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 (sponges), 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 choose 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. So, the price of a side cutter may depend on whether it is possible to work with the tool in electrical networks and installations, or whether it can be used exclusively in plumbing.

Therefore, today, side cutters are used for cutting wire or wires, special dielectric side cutters are used for cutting cables and live wires. Also, wire cutters can be used for cutting thin, sheet metal or plastic during the installation or dismantling of a particular building object or equipment. By the way, with the help of side cutters, you can cut wires of only a small diameter.

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

- T ambient temperature should not exceed -20°C to +70°C;

- PThe relative humidity should not exceed 80% at an average temperature of 25°C.

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

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

Distinguish tool and size. So, there are side cutters 160 mm in length, as well as models of 150 mm and 180 mm. Side cutters with a length of 180 mm are reinforced and can be used to 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 them. The coating of the handles must be free from any defects that could lead to a reduction in mechanical or electrical strength. This is very important, because when working with live wires, the probability of damage electric shock very high.

To cut off wire, cable or sheet metal, all you need to do is clamp the workpiece between the jaws of the tool, and press the handle. The cutting edges of the tool must cut through one or another material, wire, cable, etc. Among other things, side cutters can also be used as a tool for stripping insulation from surfaces. electrical wires. To do this, with the help of an adjusting screw, you need 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 for in the design, you need to be guided by your own efforts.

Choosing the best side cutters

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

Attention must be paid to the material from which the tool is made. Usually, high-carbon tool steel is used as the main material of side cutters. Tool jaws can be additionally hardened or have titanium inserts for more durable and reliable work. The handle of the tool must be made of high-quality, insulating material that can not transmit 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 the advantage should be given to those companies that engaged in the production of other tools and construction devices.

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

What it is?

Side cutters are one of the varieties of wire cutters and belong to the category of metalwork and assembly tools. They are arranged quite simply and consist of a handle, a return spring and cutting jaws with a side arrangement. The handles are connected to each other with a reinforced hinge that can give the movement of the jaws a smoother ride. The return spring is located between the handles of the handle 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 side cutters are parallel or at a slight angle.

The requirements for the tool are clearly spelled out in GOST 28037-89 and require the use of steel grades U7, U7A and 8xF for its production. In this case, the cutting edges must have a hardness of 55.5 to 61 HRC according to Rockwell, the allowable gap between the cutting edges should not exceed 0.1 mm, and the hinged 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 should be within 9.8 N. The maximum allowable displacement of the cutting edges between each other for side cutters 125 mm long should not exceed 0.3 mm, for longer samples of 140, 160, 180 and 200 mm - 0.4 mm.

The principle of operation of side cutters is based on the principle of operation of the 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 the tool includes household needs and professional repair and construction work. So, 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 biting thin metal, plastic and even steel fittings.

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 cutter represents the most numerous group of tools and is intended for cutting wires and wires up to 2.3 mm in diameter. advantage standard models is wide consumer accessibility, low cost and a large assortment, represented by both products of well-known world brands, and budget models unknown firms.

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

Reinforced

Power side cutters are designed to perform locksmith and installation work of increased complexity and belong to the category professional tool. For the manufacture of cutting elements of such models, especially strong carbon steel of high hardening is used, and the cutting edges are often equipped with victorious or carbide tips. This allows them to easily deal with sheet metal and fine fittings.

High voltage

This type of side cutter has a rather narrow specialization and is designed to perform electrical work. Tools in this category are divided into two subspecies. The first includes models in which the handles are completely made of a dielectric material, which allows you to work on networks with voltages up to 1000 V. In the second, only the braid of the handles has a dielectric effect, which limits their scope of 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 off the handle and touch the lips that are in contact with electricity.

Mini cutters

Small side cutters are actively used by network equipment installers, radio electronics specialists, computer, TV and other electronic equipment repairmen. They differ from large counterparts in miniature size, long narrow jaws and low weight. This tool is designed to work in hard-to-reach places, which cannot be reached by full-size models.

Top Models

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

Reinforced German model Kraftool 2202-6-18 z01, manufactured in Taiwan, belongs to the category of professional tools and is designed for cutting wire and wires. Working jaws are made of chrome vanadium steel, which allows side cutters to cope with sheet metal, nails and thin fittings. The instrument is 180 mm long and weighs 300 g.
Taiwan model Jonnesway P8606 is a representative of a group of standard tools and is intended for 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, made in China, refers to power tools and is designed to work with materials of high hardness. The cutting edges are additionally hardened by high frequency current, which is why they are distinguished by increased wear resistance and long term services. The model does not have a dielectric coating, and therefore cannot be used for electrical work. The length of the product is 160 mm, weight - 230 g.
Side cutters Z 18006 200mm Prof. elec. Wiha 38191 made in Germany belongs to the high-voltage type and is designed to work on electrical networks with voltage 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 allows you to double the biting force, which makes it easy to 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 is able to transfer 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 60 g in weight. The model handles fishing line, rods and wire well and is widely used in electronics. For the manufacture of working sponges, high-strength carbon steel is used, and the handles are equipped with synthetic non-slip covers that prevent the tool from slipping out of your hands. The product is made in Russia.
Diagonal mini side cutters Licota also designed to perform fine work and are able to easily bite through steel wire with a diameter of 1.2 mm, copper wire with a diameter of 1.6 mm and an electric cable with a cross section of 2 mm.

Subtleties of choice

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

The next selection criterion is the quality of the product. When buying a tool, it is necessary to check the tightness of the lips and make sure that the hinge clearances and diametrical displacement do not exceed the norms specified by GOST. Otherwise, the sponges will grab the wire or wire unevenly and, instead of biting through the material, will crush it. You also need to pay attention to ergonomics. This is especially important when choosing an electrical installation tool. It is imperative to take the side cutter in your hand and evaluate how comfortable it is in the palm of your hand, as well as check the operation of the return spring and the movement of the hinge mechanism.

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

when biting wire and wire, keep the side cutters strictly at right angles to the working surface;
before performing work on the installation of the electrical network with 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 grab the handle from above, otherwise there is a possibility of damage to the fingers;
when working with a large-section cable, its cutting should be performed using a special recess located behind the cutting lips;
it is forbidden to use side cutters as pliers and remove hammered nails with their help;
if during the repair of the low-voltage line there were no dielectric side cutters available, but it is still necessary to complete the installation, then wrapping the handles of a conventional tool with electrical tape is allowed.

Modern side cutters - an overview of the best models and tips for choosing for beginners. Side cutters - varieties, design and main parameters of the tool (115 photos) Which side cutters to choose

Nippers - one of the types cutting tool used in everyday life when performing various repair work. With their help, you can cut various types of materials without disturbing the structure of the element and obtaining good quality cut. Issued different kinds nippers that differ in their purpose. Consider their features and scope.

The purpose of the wire cutters

By their design, wire cutters are a universal tool for cutting metal and plastic products, working on the principle of a lever. They can cut wire electrical wire, power cable, whose thickness is 5–7 mm.

Wire cutters are used during the installation and dismantling of equipment, are widely in demand for electrical work. What criteria should be followed when choosing this type of cutting tool, taking into account the scope of its application?

Design features

Since this tool is used to cut material, its choice should be made based on the requirements for this function. There are two main elements in the design of the nippers:

the handle providing convenience of work with the tool;
cutting lumps, which are also called sponges.

The type of wire cutters is determined by such design parameters as the shape of the cutting edges, their location, geometric dimensions.

Distinguish the following types pliers according to the location of the cutting edges and purpose:

End - sponges are located perpendicular to the surface of the handles.
Side cutters, otherwise called side cutters, are characterized by the location of the jaws at a small angle to the handle or on the same plane with it.
Power cutters (bolt cutters) - used to work with metal bars.

As a rule, to ensure electrical safety, the handles of this tool are made using insulating material. Nippers for electro installation work have high-quality insulation to protect hands from electric shock. According to the design of the handle, there are two types of electrical wire cutters: insulating and insulated.

The difference between these types of handles is that the coating of insulated cutters is made of a dielectric, and for insulating-type products it is additionally equipped with cutting inserts. According to their design, the handles are lever guides, their surface does not wrinkle and does not slip under the hand, it is resistant to moisture, technical oils and substances with high chemical activity.

Types of wire cutters

According to the type of design of the working parts of the tool, there are 3 types of wire cutters: end cutters, side cutters and bolt cutters. All types of cutters presented can be bought in the GSM kit online store. You can choose the kuachki themselves on the page http://gsm-komplekt.com/category/kusachki-bokorezy-/.

end

Used during installation work, in construction, when laying electrical networks. For the manufacture of the working element, reinforced steel with a chrome-plated surface is used. The cutting edges of this type of nippers have high strength and are sharpened in a special way, which makes it possible to ensure high-quality performance of the work for which they are intended. Tool handles made of dielectric are resistant to high operating voltages.

The working element is at an angle with respect to the tool head. The efficiency of the most powerful cutters of this type is provided by additional amplification and hardening with high-frequency currents. Issued various models products that can cut wire made of different metals and having different thicknesses - from aluminum to steel.

For diagonal cutters, designed for cutting steel wires 1.2 mm thick, made of mild steel - no more than 2.0 mm and copper, the diameter of which does not exceed 2.6 mm, the heads are located at an angle to the surface of the handle. The hinge on the axis, which ensures the mobility of the working parts of the tool, is highly resistant to constant monotonous loads.

For the manufacture of professional side cutters, tool steel is used, which undergoes heat treatment and multi-stage hardening. The handles of this type of wire cutters are comfortable to grip and are able to withstand an impact force of up to 75 kg.

Nippers special

One of the varieties of this type of cutting tool are bolt cutters. They are designed for cutting bars, the thickness of which does not exceed 12 mm. Representing a double lever in their design and equipped with long handles, they first apply the applied force to the intermediate link that increases its value, and then to the cutting surface.

Another type of special cutting pliers are products used for cutting small electronic parts. They have a mirror surface, evenly open, equipped with a device that removes static electricity. After watching the video presented to your attention, you can get acquainted with the information about the power cutters used to work with reinforcement.

Types of nippers by area of application

By area of application, the following types of wire cutters can be distinguished:

pincers and reinforcing cutters for working with wire and fittings;
electrical, designed for cable cutting;
professional used to perform cosmetic procedures.

The first type of cutting pliers is used when working with non-hardened wire up to 4 mm thick. For their manufacture, T8 steel is used, the hardness of which is 42 HRC. The handles of the handles, reaching a length of 210 mm, are made of polyvinyl chloride, have hardened pads, which are coated with powder paint.

Electrical wire cutters are used to cut insulated aluminum and copper cables, the working diameter of which does not exceed 35 mm. For the cutting edge, knives made of alloy steel that have undergone heat treatment are used. Knives are made by forging steel with a hammer falling from a height.

The strength of the cutting edges ensures that the cable is cut without significant deformation of the cut and the wires located inside. Products are equipped with handles made of fiberglass and rubber.

Professional nippers are a tool used when performing beauty treatments such as manicures and pedicures. They have small size and are designed to remove reek. For the production of professional cutting pliers, a strong stainless steel used to make surgical instruments.

The metal passes a special heat treatment, thanks to which its hardness reaches 50 HRC. The cutting edges of the products are sharpened with high quality, this ensures the durability of the tool.

A tool that uses the principle of leverage to increase gain is called a wire cutter. Today, the industry produces several types of wire cutters. If the cutting jaws are at right angles to the plane of the handles, then such a tool is called an end tool. If the cutting edges are located in the same plane with them, then the wire cutters are called side, or side cutters.

The main purpose of wire cutters of any type is cutting wires, cables, wire, as well as making small cuts in plastic and metal during the installation and dismantling of equipment and metal structures. The object to be cut is held as close as possible to the hinge of the cutting pliers, making the job easier. At the same time, the capabilities of the tool, despite all the tricks, remain limited - it is used to work with wire of a relatively small diameter.

Specialized cutting pliers

For cutting especially thick wires, special, reinforced wire cutters are used. A power tool designed for biting thick metal bars is called bolt cutters. If it is necessary to carry out work under voltage, then use a tool with handles dressed in insulating material. Domestic hand tool Designed to work with voltages up to 1000 volts.

Such side cutters and wire cutters are classified as electrical installation tools. They are isolated and insulating. The former have an insulating coating on the handles, the latter are made entirely of insulating material with metal inserts for cutting products. You can get acquainted with the approximate assortment of such a tool, for example, here.

The quality of an electrical installation tool directly depends on such indicators as:

tight fit of the insulating material to the material of the handle (ideally, it should be non-removable);
the material of the handles must be non-slip, oil-, moisture- and gasoline-resistant, if possible, not easily soiled;
solidity and density of the material of the handles - so that dirt, dust, grease do not clog and do not accumulate in the cracks.

A few more words about handles

The main rule is that the longer the handles, the more force can be applied to the biting object. But the longer the handles, the more expensive the product itself. From a practical point of view, it makes no sense to spend extra money on acquiring a massive tool if the task is to cut the wire of only a small diameter.

It is better to take side cutters with long handles according to the “with a margin” principle - if the volume and type of work to be done is not known in advance.