How to cut wire with pliers

Many DIY fans find themselves cutting wires during various
tasks.

Although cutting wire might not seem difficult, you need to
take steps to choose the right tool for the job and take the necessary safety precautions.

Read on for our full guide.

First choose the right cutters for your wire

The cutting
pliers you want to choose will depend on the type and thickness of wire
you’re looking to cut.

You also need to consider any space restrictions around your
cutting target and whether you need multiple functions in one tool (e.g.
cutting and bending).

It’s also important that the cutting jaws are hardened to
ensure they don’t go blunt after minimal use.

Best cutters for heavy duty solid wire

When cutting heavy duty wire, you want pliers with a larger
“land” width (the actual width of the cutting edge), which are not as sharp, but
provide much more leverage against a single piece of metal wire.

If you’re working in a smaller space, then the Side
Cutter Parallel Plier For Hard Wire Comfort Grips 140 mm is a good option,
whereas if you need maximum leverage for cutting hard wire up to 3 mm in
diameter, then the Side
Cutter Parallel Plier For Hard Wire Comfort Grips 200 mm is a good option.

Best cutters for multi-strand electrical wire

Cutting through multi-strand electrical wire requires diagonal
cutting pliers with a small “land” width and very sharp jaws, which allows them
to cut through multi-strand electrical wire in one cutting motion.

If you need a smaller pair of cutters for small spaces, then
the Diagonal
Cutting Plier For Hard Wire Comfort Grips 140 mm is a great option. Whereas
if you need maximum leverage for thick soft wire up to 4 mm diameter, then go
for the Diagonal
Cutting Plier For Hard Wire 160 mm.

*Note: these pliers are not insulated, and so cannot be
used on live electrical wire.

How to cut wire with pliers

Once you’ve chosen the right cutter, here is the best method
to use when cutting wire:

1. Ensure your workspace is clear.

2. Put on safety goggles and gloves.

3. Hold the pliers in your dominant hand.

4. Position the wire at 90 degrees to cutting jaws
of your pliers.

5. Apply pressure until the wire is cut, this may
require two hands.

6. Release the pliers once the wire has been cut.

Types of Pliers

Diagonal cutting pliers

Diagonal cutting pliers are also referred to as side cutters.

These versatile cutters can be used to cut various wire
types and gauges, and they come with a sharp, angled cutting edge that
simplifies the process of cutting wire both cleanly and effectively (cleaner
cuts than scissor-type cutters).

They tend to be great for cutting soft wire, including
copper wire.

Needle-nose pliers

Needle-nose pliers have long and narrow jaws which taper to
a point. They can be highly efficient when working in tight spaces and when you
need to cut or manipulate small wires. If they have a cutter, they can be effective
when you need to cut soft, thin wires, including jewellery wire.

Combination pliers

Combination pliers (also known as Lineman’s pliers) are robust
pliers designed to help you cut and grip/twist wire. They come complete with a
sturdy cutting function and can cut through thick materials, such as aluminium
and steel wire. They are often used to cut and twist wire in electrical work.

Shop all
Maun pliers here

Safety precautions

Here are the most important safety precautions to take when
cutting wire with pliers:

• Eye and hand protection – wire can be sharp,
  particularly when cut, so ensure you wear gloves and googles when cutting metal
  wire. Make sure your gloves and googles fit properly, as exposed skin will be
  at risk of an accident.
• Insulated pliers for live electrical work – if
  you’re working with live electrical wire, you must use insulated pliers that
  are at the right voltage and current ratings for what you’re working on.
• Securing the wire – if the wire is moving while
  you’re cutting it, this can increase the chances of an accident, so using a clamp
  can help with this.
• Check pliers before cutting – it’s important to
  check the condition of your cutting pliers before using them, in case they are
  damaged or have gone blunt over time. This will prevent accidents from needing
  excessive force or the tool breaking.

Did you know that you can save money with Maun Pliers sets?

How to cut wire cleanly and effectively

• Ensure the wire is positioned securely in the
  jaws of the pliers before you start cutting.
• Choose the right kind of pliers for the wire you
  are cutting. Using pliers that are too small for the wire can damage the
  cutting face.
• Use two hands to apply extra force when you are
  cutting thicker or harder wire.
• Cutting wire in a well-lit area can help you prevent
  injuries and errors.
• You can use wire strippers to clean up multi-strand
  wire that is frayed or uneven after you have cut it.

Caring for and maintaining your pliers

Here are our main tips for ensuring your pliers last the
longest time possible:

1. Cleaning – clean your pliers after each use, by
wiping them with a clean cloth or rag. This will help to remove dust, debris
and other residue from the tool.

2. Oil – apply a light coat of oil to the cutting
jaws, to help maintain the cutters and prevent rust.

3. Sharpening – if your tool is blunt, you can
sharpen the blades with a file or sharpening stone to get rid of any nicks or
burrs.

4. Storage – store your pliers in a cool dry place.
This can be in a toolbox or on a shelf.

Following these steps should ensure your pliers serve you
well for many years to come.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed our post on how to cut wire with pliers.

Browse our related posts below, or contact us with any
questions:

• Wire cutters
• Best plier sets
• Best
  combination pliers
• Types
  of pliers
• How to use
  pliers
• Parallel pliers