Pliers are made in various shapes and sizes and for many uses. Some are used for gripping something round like a pipe or rod, some are used for twisting wires, and others are designed to be used for a combination of tasks including cutting wire.
Remember that wire stripping tools are best for removing the insulation from wire, while pliers are best for (you guessed it) cutting wire. Pliers help you reach, bend, grab, cut, hold and loop wire, and wire stripper crimpers are the best tool to join two pieces of ductile material together.
Can pliers cut steel wire? Copper, aluminium, steel, soft or hard - they'll do the trick. They'll even cut through piano wire, one of the strongest wires out there.
Scissors, clippers, and the like just aren't made to cut wire. Chances are you'll end up with dull scissors or clippers from trying to cut the wire, or worse—you'll completely damage or ruin the tool. These aren't sharp enough to cleanly cut wire, so the wire will end up being bent out of shape.
Most wire cutters (in the size range we tested) have the capability to cut standard electrical wire, but for efficiency, most electricians use needle-nose pliers instead. Needle-nose pliers combine wire cutting with a long, narrow reach and the ability to curl the end of the wire, all in one tool.
Pliers are often misused as general-purpose tools. Their use should be limited to operations for which they were designed: gripping and cutting (never for loosening or tightening nuts). Always use wrenches on nuts and bolt heads, never use a pliers. In fact, don't use pliers when any other tool will do.
1. Cold Chisel and Hammer – you may be able to cut hard wire using a cold chisel and a hammer, by placing the wire onto a hardened metal surface, and hammering the chisel directly into it. 2. Grinder – you may be able to cut through wire using an angle grinder, but be very careful as this can be dangerous.
Handsaws and Hacksaws
The most basic tool used for cutting metal is a handsaw or hacksaw. This type of saw allows you to make straight cuts on sheet metal or thin-walled tubing. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to use, but they can take longer than other methods due to their manual nature.
Needle-nose pliers are used to manipulate wire using the textured teeth. When working with this tool, the handles should be gripped tightly yet apply gentle force. They are not sturdy enough to cut large, hardened wires, and they are not to be used on live electrical wires.
Many slip-joint pliers also have a wire cutter built into the neck of the pliers, just behind the curved serrations. Slip-joint pliers are available in sizes ranging from a few inches long up to 10 inches, and they are also manufactured in bent-nose and narrow-nose configurations.
Pliers. Another important tool in the electrician's arsenal is a good set of pliers. They are incredibly useful when working with electrical wire and can speed up any job. Pliers are essential and are used to cut, straighten, twist, and bend wiring while making connections.
What you need: a roll of electrical tape and two wires whose ends have been twisted together. First, lay the twisted part of the wires onto a strip of electrical tape. Wrap the tape around the wires tightly 5-6 times, making sure to cover up all the wire. Give your connection a tug to make sure it is strong.
JEWEL TOOL 5 Inch Heavy Duty Side Cutter Pliers For Metal Work - TP1013A-5 Product Description: These Pliers Will Cut Through Wire, Metal Sheeting, And More. PVC Dipped Plastic Handles With Heat Treated, Carbon Steel Side Cutting Blades. Overall 5 Inches Long With 3/4 Inch Blades.
Hacksaw. The original metal-cutting tool, the manual hacksaw, is an easy, inexpensive option for cutting through metal (and a slew of other materials).
End-cutting pliers - also known as nippers, are used to cut nails, wires, rivets, and bolts. Due to the almost flat head design, the user can get flush with the surface to cut the object, without digging into it.
Pliers make a really good wrench
But a good rule of thumb is that for any fitting with a nut on it or a hex head, use a wrench. If you're going to use pliers on a hex-shaped fitting, bolt, or nut, at least use a pair that has a V-notch in the jaws to accommodate the hex shape.
Always cut at right angles when using pliers. Never bend the wire back or rock back and forth against the cutting edges. Ensure the cutting edges on pliers are sharp since dull or worn-down edges can require significantly more cutting force.
Types of Wire Cutters (Pliers)
These hand-held cutting tools are used only for cutting wires (as against wire cable and rope).
Pliers are a type of hand tool. They allow the user to firmly grip an object – usually something like a nail or wire – so it can be tightened or loosened, twisted or cut. Pliers generally consist of five parts: two handles, a pivot and two jaws.
Wire and cable cutters are tools that have been designed to properly cut either wire or cable with minimal damage to the insulation or internal conductors of the wire or cable. Having a clean cut on a wire or cable can improve the quality of an electrical connection.