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

    Lindstrom
    -
    -
    Side Cutters
    Copper Wire
    135.5 mm
    -
    Yes
    -
    0.8mm
    Ultra Flush
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Knipex
    -
    Knipex
    Precision Diagonal Cutter
    Copper Wire, Hard Wire, Piano wire, Soft Wire
    125 mm
    -
    -
    Special Quality Tool Steel
    1.3mm
    With Bevel
    1.3mm
    -
    0.4mm
    -
    1mm
    -
    0.4mm
    1mm
    1mm
    0.4mm
    Wiha
    -
    Z16320009SB
    Cable Cutters
    Aluminium Wire, Copper Wire
    -
    -
    No
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Knipex
    -
    Knipex
    Diagonal Cutter
    Hard Wire, Medium Wire, Soft Wire
    140 mm
    -
    No
    Chrome Vanadium Electric Steel
    4mm
    With Bevel
    4mm
    -
    1.8mm
    -
    2.5mm
    -
    -
    2.5mm
    4mm
    1.8mm
    Weller Erem
    -
    -
    Oblique Cutters
    Copper Wire, Hard Wire
    140 mm
    -
    Yes
    -
    0.6mm
    Flush
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Weller
    -
    777E
    Tip Cutters
    Copper Wire
    -
    -
    Yes
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Lindstrom
    -
    -
    Oblique Cutters
    Copper Wire
    143 mm
    -
    Yes
    -
    1mm
    Flush
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Knipex
    -
    Knipex
    Precision Diagonal Cutter
    Copper Wire, Soft Wire
    115 mm
    -
    Yes
    Chrome-Plated Steel with Ball Bearings
    1.6mm
    Small Bevel
    1.6mm
    -
    0.6mm
    -
    1.2mm
    -
    -
    1.2mm
    1.6mm
    0.6mm
    Knipex
    -
    Knipex
    -
    -
    200 mm
    -
    No
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Wiha
    -
    26812
    Side Cutters
    -
    128 mm
    -
    -
    -
    2mm
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Bahco
    Height Safe
    TAH2101G-140
    Side Cutters
    -
    140 mm
    16mm
    -
    Alloy Steel
    3.7mm
    -
    -
    -
    -
    2mm
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Bernstein
    -
    -
    Side Cutters
    Copper Wire, Soft Wire
    120 mm
    -
    Yes
    -
    1.2mm
    Flush
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Knipex
    -
    Knipex
    Cable Cutters
    Aluminium Wire, Copper Wire
    160 mm
    -
    No
    Tool Steel
    15mm
    -
    50 mm²
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    50mm²
    -
    Bahco
    -
    2101G
    Side Cutters
    Copper Wire, Ferrous Wire, Piano Wire
    160 mm
    18.1mm
    -
    Steel
    3.8mm
    Side
    3.8mm
    -
    -
    2.5mm
    -
    -
    2mm
    -
    -
    -
    Phoenix Contact
    -
    1212489
    Diagonal Cutter
    -
    -
    -
    No
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Facom
    -
    -
    Side Cutters
    -
    110 mm
    13mm
    -
    -
    1.3mm
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Facom
    -
    -
    Side Cutters
    -
    110 mm
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Knipex
    -
    Knipex
    Front Cutter
    Copper Wire, Hard Wire, Piano wire, Soft Wire
    200 mm
    -
    No
    Special Quality Tool Steel
    -
    With Bevel
    6mm
    -
    3.5mm
    -
    4mm
    -
    3mm
    -
    -
    3.5mm
    Facom
    Height Safe
    192A.16CPE-RPF
    Side Cutters
    Piano Wire
    160 mm
    -
    -
    -
    200 kg /mm²
    Diagonal
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    NWS
    VDE/1000V Approved,Height Safe
    N1343
    Side Cutters
    -
    180 mm
    -
    -
    -
    13mm
    -
    7mm
    -
    2.5mm
    -
    4mm
    -
    -
    -
    -
    13mm
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