The Knipex 95 16 200 Cable Shears-1000V Insulated is a compact insulated cable cutter built for electricians and anyone cutting copper or aluminum cable on the job. This is a cable shear designed for cutting copper and aluminum cable cleanly with one hand. Model 95 16 200 gives you an 8 inch overall length, 1000V insulated handles, and a cutting capacity up to 25/32 inch diameter.

What makes this tool useful in real work is the blade design. Knipex splits the cutting action into an initial cut at the front section for the insulating sheath and a final cut at the back section for the conductor. In plain terms, that means the tool starts the cut cleanly, keeps the cable under control, and finishes with less crushing and less deformation. If you are making terminations, feeding cable through panels, or trimming conductors to final length, that cleaner cut saves rework.

The lever ratio and cutting edge geometry are tuned to reduce effort. That matters more than it sounds on cable work, because a tool that cuts easier is a tool you can use more accurately. Instead of needing a two-hand fight for medium cable, this shear is meant for one-hand operation within its rated range. The adjustable self-locking bolted joint also helps keep the action tight and controlled over time.

Build quality is where Knipex usually earns its keep, and this model follows that pattern. The shears are made from high-grade special tool steel that is forged and oil-hardened, then finished with a chrome-plated surface. The blades are precision ground and hardened, so you are not just getting a sharp edge out of the package, you are getting a tool built for repeat use in service work, installation, and maintenance.

For electrical work, the handle setup matters as much as the blade. These multi-component grips are VDE-tested and rated for 1000 volts, and they include a pinch guard to help keep fingers from getting caught during closing. The grip shape also gives you a more secure hold when your hands are working in awkward positions around cabinets, troughs, or bundles.

The important limitation is straightforward: this tool is for copper and aluminum cable. It is not suitable for steel wire or hard drawn copper conductors. Used in the right lane, it is an efficient, professional-grade cable cutting tool. Used outside that lane, you are asking the wrong tool to do the wrong job.

If you are an electrician, controls technician, maintenance pro, or serious DIY user doing panel work and cable routing, this is the kind of hand tool that pays off because it cuts clean, feels controlled, and is rated for the kind of work environment where insulation is not optional.

Why the Knipex 95 16 200 Cable Shears-1000V Insulated earns a spot in an electrician's bag

This is a purpose-built cable cutter that does the job cleanly, cuts easier than cheap shears, and brings real insulated-tool credibility to electrical work.

• Who it's for: Electricians, maintenance techs, and serious DIY users cutting copper and aluminum cable in service, installation, and panel work.
• Why it stands out: The staged cutting action, hardened blades, and VDE-tested 1000V handles make it more than a basic cutter. It is built for clean results and controlled effort.
• Worth knowing: Stay in its lane. It is not meant for steel wire or hard drawn copper conductors, and that is the honest difference between using the right cutter and wrecking a good one.

• What materials can this cable shear cut? It is designed for cutting copper and aluminum cables.
• Can it cut steel wire? No. It is not suitable for steel wire or hard drawn copper conductors.
• What is the maximum cable capacity? The rated cutting capacity is up to 25/32 inch diameter.
• Are the handles insulated? Yes. It uses VDE-tested multi-component insulated grips rated for 1000 volts.