Different Types of Cutting Tools
Cable cutters, bolt cutters, and diagonal cutting pliers are popularly used tools designed to cut through thick, heavy-duty wiring, metals, cables, and more. With such capabilities, cutting tools are available in a wide range of types, each designed for different purposes. Depending on the task at hand, different cutting tools also offer varying advantages.
While many users opt for machine cutting tools that are electronically operated, some handheld cutting tools can achieve similar cuts. For instance, a bolt cutter may not be the appropriate tool for cutting through electronic wiring, while a set of sturdy diagonal pliers are great tools for the job. So, what type of cutting tool should you purchase? To answer this, this blog will provide a brief overview of cable cutters, bolt cutters, and diagonal cutting pliers, allowing you to better understand the use of each.
Before selecting a cutting tool, you must be familiar with the type of material you will be cutting. For example, most diagonal cutting pliers are robust enough to cut through wiring, up to a certain degree of thickness without damaging or bending the material. Meanwhile, cable cutters are designed to cut through thicker wiring such as those used for telecommunications and networking.
Bolt cutters in particular are designed to cut through thicker metals. In fact, they are often the tool of choice for bike thieves as they allow them to cut through locks with ease. Cutting tools come in a variety of sizes and shapes, enabling you to match your material thickness and hardness to the appropriate tool. Larger cables, for example, necessitate cable cutters that can open wider.
A benefit of cutting tools is that they are listed by length. As such, the longer the handle, the more force a user can apply. For heavy metals, a cutting tool with a longer handle is required. Such features vary by cutting tool, so the next section will outline all of the aforementioned variations.
Cable Cutters
When you need to cut through thick wiring, cable cutters are the right tools for the job. Cable cutters look similar to bolt cutters, though their cutting blades are crescent-shaped as opposed to being flat. This design allows them to grip rounded cabling and wiring more easily. To use cable cutters, you must place the cable between the cutting blades and apply pressure to the handles. Over time, cable cutters may become dull, so it is important to sharpen the blades regularly.
Ratcheting cable cutters are a type of cable cutter with two crescent-shaped blades that lock into a circle around a cable. With the ratcheting mechanism, the blades slowly come together. As a result, a user does not need to apply any additional force to cut through cables. Lastly, cable cutters are available with handle lengths that range from 1 to 4 feet long, with jaw capacities of varying degrees.
Bolt Cutters
Bolt cutters, or lock cutters as they are sometimes called, have flat blades. They are made to cut through heavy metal, such as locks, cables, and heavy wiring. Moreover, they can be used to cut wood, like branches or dowels. Additionally, bolt cutters have handle lengths up to 4 feet long.
Diagonal Cutting Pliers
Diagonal cutting pliers resemble standard pliers and they are often utilized by electricians. Also referred to as wire cutters, diagonal cutting pliers can also be used to cut through wire. Equipped with a vice grip and two jaws with wedged blades, these cutting tools are ideal for electronics wires.
Generally, diagonal pliers can cut through aluminum, steel, brass, iron, copper wiring, and crooked nail heads. Less sturdy versions made from softer materials can be damaged if they are utilized on hard materials. Furthermore, some diagonal pliers have thinner blades, which provide a flush cut on wires, rather than a diagonal cut, allowing users to solder the cut at a later time.
Conclusion
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