Wire cutters are small handy tools with big benefits. They bring real value to professionals and let you work smartly and independently if you are a DIY enthusiast. There are different wire cutter types available in the market which vary in sizes and functions. Unlike the many other types of tools, wire cutters are compact and easy to carry and can be used for multiple jobs.
They are also known as pliers and help you cut small, thick, and hardwires conveniently. Another advantage of wire cutters is their easy storage. You can keep them anywhere and take them with you on trips. They don’t require any maintenance and last for many years. So, are you looking for a wire cutter for small domestic tasks? Probably, it’s the reason that has brought on you our blog and we promise, you won’t regret it as we are going to share a complete buying guide of wire cutters along with all types.
Things to Consider When Buying Different Types of Wire Cutters
As mentioned earlier, there are different kinds of wire cutters designed for different types of tasks. Some are helpful for cutting thick wires while others let you cut sturdy wires quickly. As their main purpose is the same that is cutting the wires, they definitely have some common features which you should consider before buying a certain type. Let’s check out these features.
Never Ignore the Wire Handle
If you are uncomfortable holding the wire cutter, you can’t expect anything good from it. Make sure, the wire cutter you are buying is convenient to hold and offers you an excellent grip over it. Go for the ergonomic designs which never slip off during work. Insulated handles are always a good option due to the protection they offer against electric shock and also prolong the life of the wire cutter. Insulated handles also allow you to work smoothly and never cause any redness on the hand.
Check Out Wire Cutter Head
Wire cutter head is another important feature you should consider carefully as the accuracy of the work certainly depends on it. Choose a wire cutter head which is designed specifically for the task you want to perform with it. Wire cutters come with different cuts and designs which help you perform your job effortlessly.
Do Consider Wire Cutter Blades
It’s obvious that you should choose a wire cutter having sharp blades. The blades should be clear and sharp so you can cut wires easily. Other than that, check the blade type because they come in different styles such as angle cut, clipper cut blades, shear cut, and center cut. To choose the most suitable style, you must know the intended purpose of the wire cutter.
Multiple Features of the Wire Cutters
I guess you believe that the job of wire cutters is just to cut the wires. But, it’s beyond this. Like the many types of tools, you can see innovation and creation in the wire cutters too. Their use isn’t just limited to cutting the wires only rather they can be used a plier, crimpers, wire holders, and wire strippers. Do check the features and choose the one that can be used for maximum tasks so you don’t have to buy multiple tools and enjoy ‘all in one’ tool.
Durability is Indispensable
It’s very common that a low price-tag instantly grabs the attention of the viewer and they don’t give it a second thought. It might feel good to save a few bucks for a few moments, but never work for long-term usage. In most cases, these tools breakdown easily because they are made of low-quality material. Durability should be on your priority list unless you are planning to use the wirecutter for longer time periods. A low-quality tool damages easily when you try to cut sturdy wires with it. Choose a steel wire cutter so you don’t have to worry about the damage of the tool and work without having any burden on your mind.
How to Get the Best Use of a Wire Cutter?
You can get the best out of a wire cutter only when you know how to use it properly. Many users, DIY enthusiasts end up buying the most expensive wire cutter and then compliant for not working well. Unfortunately, they don’t realize that the reason for dissatisfaction isn’t the quality of the tool rather the way they are using it. So, before making the same mistake, learn the right use of the tool.
Check the Wire Type
You must know the type of wire to be cut so you can apply the required pressure. Hard copper wires need more pressure while soft wires can be cut with a little force. It’s always good to cut the wire with a single click as you don’t get accuracy in otherwise. So, make sure you know the type of wire so can apply the right amount of pressure on it.
Always Mark the Point on Wire
If you want perfection in your work then you should follow the perfect process for it. Start your work by marking the point on the wire so you know clearly from where you want to cut the wire. The mark won’t let you miss the exact point which means the chances of the mistake would also be minimum.
Check Handles Before Placing the Wire Inside
Always check the handles’ movement before placing the wire in it. Open and close the handle several times to make sure it’s working properly and there is no issue in placing the wire inside.
Apply the Force Carefully
Once you place the wire inside the wire cutter, apply the force carefully so you can cut the wire with a single press. Hold the handles firmly so the wire cutter never slips off or misplaces when you press the handles.
Follow Safety Precautions While Using Wire Cutter
Before moving to our main topic that is the common types of pliers and wire cutters, I would like to share some safety precautions that should follow while using a wire cutter. Following the safety precautions is not only useful for the safety of the users, but it also ensures the durability, efficiency, and reliability of the wire cutter.
Always choose a wire cutter that is specifically designed for cutting a certain type of wire. You will end up damaging the tool if trying to cut a hardwire with a small wire cutter. The same case can be seen in otherwise, cutting a small wire with a bigger tool will result in the damage of the wire. Likewise, never use a wire cutter as a hammer and avoid using it for the tasks that it’s not designed for.
Buy a wire cutter than comes with insulting handles to keep yourself a safe electric shock. Keep the tool away from moisture and water to keep it safe from rust and never use it to bend the wire unless it’s designed for it. Otherwise, the jaws of the wire cutter can be deformed and the tool will lose its value.
Wire Cutter Types and Their Uses In 2021
Now, it’s time to dive deeper into the topic and explore all the wire cutter types available in the market. To get to know the right wire cutter uses and functions, I’ll also mention the fields where you need that specific type of wire cutter. So, let’s begin.
1. Diagonal Wire Cutter
These wire cutters come with a diagonal-shaped head and help you cut the wire smoothly. They are designed for small wires specifically for soft copper wires which don’t need much force to be cut. Always choose a wire cutter that has insulated handles so you can grab it properly and get the full grip.
Uses:
Diagonal cutters or diagonal pliers aren’t designed for cutting the hardened wire and nails. If you use it for this purpose, you can damage your tool. You can use it for slicing, cutting, and holding the small wires, and other than that it can also be used for stripping the insulation. Carpenters and electricians should have it in their toolbox.
2. Lineman’s Cutter
As the name suggests, this wire cutter is designed for electricians. It can be identified by their pincers which are unlike any other type of wire cutter. It comes with a shorter gripping surface at the tip and a cutting surface in the middle. You can use it for different tasks including electrical and plumbing work.
Uses:
This type of wire cutter is also known as a combination wire cutter and it’s the widely used type all over the world. It comes with insulated handles and offers an excellent & comfortable grip to the user. Carpenters, electricians, and DIY lovers can use it for different tasks including grasping, stripping, splicing, and chopping.
3. Flat Nose Pliers
The next type on our list is the flat nose pliers that are used for different tasks. It comes in different shapes and sizes. You can opt for a small or a long nose depending on the work nature. It’s the best option for cutting small to medium thickness wires and helps you making sharp bends and edges.
Uses:
Flat nose pliers have multiple uses in the electrical, plumbing, and carpeting fields. They can be used for turning, bending, and twisting the wires and can also be used for grasping the wires conveniently. You can also grip surfaces with it and cut them into equal parts.
4. Flush Cutters
This type of tool is used for cutting small and semi-hard wires. They are also a good option for cutting small wires. However, they are specifically designed for flat surfaces and can’t be used for cutting nails and screws. If talking about the design of the flush cutter, it’s angled and narrow, and handles offer excellent grip to user and enough space to open up properly.
Uses:
The best use of these wire cutters is the trimming of the wires. The sharp cutters of the flush cutters cut wires very neatly. You can also use them for trimming headpins, eye pins, and beading wires.
5. End Cutters and Nippers
It’s another very important type of wire cutters that come with a flat head. The best thing about these wire cutters is that it doesn’t require big space for the operation. You can use them in tight spaces and cut things effectively at the clutters.
Uses:
End wire cutters and nippers are one of the types of surgical wire cutters where they need to cuts small wires quickly and efficiently. They are also ideal for working with hard nuts and bolts and also useful for bending and cutting springs and rivets.
6. Round Nose Wire Cutter
Yes, you have read it right. Not all wire cutters come in flat and edgy shapes. Round nose wire cutters are work by pulling the wire rope into the jaws and trapping it. The tool is a type of jewelry wire cutters and lets you cut the wire very clearly.
Uses:
Round nose wire cutters are ideal for shearing the wire rope which makes them the best choice for jewelry makers, electricians, and carpenters.
7. Bolt Cutters
This the toughest type of wire cutters that are used for snipping bolt of containers and cutting the thick wires. These wire cutters are exceptional in their work and produce a considerable amount of torque to cut off the metal.
Uses:
Bolt cutters are known for their high durability and used on many different types of metals. They never damage easily as they are designed for cutting hard metals. They are widely being used in the construction industry and by electricians.
Final Words
Always try to follow safety precautions when using the wire cutter to avoid an injury. Make sure you are buying the tool from a reliable company that offers value and quality. Otherwise, you have to regret it later along with the waste of money. Check grip, cutter quality, and the features it offers. If you have already used some of the types of these wire cutters, do let us know your experience in the comment section.
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