Marking the cutting line
Side cutters are also used to apply notches to thin metal parts, marking cutting lines with a hacksaw or jigsaw.
This function of this tool significantly makes the work of a mechanic easier if he needs to make a precise cut, but simple construction scissors do not bite a sheet of metal, but only slide off it.
Simple operating principle
The design of side cutters is not much different from the design of pliers and wire cutters. The working components of this tool are connected by a special hinge.
A spring is placed between the handles. After the end of the compression period, it returns the handles to their original position. This happens immediately after biting an iron thread or cutting off a plastic edge.
Features of using side cutters
Many people simply don’t even think about how this or that type of hand tool can be used. For example, side cutters, which are designed for cutting wires and wires. To cut through the material, you need to place it between the cutting edges set apart to the sides, and then apply pressure to the handles. However, not everything is as simple as it may seem, so we will pay attention to the advice and recommendations of specialists and tool manufacturers in order to understand the main features of their use.
- When cutting wires, the side cutters should be positioned at the appropriate right angle
- The amount of physical force applied to the handles depends on the diameter and type of material of the wire or wire being cut
- Before cutting the wire, make sure that your limbs or other persons are not in the area where the tool jaws are located.
- To cut through thick wire, it is recommended to deepen it closer to the hinge joint and apply force to the handles
- When biting the material, you should make sure that the edges meet each other and do not allow them to warp. Distortion of the side cutter jaws may occur if you are working with durable or thick materials. The jaws must not be skewed, as this will lead to their deformation and failure.
- The tool is designed to be used by one person, but if you need to cut thick and strong wire, you can use help. It is important to understand that cutting durable materials can only be done with reinforced side cutters or other types of special tools
To cut the wire with wire cutters, you need to bring the handles closer to each other using physical force. However, large-diameter steel wire will be difficult to cut through with conventional side cutters. In addition, if the jaws are made of less durable material than the wire being cut, this may lead to deformation of the tool. That is why it is important, before using a tool, to make the right choice in order to ultimately achieve the desired result, and at the same time avoid injury.
Durability and comfort
Thanks to the indestructibility of the hinge joint, the master can press the handles of the side cutters as hard as he likes when processing metal workpieces. The strength of the cutting edges of the tool is ensured by the use of metals of increased hardness for their manufacture.
However, even the most durable side cutters must be very easy to use, which is necessarily taken into account during their manufacture.
Rating of side cutters
This review looked at tools from different categories made by well-known brands. The quality of steel and insulation, as well as the comfort of working in different conditions, were checked. User opinions were studied and reviews from professionals were taken into account. Particular attention was paid to the following characteristics:
- Purpose – they produce models for repairing electronics and laying wiring;
- Design – the presence of a return spring will reduce the applied effort;
- Maximum working stroke - depends on the length of the jaws, affects the scope of application;
- Metal hardness - the higher the indicator, the greater the load the tool can withstand.
Rapid failure of hinges, non-compliance of multilayer insulation with the declared characteristics, raw metal of cutting edges - products with such defects were excluded from our rating.
Modern dielectric cases
For this reason, the handles of side cutters are given ergonomic shapes. At the same time, they are covered with polymer attachments that prevent the hand from fogging in case of prolonged use of the tool. If it is used by the same master for a long time, then the soft handles gradually take on the shape of the owner’s palm.
Modern comfortable polymer materials used for the manufacture of dielectric handle covers do not leave bruises, dents and abrasions on the hands, which can appear with strong compression of old-style hard plastic insulating attachments.
Wire cutters for electrical work
Wire cutters are a fairly important tool in the process of electrical installation work. If the tool is equipped with insulating tubes on the handle made of rubber or plastic, then the cutters are intended for electrical installation. The material used to make the levers for these pliers is steel.
Electrical installation pliers
In the work process, an electrician uses this tool to cut wires when replacing a wire or troubleshooting a problem. Each type of wire cutter has its own tasks when a master performs a job. A high-quality tool will help you get the job done quickly and protect you from electric shock.
Lever operating principle
Thick nozzles on the handles guarantee one hundred percent protection against electric shock. Thanks to the application of lever force to the jaws, this tool allows you to cut fairly thick wires and insulated cables.
Usually, to perform a working stroke, the force of one hand is sufficient, but if necessary, the side cutters can be squeezed with both hands, which allows you to cut a wide-section energy line.
The best side cutters
There are a wide variety of side cutters on sale, from different companies. Let's look at which side cutters are better, based on consumer reviews and the characteristics of the tools on sale.
- The tool is produced using German technology in Taiwan Kraftool 2202-6-18 z01. Specialized side cutters. The cutting mechanism is made of chrome vanadium steel, thanks to which it cuts through wires, nails and iron rods. The weight of the side cutters is 300g, and the size is 18cm.
- Taiwanese model Jonnesway P8606. A classic tool suitable for everyday use. The size of the side cutters is 24cm, and the weight is 240g.
- German model, produced in China Matrix Nickel 17520. The cutting mechanism is hardened by current, thanks to which they are able to work with hard raw materials, and are famous for their long service life. This tool is not suitable for cutting wires connected to the electrical network, as it is not coated with dielectric materials.
- Side cutters made in Germany Z 18006 200mm Prof. elec. Wiha 38191. They are special-purpose tools; they can be used when working on a 1000V power supply. The handles are made of dielectric material with an additional stop that prevents the hand from coming into contact with metal parts. Equipped with an additional mechanism that multiplies the pressure force. This way you can cut through wire, nails and iron rods.
- Russian small side cutters Kroft 210115. They are made of high-strength steel and are suitable for cutting fishing line, wire and parts of household appliances. Quite compact and able to work in hard-to-reach corners. Their size is slightly more than 10 cm, and their weight is 60 g.
Main Applications
Side cutters are most often used
- Electricians;
- Assemblers of exhibition pavilions, street kiosks, country and park small architectural forms;
- Representatives of housing maintenance organizations, theater decorators, adjusters of communication systems, ventilation, and air conditioning.
Conventional and electrical side cutters
The set of functions for which a particular type of tool is intended is determined by its design features. Standard side cutters are used primarily for cutting plastic, iron, and wires.
Analogues equipped with thick dielectrics are most often used for laying cables in apartments and offices.
Types of side cutters
Side cutters can be divided into several types according to their scope of application. Let's look at the main types of side cutters, their specifics and purpose.
- Standard side cutters. They are the most common type, capable of cutting through wires or wires up to 2.3 mm in size.
- On sale are both tools from well-known, branded manufacturers and small companies.
- The price for this type of side cutter is relatively low, which is why it is popular.
The disadvantages include the inability to cut through strong wires and wires. The handle of a standard side cutter is not covered with rubber, making it unsafe when working with electricity.
Reinforced side cutters. They can be classified as professional tools used in installation and plumbing work. In the manufacture of tools, steel of increased strength and additional hardening is used. They are capable of cutting thin metal and iron rods.
Dielectric side cutters. They belong to a specialized species. They are in turn divided into two categories. Side cutters that are made entirely of dielectric material. They can work in a network energized up to 1000V, without risk to life.
- The second type of side cutters is suitable for working with a lower voltage network, since they are not entirely made of dielectric material, but only the handle. The structure of the handle is designed in such a way that the hand will not slip and touch the metal part of the tool.
- Mini side cutters. They are popular among crafters of household appliances and other small household appliances. In terms of functionality, they are not inferior to full-size models. Their advantage is that they are able to reach those places where ordinary wire cutters are powerless.
Cutting thin and thick wires
The speed and quality of cutting largely depends on the correct use of side cutters. To cut through thin wire or nylon thread, it is enough to place them at the very tips of the blades.
If there is a need to cut through a wide-section wire, then it is placed at the very base of the blades.
Working with side cutters
What is a jigsaw and why is it needed? The purpose of side cutters depends more on the person who uses them. But in any case, when purchasing, you should carefully inspect the wire cutters. The handles should not have any defects - this applies to both the coating and the general shape of the handles.
Slightly curved handles can be very uncomfortable when working, and damage to the dielectric coating, under certain conditions, becomes a threat to life. Therefore, do not neglect tritely simple advice.
Side cutters are good for more than just cutting thin metal and cutting wires. To do this, just place a wire, or part of a sheet of metal, between the jaws and apply force to the handle.
It is best to take side cutters that have a reinforced design and dielectric coating on the handles. Also, such a model should have an adjustment screw.
This tool is well suited for all household tasks, be it working with wire or cutting metal whose thickness, for example, is 3 millimeters.
Also take a closer look at the base material of the wire cutters. It would be better if it was hardened steel with special titanium inserts on its jaws. This strengthens the tool and makes it more reliable.
Assessing the condition of cutting edges
Any home craftsman or professional installer who is puzzled by how to choose side cutters must first evaluate the quality of the metal from which they are made.
- You should also examine the condition of the blades, especially for nicks, dents, and chips.
- Used tools may well end up in the retail chain, and this fact will be determined by examining the condition of the cutting edges.
How to choose side cutters
Undoubtedly, the quality of the side cutters used should be quite high, since this directly affects the quality of the work performed. Therefore, choosing high-quality side cutters should first of all look at their appearance. The main difference between low-quality side cutters and reliable ones are various dents or nicks on the tool.
The cutting lips of the side cutters must be in close contact with each other, otherwise the object being bitten will not be completely cut. The hinge on the cutters can be made integral with the entire structure or separately from it - this point does not affect the quality of the side cutters in any way.
One of the interesting designs are side cutters with two hinges. This is required to perform work with virtually no force due to the higher degree of pressure generated.
If the task of side cutters is to work with live wires, then when purchasing, you should pay attention to the appropriate design of such side cutters.
Checking the tightness of the blades
It is also important to check if there is a gap between the edges. The more tightly the blades fit together, the higher the effectiveness of the tool when cutting thin threads and wires. In some cases, professionals use a microscope to assess the tightness of the edges.
It allows you to see not only the gap between the blades, but also the smallest defects on the cutting edges, as well as defects in the protective coating that will become sources of corrosion.
Which side cutter is better
The tool is used in different industries; it is difficult to find universal cutters. The VyborExperta.ru team recommends taking into account the scope of application and intensity of use. Taking these parameters into account, we advise you to pay attention to the following brands:
- Rexant - the choice of an electronics technician, a specialist in repairing household appliances;
- Rockforce - for the home workshop;
- Ingco Hdcp28168 – for cutting very thin wire;
- Gross 17575 – the choice of a professional.
All the models presented in the review are worthy of the attention of users, but only the most durable and functional received the title of the best tools in their class.
Main types of side cutters
There are currently two types of this tool on the market:
- Single-hinged;
- Double-hinged.
Selection of the required modification
When purchasing installation tools, the types and sizes of side cutters suitable for a particular craftsman are determined by the frequency and intensity of their future use. To work with a large number of workpieces, it would be better to purchase double-jointed side cutters.
Thanks to the presence of a leaf spring, they instantly return to their original state. At the same time, a double-jointed tool will allow you to spend much less effort on doing useful work.
Structure of side cutters
Side cutters can be classified as wire cutters used in plumbing and installation work. The design is extremely simple, consisting of two handles, a connecting structure, and a return spring.
They are equipped with a side cutting mechanism. The hinged mount is necessary in order to smoothly move the jaws. A return spring is necessary so that after cutting the wire, the mechanism returns to its original position.
It is important not to confuse side cutters and wire cutters. For side cutters, the cutting surface is located opposite the handle. For cutters, the cutting elements are located perpendicular to the handle, while for side cutters they are located parallel or at a slight angle.
GOST 28037-89 is prescribed for the tool; it clearly indicates the necessary characteristics and deviations in the structure of the side cutter.
- For the manufacture of side cutters, only steel grades U7, U7A, 8xF should be used. There is also a standard for the hardness of the cutting mechanism: from 55.5 to 61 HRS according to Rockwell, with a gap of no more than 0.1 mm between them.
- The clearance between the hinges should not exceed 0.5mm in each direction. The force applied to bring the handle together should not exceed 9.8 N.
- The displacement of the cutting surfaces relative to each other, for tools measuring 12.5 cm, is no more than 0.3 mm. For larger instruments measuring 14cm, 16cm, 18cm and 20cm, the offset is no more than 0.4mm.
Side cutters operate on the principle of a lever; when force is applied to the handle, they set the cutting mechanism in motion with the greatest amount of force. They are used not only in industry and the professional sphere, but also in everyday life.
They can be used for cutting copper and aluminum wires with power up to 1000V. They can cut through not only wires, but also plastic and thin sheets of metal or fittings.
Professional options with dielectrics
While inexpensive standard models are quite suitable for a home craftsman, an electrician will need special dielectric side cutters that can easily withstand electric shocks of up to a thousand volts.
When choosing quality side cutters, the manufacturing company also plays a significant role. A long-known brand that has earned a good reputation among installers is a guarantee of reliability and durability.
If the brand turns out to be little-known or absent altogether, then this fact will give reason to doubt the high quality of the instrument.
Selection of side cutters
The main criterion when choosing side cutters is their purpose and scope of application. A more simplified version is suitable for home use. It is even possible to use a mini version of side cutters.
To work with electrical networks under high voltage, it is better to use professional tools made of dielectric material and an improved handle that prevents contact with metal parts of the structure.
To work with low-voltage electrical networks, you can use a tool with a handle coated with a material that does not allow current to pass through.
Famous brands and fly-by-night companies
Naturally, tools of dubious quality will be offered at a much lower cost than side cutters from proven brands
- N.W.S.;
- Knipex;
- Bahco;
- Wiha;
- Kraftool;
- KBT.
However, this does not mean at all that cheap analogues will not break a week or two after purchase. With a high probability, their cutting edges will quickly become covered with deep dents, after which such a tool will be suitable only for chopping nuts.
Best Cuticle Nippers
The selection is based on reviews and the test of time.
- Stalex Exclusive 20, 8mm. The length of the blade is 8 mm. This company's cuticle nippers are some of the best on the market. Features of the model: Soft and clear closure, precise cut, manual sharpening, increased resistance to corrosion due to polishing to a mirror effect. An excellent choice for professionals. Beware of fakes, order only on the official website or in trusted stores.
- Stalex expert 71. Blade length 9mm. Smooth and easy movement, an extended view of the surface, perfect closure and sharpness, everything you need for comfortable work and an ideal result. The model has long handles.
- Yoko SK 007. Blade length 5.5 mm. Miniature, convenient nippers made of Japanese steel, suitable for beginners. It has high strength, resistance to wear, and all types of sterilization treatments.
- Mertz 1560. Blade length 7mm. They are characterized by a very smooth operation and convenience due to the average length of the cutting blade. They have a double spring. They are famous for their long service life.
- Solinberg 222-504. The length of the canvas is 7-8mm. This model is made in Germany. Suitable for craftsmen with any experience. Thanks to laser processing of cutting edges, they can be used for a long time without loss of quality. The price is relatively low, and the design in the form of relief on the handles will be appreciated by any craftsman.
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