5 Different Types of Wire Cutters and What You Need to Know

Wire cutters are a vital tool, particularly for electricians, but can be a more complicated device than they may initially appear. There are a number of different types of wire cutters, and it is important for users to understand the differences between them to ensure a job is done in the correct manner.

There are five main types of wire cutters, each of which comes with its own particular function and purpose that makes them ideal for specific electrical jobs. 

1. Linemen’s Wire Cutters

The most popular wire cutters all over the world are Linemen’s wire cutters and are also sometimes referred to as combination wire cutters due to the fact they can be used for a wide array of different jobs. 

These wire cutters come with a firm surface for gripping as well as a sharp cutting edge, with the insulated handles being one of the biggest reasons for their ubiquity as it makes them particularly practical for electricians. The insulated handles offer protection from moderate electric shocks while also being very easy to use and highly versatile. 

2. Locking Wire Cutters

Locking wire cutters are commonly used by carpenters but electricians can also find them useful. The edge these wire cutters have over some rivals is the unique feature of a knob positioned on the handle that serves as a kind of lock. The knob is able to be loosened and tightened as required, allowing users to be able to get a superior grip on the metal sheet or wire because of the lock. 

Locking wire cutters can be found in either Linemen’s or needle nose types. The locking feature provides additional safety by allowing the tool to be effectively locked in place while working on tricky wires. 

3. Needle Nose Wire Cutters

The way these wire cutters are shaped is the reason for their strange name, with a long, narrow and thin sharp-edged cutter. This is an ideal tool for the cutting of fine wires, with the design also making it simpler to work within tight spaces. 

These wire cutters also come with insulated grips for protection against minor shocks. Needle nose wire cutters are the ideal solution for situations where other wire cutters are just large and awkward. 

4. Diagonal Cutting Wire Cutters

Diagonal edges are the feature that gives diagonal cutting wire cutters their name, and carpenters and electricians alike make use of this tool due to the insulated handles that are a built-in safety feature. 

The cutter’s diagonal edges are specifically used for certain types of electrical work, and while they are not often used they are vital when needed.

5. Round Nose Wire Cutters

Round wire nose cutters are able to bend as well as cut wires, making them almost unique among wire cutters. They come with round-shaped edges that narrow toward the point the edges meet. Round wire nose cutters can cut or bend wires or thin metal strips, and they are easy to spot due to their distinctive shape. 

Wire cutters are an essential item in the toolbox of all electricians.