Diagonal cutters, also known as dikes or side cutters, are among the most used tools in electrical work. They are handy for various applications, including cutting copper wires and non-metals like wire ties fasteners. The best models will trim single conductors without fraying or nicking the cables, and they will still be able to cut through multiple conductors and even hardwire simultaneously.
Diagonal cutters are shaped with a long handle and short jaws (like scissors). They can be used in tight places where other types of pliers can’t fit. They are available in many different sizes and materials, ranging from about five inches to over 12 inches long.
US Pliers vs. German Pliers
Picking the right pliers for your application is very important. You should always consider the material you are working with and how much strength, reach and control you need. Pliers are generally made from steel alloys that give them good rust resistance and high strength properties.
German pliers are typically made from vanadium steel alloy or chrome vanadium, which gives them a high tensile strength of up to 1100 N/mm2. This can make German pliers heavier, but they are very tough and resilient to corrosion.
On the other hand, US Pliers are usually made from chrome-molybdenum steel, which has a lower tensile strength of up to 1000 N/mm2 but makes it lighter, easier to grip, and more durable than other types of pliers. Most US pliers will have a higher chrome content than German pliers.
Here’s a quick overview:
- German Pliers: High strength, heavy-duty.
- US Pliers: Lightweight, reusable
Best diagonal cutters for electricians
The following is a list of some of the best diagonal cutters for electricians that fit all these criteria.
Irwin vise-grip diagonal cutting pliers
The Irwin vise-grip diagonal cutting pliers are a great addition to your toolbox. It’s small, compact, and the head is really thin. It’s a little hard to describe, but these are not much wider than a pencil, so they fit into tight spots that most other pliers can’t fit into. They are also spring-loaded, making it easy to cut through wire or plastic without squeezing hard. They work great for removing staples from hard-to-reach areas.
Features
- High leverage cutting provides 46% more cutting power than regular combination pliers.
- Precision-machined undercut tongue and groove joint for maximum grip strength.
- Machined jaws designed for the extra gripping strength
- Hardened cutting edges last longer.
- Induction hardened cutting edge stays sharp longer
Channellock cutting plier with lap joint
This Channellock E-338 8-1/2-Inch Lap Joint Cutting Plier is ideal for cutting copper, brass, aluminum, and soft wire. It has a PermaLock fastener that eliminates nut and bolt failure. The edge is well reinforced, and this minimizes stress breakage. The Channellock blue grips provide comfort.
Features
- Lap joint design provides more leverage.
- Thin nose design gets into tight places.
- The high-carbon steel increases its performance on the job, and the coating prevents rust.
- Made in the U.S.A.
Klein Tools 5 diagonal cutting pliers
Klein Tools, five diagonal cutting pliers, compact size for confined spaces, induction hardened cutting knives for long life. The riveted joint ensures smooth action and a firm grip, plastic dipped handles for comfort and ease of identification, cutting knives: US-made high carbon steel.
Features
- Diagonal Cutting Pliers.
- Compact Size for Confined Spaces.
- Induction Hardened Cutting Knives for Long Life.
- Plastic-Dipped Handles for Comfort and Ease of Identification.
Milwaukee forged comfort grip diagonal cutting pliers
The Milwaukee 48-22-6106 6″ Forged Comfort Grip Diagonal Cutting Pliers features forged steel construction for increased durability and a forged jaw for greater cutting power. The pliers are equipped with an induction hardened cutting edge that delivers up to 50% longer life, and the comfort grip handles provide maximum comfort and torque.
Features
- Forged steel construction for maximum durability.
- Forged jaws for greater cutting power.
- Induction hardened cutting edge delivers up to 50% longer life.
- Comfort grip handles to provide maximum comfort and torque.
Klein Tools D248-9ST Pliers
These Ironworker’s Pliers (D248-9ST) feature a high leverage design that provides 46% greater cutting and gripping power than other pliers. The induction hardened cutting knives cut ACSR, nails, screws, and even piano wire. The patented reinforcing edge minimizes stress breakage. Ironworker’s Pliers are the most versatile hand tool you can own.
Features
- Induction hardened cutting knives cut ACSR, nails, screws, and even piano wire.
- Patented reinforcing edge minimizes stress breakage.
- High-leverage design for 46% greater cutting and gripping power than other plier designs
- Cutting knives are also precision-made for superior performance.
- Aeronca ProTouch grips provide you with extra comfort and reduce hand fatigue.
Klein Tools J2000-48 Pliers
We have been America’s leading manufacturer of high-quality hand tools since 1857. Today, Klein Tools continues to meet and exceed the demands of professional tradesmen worldwide with tools that deliver all-day comfort, productivity, and durability. Durable, long-lasting cutting pliers for a variety of professions.
Features
- Shear-type jaws
- An angled head makes it easier to work in tight spaces.
- Forged from a high-quality steel alloy.
- Heat-treated for optimum strength and elasticity.
- Precision ground stripping holes.
- It is capable of cutting ACSR, screws, nails, and most hardened wire.
- Heavy-duty knurled jaws provide sure wrapping and looping.
IGAN DC-7 Diagonal Cutting Pliers
The IGAN DC-7 diagonal cutting pliers are a must-have for electricians, home repair enthusiasts, and anyone who loves using tools to get the job done.
These pliers are made from high-quality alloy steel, heat-treated, and hardened for enhanced strength. The spring-loaded mechanism makes them easier to operate, and the ergonomic handle design gives you a better grip and control.
These pliers also have a safety lock that keeps them closed when not in use. They can be used to cut copper, aluminum, steel, and iron wires.
Features
- High-quality alloy steel construction.
- Heat-treated and hardened for enhanced strength.
- A spring-loaded mechanism for easy use.
- Handle design is ergonomic for improved grip and control.
- When not in use, they have a safety lock that keeps them closed.
DOWELL Diagonal Cutting Pliers
DOWELL WIRE CUTTERS – DOWELL 6 inch diagonal pliers are made of high-quality nickel-chromium steel and feature a specially hardened cutting edge that stays sharper. The handles can be used for cutting copper, aluminum, and soft steel wire.
These wire cutters are perfect for electricians, home mechanics, and any other skilled trade that requires the use of pliers.
Features
- Durable Construction – Constructed from forged nickel-chromium steel for ultimate strength and durability.
- Cutting Edges Induction Hardened – Cutting edges stay sharper longer for improved performance
- High Leverage Design – High leverage design provides 36% more cutting power than other pliers
- Serrated Jaws – Serrated jaws grip items tightly for non-slip performance
IRWIN VISE-GRIP Diagonal Cutting Pliers
The IRWIN VISE-GRIP 6″ Diagonal Cutting Pliers are engineered with ProTouch grips that offer you extra comfort and reduce hand fatigue. Made of durable, high-carbon steel, the pliers are designed for cutting copper, brass, aluminum, and soft steel wire and feature an induction hardened cutting edge for long life.
Features
- The grip adds comfort and reduces hand fatigue.
- The cutting edge of an induction hardened blade remains sharper for a longer time.
- Durable high-carbon steel construction for long life.
- Machined jaws to offer you additional gripping strength.
So, you’re looking for a new diagonal cutter. The market is flooded with options and can all claim that they’re best for electricians. That’s why we decided to create this handy guide to help you make the decision. For more information, get a review watching this videos from Project Farm and Top Compared
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