Which steel is better for side cutters? Side cutters: types and their characteristics. We sharpen side cutters without the help of specialists

Side cutters are a sought-after tool and are widely used by both home craftsmen and professionals. Their popularity is due to their effectiveness, as well as ease of use and inexpensive price.

What is it?

Side cutters are one of the types of wire cutters and belong to the category of plumbing tools. They are designed quite simply and consist of a handle, a return spring and side-mounted cutting jaws. The handles are connected to each other using a reinforced hinge, which can make the movement of the jaws smoother. The return spring is located between the handle handles and is responsible for returning the lips to their original position after biting.

The main difference between side cutters and end cutters is that the jaws of the cutters are perpendicular to the handle, while the jaws of the side cutters are parallel or at a slight angle.

The requirements for the tool are clearly stated in GOST 28037-89 and require the use of steel grades U7, U7A and 8xF for its production. The cutting edges must have a hardness of 55.5 to 61 HRC Rockwell, the permissible gap between the cutting edges should not exceed 0.1 mm, and the hinge diametrical gap should not exceed 0.5 mm in each direction. The force when opening the jaws is also regulated by the state standard and must be within 9.8 N. The value of the maximum permissible displacement cutting edges between themselves for side cutters with a length of 125 mm should not exceed 0.3 mm, for longer samples measuring 140, 160, 180 and 200 mm - 0.4 mm.

The principle of operation of side cutters is based on the principle of operation of a lever, in which, due to the difference in the lengths of the handles and lips, it becomes possible to compress the latter with greater force. The scope of application of the tool includes household needs and professional repair and construction work. Thus, side cutters are widely used in the installation of electrical networks consisting mainly of aluminum and copper wires voltage up to 1000 V, as well as for cutting thin metal, plastic and even steel reinforcement.

Types and their characteristics

The main feature of the classification of side cutters is their specialization. According to this criterion, the tool is conditionally divided into 4 groups, each of which has its own working qualities and purpose.

Standard

This type of side cutters represents the largest group of tools and is intended for cutting wires and wires with a diameter of up to 2.3 mm. Advantage standard models is wide consumer availability, low cost and a large assortment, represented by both products of famous world brands and budget models little-known companies.

The disadvantages of this type include the inability of the tool to interact with materials of increased hardness and the frequent lack of insulating coating on the handles, which makes it impossible to use them when installing electrical networks.

Reinforced

Power side cutters are designed for performing metalwork and installation work of increased complexity and belong to the category professional tool. For the manufacture of cutting elements of such models, especially strong, highly hardened carbon steel is used, and the cutting edges are often equipped with pobedit or carbide tipped. This makes it easy for them to deal with sheet metal and thin fittings.

High voltage

This type of side cutters has a rather narrow specialization and is designed to perform electrical installation work. Tools in this category are divided into two subtypes. The first includes models in which the handles are completely made of dielectric material, which allows operation on networks with voltages up to 1000 V. For the second, only the braiding of the handles has a dielectric effect, which limits the scope of their use exclusively to low-voltage lines. Both types of electrical side cutters are equipped with protective stops that separate the handle from the working lips.

The stops do not allow the hand to slip from the handle and touch the lips that are in contact with electricity.

Mini nippers

Small side cutters are actively used by network equipment installers, radio electronics specialists, and computer, TV and other electronic equipment repairmen. They differ from their larger counterparts in their miniature size, long narrow jaws and light weight. This tool is designed to perform work in hard to reach places, into which it is impossible to fit full-size models.

Best models

The modern market for plumbing tools offers a wide range of side cutters. Below are the most common and popular models that have large number positive feedback and are bestsellers in specialized online stores.

• Reinforced German model Kraftool 2202-6-18 z01, produced in Taiwan, belongs to the category of professional tools and is designed for cutting wires and wires. The working jaws are made of chrome vanadium steel, which allows the side cutters to cope with sheet metal, nails and thin fittings. The length of the tool is 180 mm, weight – 300 g.
• Taiwanese model Jonnesway P8606 is a representative of a group of standard tools and is intended for performing household, plumbing and repair work. The side cutters are equipped with a comfortable ergonomic two-component handle, have a length of 240 mm and weigh 240 g.

• Model of the German brand Matrix Nickel 17520, produced in China, belongs to power tools and is designed to work with high-hardness materials. The cutting edges undergo additional hardening with high frequency current, which is why they are characterized by increased wear resistance and for a long time services. The model does not have a dielectric coating, and therefore cannot be used for electrical installation work. The length of the product is 160 mm, weight – 230 g.
• Side cutters Z 18006 200mm Prof. elec. Wiha 38191 Made in Germany, it is of the high-voltage type and is designed to operate on electrical networks with voltages up to 1000 V. The handles are made of dielectric material and are equipped with a protective stop. The product is equipped with a BiCut system that doubles the biting force, allowing you to easily bite off screws and nails.

For the manufacture of semicircular jaws, tool stamped steel that has undergone induction hardening is used, and the proprietary Dynamic Joint Wiha hinge is capable of transmitting hand forces to the working part as efficiently as possible. Two-component handles are equipped with a non-slip coating, the length of the product is 200 mm, the weight reaches 350 g.

• Mini side cutters Kroft 210115 represent compact tool 105 mm long and weighing 60 g. The model copes well with fishing line, rods and wire and is widely used in electronics. High-strength carbon steel is used to make working jaws, and the handles are equipped with synthetic non-slip covers that prevent the tool from slipping out of your hands. The product is manufactured in Russia.
• Diagonal mini side cutters Licota also designed to perform fine work and are able to easily cut through steel wire with a diameter of 1.2 mm, copper wire with a diameter of 1.6 mm and electrical cable– cross-section 2 mm.

Subtleties of choice

The determining criterion for choosing side cutters is their purpose. So, when purchasing a tool for professional activities it is better to choose a reinforced multifunctional model, which, in addition to the ability to bite through hard materials can be used when performing electrical installation work. It must be remembered that in order to work on high voltage lines it is necessary to choose only a tool whose handle is completely made of dielectric materials, whereas for the installation of low-voltage lines a special insulating braid will be sufficient. If the model is chosen for work in a home workshop and does not involve working with thick cables, metal fittings and sheet iron, then it would be more advisable not to overpay the extra money and buy an inexpensive standard model.

The next selection criterion is the quality of the product. When purchasing a tool, you must check the tightness of the lips and make sure that the hinge gaps and diametric displacement do not exceed the standards defined by GOST. Otherwise, the sponges will grip the wire or wire unevenly and instead of cutting through the material, they will crush it. You also need to pay attention to ergonomics. This is especially important when choosing electrical installation tools. It is necessary to take the side cutter in your hand and evaluate how comfortably it fits in the palm of your hand, and also check the operation of the return spring and the stroke of the hinge mechanism.

Despite their apparent simplicity, side cutters are tools with a sharp cutting edge and, if used improperly, can damage the skin of your hands. Therefore, for a more comfortable and safe use Some recommendations must be followed:

• When cutting wires and wires, the side cutters should be held strictly at right angles to the working surface;
• Before performing work on installing an electrical network using side cutters that are not equipped with dielectric protection, you should make sure that the network is disconnected from electricity;
• When working with side cutters, it is better to grasp the handle from above, otherwise there is a risk of damaging your fingers;
• when working with a large cross-section cable, cutting it should be done using a special recess located behind the cutting lips;
• It is prohibited to use side cutters as pliers and to remove hammered nails with their help;
• If, when repairing a low-voltage line, dielectric side cutters are not available, but installation is still necessary, then wrapping the handles of a conventional tool with electrical tape is allowed.

Amantes sunt amentes

N.B.
Since the review was written by a person far from metallurgy and the daily use of this instrument, during the discussion quite a few remarks and clarifications arose. I strongly recommend that you read not only the text of the review, but also the content of the comments to it.
Brief summary of comments.
1. On the websites of companies selling these products and in some reviews of tool users, there is an erroneous point of view about the material from which the soldering is made. You should refer to the manufacturer's data. Pobedit is not used in the production of these side cutters. The soldering is not carbide. The working edges are made of high-speed tool steel R6M5 (may the readers forgive me for being tongue-tied; due to the nature of my activity, I have nothing to do with the field of metallurgy). The side cutters themselves are made of St45 steel.
2. Side cutters should be used for their intended purpose and should not be used to bite unbitable items. Their lot is copper, aluminum and other soft metals. Not nails or springs, not hardened steel products. The working edges are quite sharp, but at the same time fragile and by no means durable. If you don’t want to quickly see dents on them or broken ends, use a tool taking into account its features.
3. The design of the instrument lags behind the requirements of the time, remaining at the level of the middle of the last century.
4. The price is significantly higher than that of other products in this group of products; you should clearly understand the benefits for yourself and calculate the possibility of self-sufficiency of this tool when using it.
5. There are several modifications of this tool on sale (straight-oblique jaws, presence or absence of a locking screw, springs).
6. When ordering online, there is a certain probability and risk of receiving a tool with working edges that are far from ideal.
7. Problematic structural elements include the central rivet, which after some time can become loose, which in turn will lead to a slight lateral play and uneven convergence of the working edges.
As a result, the output is the same as the input - the feasibility of the purchase is highly debatable, if not controversial, and in each specific case must be determined by the potential buyer individually. If you follow the operating rules, the tool's capabilities are enough for home needs.
I express my sincere gratitude to the people who took part in the discussion of the subject of the review.

Annotation
+
1. Easier (2 times) to use compared to analogues. Less effort should be applied to the tool. Apparently due to the sharp and durable working edges.
2. Higher personal self-esteem of the owner, based on ownership, I won’t say that it’s exclusive, but it’s quite rare and original instrument. Obtained with difficulty, not in a nearby hardware store. Not a brass comb, but still......
3. The money was spent within the country and not invested in the economy of its eastern neighbor.
-
1. Price, I won’t comment here, income and opportunities to amuse yourself and satisfy your needs and desires are different for everyone.
2. “Bare” handles. Without additional movements (“collective farm” of heat shrinkage) it is simply inconvenient to use.
3. The rough appearance of the product, out of the box they look rather unsightly and not aesthetically pleasing, especially in comparison with modern foreign instruments. Not to mention the abundant initial lubrication.
4. The need to comply with a fairly wide list certain conditions and rules for its application (see below).
5. Awareness of the fact that if a tool is damaged it will be difficult to replace it, hence the desire for rare, prudent, prudent, thrifty use.

The reasons for writing this review were the following:
1. Reviews of various side cutters from China appear on the resource with enviable regularity, and the item from the current review is always mentioned in the comments. Therefore, as its owner, I wanted to express my point of view as a person whose activities are not related to the frequent use of this tool.
2. Since one of my previous reviews was favorably received, quite highly appreciated by the community of resource users, and I even recently broke my own record for “pluses” on this site, I wanted to tell you about some more successful and more -less popular, useful purchase made via the Internet.

Introduction
Many admirers of the resource have a certain craving, weakness, addiction to a certain category of goods: flashlights, knives, and other intricate objects of a phantasmagoric appearance and unknown purpose. This is understandable, especially if you remember the final phrase from the movie “Some Like It Hot” or the lesser-known saying Aliena vitia in oculis habemus, and tergo nostra sunt. I also have this “Achilles heel” - a passion for cutting objects, especially those with carbide tips. I have already written about some of them (the review was rejected by the mysku administration for quite objective reasons, I had to post it)
Today, having looked at all the goods that were purchased and delivered for lately from China, I clearly realized that there was nothing worthy of attention among them, and that what was of any interest was still on the way. The situation is typical, very well described in chapter 5 of the book “Lost in the Taiga” by Leonid Repin. I think that I am familiar to you and not by hearsay.
And then I remembered these side cutters. I had some doubts about the possibility of writing a review due to the fact that this domestic product was purchased remotely, but through a domestic store. Having asked permission to write and publish it, having received the go-ahead from the site administration, I wrote this text.

Purchase and delivery process
Ordering through the store’s website is not difficult; you just need to fill out the appropriate form, select the delivery method (in my case, Russian Post) and pay for the purchase. About 2 weeks later, I was able to pick up a small box at the post office, which contained the side cutters themselves wrapped in packaging material (with plenty of lubricant) and accompanying documents- invoices. The total amount was made up of the price of the product and the price of delivery by Russian Post (448+178=626 rubles)

A story of love and lust
I first learned about the existence of these side cutters in nature from the materials of the same resource. I immediately wanted to become their owner and this desire was not dampened either by the price of the product or the dubious need for them for me - a sybarite, a refined city dweller, an intellectual, home handyman, and even then, one might say, with a stretch. In short, I wanted it and that’s it, no matter what.
Before the purchase, an analytical search was carried out (based on Internet materials using the context in the search line “IN-0004”).
The Internet provides us with some information about a product. However, they are quite enough to decide on a purchase. From them we learn that:
1. The soldering tips are made of pobedit and cannot be used to cut hard materials (for example, nichrome) - otherwise holes in the edges are guaranteed.
2. You shouldn’t cut with the tips of the solders, they are fragile and break off.
3. Can be found on sale in stores that sell jewelry tools.
4. The cutting edges of the tool are fragile; do not drop it, throw it, or take objects to break it.
Well, this information is also available on the Internet:
Pobedit side cutters are designed for cutting wires. Made of carbon steel in accordance with GOST 28037-89. Used for cutting wires and thin wires when performing work in electronics and precision mechanics. Made of steel St45 (GOST 1050-80). The cutting edges (plates) are made of steel grade R6M5 (GOST 19265-73). The plates are soldered with L-68 solder (GOST 28037-89). Length - 125 mm. Weight - 76 g. Hardness of cutting edges: 52-60 HRC. Chemical composition soldering: C (0.82-0.90) / Cr (3.8-4.4) / W (5.5-6.5) / Mo (4.8-5.3) / V (1.7-2.1) / Co (<0.50). Выдерживают испытание на прочность режущих кромок трехкратным перекусыванием стальной углеродистой пружинной проволоки диаметром 1,25 мм (методика испытаний по ГОСТ 28037-89).
There are side cutters and a review on YouTube:


I haven’t seen side cutters for sale in stores or markets around the city. An acquaintance, while passing through Yoshkar-Ola, also did not see the product on sale.
Side cutters, they are also wire cutters
Let's inspect the goods

Traditionally, we will evaluate the composition of the alloy used in the manufacture of side cutters.
Lever


Working edges

Since the tool is used at home, the working condition quite predictably has not changed over the 15 times it has been used. But really, a little scary, I even made a reminder and attached it to the instrument. You obviously shouldn’t count on the fact that side cutters are capable of cutting through a rail.


Professionals, I think, have their own view and their own assessment of this tool and its merits; for amateur craftsmen, information about side cutters may be of some interest, although perhaps more abstract than practical.
I was pleased with the purchase. If you want to purchase a product, I advise you not to rush. Let your thoughts settle. Think for a couple of days: do you really want to become its owner, so as not to reproach yourself later for wasted money.
Factum est factam. Experientia est optima magistra.
Especially for GN – “Judge not, lest ye be judged...”
PS
In addition, as a bonus to the review of side cutters, I would like to recommend a cool electrical tape made in Japan.


I bought it from a local online store, because the price on ebay exceeds all reasonable limits.

If you find it somewhere at a reasonable price, buy it, it’s worth it.
Therefore, allow me to take my leave, with best wishes for success in everyday life, work and leisure, sincerely yours, resource user from NN.


Photo from personal archive.

I'm planning to buy +35 Add to favorites I liked the review +62 +109

One of the most important tools for a home handyman is side cutters. Their main use is to bite any material with cutting lips, and the force applied to the handle when working with side cutters is increased by using the tool as a lever.

A similar type of this device is ordinary wire cutters, however, in fact, both tools cope with the task in almost the same way, since in both objects the cutting parts exert strong pressure on the place where the material is cut, and the degree is justified only by the force of pressing on the handle.

Characteristics of side cutters

The main difference between side cutters and ordinary wire cutters is their design feature - in cutters the cutting lips are located perpendicular to the handles, and in side cutters they are parallel to the handle or at a small angle.

In almost all cases, the object of cutting is products made of wire or wires with a small diameter, or thin plastic, or metal when installing or dismantling devices.

When working with this tool, you can easily control the degree and force of cutting the material by moving the work site along the edge of the side cutters. The design is made in the form of long and large handles and a short cutting part - this provides an additional opportunity to create higher pressure during operation.

In the case when you only need to cut through a thin copper wire, you can use only the very tip of the cutting lips, which will be quite enough due to the force applied, and if the wire has a fairly large diameter, then it is recommended to place it closest to the hinge and apply more force to the handles .

The design of the most common side cutters includes eight main parts, namely:

• Spring
• Handle
• heel
• Cutting lips
• Side part
• Back surface
• Stiffening rib
• Zapyatnik

You can see the design in more detail in the photo of the side cutter. Each of the parts of the tool is certainly connected using a specialized lock with a reinforced system - a hinge, the purpose of which is to give a smoother operation during operation.

Between the handles there is a spring, which makes it possible to return the side cutters to their previous shape immediately after biting an object.

Types and sizes of side cutters

There are four main types of side cutters. When purchasing, you should carefully study their purpose so as not to make a mistake with your choice.

Standard – designed for wires and wire products of small diameter up to 2.5 mm. They are available for sale in absolutely every construction or hardware store.

Reinforced side cutters are a more professional tool and are indispensable for metalwork and installation work. The cutting lips of this device are made of high-strength hardened steel and have increased reliability.

High-voltage (dielectric) side cutters are used in the same field of work for electronics. Used when working with wires that are under any voltage. The safety of these cutters is ensured by dielectric plastic handles, which make it possible to carry out electrical work with voltages up to 1000 volts.

Mini side cutters are the main tool for programmers, network equipment installers, radio electronics specialists or home craftsmen. Their main advantage is their small size when working in places that are difficult to reach for large nippers.

In general, this instrument can look completely different both in size and shape. The degree of shape of their cutting elements can also be different, which gives each device a peculiarity of its operation. If your lips are thin and long, then these cutters are ideal for cutting thin wires.

In addition to all this, there may be a recess between the lips and the hinge, which helps to easily remove the rubber insulation from the wire.

Application

The main common mistake when working with side cutters is carelessness in relation to the complexity of working with this tool. As with other devices, side cutters should be handled according to certain rules. For this purpose, there is advice from experienced specialists, as well as recommendations from the best manufacturers of side cutters.

When cutting a wire or wire, the side cutters should be held exactly at a right angle to the object. Also, you should not put too much force on the handle of the side cutters, and therefore on the cutting lips, as this leads to their rapid dulling. It is strictly not recommended to inattentively monitor the work being carried out, especially near people.

If the object being cut has too large a diameter, then it is recommended to bite using a special recess, which is located immediately after the cutting lips.

The elements of the side cutters, which directly carry out the main work, must be tightly adjacent to each other; in no case should they be allowed to diverge to the sides, as this may affect the operation of the side cutters or lead to their breakage.

How to choose side cutters

Undoubtedly, the quality of the side cutters used must be quite high, since this directly affects the quality of the work performed. Therefore, choosing high-quality side cutters should first of all look at their appearance. The main difference between low-quality side cutters and reliable ones are various dents or nicks on the tool.

The cutting lips of the side cutters must be in close contact with each other, otherwise the object being bitten will not be completely cut. The hinge on the cutters can be made integral with the entire structure or separately from it - this point does not affect the quality of the side cutters in any way.

One of the interesting designs are side cutters with two hinges. This is required to perform work with virtually no force due to the higher degree of pressure generated.

If the task of side cutters is to work with live wires, then when purchasing, you should pay attention to the appropriate design of such side cutters.

How to sharpen side cutters correctly

If the nippers are used to a large extent at home, and the cutting lips of the side cutters are fairly dull, then you can sharpen the edges yourself.

All that is required for sharpening is ordinary sandpaper. The main condition for this is accuracy, low effort and, of course, safety.

In order to properly sharpen the cutting parts of the side cutters, it is necessary to smoothly turn the side cutters with the back side in relation to the emery, and an excellent result will be a noticeable shine to the cutting edges. If you don’t have emery at home, you can use a regular beam, but it is highly not recommended to do this all the time.

The main thing when working with side cutters is to remember that they are not at all designed for constant work with steel, then the cutters will last a long time. Their main area of ​​application is wires, namely copper and aluminum. In exceptional cases, side cutters can be used to cut through steel insulation, but for this it is better to use special scissors.

Photo of side cutters

One of the most common cutting and biting tools are wire cutters, or, as they are also called, side cutters. The principle of operation of the tool is based on the principle of a lever, with the help of which the force applied to the surface of the workpiece is increased, and with the help of cutting edges (jaws), the material is bitten. In this article we will talk in detail about this tool and also find out what you need to know in order to select and buy side cutters.

Purpose of the tool

The choice and purchase of a tool largely depends not only on the quality of the tool, but also on its area of ​​use. Thus, the price of a side cutter may depend on whether the tool can be used to work in electrical networks and installations, or whether it can be used exclusively in plumbing and installation work.

Therefore, today, side cutters are used for cutting wires or wires; special dielectric side cutters are used for cutting live cables and wires. Also, cutters can be used for cutting thin sheet metal or plastic when installing or dismantling a particular construction site or equipment. By the way, using side cutters, you can cut wires of only small diameters.

As a rule, good side cutters are suitable for working under electrical voltage up to 1000 V, and the parameters for storing and operating the tool look like this:

- T the ambient temperature should be no more than -20°C to +70°C;

- pIn this case, the relative humidity should be no more than 80%, with an average temperature of 25°C.

There are several varieties of this tool, which are classified according to shape and size. For example, there are power cutters that are designed for cutting fairly thick wires, but they are already called bolt cutters.

Almost all modern side cutters are equipped with special handles made of insulating material. This provides several advantages during work - firstly, such cutters automatically become electrically safe, and secondly, thanks to the convenient and ergonomic handle, working with such a tool becomes much more convenient and comfortable. In addition, this coating is moisture and oil resistant, as well as strong and non-slip. You can learn about all these parameters by reading the letter and number designations on the handle or packaging of the side cutters.

Tools are also differentiated by size. Thus, there are side cutters 160 mm in length, as well as models 150 mm and 180 mm. Side cutters with a length of 180 mm are reinforced, and with their help you can cut through thicker wires or sheet metal.

Working with side cutters

In order to use side cutters, it is necessary to inspect the tool before using it. The coating of the handles must not have any defects that could lead to a reduction in mechanical or electrical strength. This is very important, since when working with live wires, the likelihood of electric shock is very high.

To bite off wire, cable or sheet metal, all you need to do is hold the workpiece between the jaws of the tool and press down on the handle. The cutting edges of the tool must bite through this or that material, wire, cable, etc. Among other things, side cutters can also be used as a tool for removing insulation from the surface of electrical wires. To do this, use the adjusting screw to adjust the cutting edges to the diameter of the wire from which the coating will be removed. If such a screw is not provided in the design, you need to use your own efforts.

Choosing the best side cutters

Now about what is needed to choose and buy side cutters?! First of all, you need to decide for what purpose the tool will be used. This will determine the type of cutters you choose, their size and the price of the side cutters. For example, you can choose reinforced dielectric side cutters - with their help you can cut fairly thick cables, or cut sheet metal up to 2-3 mm thick.

Attention should be paid to the material from which the tool is made. Typically, high-carbon tool steel is used as the main material of side cutters. The tool jaws can be additionally hardened or have titanium inserts for more durable and reliable operation. The handle of the tool must be made of high-quality, insulating material, capable of not transmitting voltage up to 1000 V. And, of course, when choosing a tool, pay attention to the manufacturer - the price of the tool and its quality depend on this, so preference should be given to those companies that engaged in the production of other tools and construction equipment.