Side cutters are pliers intended for cutting wire and the leads of components in electronics. They are ideal for electrical work, crafting, and repairs, they offer clean, precise cuts with angled blades for efficiency.
Are you looking for high-quality side cutters to support your next job? Here, you will learn what side cutters do and how they can be used.
Discover what side cutters are, how they work, and their key uses in electronics, DIY, and repairs. Learn about types, safety tips, and how to choose the right cutter.
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Side Cutters 101: Everything You Need to Know About This Essential Tool
Side cutters can be used for a variety of professional jobs and tasks. These specialized pliers make it easy to grip, bend, splice, and cut wires, as well as strip insulation.
Knowing what side cutters do and how they work is important, as it can help you improve your professional process and produce a higher standard of work when completing industrial and construction tasks.
If you're wondering what side cutters do and how they can be used, here's everything you need to know!
What are Side Cutters?
Side cutters are pliers designed with a cutting blade on the side of the jaws. This blade makes it possible for side cutters to be used for a range of applications, including electrical and construction work.
What are Side Cutters Used for?
Side cutters, also known as diagonal pliers or wire cutters, can be used for many purposes. Commonly, they are used to cut and skin wires or to cut and remove pins, nails, and fasteners.
Most commonly, side cutters are used to cut copper, brass, iron, aluminium, and steel wires. Advanced tools have strong jaws that are capable of cutting tempered steel, such as piano wires. However, this should old be attempted with higher-quality side cutters.
In some cases, side cutters can also be used to cut rivets and bolts or to strip insultation. In electrical installations, they can be used to cut soft copper and aluminium electrical conductors.
What Types of Side Cutters are Available?
There are many different types of side cutters, with different models better suited to different tasks.
For electrical work, it is best to use specialised side cutters that are ground flush to the apex of the cutting edge on one side of the jaws. This can allow you to trim flush wires, avoiding sharp tips.
Other variations of side cutters include those designed for high leverage, with these cutters able to be used for cutting hard wire materials, including dental wire and electrical fence wire.
It’s important to ensure that you choose the right cutters to suit your needs, ensuring that your tools are safe and well suited to your work goals and environment.
There are several types of side cutters, each designed for specific tasks:
- Flush cutters: They are perfect for electronics and jewelry, offering clean, smooth cuts.
- Heavy-duty cutters: They handle thick wires and tough materials, making them ideal for construction or automotive work.
- Long-nose cutters: They help reach tight or awkward spaces, while insulated cutters are designed for safe electrical work.
- Insulated cutters: They protect users from electric shock by safely cutting live wires, making them essential for electrical repairs and installations.
How Do Side Cutters Work?
Side cutters work by making it easy to firmly grip objects with the jaws of the pliers while holding on to sturdy parallel handles.
The strong grip that is possible with side cutters allows for the turning, bending, cutting, or other manipulation of an object.
Instead of shearing objects like scissors would, side cutters cut by creating an indent in a wire, then wedging two halves apart.
What are Side Cutters Made from?
Side cutters are often made using tempered steel, making the pliers strong and resistant to damage. They also often feature inductive heating. In many cases, side cutters have insulated handles, protecting against electric shock.
What’s the Difference Between Side Cutters and Diagonal Cutters?
Side cutters and diagonal cutters are actually the same tool—just different names used in different regions. Both refer to pliers with angled cutting edges designed to snip wires cleanly.
The term “diagonal” comes from the blade’s slanted position, which allows for flush cuts close to surfaces. These tools are commonly used in electrical work, jewelry making, and DIY repairs.
Whether you call them side cutters or diagonal cutters, they serve the same purpose: cutting wire efficiently without crushing it. Just make sure to use the right size and strength for your specific task.
Can You Use Side Cutters for Hard Materials?
Generally, side cutters are not recommended for cutting hard materials like steel rods or nails. They’re best suited for softer metals such as copper, aluminum, or brass.
Using them on hard items can damage the blades or reduce their lifespan. However, some heavy-duty models are built with reinforced jaws and high-carbon steel to handle tougher jobs.
If you need to cut hard materials, make sure your side cutters are rated for that purpose. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines and avoid forcing the tool beyond its capacity to prevent injury or tool damage.
How Do You Use a Sewing Machine Side Cutter?
A sewing machine side cutter mimics the function of a serger by trimming fabric edges while stitching. To use it, attach the side cutter foot by aligning it with the needle screw.
Choose a stable fabric and adjust the tension settings. As you sew, the blade trims the edge while the machine overcasts the seam, creating a clean finish. It’s ideal for lightweight fabrics and decorative stitching.
Make sure your machine is compatible with the side cutter model, and test on scrap fabric first. This accessory saves time and gives a professional look to your sewing projects.
Are Side Cutters Safe for Children?
Side cutters are not toys and should be used with caution, especially around children. While some plastic versions are safe for arts and crafts, metal side cutters can be sharp and dangerous.
Children should only use them under adult supervision and with proper instruction. For safety, store side cutters in a secure place and teach kids to handle tools responsibly.
If your child is working on a school project or hobby that involves cutting, consider using safety scissors or child-friendly alternatives instead. Safety always comes first when introducing tools to young users.
How Do You Maintain Side Cutters?
To keep side cutters in good shape, clean them after each use to remove dirt or metal shavings.
Wipe the blades with a dry cloth and apply a drop of oil to the pivot joint to keep movement smooth. Avoid cutting materials that are too hard, as this can dull or damage the blades. Store them in a dry place to prevent rust, and check regularly for wear or loose parts.
If the blades become dull, you can sharpen them with a file or take them to a professional. Proper care extends their life and keeps them safe to use.
Can Side Cutters Strip Wire?
Side cutters are mainly designed to cut wire, not strip it. However, with careful use, they can remove insulation from wires by gently nicking and pulling it off. This method requires precision and practice, as too much pressure can damage the wire inside.
For regular wire stripping, it’s better to use a dedicated wire stripper tool, which has notches sized for different wire gauges.
Using the right tool ensures cleaner results and reduces the risk of injury or electrical faults. Side cutters are best kept for cutting tasks, while wire strippers handle insulation removal more safely.