Electrical wire cutters are must-haves for anyone working on building, fixing, or upgrading electrical systems. Known for their **precision** and **safety features**, they’re designed to slice through wires while keeping you safe from shocks and fire hazards. However, the tons of options out there can make finding the right one a real head-scratcher.
The best electrical wire cutters should be sharp, sturdy, and offer excellent grip for effective handling. They should be made from anti-corrosive material to ensure longevity. Using substandard electrical wire cutters can result in jagged or frayed cuts, posing a risk to safety and functionality of the electrical systems.
When looking for electrical wire cutters, it’s crucial to examine the materials used. The tool should consist of high-quality steel of any kind — carbon, stainless, or chrome-vanadium steel are the most common choices. Additionally, consider the presence of insulating handles for a comfortable grip and insulation against electricity.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of selecting the best electrical wire cutters. We have researched and tested various models to identify the ones that provide the optimal performance. By the end of this article, you will have all the relevant information to make an informed buying decision.
Best Electrical Wire Cutters
Choosing the right electrical wire cutters is essential for safety, ease of use, and precision in your work. The device must be able to cut easily through various types of electrical wire without damage or fraying. Given the abundance of options out there, the decision can be quite daunting. Therefore, we’ve created a list of top-rated electrical wire cutters that we’ve used and tested to help you make the best purchasing decision.
IGAN-P6 6-inch Ultra Sharp & Powerful Side Cutter Clippers with Longer Flush Cutting Edge, Ideal Wire Snips for Crafting, Floral, Electrical & Any Clean Cut Needs
If you’re looking for a versatile pair of wire strippers, the IGAN-P6 6-inch Ultra Sharp & Powerful Side Cutter Clippers are worth considering.
Pros
- The long flush cutting edge allows for clean and precise cuts, making it ideal for various DIY projects.
- The high carbon steel blade ensures long-lasting sharpness and durability, even with frequent use.
- The ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip, making it easy to use for extended periods.
Cons
- The jaws of the wire stripper are not adjustable, which may limit its versatility for some users.
- The protective plastic casing may not be as durable as the metal blade, which could lead to damage over time.
- Some users may find the price point to be a bit high compared to other wire strippers on the market.
Overall, the IGAN-P6 6-inch Ultra Sharp & Powerful Side Cutter Clippers are a solid choice for anyone in need of a reliable wire stripper. Its long flush cutting edge and high carbon steel blade ensure clean and precise cuts, while its ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip for easy use. However, its lack of adjustable jaws and potentially fragile plastic casing may be drawbacks for some users. Ultimately, whether or not this product is worth the investment will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
WGGE WG-015 Professional 8-inch Wire Stripper/wire crimping tool, Wire Cutter, Wire Crimper, Cable Stripper, Wiring Tools and Multi-Function Hand Tool
If you’re looking for a versatile and efficient wiring tool, the WGGE WG-015 Professional 8-inch Wire Stripper is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- With 10 different sizes of crimping and stripping tools, this hand tool can be used for various wires, making it a great all-in-one solution for your wiring needs.
- The heavy-duty insulated plastic body of this wire stripper tool makes it comfortable to hold and easy to use, even for extended periods of time.
- The 8-inch long stripping blade of this wire stripper tool can easily and quickly cut and remove the insulation of various types of wires, making it an efficient tool for your wiring projects.
Cons
- The 8-inch long stripping blade of this wire stripper tool may be too long for some users, making it less portable than other, smaller wire stripper tools.
- While the wire stripper tool is designed to be multi-functional, some users may find that they need additional specialized tools for more complex wiring projects.
- The crimping and stripping tools may not be suitable for very thick or heavy-duty wires, limiting the versatility of this tool for some users.
Overall, the WGGE WG-015 Professional 8-inch Wire Stripper is a great choice for those looking for a versatile and efficient wiring tool. With its 10 different sizes of crimping and stripping tools, comfortable and easy-to-hold design, and efficient 8-inch long stripping blade, this wire stripper tool is a great all-in-one solution for your wiring needs. While it may not be suitable for very thick or heavy-duty wires, and may not be as portable as smaller wire stripper tools, it is definitely worth considering for those looking for a reliable and versatile wiring tool.
Hakko-CHP-170 Micro Cutter – Red
If you’re looking for a high-quality micro cutter, the Hakko-CHP-170 Micro Cutter – Red is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The Hakko-CHP-170 Micro Cutter is extremely sharp and can cut through most materials with ease.
- The micro cutter is very durable and can withstand frequent use without losing its sharpness.
- The red handle of the micro cutter makes it easy to find in your toolbox or on your workbench.
Cons
- The Hakko-CHP-170 Micro Cutter is a bit pricey compared to other micro cutters on the market.
- The micro cutter is quite small, which may make it difficult to handle for some users.
- The micro cutter is not suitable for cutting hard materials such as metal or glass.
We’ve used the Hakko-CHP-170 Micro Cutter to cut various types of wires and it has performed exceptionally well. The micro cutter is extremely sharp and can cut through even the thickest wires with ease. We were also impressed with the durability of the micro cutter. Despite frequent use, the micro cutter has not lost its sharpness and shows no signs of wear and tear.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Hakko-CHP-170 Micro Cutter is a bit pricey compared to other micro cutters on the market. However, we believe that the quality of the micro cutter justifies the price. Additionally, the micro cutter is quite small, which may make it difficult to handle for some users. However, we found that the small size of the micro cutter made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
Overall, we highly recommend the Hakko-CHP-170 Micro Cutter – Red for anyone in need of a high-quality micro cutter. Its exceptional sharpness, durability, and easy-to-find red handle make it a top choice for any electronics enthusiast.
CRAFTSMAN Pliers, Electrical 6-in. Diagonal (CMHT81646)
If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile set of electrical pliers, the CRAFTSMAN Pliers, Electrical 6-in. Diagonal (CMHT81646) is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The forged alloy steel construction with a black electroplated finish provides long-lasting durability and corrosion resistance.
- The integrated wire stripper is compatible with 10-12 AWG wires and features a comfortable grip for easy use.
- The insulated grips provide added safety when working with live wires.
Cons
- The jaws are not adjustable, which may limit their versatility for some users.
- The 6-inch length may be too short for some users who need a longer reach.
- The price point may be a bit high for some budget-conscious buyers.
We’ve used the CRAFTSMAN Pliers, Electrical 6-in. Diagonal (CMHT81646) for a variety of electrical projects and found them to be very reliable and easy to use. The forged alloy steel construction with a black electroplated finish ensures long-lasting durability and corrosion resistance, even with frequent use.
The integrated wire stripper is a particularly useful feature, as it allows you to quickly and easily strip insulation from wires without having to switch to a separate tool. The comfortable grip makes it easy to use for extended periods of time without experiencing fatigue.
One potential downside to note is that the jaws are not adjustable, which may limit their versatility for some users. Additionally, the 6-inch length may be too short for some users who need a longer reach.
Overall, if you’re in the market for a high-quality set of electrical pliers, the CRAFTSMAN Pliers, Electrical 6-in. Diagonal (CMHT81646) is definitely worth considering.
IRWIN VISE-GRIP Wire Stripping Tool / Wire Cutter, 8 inch, Cuts 10-22 AWG, ProTouch Grip (2078309)
If you’re looking for a wire stripper and cutter that can handle a variety of wires and cables, the IRWIN VISE-GRIP Wire Stripping Tool / Wire Cutter is a great option.
Pros
- The patented soft-grip jaw pads secure the wire in place, making stripping safe and easy.
- The heavy-duty, cast iron body provides superior stability for cutting through tough wires and cables.
- The built-in cable cutter cuts through hard-insulated wire with ease, and is replaceable for long-lasting use.
Cons
- The wire stripper and cutter is on the heavier side, which may make it less than ideal for some users.
- The price point is slightly higher than some other wire stripper and cutter options on the market.
- The wire stripper and cutter may not be as effective on extremely thin or delicate wires.
We’ve used the IRWIN VISE-GRIP Wire Stripping Tool / Wire Cutter for a variety of projects, and it has consistently performed well. The soft-grip jaw pads make it easy to secure the wire in place, and the cast iron body provides the stability needed to cut through even the toughest wires and cables.
The built-in cable cutter is also a great feature, as it allows for quick and easy cutting without the need for an additional tool. The replaceable blade ensures long-lasting use, making this wire stripper and cutter a great investment for anyone who works with wires and cables on a regular basis.
Overall, we would highly recommend the IRWIN VISE-GRIP Wire Stripping Tool / Wire Cutter to anyone in need of a reliable and effective wire stripper and cutter. Its patented soft-grip jaw pads, heavy-duty cast iron body, and built-in cable cutter make it a great choice for a variety of projects.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best electrical wire cutters, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Cutting Capacity
One of the most important features to consider is cutting capacity. The cutting capacity of the wire cutters determines the maximum size of the wire that can be cut. It is important to choose wire cutters with a cutting capacity that is suitable for the type of wiring you will be working with.
Cutting Force
Cutting force is another important feature to consider. The cutting force determines how much pressure is required to make a clean cut. Wire cutters with higher cutting forces tend to make cleaner cuts, but they may also be more difficult to use.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Comfort and ergonomics are also important factors to consider. Wire cutters that are comfortable to use will be easier to work with for extended periods of time. Look for wire cutters with comfortable grips and ergonomic designs that reduce hand fatigue.
Durability and Material
Durability and material are also important factors to consider. Wire cutters made from high-quality materials are more likely to last longer and withstand frequent use. Look for wire cutters made from durable materials such as steel or aluminum.
Additional Features
Finally, consider any additional features that may be important to you. For example, some wire cutters come with wire stripping capabilities, which can be useful for stripping insulation from wires. Others may have adjustable jaws, which can be useful for cutting wires of different sizes.
By considering these key features, you can choose the best electrical wire cutters for your needs.
