Cutting Pliers
Diagonal, End, and Flush Cutting Pliers
Cutting pliers snip wire, cable, nails, and plastic with hardened jaws. This collection covers diagonal cutters from Milwaukee, Knipex, and Wiha, including high leverage models for hard wire, plus end cutting nippers for pulling and trimming nails. Milwaukee adds mini flush cutters and cable cutting pliers, FastCap has flush cut trimmer pliers for edge banding and plastic, and Klein and Irwin offer self-adjusting wire strippers that also cut. Wiha and Knipex sets bundle cutters with other pliers.
What to Look For
- Cut style. Diagonal cutters handle most wire, end cutters bite flush against a surface, and flush cutters leave a clean edge on plastic and banding.
- Leverage. High leverage diagonal cutters, like the Knipex 74 series and Wiha 32620, move the pivot closer to the jaw so hard wire takes less grip.
- Insulation. For live electrical work, choose insulated pliers sets such as the Wiha Industrial Grip insulated set.
- Size. Six-inch cutters fit tight boxes. Seven and eight-inch cutters give more reach and cutting force.
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Cutting Pliers FAQ
Diagonal cutters or end cutting pliers?
Diagonal cutters, also called dikes, cut wire with angled jaws and work in confined spaces. End cutting pliers, such as the Knipex 50 01 160 carpenters' pliers and Wiha nippers, grip and cut at the tip, which makes them better for pulling nails and trimming flush to wood.
Can cutting pliers cut steel cable?
Use a tool rated for it. The Milwaukee 48-22-6104 cable cutting pliers are made for cable, and the MT550C lineman's pliers include a bolt cutter. Standard diagonal cutters can be damaged by hardened cable or piano wire.