Cutting wires is a vital step in many electrical tasks, such as fixing a damaged wire or installing new devices. However, if you want to cut the wire safely and cleanly, you need to use the proper tool. In this article, we’ll take a look at the tool that’s usually used to sever electrical connections and offer some pointers on how to do it safely and efficiently.
DIYers and electricians alike will find this guide useful in selecting the appropriate tool for the job at hand and learning how to operate it properly and safely. All right, let’s dive in and learn everything there is to know about wire cutters!
What Tool Is Used To Cut Electrical Wires?
A wire cutter, also called a wire snip or wire stripping plier is the go-to tool for severing electrical wires. Cut through any wire material from copper to aluminium to steel with ease using one of many different types and sizes of wire cutters.
Both manual and electric wire cutters are available, but the former is more commonly used. To make a clean and smooth cut through the wire, they typically feature two cutting edges that come together. Additional tools, like wire strippers and crimpers, can be integrated into some wire cutter designs.
Safety and precision can be maximised with wire cutters if they are properly selected for the task at hand and used appropriately. Wires should be properly fastened before being cut, and live or energised wires should never be cut with wire cutters. Cutting electrical wires can be a simple and risk-free part of any do-it-yourself project or expert installation if you have the right tools and know how to use them.
Tools Used In Cutting Electrical Wires
Several tools can be used to cut electrical wire, including:
Wire Cutters Or Wire Snips
Wire cutters are hand tools used to cut and strip wires. They are also known as wire snips and wire stripping pliers. To cut through wires cleanly and uniformly, they typically have two blades that have been finely ground and come together.
There is a wide range of wire cutters available, from small precision snips to large, industrial shears for thicker wires. Additional tools, like wire strippers and crimpers, can be integrated into some wire cutter designs.
Safety and precision can be maximised with wire cutters if they are properly selected for the task at hand and used appropriately. Wires should be properly fastened before being cut, and live or energised wires should never be cut with wire cutters.
Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or a trained electrician, you’ll need a pair of wire cutters to safely and efficiently work with electrical wires. If you have the right tools and know what you’re doing, cutting and stripping wires for an electrical project is a simple and risk-free task.
Diagonal Pliers Or Side Cutters
Similarly to wire cutters, diagonal pliers can be used to make straight cuts. With their sharp, angled jaws, you can easily snip wires even when working in confined spaces or at an odd angle.
Diagonal pliers, in contrast to wire cutters, have a cutting edge that is bevelled or angled, allowing for a flush cut. What this means is that the wire’s cut end is flat and smooth, making it simpler to insert terminals and connectors.
Smaller wires, such as those used in electronics or fine electrical work, are typically sniped with diagonal pliers. In addition to wood, they can also be used to cut plastic and soft metals.
Diagonal pliers should be used with the same care and caution as wire cutters, so make sure you get the right size and style. You should never cut a live wire with a pair of diagonal pliers and you should always make sure the wire is secure before you cut it.
Wires can be cut in small spaces or at odd angles with the help of diagonal pliers or side cutters. Used frequently in electronics and other types of fine electrical work, they offer a clean, flush cut.
Cable Cutters
A cable cutter is a specialised tool for slicing through thick wires and cables. Cutting power and leverage are increased in comparison to lighter-duty tools like wire cutters and diagonal pliers under their longer handles and wider blades.
Besides electrical cables, steel cables, and wire ropes can all be cut with cable cutters. You’ll frequently see them in the workplace or on the job site, but you might also see them in a car or boat.
Hydraulic cable cutters use hydraulic pressure to cut through thick cables; ratchet cable cutters use a ratcheting mechanism to provide extra cutting power; and manual cable cutters rely on the user’s physical strength to cut through cables.
It’s crucial to use cable cutters properly and carefully, so it’s worth taking the time to learn about the different types and sizes available. Make sure the cable is properly fastened and that you’re wearing protective gear like gloves and goggles whenever you work with electricity.
In summary, cable cutters are high-performance cutting instruments made for slicing through thick cables and wires. They are widely employed in the manufacturing, building, mechanics, and shipping industries due to their superior cutting power compared to that regular wire cutters or diagonal pliers.
Bolt Cutters
Bolt cutters are heavy-duty cutting tools that are designed for cutting through tough materials, such as thick metal rods, bolts, and chains. They are not typically used for cutting electrical wires but are useful in a variety of industrial, construction, and automotive applications.
Bolt cutters have long handles, often with rubber or plastic grips, and a pair of hardened steel blades that come together to slice through tough materials with ease. The blades are typically wider than those found on wire cutters or diagonal pliers and may be tapered or angled for better leverage.
When using bolt cutters, it’s important to choose the right size and type of tool for the job and to use them safely and correctly. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and eye protection, and make sure the material is properly secured before cutting to prevent injury or damage to the tool.
In summary, bolt cutters are heavy-duty cutting tools designed for cutting through tough materials such as metal rods, bolts, and chains. They are not typically used for cutting electrical wires but are useful in a variety of industrial, construction, and automotive applications where cutting through tough materials is required.
Conclusion
Cutting wires is a common requirement for many jobs and projects involving electricity. To cut wires, one can use one of several different tools, each of which has its advantages and uses. Small and medium-sized wires can be cut with wire cutters and diagonal pliers, while thicker materials require the use of cable cutters and bolt cutters. To get the job done right and avoid injury or damage to the tool, it’s crucial to pick the appropriate tool and use it properly.
When you have the right equipment and know how to use it, cutting electrical wires is a simple and risk-free task that can be applied to a wide variety of electrical tasks.