Pliers
that are used for cutting and manipulating wire, plastic and other materials
are referred to as simply cutters. The basic shape
of a cutter is the same as any other pair of pliers with two levers connected
nearer to one end by a fulcrum. A cutter is a general term for any type of
plier that is used to cut wire and metal. There are many occasions when you
might need a cutter – here are five:
1. Cutting metal
If you need to cut through solid metal components such as springs, bolts, rivets and nails, the end cutter is the plier for the job allowing a mechanical advantage for slicing closely and cleanly through the metal. End cutters are also used for working with reinforced concrete when tightening steel mesh knots and nipping off the steel close to a twist. To cut more heavy duty bolts and thick chains, the bolt cutter with its large amount of torque, is the best tool for the job.
2. Electrical cables and wires
When working with electrical wires and
telecommunication equipment, linesman
pliers and side-cutters are
utilised. High end linesman’s pliers are insulated for protection and to
provide a strong grip. Wire rope cutters
are also commonly used by electricians to cut wire rope without splaying. The
wire rope cutter has two crimping dies for end caps. The jaws pull the wire rope in and trap the cable to make a clean cut. A
bent nose cutter is also a familiar
sight in an electrician’s tool kit and is used for gripping and twisting wire,
making sharp bends and angles or straightening wire.
3. Chopping aluminium and copper power cables
This task is best performed by a hydraulic cutter. Its guillotine design can cut overhead conductors, heavy wire ropes and power cables, support wires, steel rods and rebar. Hydraulic cutters come in a range of models and can be operated manually, or powered by electricity, petrol and diesel. This type of cutter features a range of head styles including ratchet, guillotine and scissor.
4. Cutting, stripping and gripping cables and wires
To cut copper wire with steel content a diagonal cutter should be chosen. The geometric design helps manage the steel within the copper and enables the pliers to indent and wedge the wire apart. The diagonal cutter is also the go to cutter to strip wire insulation, grip and splice wires.
5. Jewellery Making
For fine metal work especially when making jewellery, the snipe nose cutters are the best choice. Snipe or needle nose pliers have long jaws for manipulating fine wires and small items such as rings and chains. The pointed tip is also handy for getting into narrow spaces. To trim eyepins and headpins, the flush cutter is the ideal tool, allowing precision and control. Flush cutters can also cut jewellery metals to size and shape.
Cutters are very much a necessary tool in a range of industries, hobbies and at home. For more information about cutters, contact your plier expert.
