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
    VDE/1000V Approved
    -
    Side Cutters
    Hard Wire, Soft Wire
    160 mm
    -
    -
    -
    4mm
    Semi Flush
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Weller Erem
    -
    -
    Side Cutters
    Copper Wire, Hard Wire
    115 mm
    -
    Yes
    -
    1.6mm
    Semi Flush
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Knipex
    -
    Knipex
    Ratchet Cable Cutters
    Aluminium Wire, Copper Wire
    250 mm
    -
    No
    Tool Steel
    32mm
    -
    240 mm²
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    240mm²
    -
    Expert by Facom
    -
    E0802
    Side Cutters
    Hard Wire, Piano Wire, Soft Wire
    160 mm
    -
    -
    -
    1.6mm
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    1.6mm
    -
    -
    -
    Knipex
    -
    Knipex
    Precision Diagonal Cutter
    Copper Wire, Soft Wire
    125 mm
    -
    Yes
    Chrome-Plated Steel with Ball Bearings
    1.5mm
    With Bevel
    1.5mm
    -
    0.6mm
    -
    1.1mm
    -
    -
    1.1mm
    1.5mm
    0.6mm
    Weller Erem
    -
    532N
    Side Cutters
    -
    115 mm
    -
    Yes
    -
    1.6mm
    Super Full Flush
    1.6mm
    -
    1.6mm
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Knipex
    -
    Knipex
    Precision Diagonal Cutter
    Copper Wire, Soft Wire
    120 mm
    14mm
    Yes
    Chrome-Plated Steel with Ball Bearings
    2mm
    With Bevel
    2mm
    -
    1mm
    -
    1.4mm
    -
    0.6mm
    1.4mm
    2mm
    1mm
    TWD333.00
    Each
    RS PRO
    -
    -
    Side Cutters
    Copper Wire
    110 mm
    -
    No
    Carbon Steel
    1.2mm
    Semi Flush
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Phoenix Contact
    -
    1207585
    DIN Rail Profile Cutter
    -
    60 mm
    -
    -
    Steel
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Knipex
    -
    Knipex
    Diagonal Cutter
    Copper Wire, Hard Wire, Soft Wire
    125 mm
    -
    No
    Special Quality Tool Steel
    3mm
    With Bevel
    3mm
    -
    1.5mm
    -
    2.3mm
    -
    -
    2.3mm
    3mm
    1.5mm
    Facom
    -
    412.3
    Cable Cutters
    Aluminium Wire, Copper Wire
    600 mm
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Bernstein
    -
    -
    Side Cutters
    Copper Wire, Soft Wire
    120 mm
    -
    Yes
    -
    1mm
    Flush
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Knipex
    -
    Knipex
    Front Cutter
    Copper Wire, Soft Wire
    115 mm
    -
    No
    Special Quality Tool Steel
    -
    With Bevel
    2mm
    -
    -
    -
    1mm
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Knipex
    -
    Knipex
    Wire Rope Cutters
    Steel Wire
    160 mm
    -
    No
    Ball Bearing Steel
    6mm
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    6mm
    -
    6mm
    Lindstrom
    -
    -
    Side Cutters
    Copper Wire
    139 mm
    -
    Yes
    -
    0.6mm
    Flush
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Bahco
    -
    2233D
    Cable Cutters
    Aluminium Wire, Copper Wire
    240 mm
    37mm
    -
    Alloy Steel
    16mm
    Straight
    16mm
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    14mm
    Weller Erem
    -
    -
    Oblique Cutters
    Copper Wire, Hard Wire, Piano Wire
    110 mm
    -
    Yes
    -
    1.2mm
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Erem
    -
    549E12 ESD
    Distance Cutters
    -
    120 mm
    26mm
    Yes
    -
    1.2mm
    Flush
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    CK
    VDE/1000V Approved
    T39071-1180
    Combination Cutters
    Hard Wire, Medium Wire, Soft Wire
    190 mm
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Bahco
    VDE/1000V Approved
    -
    Cable Cutters
    -
    230 mm
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
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