Oct 23, 2020 May 21, 2021

Every engineer or electrical technician understands the need for a durable wire cutting tool. The best wire cutting tools need to have the right cutting capacity, sturdy blade material, and a comfortable grip.

The cutting tools should do an exceptional job snipping electrical wires, cables, wire ties, and more. Selecting the wrong tool can result in shoddy work while cutting through various wires and cables. It is essential to get value for your money by selecting the most compatible tools for the job.

In the selection process, strive to obtain the best wire cutting tools which are portable, hard, and, most importantly, durable. Due to the numerous products available in the market, the purchasing process can lead you down a rabbit hole. The following article analyzes the best wire cutting tools available on the market. 

Best Overall
Our Score 9.7 Out of 10
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Best Mid Range
Our Score 9.6 Out of 10
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Cheaper Choice
Our Score 9.0 Out of 10
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Our Score 9.6 Out of 10
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Our Score 8.5 Out of 10
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Our Score 8.0 Out of 10
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Our Score 7.8 Out of 10
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Our Score 7.5 Out of 10
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Our Score 7.4 Out of 10
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Our Score 7.0 Out of 10
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1. IGAN-170 Wire Cutter (Best Overall)

Our Score 9.7 out of 10
IGAN-170 Wire Cutters, Precision Electronic Flush Cutter, One of the Strongest and Sharpest Side Cutting pliers with an Opening Spring, Ideal for Ultra-fine Cutting Needs.
IGAN-170 Wire Cutters, Precision Electronic Flush Cutter, One of the Strongest and Sharpest Side Cutting pliers with an Opening Spring, Ideal for Ultra-fine Cutting Needs. amazon.com Check price

Sharp and strong: IGAN precision wire cutter has an 11mm long heat-treated carbon steel jaw with angled head design
Professional flush cutting snips:Apply to electrical work, jewelry making and dai...

The IGAN model is considered one of the sharpest and strongest cutting pliers on the market. The tool features open springs that make it flexible and able to fit into small spaces. The handles are constructed with PTE material, which gives a rubber structure that’s friendly on the users’ hands. The 11mm jaws are made of heated carbon steel giving the tool a fine cutting.

The Pros:
  • Very comfortable grip
  • Open springs make it adjustable
  • Best for shearing soft wires of an average of 18 AWG
The Cons:
  • Not suitable for big gauge electrical wires

Channellock E337CB Wire Cutter (Best Mid-Range)

Our Score 9.6 out of 10
Diagonal Cutters, 7-1/4in.L, Cushion Grip
Diagonal Cutters, 7-1/4in.L, Cushion Grip amazon.com Check price

XLT Xtreme Leverage Technology means considerably less force required to cut than traditional high leverage
Lap joint diagonal
CHANNELOCK's knife and anvil style cutting edge ensures perfect mating...

The Channellock E337CB contains diagonal cutting pliers and has a length of 7 inches. The manufacturer incorporates their patented Xtreme Leverage Technology making it another one of the best wire cutting tools on the market. The cutting edges of the tool provide precision and the padded handles provide a comfortable grip.

The Pros:
  • Made up of carbon steel, providing exceptional performance
  • The sleek design makes it very comfortable to use
  • Padded handles reduce hand strains
  • Very durable
The Cons:
  • Costly
  • Not flexible enough to fit into smaller spaces

Stanley Diagonal Cutting Pliers (Best Value)

Our Score 9.0 out of 10
Stanley 84-027 6-Inch Bi-Material Diagonal Pliers
Stanley 84-027 6-Inch Bi-Material Diagonal Pliers amazon.com Check price

Mpn: 84-027
Country of manufacture: China
Manufacturer: Stanley

This 6-inch cutting tool has diagonal pliers with extra long jaws. The Stanley cutting tool is suitable for narrow spaces and inaccessible areas. It is crafted with forged steel making it super durable while the finish prevents any rusting or corrosion. The cutting edges are sturdy and the tool is compliant with ANSI standards.

The Pros:
  • Very durable
  • The handles are comfortable
  • Long jaws enable cutting in narrow spaces
The Cons:
  • Not suitable for hard wires

IRWIN VISE-Grip Pliers

Our Score 9.6 out of 10
IRWIN VISE-GRIP Original Locking Pliers with Wire Cutter, Curved Jaw, 10-Inch (502L3)
IRWIN VISE-GRIP Original Locking Pliers with Wire Cutter, Curved Jaw, 10-Inch (502L3) amazon.com Check price

Curved jaw with hardened teeth are designed to grip a variety of shapes from any angle
Classic trigger release provides maximum locking force
Includes wire cutter for more versatility
Constructed o...

These diagonal pliers are constructed with nickel-chromium and steel, making them highly durable. The grips are pro touch offering comfort to the user’s hands and reducing strain during the work process. Sharp, precise electrical wire cuts are guaranteed with this tool’s sharp cutting edges. 

The Pros:
  • Best for electrical wires
  • Compliant with ANSI standards
  • Long-lasting edges
The Cons:
  • The tool may struggle with some tasks such as cutting nails
  • Not suitable for repetitive tasks

Klein 11054 Wire Stripper Cutter

Our Score 8.5 out of 10
Klein Tools 11054 Wire Stripper and Cutter for 8-16 AWG Solid and 10-18 AWG Stranded Wire with Closing Lock
Klein Tools 11054 Wire Stripper and Cutter for 8-16 AWG Solid and 10-18 AWG Stranded Wire with Closing Lock amazon.com Check price

Cuts, strips and loops 8-16 AWG Solid and 10-18 AWG Stranded wire
Precision ground stripping holes
Strong-gripping serrated nose for easy bending, shaping, and pulling of wire
Holes for looping and...

The manufacturer of the Klein 11054 adds intelligent features to the cutting tool. It contains stripping holes that are clearly labeled to guide the user. The serrated nose enables bending, pulling of wires, and precision in shaping. It also has springs that enable easy opening and closing of the jaws.

The Pros:
  • Has a comfortable grip
  • The best wire cutting tools for AV users
  • Enables precision while shearing screws
  • Has the best closure lock
The Cons:
  • Its uses are limited

Bahco 2101G-180 Ergo Cutting Pliers

Our Score 8.0 out of 10
Bahco 2101G-180 Ergo Cutting Plier
Bahco 2101G-180 Ergo Cutting Plier amazon.com Check price

7 inches long
Comfortable ergonomic two component handles which combines durability and a secure non slip grip
Lacquer finish protects against rust
High frequency hardened cutting edges hold their ...

Bahco’s tool has precise jaws and comfortable handles. The handles are spring-loaded, which enables hassle-free opening and closing. The spring feature makes it our choice for the best wire cutting tool for repetitive tasks. It is also very suitable for cutting wires and cables located in tight spots.

The Pros:
  • Contains lacquer finish that makes the tool not susceptible to rust
  • The handles are comfortable
  • Very durable
The Cons:
  • Not suitable for thick wires

Hakko CHP-170 Cutter

Our Score 7.8 out of 10
Hakko CHP-170 Micro Soft Wire Cutter, 1.5mm Stand-off, 16 Gauge Maximum Cutting Capacity

The Hakko is a micro-cutter with attached springs that enables adjusting of the cutter during use. It is considered one of the best wire cutting tools for copper wires and soft wires. It contains heat-treated carbon steel and the grips are non-slip to ensure the comfort of the user. It also has darkened surfaces that prevent any corrosion.

The Pros:
  • Offers relief while using due to its adjustability features
  • Has a very comfortable grip
  • Very durable
  • Best for cutting wires of an average of 16 gauge
The Cons:
  • You may struggle to cut wires with a gauge above 16

Neiko Automotive 3-in one Wire Stripper

Our Score 7.5 out of 10
Neiko 01924A 3-in-1 Automatic Wire Stripper, Cutter and Crimping Tool, Self-Adjusting
Neiko 01924A 3-in-1 Automatic Wire Stripper, Cutter and Crimping Tool, Self-Adjusting amazon.com Check price

Innovative wire stripper with self-adjusting mechanism is ideal for copper and aluminum cables from 10-24 AWG
Specially designed and precisely machined teeth grabs, holds, pulls and removes outer j...

The Neiko Automotive Wire Stripper is the best wire cutting tool for wires of an average of 20 AWG. The tool’s blades are constructed with precision and are not prone to disorientation after prolonged use. Has an adjustable gauge, making it the best crimping tool and wire stripper available in the market. It is suitable for aluminum and copper cables.

The Pros:
  • Has sharp and sturdy metal blades
  • The best for small gauge wires
  • Offers exceptional results on aluminum and copper wires
  • Very durable
The Cons:
  • It may only produce good cutting, crimping, and stripping results on aluminum and copper materials

Tekton Mini Bolt and Wire Cutter

Our Score 7.4 out of 10
TEKTON 8" Bolt Cutter | 3386, Black
TEKTON 8" Bolt Cutter | 3386, Black amazon.com Check price

Forged and Hardened alloy steel jaws
Compound cutting action requires less effort
Rolled steel handles with cushioned nonslip rubber grips
Cuts bolts, chain, threaded rod, and heavy gauge wire up t...

The Tekton Mini Bolt and Wire Cutter is an 8-inch wire and bolt cutter weighing about 10.4 ounces. It is a multi-use steel bolt and wire cutter that can cut various threaded rods, thick wires, chains, and bolts. It contains steel jaws, which give it the sharpest necessary for precision cutting.

The Pros:
  • Perfect multi-use tool
  • Rubber grips that provide comfort while using
  • Steel jaws enable precise cutting
The Cons:
  • May not be suitable for light materials

Felco C7 Wire Cutter

Our Score 7.0 out of 10
Felco Cable Cutter (F C3) - Felco Cable Cutter (F C7) - Heavy Duty Strength Steel Wire One-Hand Cable Cutter with Non-Slip Grip (7mm)
Felco Cable Cutter (F C3) - Felco Cable Cutter (F C7) - Heavy Duty Strength Steel Wire One-Hand Cable Cutter with Non-Slip Grip (7mm) amazon.com Check price

Premium Components - Engineered and designed in Switzerland, this cable cutter is constructed of premium steel components designed for excellent performance and long-lasting durability.
High-Qualit...

Felco’s wire cutter contains triangular jaws that enable the tool to cut through various cables while retaining its original sharpness and shape. The grips contain plastic material and a thumb-catch model, offering comfort during use. We recommend this cutting tool for small and medium copper cables.

The Pros:
  • Comfortable grip
  • Made of durable materials
  • Best for copper electrical wires
The Cons:
  • You may struggle cutting high gauge wires

Conclusion

The IGAN-170 Wire Cutters are the best cutting tools available on the market but there are many other great options that could be suitable depending on your needs. Durability, precision, and comfort grips are all highly important characteristics but, ultimately, the wire cutting tool you decide on should be capable of handling the gauges you expect to work with.

Post ID: 9OxxEBKV2 Category ID: WMweYRA

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