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

    CK
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    Cable Cutters
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    170 mm
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    Knipex
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    Knipex
    Front Cutter
    Copper Wire, Soft Wire
    120mm
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    Yes
    Special Quality Tool Steel
    1.5mm
    Small Bevel
    1.5mm
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    0.5mm
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    1mm
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    1mm
    1.5mm
    1mm
    Weller Erem
    -
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    Tip Cutters
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    110 mm
    3mm
    Yes
    Steel
    0.6mm
    Flush
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    Bahco
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    Side Cutters
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    200 mm
    19.8mm
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    Alloy Steel
    3.2mm
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    Knipex
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    Knipex
    Diagonal Cutter
    Copper Wire, Hard Wire, Soft Wire
    110 mm
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    No
    Special Quality Tool Steel
    3mm
    With Bevel
    3mm
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    1.2mm
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    2mm
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    -
    2mm
    3mm
    1.2mm
    Phoenix Contact
    VDE/1000V Approved
    1212124
    Front Cutter
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    No
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    Phoenix Contact
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    1212806
    Diagonal Cutter
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    No
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    -
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    Facom
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    Side Cutters
    Hard Wire, Piano Wire, Soft Wire
    160 mm
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    Phoenix Contact
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    1212816
    Cable Cutters
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    No
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    -
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    Knipex
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    Knipex
    Cable Cutters
    Aluminium Wire, Copper Wire
    165 mm
    -
    No
    Tool Steel
    15mm
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    50 mm²
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    -
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    -
    -
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    50mm²
    -
    Knipex
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    Knipex
    Diagonal Cutter
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    140 mm
    -
    No
    Chrome Vanadium Electric Steel
    4mm
    With Bevel
    4mm
    -
    1.8mm
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    2.5mm
    -
    -
    -
    4mm
    1.8mm
    Knipex
    -
    Knipex
    Concreters' Nippers
    Medium Wire, Soft Wire
    300 mm
    -
    No
    Special Quality Tool Steel
    3.1mm
    Without Bevel
    -
    -
    -
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    3.1mm
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    3.1mm
    3.1mm
    1.8mm
    Facom
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    413.52
    Ratchet Cable Cutters
    Aluminium Wire, Copper Wire
    275 mm
    75mm
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    52mm
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    52mm
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    52mm
    CK
    VDE/1000V Approved
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    Combination Cutters
    Hard Wire, Medium Wire, Soft Wire
    160 mm
    -
    -
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    4mm
    Semi Flush
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    Wiha
    VDE/1000V Approved
    43335
    Cable Cutters
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    160 mm
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    2mm
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    RS PRO
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    STR50K
    Pin Strip Cutters
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    Phosphate (Finish)
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    -
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    -
    -
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    -
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    CK
    -
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    Side Cutters
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    135 mm
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    Yes
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    SAM
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    694-NE
    Seal Cutter
    Multiple Materials
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    SAM
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    19228
    Pneumatic Cutters
    Steel
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    Lindstrom
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    Side Cutters
    Copper Wire
    110 mm
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    Yes
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    1mm
    Ultra Flush
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