Cutters are specialised hand tools designed to cut multiple varieties of materials, including cables, wires, metals, plastics, and glasses. These tools are must-have in electrical and plumbing works for cutting cables and wires and different pipes easily. A cutter features an ergonomic insulated handle with sharp jaws for cutting different materials and resisting electric shocks. These versatile hand-operated tools are crafted from rugged and corrosion-resistant materials, including carbide, hardened steel, alloy steel, chrome vanadium steel, forged steel, high carbon alloy steel, chrome vanadium steel, molybdenum steel, and more. Furthermore, cutters come in different shapes, designs, materials, and types based on their intended applications and the materials needed to cut. In addition, cutters can slice different wire types, such as copper, soft, hard, and ferrous wires, in various settings.
Potential Benefits of Cutters
Cutters are essential instruments providing key benefits in terms of:
- Precision Cutting
- Increased Productivity
- Versatility
- Reduced Material Waste
- Improved Safety
- Clean Cuts
- Light Weight and Longevity
- Cost-effectiveness and Accessibility
- Reduced Physical Effort
- Consistency.
Popular Types of Cutters
Cutters can be of various types based on their applications and cutting materials. Some of the most common cutter types include:
- Wire/Cable Cutters – As the name suggests, these tools are ideally designed for electrical applications such as cutting cables or wires. They are designed with insulated handles to protect against electric shocks and to provide comfort while in use.
- Insulated Cutters – Insulated cutters are designed for cutting wires, cables, and other conductive materials while protecting users from electric shocks. They are commonly used by electricians and in applications with a risk of encountering live electrical circuits.
- Ratchet Cable Cutters – Ratchet cable cutters are specialised tools with a ratcheting mechanism, allowing users to apply gradual pressure to the cable, making cutting through thick or tough materials easier.
- Side Cutters – Also called diagonal cutting pliers, are versatile cutting tools used for a wide range of tasks, including cutting wires, cables, small nails, and other materials in tight spaces or close to a surface. They often have ergonomic handles for comfortable use and are commonly used by electricians, carpenters, and hobbyists.
- Pipe Cutters – Pipe cutters are tools for cutting pipes made of different materials, including metal, plastic, and sometimes even wood. They are commonly used in plumbing, construction, and other industries for cutting pipes in different sizes and lengths.
- Linesman’s Cutters – These cutters are widely used for cutting leads or stripping insulation, with popularity in electrical and communications applications. They feature a short, gripping surface toward their jaw’s tip and a cutting surface extending back towards the fulcrum.
- End Cutters – These nippers are designed to cut through springs, wires, bolts, nails, and rivets. They come with a flat-bladed head, allowing close cuts against the surface instead of digging into it.
- Bolt Cutters – Designed for cutting through bolts, chains, and padlocks, these heavy-duty cutters have long handles for increased leverage.
- Pliers Cutters – These are incorporated into pliers and are used for cutting, gripping, and bending wires and small objects.
- Wire Rope Cutters – These cutters’ jaws pull the wire rope within and trap the cable before cutting, and they are ideal for precise and clean wire rope shearing without fanning.
- Snipe Nose/Needle Nose Cutters – These versatile and handy cutters are used to cut delicate objects by holding them cleanly without pressure. These offer advantages over larger cutters, as they may cause damage to objects.
Typical Applications of Cutters
Cutters are versatile tools used in various applications across different industries, depending on the specific material and task at hand. Some of the typical uses of cutters include:
- Electrical Work
- Metal Cuttings
- Woodworking
- Construction
- Plumbing
- Medical and Surgical Applications
- Automotive Repair
- Gardening and Landscaping.
