The Complete Guide to Cutters

What is a Cutter?

Cutters are hand tools which are used to cut a variety of materials. An average pair of cutters has two levers fixed together by a fulcrum, which is located closer to one end. The shorter part is the jaws and the longer section comprises the handles.

These tools use levers to extend and increase the strength of grip. By pressing on the handles, holding power is magnified and directed to the point where the pincers meet. They are useful for a variety of applications, as they can be used with materials which are potentially too small to be worked by hand.

There is a wide selection of different types available, each suitable for differing applications. Cutters cancome in various sizes and feature a range of pincers and joints, with the three basic types being locking, adjustable, and non-adjustable.

Different Types of Cutters

The table below shows some of the most common types of cutters and pliers and their uses.

Other Types of Cutters

Hydraulic

Hand held hydraulic cutters can be used on a variety of conductors, wire ropes and even solid bars. They feature a guillotine-style head shear to minimise jams. These tools are mainly used in the power utility and electrical industry for chopping copper/aluminium power cables and overhead conductors. A range of models are available, such as manual, battery or remote hydraulic head, with different styles of tool heads including ratchet, guillotine and scissor type.

Bent Nose

These are a common type of plier used in a variety of applications to grasp, turn and bend wires. The flat jaws are used for gripping and twisting wires and other objects. It’s a common tool in electrical and mechanical industries. They’re available with either short or long noses and are able to easily make sharp bends and right angles in wire, as well straighten it.

Common Cutter Uses

Wires

Side cutters are used on wire and the leads of electronic components, as well as to strip insulation. Stripping wires refers to safely removing the outer layer without damaging the conductors underneath. If they do get nicked, the connection may break or it could cause an electrical short circuit. Although a knife can do this task, this risks damaging the copper by catching or damaging it and it is much safer to use cutters.

Nails and Screws

For this job, use a pair of bolt cutters. Position the tool at the deepest possible position on the shank of the screw or nail. If it’s fastened too tightly to reach the shank, snip the head instead.

How to Use Cutters

Here are some handy tips for using cutters, as well as important safety procedures to follow to avoid injury and complete the task quickly and easily:

• Wear safety goggles to protect against airborne particles

• Try to cut at right angles and avoid wiggling the tool or bending wire back and forth against the edges

• Avoid using cutters on nuts and bolts - use a wrench for this task instead

• Avoid cutting hardened wire unless the tool is specifically designed for this task – it’s better to use sturdier cutters for this task as thinner types, such as needle nose cutters, could incur damage

• Oil cutters regularly with a drop of oil on the hinge – this will make the tools easier to use

• Avoid exposing cutters to excessive heat

• Do not use cushioned levers when working with electrical wiring as they are not insulated and do not offer a sufficient level of protection

• Choose tools that have a grip span between 6cm and 9cm to prevent hands or fingers from getting pinched when the tools are closed

• Make sure the edges of the tool are sharp as blunt or worn edges need a lot more force to make an accurate cut

• Ensure tools are clean and sharp because greasy or worn down edges can compromise safety and could cause repetitive strain injuries with prolonged use

• Refrain from hammering on cutters in order to cut objects

• When using pliers, pull on them instead of pushing away when applying pressure because if the tool accidentally slips, the user could sustain an injury