Cutters | Wire Cutters | RS
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    Cutters

    Cutters are handheld tools designed for cutting cables and wires along with a variety of materials such as metals, plastics and more. Wire cutters typically consist of two levers connected closer to one end by a fulcrum, with the shorter end forming the jaw. Cutters come in a variety of types and sizes and the three basic types are locking, adjustable and non-adjustable.

    In order to ensure user comfort and safety, most models of wire cutters & cable cutters will have insulated handles, allowing you to be protected whilst working and providing a firm and comfortable grip. In addition to standard insulation or cushioning, some wire cutters will be VDE-insulated to protect the user when working with potentially live electrical equipment.

    What are cable cutters used for?

    While the name may be fairly clear, some variations of cable cutters can also be used to perform other actions. For example, linesmans cutters also have a small flat section along the jaw for gripping objects as well as their cutting surface. The application will dictate which is the best type of cutter for you to use.

    Types of Cutters

    Used by professionals and DIYers alike to cut wires effectively, there are many types of cutters designed for specific applications:

    • Diagonal cutters, also known as side cutters or side cutter pliers, are ideal for gripping, splicing or cutting wires, as well as stripping wire insulation. Side cutters cut by indenting and wedging the wire apart and give a cleaner cut than using a knife or scissors.
    • End cutters are also known as nippers and are used to cut through wire, springs, nails, bolts and rivets. They have an almost flat-bladed head, which allows for a cut close against the surface without digging into it.
    • Wire rope cutters are used for the clean shearing of wire rope without fanning. The jaws pull the wire rope into them and trap the cable before performing a clean cut.
    • Snipe nose or needle nose cutters are designed to hold fine objects and cut them cleanly without applying pressure to the wider area, which larger cutters may do and cause damage.
    • Cable cutters or wire cutters are most commonly used in electrical applications and are designed specifically to be used with cables and wires. Wire cutters may have some form of covered handle for user comfort, it is important not to confuse plastic or rubber coatings with electrical insulation.
    • Linesmans cutters are popular in communications and electrical tasks. They have a short gripping surface toward the tip of the jaw, and a cutting surface extends back to the fulcrum. They are ideal for cutting leads or stripping insulation.

    For more information on wire cutters, cable cutters, general cutter types and best practices, read our comprehensive guide here.

    965 Products showing for Cutters

    TWD1,623.00
    Each
    RS PRO
    -
    -
    Cable Cutters
    Aluminium Wire, Copper Wire
    238 mm
    62mm
    No
    Chrome Molybdenum Steel
    16mm
    Flush
    16mm
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    TWD634.00
    Each
    RS PRO
    -
    -
    Side Cutters
    Copper Wire
    138 mm
    10mm
    No
    Carbon Steel
    1.3mm
    Flush
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    TWD640.00
    Each
    RS PRO
    -
    -
    Side Cutters
    Hard Wire
    125 mm
    -
    No
    Chrome Vanadium Steel
    1.2mm
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    RS PRO
    VDE/1000V Approved
    -
    Cable Cutters
    Aluminium Wire, Copper Wire
    160 mm
    -
    No
    Steel
    10mm
    Flush
    10mm
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    RS PRO
    VDE/1000V Approved
    -
    Side Cutters
    Hard Wire, Soft Wire
    180 mm
    24mm
    No
    Steel
    2.5mm
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    RS PRO
    -
    -
    Side Cutters
    Copper Wire
    127 mm
    -
    Yes
    Carbon Steel
    1.6mm
    -
    1.6mm
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    1.6mm
    -
    RS PRO
    VDE/1000V Approved
    -
    Cable Cutters
    Aluminium Wire, Copper Wire
    170 mm
    -
    No
    Steel
    15mm
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    TWD869.00
    Each
    RS PRO
    -
    -
    Side Cutters
    Hard Wire
    130 mm
    18mm
    No
    Chrome Vanadium Steel
    2mm
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    RS PRO
    -
    -
    Side Cutters
    Copper Wire
    132 mm
    8mm
    Yes
    Steel
    0.8mm
    Flush
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    RS PRO
    -
    X-PLUS
    Side Cutter
    Alloy Steel 4140
    220 mm
    360mm
    No
    Thermoplastic Firm Crip Handle
    -
    Pin Strip Cutter
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    RS PRO
    VDE/1000V Approved
    -
    Side Cutters
    Hard Wire
    180 mm
    -
    No
    Steel
    3.8mm
    -
    -
    -
    2.7mm
    -
    3.8mm
    -
    2.3mm
    -
    -
    -
    RS PRO
    -
    -
    Ratchet Cable Cutters
    -
    250 mm
    -
    No
    Chrome Molybdenum Steel
    32mm
    Flush
    32mm
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    240mm²
    -
    RS PRO
    -
    -
    Side Cutters
    Soft Wire
    128 mm
    20mm
    Yes
    Carbon Steel
    0.8mm
    Angle
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    RS PRO
    -
    -
    Side Cutters
    Copper Wire
    132 mm
    10mm
    Yes
    Carbon Steel
    0.81mm
    Flush
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    TWD1,313.00
    Each
    RS PRO
    -
    -
    Side Cutters
    Copper Wire
    138 mm
    12mm
    No
    Carbon Steel
    1.3mm
    Flush
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    TWD611.00
    Each
    RS PRO
    -
    -
    Side Cutters
    Copper Wire
    138 mm
    10mm
    No
    Carbon Steel
    1.3mm
    Flush
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    TWD811.00
    Each
    RS PRO
    -
    -
    Side Cutters
    Copper Wire
    160 mm
    -
    No
    Steel
    1.6mm
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    TWD1,350.00
    Each
    RS PRO
    -
    -
    Oblique Cutters
    Copper Wire
    147 mm
    -
    No
    Carbon Steel
    1.3mm
    Flush
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    TWD587.00
    Each
    RS PRO
    -
    -
    Side Cutters
    Copper Wire
    130 mm
    -
    No
    Carbon Steel
    0.8mm
    Angle
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    RS PRO
    VDE/1000V Approved
    -
    Side Cutters
    Hard Wire, Soft Wire
    160 mm
    23mm
    No
    Steel
    2mm
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
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