The Knipex 70 06 140 Diagonal Cutters-1000V Insulated are compact cutting pliers built for electrical work and general wire cutting. This is a diagonal cutter designed for cutting soft, medium-hard, and hard wire in tight spaces. Model number 70 06 140 gives you a 5-1/2 inch insulated hand tool with VDE-tested grips, forged vanadium steel construction, and a slim head that is easy to position where larger cutters get in the way.

What makes this cutter useful is not just that it cuts wire, but that it does it cleanly across a practical range of materials. Knipex rates it for up to 5/32 inch soft wire, up to 3/32 inch medium-hard wire, and up to 5/64 inch hard wire. That covers common jobsite trimming, rough-in cleanup, and detail work on copper conductors and similar wire sizes without needing to reach for a bigger pair every time.

The cutting edges are precision ground and induction hardened to about 62 HRC. In plain terms, that means the edges are built to stay sharp longer and keep making clean cuts instead of crushing or fraying material. Knipex also calls out clean cutting of thin copper wires right out at the cutting edge tips, which is exactly the kind of detail that matters when you are doing controlled cuts in a crowded box or near finished work.

The body is made from vanadium steel, forged and oil-hardened in multiple stages. That matters because diagonal cutters live a hard life: twist in the hand, repeated cutting loads, tool pouch abuse, and jobsite drops. A forged, hardened build helps the tool keep its alignment and cutting performance over time instead of loosening up early.

The 1000V insulated multi-component handles are a big part of why someone buys this specific version instead of a standard pair of cutters. They are VDE-tested and built for electricians and maintenance pros who need insulated hand tools as part of their daily kit. The grip shape also gives you better control in one-handed work, especially when you are making short trim cuts inside cabinets, panels, and enclosures.

The narrow head style is another real-world advantage. On paper it sounds minor, but on the job it means better access in confined areas, less fighting around neighboring conductors, and easier flush trimming where your hand position is limited. For a compact diagonal cutter, access is a feature, not a bonus.

This Knipex diagonal cutter is best suited for electricians, industrial maintenance techs, control panel work, service calls, and anyone who needs a compact insulated wire cutter from a proven German hand tool brand. If you need a small cutter for occasional household use, it may be more tool than you need. If insulated tools are part of your actual work and you want long edge life in a compact size, this one makes a lot of sense.

Why the Knipex 70 06 140 Diagonal Cutters-1000V Insulated Earn a Spot in the Pouch

This is a compact insulated cutter that does exactly what you want it to do: get into tight spots, make clean cuts, and keep doing it for a long time.

• Who it's for: Electricians, maintenance techs, and service pros who need a real insulated diagonal cutter instead of a general-use pair of nippers.
• Why it stands out: The narrow head, VDE-tested 1000V grips, and hardened Knipex cutting edges make it more than just a small cutter. It is built for actual daily work.
• Worth knowing: This is a 5-1/2 inch tool, so it is about control and access, not brute-force cutting on oversized material.

• Is this an insulated cutter for electrical work? Yes. It has 1000V insulated multi-component grips and is VDE-tested.
• What wire can it cut? Knipex rates it for up to 5/32 inch soft wire, 3/32 inch medium-hard wire, and 5/64 inch hard wire.
• Is this a compact tool? Yes. The overall length is 5-1/2 inches, which makes it a good fit for pouch carry and tight access work.
• Where is it made? It is made in Germany.