Wire Cutting Tools & Their Types
Wire cutters are used to cut copper, brass, iron, aluminum, and steel wire. Some wire cutters have insulated handles, which ensure smooth cutting of the wires.
What is a Wire Cutting Tool or Cutter?
Diagonal cutting tools or cutters have intersecting jaws that cut the wire at an angle, leaving a flat tip. Electricians commonly use these as flush cutters to differentiate them from symmetrical blades, which leave a pointed tip. Unlike an asymmetrical cutter, a flush cutter allows you to chop a wire very on the brink of its base.
What are Pliers?
Pliers are built similarly to scissors. Therein they need two levers jointed at a fulcrum. However, rather than having blades as levers, they need jaws that grip an object when the two handles are squeezed. Although pliers serve an equivalent general purpose, there's a right sort of pliers that serve different specific purposes.
Types of Wire Cutters (Pliers)
Wire Cutter Pliers are made in various shapes and sizes and for several uses. Some are used for gripping something round sort of a pipe or rod; some are used for twisting wires, etc. All are designed to be used for a mixture of tasks, including cutting wire. These hand-held cutting tools are used only for cutting wires (as against wire cable and rope). Use the right pliers or heavy duty wire cutters for the work.
1. Side Cutting Pliers
This wire cutting tool is used for many applications such as electrical, communications, and construction work.
2. Long Nose Pliers
Longnose pliers are useful to grip small objects, reach awkward places, hold wires, bend loops, and fasten wires.
Read: How to Select Wire Cup Brush
3. Utility Pliers
Utility pliers are suitable to grip round, square, flat, and hexagonal objects. It applies limited torque (twisting force) without damaging the work.
4. Diagonal Cutting Pliers
Diagonal cutting pliers are best suited for work involving cutting and skinning wires, cutting and removing pins, nails, and other fasteners.
5. Flat Nose Pliers
It is a standard plier utilized in many applications and assembly work and used to grip, turn and bend wires.
6. Slip Joint Pliers
It is used to adjust nuts or bolts.
7. End Cutting Pliers
They are used for cutting wires, nails, rivets on the brink of work.
Tips For Using Wire Cutting Tools
Here are the following tips which should be considered while using the wire cutting tools:
- Always wear safety glasses or goggles, or a face shield (with safety glasses or goggles) whenever there's a possible hazard from flying particles, pieces of wire, etc.
- Cut at right angles. Never rock the cutter from side to side or bend the wire back and forth against the cutting edges.
- Choose pliers or heavy duty wire cutters with an edge span of 6 cm - 9 cm (2 1/2 - 3 1/2 in.) to stop your palm or fingers from being pinched when the tools are closed.
- Use adjustable pliers that allow you to grip the workpiece firmly while maintaining a smooth handgrip (i.e., hand grasp isn't too broad).
- Make sure that the cutting edges are sharp. Dull and worn-down cutting edges require repeatedly more force needed for cutting.
- Make sure that the toothed jaws are clean and sharp. Smooth or worn-down jaws may result in compromised safety. Such tools also require increased force to carry the workpiece, which, in turn, increases the danger of muscular fatigue and repetitive strain injuries.
- Oil pliers and wire cutters regularly. A drop of oil on the hinge will make the tools more comfortable to use.
- Pull on the pliers; don't push aside from you when applying pressure. If the tools slip unexpectedly, you'll lose your balance or hit your hand against equipment or something else hard that would end in an injury.
Read: Wire Cup Brush vs Wire Wheel
Things You Need to Avoid While Using Wire Cutters
- Do not cut hardened wire unless the pliers or wire cutters are specifically manufactured for this purpose.
- Do not expose pliers or wire cutters to excessive heat.
- Do not bend stiff wire with light pliers. Needle nose pliers are often damaged by using the ideas to turn the large wire. Use a sturdier tool.
- Do not use pliers as a hammer.
- Do not hammer on pliers or wire cutters to chop wires or bolts.
- Do not extend the length of handles to realize greater leverage. Use a giant pair of pliers for gripping or a cutter for cutting.
- Do not use cushion grip handles for jobs requiring tools with electrically insulated handles. Cushion grips are for comfort primarily and don't protect against electric shock.
- Do not use pliers on nuts and bolts; use a wrench.