Best Side Cutting Pliers : Review And Buying Guide

Handle design, size, and type

Think about how you'll be holding the dykes or angle pliers before you buy. Check that the grips are comfortable and won't pinch if you squeeze them.

Make sure the handles are a decent distance from the pivot to maximize the mechanical advantage. Using a tool with a short handle makes it more challenging to make a clean cut. If it's too long, the tool will be cumbersome. As an added safety measure, keep the jaws closed and the grips close together. To be used with one hand, they should be palm-sized. The ideal width for the bag's opening is 5.5 inches, however smaller is fine if your hand isn't particularly large.

Finally, pliers are available with three distinct grips: non-slip, comfort, and insulated. A wire cutter with insulated handles is useful if you frequently handle voltages above 1000V. Cutters with non-slip or comfort-grip handles are an alternative for those who rarely snip wires and cables.

Pivot Design

The degree of difficulty in using hand tools depends on the pivot. The quality of the cut you obtain from your wire cutting pliers is also dependent on the design of the pivot.

The alignment of the blades is compromised by a loose and shaky pivot. This results in cuts of wildly varying quality. An ideal set of dyke or angle cutters will have a sturdy axle and a non-jerky motion.

Blade quality

If the blades on your cutting pliers aren't sharp and sturdy, it won't matter how well-engineered the pivot is. High-quality shears and cutters are typically made from steel alloys or hardened steel.

To get the most out of the blades' leverage, their cutting edges should extend as close to the fulcrum as possible. In a first-class lever, the force required to move the load decreases as it gets closer to the fulcrum. When the weight is near the pivot and the effort is far, the mechanical advantage increases.

Material of construction

Before making a purchase, it is important to examine the blades to see what kind of material was used in their construction. Chrome-vanadium steel and carbon steel are both excellent options for tools due to their strength and longevity. In addition to extending the life of the cutter, these features will ensure that it remains chip- and rust-resistant and remains sharp enough to easily sever wires.

Heat treatment

The method of manufacture is another important aspect to think about while shopping for a high-quality side cutting plier. Many kinds of equipment, including pliers, go through a process called heat treatment, which is analogous to baking at temperatures as high as 2400 degrees Fahrenheit. Some cheap pliers aren't even forged at a high enough temperature to be durable enough to cut wires without chipping or scratching.

Handle

The handle is the second most important part of a side cutting plier to think about. PVC, rubber, frost material, or any other insulating substance should be used to ensure that you are not shocked by electricity. A solid, nonslip grip is also important to avoid damage and generate more torque for cutting the wires.

Spring mechanism

Most modern side cutting pliers feature a spring mechanism in the neck that opens the pliers' jaws again after each cut you make. This allows you to swiftly sever cables without exerting too much pressure.

Wire cutting diameter

Inquire as to the largest diameter of wire that can be cut by the pliers before placing an order. The diameter of the majority of the pliers is between 5 and 15 mm. However, the diameter of some instruments falls between 10 and 12 AWG, or 2 and 2.5 mm.

Build Quality and Grip

Now we reach the crux of any tool—its durability. When shopping for a diagonal cutter, choose a pair of pliers that will endure for years and continue to function perfectly even with frequent use.

Despite the fact that wire is the most common material cut using diagonal cutters, the sharp edge can dull over time and lead to erroneous results. To avoid this, make sure the cutter's blades are made from a durable material. In addition, the cutter's grip is an important feature to evaluate. You'll be using your own muscle power, so a firm, ergonomic grip on the tool will help you make clean cuts every time.

Warranty

In most cases, tools are highly durable and can be used reliably for five or six years. However, if you're in the market for a high-quality choice, it's wise to choose a manufacturer whose products are guaranteed for life. Having the cutters covered for that long is like getting a guarantee on their quality and guarantees you get your money's worth.

With our wide range of alternatives, even those on a tighter budget won't have to sacrifice quality in order to enjoy the security of a lifetime warranty. The guarantee period covers not only the cutter's construction, but also its design and performance, giving the buyer complete satisfaction with their purchase.

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How Much Does a Side Cutting Plier Usually Cost?

Extensive investigation revealed that the going rate for high-caliber side-cutting pliers is between seven and ten dollars. As such, if you want the best results when cutting wires and to save money, look for models priced within this range.

How Long Does a Side Cutting Plier Last?

If you invest in a high-quality pair of side cutting pliers, you won't have to replace them for at least three years. In the event that your pliers break or become defective within the first year or lifetime after purchase, many manufacturers will replace them at no cost to you. Keeping the plier out of damp conditions will extend its useful life. Additionally, oil is applied frequently to forestall rust and preserve the edge.

What is a diagonal cutter?

Cutters, like scissors, are straightforward hand tools. However, rather than being used to cut through paper, diagonal cutters are typically used to cut through metal. When used manually, the cutters can provide quick, precise cuts through virtually any metal by applying an incredible amount of shearing pressure to the workpiece. But remember that your cutters' material must be harder than your workpiece.

What are the different types of cutters?

Cutter types include side cutters, cable cutters, flush cutters, end cutters, and diagonal cutters, to name a few. In order to make even more exact cuts, diagonal cutters are used. These are ideal for crimping or wedging a cable. Cut through soft copper or aluminum conductor wires with ease using these cutters.

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Diagonal cutters are a must-have for any toolkit, since they may be used in a wide variety of situations. These instruments provide a straightforward method for precisely slicing through tough materials, a skill that is vital in any industry. The versatility of diagonal cutters means they are useful in many different fields, including the electrical and sheet metal industries.

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