The Knipex 70 15 110 Diagonal Cutters are compact cutting pliers built for clean, controlled wire cutting in tight work areas. This is a diagonal cutter designed for cutting soft wire, medium hard wire, hard wire, and thin copper wire. Model Number: 70 15 110. If you want a small pair of cutters that still feels like a real jobsite tool instead of a throwaway electronics cutter, this is the kind of tool that earns a spot in the pouch, service bag, or bench drawer.

What makes this model useful is how much cutting performance Knipex packs into a 4-1/2 inch body. The cutting capacities are clearly defined: up to 1/8 inch for soft wire, up to 5/64 inch for medium hard wire, and up to 3/64 inch for hard wire. That gives you a good read on where this tool belongs. It is not trying to replace a larger high-leverage cutter for heavy fence wire or thick fasteners. It is built for precise, repeatable cuts on smaller material where access and control matter more than raw leverage.

The cutting edges are induction hardened to about 62 HRC, and that is one of the specs worth paying attention to. Harder edges hold up longer, especially if the tool sees regular use on tougher wire instead of just soft copper. In practical terms, that means cleaner cuts over time and less frustration from edges that start to mash or nick material instead of slicing it cleanly. Knipex also calls out clean cutting of thin copper wires even at the cutting edge tips, which is exactly what you want when you are trimming in a cramped box or reaching into a crowded assembly.

The build is what you would expect from Knipex. These diagonal cutters are made from forged vanadium steel and oil-hardened in multiple steps, with a chrome-plated finish for added chemical resistance. That combination matters because compact pliers tend to get used for all kinds of detail work, and they spend a lot of time around oils, grime, and mixed shop conditions. The chrome plating helps the tool stay easier to wipe down, while the forged body gives it the stiffness you want when the cut needs to be accurate.

Ergonomics are a big part of why a compact cutter either gets used every day or gets tossed in a drawer. This model uses multi-component comfort grips that give you better hand feel than a bare dipped handle when you are making repeated cuts. The narrow head style also helps in confined areas, which is one of the real advantages of this tool. It is easier to get the jaws where you need them when working around terminals, control wiring, light gauge wire, and other tight-access tasks.

For the right user, this hand tool makes a lot of sense. Electricians, maintenance techs, control panel builders, HVAC techs, mechanics, and serious DIY users will all appreciate a small diagonal cutter that is still built like a professional tool. If most of your cutting is lighter-gauge wire and you value access, edge quality, and durability over brute force, this Knipex diagonal cutter is a smart buy. If you regularly cut larger or tougher material all day, step up to a bigger cutter. But for detail work, service calls, and close-quarters trimming, this size is tough to beat.

Small Cutter, Legit Knipex Quality

The Knipex 70 15 110 Diagonal Cutters are the kind of compact hand tool that actually works like a pro tool, not a backup you regret buying.

• Who it's for: Anyone doing detail wire cutting, service work, electrical trim, automotive work, or bench work where a full-size cutter feels too bulky.
• Why it stands out: The hardened 62 HRC cutting edges, forged vanadium steel construction, and narrow head give it real cutting performance in a very compact size.
• Worth knowing: This is a precision-minded small diagonal cutter, not a heavy-duty brute. If you regularly cut thicker hard wire, go bigger.

• What can this diagonal cutter cut? It is rated for up to 1/8 inch soft wire, up to 5/64 inch medium hard wire, and up to 3/64 inch hard wire.
• Is this a full-size pair of cutting pliers? No. It is a compact 4-1/2 inch diagonal cutter designed for precision work and tight spaces.
• What is the tool made from? It is made from forged vanadium steel and oil-hardened in multiple stages, with a chrome-plated finish.
• Where is it made? This Knipex diagonal cutter is made in Germany.