Cable cutters, also known as wire cutters, are tools that use two steel blades to cut wires or cables, similar to scissors. They are usually handheld and can be operated with one or two hands. Cable cutters are designed to minimize damage to cable insulation or internal conductors, thereby improving the quality of electrical connections.
Contractors, construction workers, and hobbyists use cable cutters to cut various types of electrical cables. Cables are often thick and covered with a tough casing, so the cutter must have a strong blade to harness the user's strength. The tilt head helps users keep their arms and hands straight while cutting, and the tilt blade provides clean cuts without pinching or chewing on the cable.
There are four types of cable cutters: palm, manual two-handle, ratchet, and electric.
Hydraulic cable cutters can be used on a variety of conductors, wire ropes and solid rods. They feature a guillotine-style clipping mechanism to minimize clogging. These tools are primarily used in the power utility and electrical industries for cutting copper or aluminum power cables and overhead conductors.
Cable cutters for every job
High Leverage Cable Cutter
- High-leverage cable cutters are designed to cut thick cables and wires with ease. The design provides superior cutting capabilities while allowing for precise one-handed shearing action. Thermal riveted joints ensure smooth action and no wobbling of the handle, and the plastic dipped handle provides comfort during use. Some models have additional features, such as the latest Journeyman models with integrated stripping holes for 1/0 and 2/0 cables.
Insulated cable cutters
- Insulated cable cutters are designed for use where there is a risk of electric shock. Klein's Insulated Cable Cutter is rated for 1000V and is designed for precise one-handed use. They can be used to cut aluminum, soft copper and communication cables.
Ratchet cable cutter
- Ratcheting cable cutters offer several benefits, including reduced operator fatigue. Operators are bound to experience operator fatigue when they cut large quantities of wires and cables by hand using a manually operated cutting machine. Ratcheting cable cutters eliminate this risk by transferring the tension from the operator's hands to the ratcheting cutter. The ratcheting cable cutter also ensures cleaner cuts as it can cut 4/0 AWG cable without readjusting. Cutting such a thick cable using hand-operated tools may require multiple attempts and result in damage to the insulation and internal conductors. Whether you are using a manual cable cutter or a ratchet cable cutter, the first thing to do is to choose a tool that can cut the appropriate wire and cable gauge.
Standard cable cutter
- Standard cable cutters are available in a variety of sizes and feature exceptionally strong, long fiberglass handles and heavy-duty vinyl handles that are comfortable and non-slip. The jaws are made of forged tool steel and black oxidized for long life. These cutters feature replaceable claw blades that grip and secure cables and make clean, even cuts for easy installation of lugs and terminals.
