The 10 Best Cable Cutters

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This wiki has been updated 14 times since it was first published in May of 2019. Cable cutters represent the muscle in a proper collection of pliers. Sure, your side cutters or linesman will do just fine for snipping through light-gauge wire, but when you start getting into the heavier stuff – #6 AWG and up – you're going to want a tool in your pouch that packs a little more cutting power. For slicing through wire as large as 4/0 aluminum or 2/0 soft copper, we suggest these. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

1. Klein 63050-EINS

2. Ideal 35-9052

3. Klein 63050-INS

Editor's Notes

May 08, 2019:

This Wiki is focused strictly on cable-cutting pliers. Like all tools, the cable cutters on this list will have their limitations. As a rule of thumb, you can expect any of the pliers on this list to cut through 2/0 soft copper or 4/0 aluminum conductors. If you're looking for a tool to cut through steel or aluminum conductor steel-reinforced cable, your needs might demand a larger investment in some ratcheting cable cutters. Depending on your budget, you might also want to consider a battery-powered cable cutter. Many top tool companies manufacture these, with designs that accommodate the 18-volt lithium ion batteries that you're used to seeing, in other cordless power tools.

4. Channellock 911CB

5. Milwaukee 10"

6. Klein J63050

7. Greenlee 727M

8. Channellock 911

9. Greenlee 727

10. Klein 63050


Christopher Thomas
Last updated by Christopher Thomas

Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.


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