What Can Wire Cutters Cut?

Wire cutters are meant to make clean, fast cuts for just about any type of wire. This includes

brass, copper, steel, building wire, and plenty of others

.

What is a wire cutter called?

The official name is “

diagonal cutting pliers

,” but these things commonly go by “wire cutters,” “side cutters,” or “dikes” (a shorthand version of “diagonal cutters”). For this guide, we’re using the term “wire cutters,” because, well, we think it has a nice ring to it.

What is wire cutter used for?

Wire cutters are commonly used to

cut copper, brass, iron, aluminum, and steel wire

. Some wire cutters have insulated handles which ensure that you will not get shocked from the wires you’re working with. Diagonal cutters have intersecting jaws that cut the wire at an angle, leaving a flat tip.

Can I cut wires without wire cutter?

It’s

possible to use a hacksaw

to cut wire if no cutter is available. You’ll want to use a blade with a high teeth-per-inch (TPI) count for as clean a cut as possible. … Scissors, clippers, and the like just aren’t made to cut wire.

Is it safe to cut a cable wire?

A:

Cable and phone wires don’t carry current, so it’s safe to remove them

. However, it’s critical not to cut into a power line, as you know. … Find it by doing a Web search for the words “Pepco equipment responsibility.” The wire to your house is Pepco’s responsibility; past the weather head, it’s yours.

What does wire cutter look like?

Flush cut wire cutters (also called “combination” or “lineman’s pliers”) look like

an ordinary pair of pliers

but feature a pair of cutting blades flush to the outside edge and directly behind one of the plier’s gripping jaws.

Can wire cutters cut through metal?

For the most basic application of cutting cables, you can use the

wire cutters to cut copper, brass, aluminium, iron and steel wire

. To protect you from being shocked by the electric cables you are working with; some wire cutters have insulated handles.

How do you maintain a wire cutter?

Clean the tool, particularly the blades, with soap and water to remove splinters of metal or plastic which could cause problems with the joints or encourage corrosion. Ensure the pliers are completely dry before storage. You can also clean them by

wiping rubbing alcohol onto the

blades and allowing it to dry.

What is used to cut thick wires?

use

bolt cutters

to cut off locks

Several wires can be cut at a time with this tool. Heavier wires such as baling wire can also be cut with this tool. Use end nippers instead of diagonal cutters when it comes time to cut staples and nails.

Can I cut a live electrical wire?

House Damage

While cutting a live wire will likely trip the circuit

breaker

, there are other significant hazards. The sudden short caused by cutting live wires can cause sparks which could result in a fire or it can damage other electrical components which themselves could cause fires at unpredictable times.

How do I choose a wire cutter?

1. Cutting Capacity. The cutting capacity tells you what size wire can be cut and will be rated according to either the wire gauge or the diameter of the cable (not including the thickness of the insulation).
2. Blade Material (Hardness) …
3. Handle Length (Leverage) …
4. Insulated vs.

Can wire cutters cut through stainless steel?

Muzata

18′′ Hardened Wire Rope Cable Cutter

These heavy duty cable cutters are fashioned from sturdy hardened steel and can be used to cut 1/4′′ stainless steel cables as well as galvanized aircraft wire. … The jaws are made from Chrome Vanadium steel, and are thus highly durable.