What is a diagonal side cutters used for?

Diagonal cutting pliers are used for cutting wire and small pins in areas that cannot be reached by larger cutting tools. Because the cutting edges are diagonally offset about 15 degrees, these can cut objects flush with a surface.

Is a diagonal cutter also known as a side cutter?

They cut wire by indenting and wedging a cable apart (as opposed to shearing like scissors). The name comes from how the cutting edges of the jaws are set at an angle (hence the name “diagonal”). They are also known as side cutters, flush cut pliers, side cutting pliers, wire cutters, diagonal cutting nippers.

How do diagonal cutters work?

Are diagonal cutters wire cutters?

Both diagonal and side cutters are designed to cut wire or cable at an angle.

Are side cutters and wire cutters the same?

Answer: The term “flush” means level or straight and on the same plane, so flush cutters cut a wire level. Side cutters, or angle cutters, cut on an angle, meaning the wire edge will be cut to one side.

What are needle nose pliers used for?

Needle-nose pliers are used to manipulate wire using the textured teeth. When working with this tool, the handles should be gripped tightly yet apply gentle force. They are not sturdy enough to cut large, hardened wires, and they are not to be used on live electrical wires.

Are diagonal pliers the same as side cutters?

Diagonal Cutters vs Side Cutters

Diagonal cutters or Dykes are much the same as side cutters. In fact, the two terms are usually interchangeable.

What is the best tool to cut wire?

The Best Wire Cutter
  • Our pick. Channellock E337CB Diagonal Cutting Plier. Strong cuts, comfy grips. …
  • Budget pick. Irwin Vise-Grip 2078306 6-Inch Diagonal Cutting Pliers. Quality at a bargain. …
  • Also great. Bahco 2101G-180 Ergo Cutting Pliers. Great features, not as strong. …
  • Also great. Klein 11054 Wire Stripper-Cutter.

Which side cutter is best?

Top 6 Best Side Cutters
  • Knipex Diagonal Cutters.
  • Irwin Diagonal Cutters.
  • Klein Tools Diagonal Cutters.
  • Crescent Diagonal Cutters.
  • Craftsman Diagonal Cutters.
  • Wiha Insulated Diagonal Cutters.

Do I need insulated wire cutters?

When working with electrical cables it is recommended to use VDE certified insulated cable cutters as an extra precaution.

What can cutting pliers cut?

End-cutting pliers – also known as nippers, are used to cut nails, wires, rivets, and bolts. Due to the almost flat head design, the user can get flush with the surface to cut the object, without digging into it.

How thick can a wire cutter cut?

This product can reliably cut steel wires measured up to 4mm thick. This thick wire cutter has your back, whether it be clipping solid cables, stranded wires, or even fencing wires.

What are the different types of wire cutters?

Different Types Of Best Wire Cutters Explained (With Pictures)
  • Xuron Micro Shear Cutter.
  • Whizzotech Diagonal Pliers (Side Cutter) …
  • End Cutting Pliers. …
  • Insulated Wire Cutters. …
  • Lineman’s Wire Cutters.
  • Needle-Nose Wire Cutters.
  • Ultra-Flush Side-Cutters.
  • How NOT To Use Wire Cutters.

What do side cutters look like?

Why should I use insulated tools?

Insulated tools provide an extra measure of protection against such hazardous and unpredictable situations. High quality insulated hand tools are engineered to protect you from electric shock and reduce the possibility of arc faults caused by short circuits.

What do you wire cutters look like?

Flush. Flush cut wire cutters (also called “combination” or “lineman’s pliers”) look like an ordinary pair of pliers but feature a pair of cutting blades flush to the outside edge and directly behind one of the plier’s gripping jaws.

Can wire cutters cut through metal?

For the most basic application of cutting cables, you can use the wire cutters to cut copper, brass, aluminium, iron and steel wire. To protect you from being shocked by the electric cables you are working with; some wire cutters have insulated handles.

How do you tell if a tool is insulated?

For tools like screwdrivers, insulation starts right at the tip of the tool. That insulation goes all the way to the back end of the handle and protects you from accidental contact with high voltage. Notice we said “accidental”. You should almost never be working on a live wire.

Why are insulated tools red and yellow?

Insulated tools manufactured using the dipping process feature two layers of insulation in contrasting colours (red and yellow, or orange and yellow). … When this layer becomes visible through the outer layer the tool is no longer safe to use and has to be replaced.

Can you touch a live wire with a screwdriver?

It’s not always possible to cut the power. Yes – Provided that the voltage the wire is carrying is less than the screwdriver’s voltage limit. Electrician’s screwdrivers are typically safe to 1000Volts. This is clearly marked on the screwdriver and you need to not touch the bare tip.

How do I know if my screwdriver is insulated?