Side cutters: types, design, sharpening rules. Review of the best models with a description of what they are, what they are needed for and which steel is better

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

A real owner will always have work to do in his house, workshop or garage. Therefore, there is no way to do without a set of tools. Pliers take pride of place in it. With their help, you can firmly hold small parts, twist or cut wires, wires, and work with electrical wiring. Every home craftsman has a multifunctional tool, but over time he has to buy new pliers. To choose the most suitable option, we advise you to listen to the recommendations of experts.

Rating of side cutters

This review looked at tools from different categories made by well-known brands. The quality of steel and insulation, as well as the comfort of working in different conditions, were checked. User opinions were studied and reviews from professionals were taken into account. Particular attention was paid to the following characteristics:

  • Purpose – they produce models for repairing electronics and laying wiring;
  • Design – the presence of a return spring will reduce the applied effort;
  • Maximum working stroke - depends on the length of the jaws, affects the scope of application;
  • Metal hardness - the higher the indicator, the greater the load the tool can withstand.

Rapid failure of hinges, non-compliance of multilayer insulation with the declared characteristics, raw metal of cutting edges - products with such defects were excluded from our rating.

Features of pliers

There are three important features worth mentioning that make pliers such a practical tool:

  • Grippers for holding various materials;
  • The cutting edge is located in the lateral plane between the jaws and the handle;
  • Comfortable non-slip handle provides a secure grip in a variety of situations.

The best mini side cutters

Small-sized wire cutters are used when working with radio components, laying network or telephone cables. Short lips make it easier to process small conductors, but at the same time cope well with thin copper wire and stripping cable insulation. When producing side cutters for electronics, special attention is paid to the shape of the handle, which provides comfortable conditions for complex manipulations in conditions of limited usable space.

Rexant 12-4602-1

The model of the Russian company is designed for cutting wires, copper and steel wire of small diameter - up to 1 mm. This is a universal tool that can be used in everyday life and in the professional sphere. The curved shape of the handles makes it convenient to grip with one palm; the bend radius is chosen taking into account effective leverage. Handle covers are made of anti-slip material.

The lips are made of high carbon steel, which is highly durable. The hardness on the surface of the blades reaches 58 HRC, the copper wire does not leave marks on the cutting part, which does not require sharpening. To achieve such values, the working part is hardened. Diagonal sharpening of mini 120 mm side cutters carefully removes the insulating braid from the electrical cable.

Advantages:

  • Light weight;
  • Oxidized coating, resistant to corrosion;
  • Low price;
  • Sharp chamfer.

Flaws:

  • Not detected.

The convex shape of the handle allows you to fully control the cutting progress. This ensures accurate work with electronic components of devices, household or computer equipment.

Skrab 22532

The Latvian company has developed a model made of tool steel for professional use in the field of microelectronics. Semicircular handles with return springs ensure easy cutting of copper or aluminum wire. The handle covers are made of two-component material that does not slip in the palm. The total length of the tool is 110 mm, making it easy to work in tight spaces.

The sharpening has a diagonal profile, the presence of an antistatic coating on the lips ensures safety when repairing microelectronics. Features of the blade profile make it easy to remove the braid from the wire and cut copper cable with a cross-section of 2.5 sq. mm. There is a loop on the handle for vertical storage.

Advantages:

  • Corrosion resistance;
  • The blade retains its sharpness for a long time;
  • Good handle return mechanism;
  • Wear-resistant pads.

Flaws:

  • Covers may come off the handles.

Stayer MiniPro 2219-6-12

Made from tool steel, which is characterized by increased strength. The handles are ergonomic, semicircular, and fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. For return, a spring installed in the head is used. The handles are poured, made of polymer, which has anti-slip characteristics.

Hardened sponges are highly durable and resistant to corrosion. An edge with a slight diagonal angle allows you to carefully cut the polymer braid from the wire. Mini side cutters have a length of 125 mm and can be used for repairing electrical equipment in domestic and professional settings. The manufacturer provides a 24-month warranty on its products.

Advantages:

  • Flush cut;
  • Light weight;
  • Minor physical effort;
  • Convenient to work in cramped conditions.

Flaws:

  • No antistatic surface treatment.

The best splitters

see also

Comments 31

Where does the information come from that nws produces tools under the lux brand?

100% coincidence of appearance, shape down to the smallest detail, inscriptions stamped on metal parts.

Only the handles are different.

Gross and NWS cutters have a 5-year warranty; if a tooth breaks off, you go to the store and rush for a new one.

and NWS also does some positions for Gross.

Nice instruments - I like them! )

As a result, I use everything regularly, even the cable cutter.

I’m looking at kvt, just for no reason))

They have a good price-quality ratio for automatic tools.

I bought my clamp tightener (no-name Italian) for 1200 rubles, KVT has an analogue for half this amount: www.prestig.ru/elektrika/…strumenti/KVT/61056_TG_01

I bought these pliers from Germany for 900 rubles, KVT has them for 560 rubles: www.prestig.ru/elektrika/…strument/KVT/67741_PKV_16

I bought these pliers for 1000 rubles (not very good), KVT has an analog for 600 rubles: www.prestig.ru/elektrika/…strument/KVT/61034_STK_01

Now I’m thinking of buying a tool for crimping sleeves from them (not tips, but connecting sleeves).

But I have never tried their pliers tools.

For insulated handles and such a coating, it seems to me that the price cannot be less than 800 rubles.

for cartridges ok, people use it,

“baptism” passed quite easily, what kind of machine was it?, I hopelessly ruined the biting part of the stripper (((

I have no idea which machine. )

Here's how it happened - in a country house, in a dacha, wiring was laid through a tree stump.

And the input wire began to burn. I looked - and there was a twist there and it was melting.

I decided to immediately remove all the snot. I turned off the input circuit breaker in the house and decided to clean up everything unnecessary there (there was a long wire going to the meter, but we had meters installed outside and the old one inside the house was no longer needed - it just made noise and spoiled the view).

I made a beautiful shield with new machines and RCDs, and connected all the lines to it.

I checked the input wire with an indicator screwdriver - nothing seemed to light up.

I began to bite the cable in full confidence that it was not energized (I had turned off the input circuit breakers, as I thought), and then everything happened.

The machines in the panel on the pole were new, they turned off very quickly. I don’t know what the denomination and the machine gun are, it’s on a pole in a locked iron box. To turn it on later, I took the plastic viewing window out of this box and turned it on by touch (with rubber gloves, of course), since I didn’t want to go ask for the key, explain the reason, etc.

Side cutters are a multifunctional pliers tool designed for cutting wires of various hardnesses and cables in PVC insulation. They are an integral part of the work equipment of electricians, service center technicians for household appliances and electronics, as well as specialists involved in laying utilities and communication lines.

When making side cutters, manufacturers pay attention not only to the quality of the working part and the sharpness of the cutting edges, but also to ergonomics. The use of multi-component handles with a polymer rubberized coating ensures a comfortable grip while working. A large selection of side cutter models allows you to find the right tool for specific tasks.

We have compiled a list of the best side cutters based on expert assessments from specialists and reviews from real customers. Our recommendations will help you make a choice that suits your needs and desires. There are many competitors in the global technology market, but we have selected the best manufacturers and recommend paying special attention to them:

1KING TONY 6214-05600 rub.
2NWS 2201-1281,200 rub.
3MATRIX Nickel 17522300 rub.

The best universal side cutters

This type of hand tool combines small size and improved technical parameters. The cutters can be used for cutting wires, electrical wiring, and binding wire. Reinforced return mechanisms reduce the load during prolonged operation. Users can buy models with dielectric and chrome plated

Rockforce RF-612175

The pliers of the Belarusian brand are produced at a factory in Taiwan. When creating, high-strength chrome-vanadium steel is used. This increases the service life and makes it easy to cope with thick steel wire and 10-core electrical wires.

The handles are two-component, which makes the grip comfortable and reliable. The surface of the covers is profiled, there is additional protection against slipping. Aggressive design emphasizes the professional class. Diagonal cutting elements ensure an even cut when processing electrical cables. The manufacturer provides a lifetime warranty for this product.

Advantages:

  • Convenient shape of the working part;
  • Resistant to wear and corrosion;
  • Maintains factory sharpening;
  • Good control of cutting force.

Flaws:

  • Overcharge.

Ingco Hdcp28168

Designed for flush cutting of wire, wire, electrical cable. Length 160 mm allows you to work in conditions of limited usable space. The cutting part is made of chrome vanadium steel, which increases the hardness of the edges and improves corrosion protection. Side recesses make it easier to strip the cable from the braid. Diagonal edge for neat cutting of wires.

The handles are two-component copolymer with good anti-slip characteristics. The surface of the handles is textured, and the finger rests prevent slipping while cutting thick wire. The increased diameter of the cover reduces physical effort. According to user reviews, they have the best balance between price and quality.

Advantages:

  • There is no gap between the jaws;
  • Handles very thin wire well;
  • No jagged edges are formed;
  • Soft cases.

Flaws:

  • Not detected.

Stanley FatMax 0-89-858

The products of the American brand are manufactured in France; steel with a high content of chromium and vanadium is used in production. The main metal processing technology is forging. This increases strength and service life. The handles are elongated and provide good leverage when biting steel wire. Polished jaws with a diagonal edge for precise work with braided wires.

Handle covers made of two-component polymer material. The material can withstand the aggressive effects of chemicals. The anti-slip coating makes handling cables and wires comfortable. The fit of the cutting edges makes it easy to cut thin wire and paper.

Advantages:

  • Durable design;
  • Complies with European standards;
  • Covers with finger rest;
  • Increased edge hardness.

Flaws:

  • Sometimes it takes time to develop.

The best oscilloscopes

FAQ

How do side cutters differ from standard cutters?

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The main difference between side cutters is the location of the cutting edges - on the same plane as the handles or at a slight angle. This allows you to work more accurately.

How to use side cutters correctly?

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The tool must be positioned at right angles to the wire or other part. When biting, the cutting elements must close completely. But you should not apply excessive force - this can lead to divergence of the edges and breakage of the side cutters.

Is it possible to sharpen the blades yourself?

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With regular use, even high-quality cutting elements can become dull. Typically, standard sandpaper is used to sharpen them. You will need to carefully and slowly work each blade along its entire length. The process takes no more than 10 minutes.

The best reinforced side cutters

Reinforced side cutters are made only from hardened steel. This increases the hardness of the edges and allows you to cut through steel wire without the appearance of burrs or nicks. The return mechanisms are strengthened, which facilitates long-term work on the construction site. When positioning the hinge, the maximum lever is selected taking into account the overall size.

Kraftool 2202-6-18

The German brand's fitting and assembly tools are manufactured in Taiwan. The model is designed for cutting copper, steel wire, and large-section wires. The production uses chrome vanadium steel, which has good strength and corrosion resistance. Additionally, the working elements are chrome plated to increase service life.

Handles are made of two-component material for a more comfortable grip, the surface is embossed, helping to prevent slipping. The finger stops are clearly defined, durable, and allow for maximum force. The convex shape of the handle makes the lever effective when working with dense materials.

Advantages:

  • High-strength cutting edges;
  • Antistatic function;
  • Good alignment;
  • Low price;
  • Comfortable handles.

Flaws:

  • Not detected.

Gross 17575

The German professional side cutter is made of chrome vanadium steel with additional hardening of the cutting edges by induction current. This made it possible to increase the hardness of the cutting element to 62 HRC. A design feature is the displacement of the hinge closer to the edges; as a result of this decision, the gear ratio of the levers has increased, and the work has become easier for the user.

Additional ribs are provided on the inner surfaces of the hinge to secure the cable. The handles are three-component, made of polymer and rubber. The ergonomic shape of the handle reduces the load on the hand and minimizes the risk of injury. The functionality can be expanded with additional stops for installing a bracket with a suspension or a powerful spring for automatic opening.

Advantages:

  • External stiffening ribs to strengthen the structure;
  • Anti-corrosion coating based on titanium;
  • Manufacturer's warranty 5 years;
  • Sharp sharpening.

Flaws:

  • Overcharge.

How to choose a side cutter

In construction tool stores you can buy side cutters for various purposes. To avoid mistakes when choosing, you need to evaluate the scope of application, carefully study the design features, and check the maximum working stroke. With intensive use, ergonomics plays an important role - the model should be comfortable to use. Only the optimal combination of all these parameters will help you choose a device that will have no complaints.

Purpose

They produce small pliers for working with electronics and repairing household appliances. To work with high-voltage devices and equipment, it is better to choose 180 mm dielectric side cutters, which are distinguished by their convenient size and high edge hardness. This tool is used in the electrical field. It is better to cut the binding wire with reinforced wire cutters, which are made of hardened steel. These devices can easily handle steel with a cross-section of 6 mm.

To work with cables with a diameter of 200 to 400 mm, you need to use cable cutters - a separate type of product that also has diagonal cutting edges. For cutting aluminum with a cross-section of 130 mm, sector shears are more suitable.

Design

They produce single-hinged and double-hinged models. Single-hinged ones have a simple design, reliable in any conditions. The features of a construction tool have a positive effect on its price. Double-hinged ones are more complex, but differ in that the user applies minimal effort during operation. This is important if you have to cut constantly during a shift or if you are processing wire or wire with a large cross-section. In double-jointed nippers, the handles independently return to their original position, increasing labor productivity.

Maximum stroke

The parameter depends on the length of the jaws. To work with a network cable, small circuit boards and conductors, 1.6-5 mm is sufficient. When laying electrical wiring in a private house, you will need a side cutter with a maximum working stroke of 5-15 mm. A professional electrical installer may need a wire cutter with a wider range of features. Manufacturers produce models with a stroke of up to 150 mm, which is easy to cope with large cross-section cables.

Ease of use

A special feature of the tool is its semicircular handles, which should fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. To act with confidence, it is better to buy a model with covers made of 2-3 component material. The relief on the surface will provide additional protection against slipping. Craftsmen who work with high-voltage equipment should choose wire cutters with dielectric pads that can protect against electric shock.

Which side cutter is better

The tool is used in different industries; it is difficult to find universal cutters. The VyborExperta.ru team recommends taking into account the scope of application and intensity of use. Taking these parameters into account, we advise you to pay attention to the following brands:

  • Rexant - the choice of an electronics technician, a specialist in repairing household appliances;
  • Rockforce - for the home workshop;
  • Ingco Hdcp28168 – for cutting very thin wire;
  • Gross 17575 – the choice of a professional.

All the models presented in the review are worthy of the attention of users, but only the most durable and functional received the title of the best tools in their class.

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