10 Best Wire Cutters in 2021

best wire cutter

Wire cutters are an essential part of a toolbox. They are also called Diagonal cutting pliers. Professionals often go for the ones that are safe to use and durable at the same time. As they are straightforward, beginners can use them without much difficulty. 

We can use them for different purposes, like stripping hard wires, crimping, and etcetera. Before buying a wire cutter, we need to consider its design and size. Comfort also plays a key role when looking for wire cutters. 

In order for you to make the best choice, we have listed the top 10 wire cutters.

Below is a list of the top 3 best wire cutters, along with their main features. For learning more about these features, you can go through their reviews in detail.

Disclaimer – This article may contain affiliate links, this means that at no cost to you, we may receive a small commission for qualifying purchases.

Best Overall

Irwin Vise-Grip Multi-Tool Wire Cutter 2078309

Irwin Vise-Grip Multi-Tool Wire Cutter 2078309
  • 8 inches long.
  • It weighs 3.04 ounces.
  • Built-in bolt cutter.
  • It has crimps that are insulated and non-insulated.

View Latest Price

Premium Choice

Channellock 7-Inch Wire Cutter

Channellock 7-Inch Wire Cutter
  • Two sizes are available- 7 inches and 8 inches.
  • It is lightweight.
  • Leverage technology.
  • High carbon steel with a coating to protect against rust.

View Latest Price

Best Budget

Hakko Micro Soft Wire Cutter CHP-170 Wire Cutter

Hakko Micro Soft Wire Cutter CHP-170 Wire Cutter
  • 8 mm long jaw.
  • Its weight is 0.640 ounces.
  • Anti-corrosion.
  • It is made of hard steel.

View Latest Price

We have talked about the best features of the top 3 wire cutters. So, now we will move on to their detailed reviews.

1. Irwin Vise-Grip Multi-Tool Wire Cutter 2078309

Irwin Vise-Grip Multi-Tool Wire Cutter 2078309

The Irwin Vise-Grip 2078309 is one of the best wire cutters available. This induction hardened cutter has a sharpened edge for easy cutting. Its length is 8 inches. That is why; we can use this wire cutter in different situations. They provide you with much leverage to cut most wires. The insulated and non-insulated crimps serve plenty of purposes related to electrical wires.

The bolt-cutter cuts bolts and leaves lead perfect threads. It thus helps to get rid of problems that arise from bolt cutting and makes them replace other tools. You can strip wires with the plier-styled nose and even pick small objects. 

It is self-adjustable that you can use for adjusting the jaw depending on the wire size. You can also control the core strip’s length with the stopper mechanism. It can cut 10-22 AWG with ease. The comfortable handles offer you a safe and comfortable grip. Another advantage is that the nose allows the user to loop the wire while stripping, making the work easier and faster.

View Latest Price

Pros

  • Handles are comfortable.
  • It has a plier-style nose.
  • It cuts 10-22 AWG.
  • It reduces hand fatigue.

Cons

  • It lacks smooth actions.

2. Channellock 7-Inch Wire Cutter

Channellock 7-Inch Wire Cutter

The Channellock Wire Cutters are the best premium-quality wire cutters in the market. They come in two different sizes, which are 7-inch and 8-inch. The leverage technology enables you to use less strength in comparison to other wire cutters. Therefore, it helps in reducing hand fatigue and allows for more prolonged use. Their light and sleek design provide easy handling.

Channellock Wire Cutters are made of steel with high-carbon that enhances their work. This wire cutter has a coating that protects it against rust. These wire cutters, thus, last for a long time. Channellock Wire Cutters are manufactured from the USA, which is also an assurance of its high quality.

Besides, the handles of this wire have a blue code grip that ensures their durability and comfortability.

View Latest Price

Pros

  • It is light in weight.
  • This Wire Cutter is resistant to rust.
  • It comes in two sizes.
  • The handle is comfortable.

Cons

  • It is expensive.

3. Hakko Micro Soft Wire Cutter CHP-170 Wire Cutter

Hakko Micro Soft Wire Cutter CHP-170 Wire Cutter

True to its name, the Hakko Micro Soft Wire Cutters are small in size. They can cut wires up to 16 gauge. You cannot cut stiff and rigid wires with them. They are mostly suitable for cutting thin, soft plastic and copper wires. The 2.5 mm carbon steel from which they are made makes them long-lasting and durable. This wire cutter cuts wires that are terminal up to 1.55 mm at a standoff level. That is due to its reverse cutting 21 degree angled cutting surface.

  10 Best Tool Chests in 2021

The ground holes provide precise and smooth movements. This wire cutter has a spring design that returns the tool to the opening position and lessens the user’s fatigue. 

There is a dolphin-styled handle that gives a non-slip and firm grip. The Parkarized surfaces prevent glare and corrosion. 

The only disadvantage is it does not provide the best cutting as they don’t cut in a straight manner. 

View Latest Price

Pros

  • It has durability due to hard steel.
  • It is suitable for a budget buy.
  • Resistant to corrosion and glare.
  • Lightweight.
  • Hand grips are non-slip.

Cons

  • Not suitable for cutting hard wires.
  • It cannot cut in a straightway.

4. Stanley 84-105 6-Inch Diagonal Cutting Plier

Stanley 84-105 6-Inch Diagonal Cutting Plier

The Stanley Wire Cutter has tempered six inches long jaws for reaching tight areas. They are also called diagonal cutting pliers. It is light in its weight as it weighs only three pounds. This wire cutter is made from forged steel that gives them durability and makes them rust-resistant. So, they last for a long time. 

There is a long double-dipped handle with rubber of high-quality finishing. It reduces the user’s fatigue and ensures the user’s comfort when working for an extensive period. It has a steel chrome-nickel on its jaw that is resistant to slipping. It also offers a firm grip when cutting wires.

The downside is it is not versatile enough for homeowners and professionals. That is why; you will need to buy more tools in the future for repairs. It will require you to spend more money. They are not of very high quality, so it is not an ideal choice for professionals.

View Latest Price

Pros

  • Durable.
  • Rust resistant.
  • It reduces the user’s fatigue.

Cons

  • Non-versatile.
  • It will cost you more in the future.

5. Klein Tools 11055 Wire Cutter and Wire Stripper

Klein Tools 11055 Wire Cutter and Wire Stripper

The Klein Tools 11055 Wire Cutters are both lightweight and compact. They can cut copper and solid wires. This tool glows in the dark, and you can use it in dark areas. The stripping holes are exact and work well. 

The serrated nose helps you to grip the wires easily. You can bend, shape, and pull wires, making them versatile. The double-dipped handle also offers comfortable gripping.

The coil spring that is fitted to it allows for a fast opening. The markings are easy to read, which maintains the convenience of the user. 

We can strip, loop, and cut 10-15 AWG in solid wires and 12-20 AWG in stranded wires. Another benefit of using this wire cutter is that it shears 6-32 and 8-32 screws.

You can use them in anything that is wire related. It makes it the best choice for professionals and homeowners. 

But there are some disadvantages. The big openings hamper the tool’s accuracy. You cannot strip the entire wire jacket with these, which makes them complicated for use.

View Latest Price

Pros

  • User friendly.
  • You can loop and bend them.
  • It provides a comfortable grip.

Cons

  • Big openings.
  • It cannot strip well.

6. Xuron Micro-Shear Flush Cutter 170-II

Xuron Micro-Shear Flush Cutter 170-II

The Xuron Micro-Shear Flush Cutter is a tool that is quite handy to cut and strip thin wires. It derives its name from shears as their shapes are very similar. This tool also imitates the shears in its functionality, especially on the electric wires. This is one of the best wire cutters available online.

Besides, the frame is of alloy steel that is constructed with Rockwell hardness. This vital element in Xuron Flush Cutter gives it power and makes it durable. There is also a return spring that helps in cutting that lessens the effort and movement of hands.

  10 Best 60 Gallon Air Compressors in 2021

The compactness of the size allows its use in tight and small spaces. The wrapping is done with a non-slip, soft material of rubber for the user’s support and comfort.

View Latest Price

Pros

  • It minimizes the movement of hands.
  • It is quite compact.
  • Durable.

Cons

  • It does not have many premium features.

7. Irwin Vise-Grip Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper

Irwin Vise-Grip Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper

Irwin 2078300 is one of the leading model wire cutters of this brand with innovative, unique designs, and the tool’s usability. 

The Irwin Vise-Grip 2078300 is comfortable to handle and is resistant to slips. They provide support to the user and reduce the fatigue in his/her hand. 

The swivel knobs are adjustable, enabling the user to make small adjustments to cut, fit, and strip wires and gauges smaller than 20 AWG. The mechanism of self-adjustment ensures the perfect stripping of the wires.

Besides, the design of the model is made so that it fastens the process of cutting. This tool is, therefore, convenient for electricians for the installation of wires.

View Latest Price

Pros

  • It is resistant to slips.
  • Irwin Vise-Grip 2078300 provides user support and reduces the fatigue of the user.
  • It has adjustable swivel knobs.
  • This tool is convenient for professional use.

Cons

  • It is quite expensive.

8. Whizzotech Wire Cutter

Whizzotech Wire Cutter

Whizzotech Wire Cutter is a good quality tool. It is 5-inches long. The material that it is made from is vanadium steel that enhances the durability of the device. 

We can cut wires with a gauge range of 20-25 quite easily. You can use this tool for electrical repairs with tiger tail, memory wire, headpins, and eye pins. Beginners, jewelers, or experienced professionals can use them. 

The tool also has fittings with a handle that is resistant to slips, comfortable, and allows the user’s operation to be convenient and easy.

The uniqueness of Whizzotech Wire Cutters lies in its versatility. You can cut through different materials like soft plastics, copper, and some wires. This product can last long provided that you do not use it to cut steel.

View Latest Price

Pros

  • It is very durable.
  • Versatile.
  • It ensures user comfort.
  • It is suitable for beginners and professionals.

Cons

  • It cannot cut steel.

9. Cal Hawk CPLWC8 Steel Wire Cutter

Cal Hawk CPLWC8 Steel Wire Cutter

The Cal Hawk Wire Cutters are of good quality and resistant to rust. They are also long-lasting and durable. They are treated with heat that allows them to stand rough use and mistreatment. 

The handles also have durability. Dipped handles of PVC are used to give them extra gripping. This factor makes them a bit usable, but that does not provide the user with much comfort. It is mainly due to the dipped plastic that is comparatively less comfortable.

They are also not quite ergonomic in comparison to other wire cutters that are available in the market. 

The stripping holes of the wire cutters are not very accurate. Therefore, it is not very versatile. If you have large hands, this wire cutter is the one for you as it is not suitable for small hands. The close lock often becomes undone. 

View Latest Price

Pros

  • The blades have heat treatment.
  • The handles are durable.
  • It is rust-resistant.

Cons

  • It only suits long and broad hands.
  • The close clock often creates problems.

10. Muzata Steel Wire Cutter

Muzata Steel Wire Cutter

Muzata Steel Wire Cutters are suitable for cutting both hard and soft wires. It makes it the best choice for professionals who are looking for this feature. The edges are also quite sharp and strong that you can cut through 32-inch steel. This tool can provide clean cutting without any smashed or frayed ends.

These wire cutters are also very precise, and you can use them without much difficulty. You can even do cable railing on the stairs and the deck with great visible results. They are suitable for long periods of use as the handles are comfortable and firm. It is 8 inches long, and its weight is 12 ounces. You can use it for railing requirements at your home. Along with the above uses, it can also come in handy for removing the grommet.

  10 Best Pancake Air Compressors in 2021
View Latest Price

Pros

  • Durable.
  • It gives clean cuts.
  • It is suitable for the removal of grommet and railing of cables.

Cons

  • It lacks certain high-quality features.

Wire Cutters Buyer’s Guide

Buying a wire cutter online is not an easy job, especially when there are many options available in the market. You need to keep multiple factors in mind before buying wire cutters to avoid unwanted issues in the future. So, take a look at the following features before making your final decision.

What are the uses of wire cutters?

The first use of wire cutters is cutting wires. We can cut different types of materials like iron, copper, brass, steel, and aluminum wires. Some wire cutters can cut small plastic pieces. Most of them are not preferable for cutting stranded and hard wires and cables that are thick. You can also repair gadgets and make jewelry with some of them. But only hardy cutters can cut steel wires like that of piano wires.

Can they cut through metal?

Some wire cutters can cut metal. It mainly depends on the material and quality that they are made from. The wideness of the shears will determine the length of the metal cuts. Electric shears with teeth operate vertically that cuts straight through the metal. Dovetail wire cutters can snip dovetails with a blade of V-shape. The durable, heavy-duty cutters are of reinforced steel that can cut aircraft wire cables that are galvanized and ¼ inch stainless steel.

Should they be versatile?

Some wires can only cut wires. But others can bend, strip and do different types of work. If you have a versatile wire cutter with various functions, it can prevent you from spending more in the future. So, if you are looking for wire cutters, buy one that has versatility.

How much durability must it have?

We have to choose wire cutters that are durable enough to stand many cuts. Durable wire cutters generally are higher in quality than the ones that break easily. Therefore, make sure that your selected wire cutter will last longer.

Ergonomics

An ergonomic handle and a spring in a wire cutter to minimize the user’s hand fatigue. It helps in working for long periods. The material of the handle must be comfortable. Dipped plastic does not offer much comfort. The gripping should be firm and resistant to slips. Some wire cutters have heat-resistant handles. There are coil springs in some handles that lessen the tiredness of the user. If you want wire cutters to work in tight areas, go for small ones.

Price

The best wire cutters provide good value for your money. The material must be durable so that you do not need to replace it often. Don’t go for products just because they are low in price. You need to make sure that the wire cutter that you are choosing will serve your purpose well. So, understand your requirements and then make a purchase.

Conclusion

Wire cutters serve different types of functions that are more than just cutting wires. You can easily make your choice from the top 3 best wire cutters. The Irwin Vise-Grip Multi-Tool Wire Cutter is the best overall. Channellock 7-Inch Wire Cutter provides premium quality features. Lastly, Hakko Micro Soft Wire Cutter CHP-170 is the best wire cutter for your budget. So, wait no more and grab your wire cutter now!

Written by:

Hi there! My name is Herbert Miller and I´m one of these you could call a real handyman. My hobby is to fix everything whenever it comes to cars or stuff in my garden. I created this website to share my knowledge with all the different tools I have tried through the years.