. This statement is also true for simple side cutters.

If you need a tool that can be operated under voltage, you will need to pay extra. Cheaper options are only suitable for simple installation and plumbing tasks.

Simple side cutters can be used almost anywhere, but you cannot work with wires that are under high, and not very high, voltage. To do this, you should use wire cutters made of materials that are not conductors of electricity.

Simple side cutters are also good, but they are not safe in certain conditions. They also cut thin metal well, help with wires and cables that don't carry current, and are easy to cut through plastic. The size of the tool itself determines the thickness of the material it can cut.

If the side cutters are dielectric, they can be manipulated under voltage, but it is still recommended to additionally use special dielectric gloves. Such a tool can work with networks up to one thousand volts.

At the same time, the temperature of the environment in which you have to work should not be lower than minus twenty degrees Celsius, and should not exceed 70 degrees. The humidity level in such a room or outdoors should not be higher than 80 percent, in relation to 25 degrees Celsius.

Classification

Side cutters are divided into several groups, depending on size, shape and purpose. More massive models, which are designed to work with materials of greater thickness, are called bolt cutters. They are able to work with thicker metal sheets, wires and fasteners larger diameter, and are themselves large in size.

Almost all models of modern side cutters have a dielectric coating on the handle. So which side cutters are better - those with insulation on the handles, or is it not necessary?

Of course, it is not necessary, but it is much more convenient to buy such a tool once and not think about the fact that you do not have equipment for working under voltage. Moreover, we don’t buy wire cutters every month, and I don’t think even every year. This is an item that can be useful for many years, at making the right choice and operation.

Side cutters that have an additional coating are also good for ease of use. They don’t glide in the hand so much, and therefore it’s much more pleasant to work with this option. Plus, they don't absorb moisture or get damaged when dropped like cheap plastic pens.

The most common types of nippers are three sizes. The first to go are side cutters 15 centimeters long. These are mainly used for small wiring, work with small electronics and equipment.

Less common are side cutters 18 centimeters long. These are more often used when working with large and thick wires and sheets of metal of higher thickness.

Working with side cutters

The purpose of side cutters depends more on the person who uses them. But in any case, when purchasing, you should carefully inspect the wire cutters. The handles should not have any defects - this applies to both the coating and the general shape of the handles.

Slightly curved handles can be very uncomfortable when working, and damage to the dielectric coating, under certain conditions, becomes a threat to life. Therefore, do not neglect tritely simple advice.

Side cutters are good for more than just cutting thin metal and cutting wires. To do this, just place a wire, or part of a sheet of metal, between the jaws and apply force to the handle.

If you do not want to cut the wire, but simply remove the insulation from it, you can use the screw to adjust the cutters. By unscrewing it a little, you can apply force to the side cutters without fear for the cable core. If there is no such screw, then you will only need to rely on own strength and accuracy.

It is best to take side cutters that have a reinforced design and dielectric coating on the handles. Also, such a model should have an adjustment screw.

This tool is well suited for all household tasks, be it working with wire or cutting metal whose thickness, for example, is 3 millimeters.

Also take a closer look at the base material of the wire cutters. It would be better if it was hardened steel with special titanium inserts on its jaws. This strengthens the tool and makes it more reliable.

Photo of side cutters