The cutting head of diagonal pliers is slightly bent inward relative to the handle line while side cutters have a straight cutting end that is parallel to the handles. As a result, the inward angle of diagonal cutters allows you to cut materials flush with the surface better than side cutters.
What is the best wire cutter?
- HARDENED BLADES & POWERFUL CUTS – 60Si2Mn quality alloy spring steel is heat-treated for enhanced hardness and durability. ...
- RUST PREVENTION & CORROSION RESISTANCE – Black phosphating covered on the surface of the jaws gives great rust and corrosion prevention.
- LONG ARMS FOR EFFORT SAVING – Heavy-duty bolts connect the jaws and handle securely. ...
Does diagonal mean an angle cut?
diagonal noun. a line or cut across a fabric that is not at right angles to a side of the fabric. Etymology: From diagonalis, from διαγώνιος, from διά + γωνία. diagonal noun. a punctuation mark used to separate related items of information. Etymology: From diagonalis, from διαγώνιος, from διά + γωνία. diagonal noun.
What are the uses of diagonal cutting pliers?
description and function Diagonal cutting pliers are used for cutting wire and small pins in areas that cannot be reached by larger cutting tools. Because the cutting edges are diagonally offset about 15 degrees, these can cut objects flush with a surface.
Why are wire cutters called dikes?
What tools should every electrician have?
- Pliers.
- Screwdrivers and nut drivers.
- Wire strippers.
- Fishing tools.
- Measuring devices.
- Labeling machines.
- Power drills and drivers, hammer/drills.
- Power saws.
Are diagonal pliers the same as side cutters?
They cut wire by indenting and wedging a cable apart (as opposed to shearing like scissors). The name comes from how the cutting edges of the jaws are set at an angle (hence the name "diagonal"). They are also known as side cutters, flush cut pliers, side cutting pliers, wire cutters, diagonal cutting nippers.
What are diagonal cutters used for?
Diagonal cutting pliers are used for cutting wire and small pins in areas that cannot be reached by larger cutting tools. Because the cutting edges are diagonally offset about 15 degrees, these can cut objects flush with a surface.
Why is it called diagonal cutter?
The plane defined by the cutting edges of the jaws intersects the joint rivet at an angle or "on a diagonal", hence the name.
What are side or diagonal cutting pliers best used for?
Unlike scissors, which cut by shearing, diagonal cutters work by indenting and wedging the line. This particular tool is used for cutting cables. It can handle soft metals like copper, brass, aluminum, iron, and steel.
Are wire cutters and side cutters the same?
When would you use each if there is a difference? Answer: The term "flush" means level or straight and on the same plane, so flush cutters cut a wire level. Side cutters, or angle cutters, cut on an angle, meaning the wire edge will be cut to one side.
What do side cutters look like?
1:172:31How to use Side Cutters - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBecause they're a little bit sharper in that edges a little bit finer. They're easy to chip onceMoreBecause they're a little bit sharper in that edges a little bit finer. They're easy to chip once they're chipped well.
What do electricians use side cutters for?
Side/diagonal cutters They cutters work by indenting and wedging the wire apart and offer a cleaner finish than a knife or scissors. They provide a diagonal cut and are commonly used on soft copper or aluminium electrical conductors.
Are pliers and wire cutters the same thing?
Remember that wire strippers are best for removing the insulation from wire, while cutters are best for (you guessed it) cutting wire. Pliers help you reach, bend, grab, cut, hold and loop wire, and crimpers are the best tool to join two pieces of ductile material together.
What tool is called a dyke?
Dykes 4.5" Side Cutter Diagonal Wire Cutting Pliers Diagonal Wire Cutter Side Cutting Pliers (wire cutter) - - Amazon.com. Tools & Home Improvement.
How do I choose a wire cutter?
Wire Cutter Selection GuideCutting Capacity. The cutting capacity tells you what size wire can be cut and will be rated according to either the wire gauge or the diameter of the cable (not including the thickness of the insulation).Blade Material (Hardness) ... Handle Length (Leverage) ... Insulated vs.
How many types of cutters are there?
16.47). Various other types of form milling cutters are convex milling cutters, concave milling cutters, corner-rounding milling cutters, pocket milling cutters, spindle milling cutters, form milling gang cutters, etc.
Diagonal Cutters vs Side Cutters
Diagonal cutters or Dykes are much the same as side cutters. In fact, the two terms are usually interchangeable. However, there is a slight difference in the design of the two types of cutting pliers.
What to consider when choosing the best diagonal or side cutters
There are several factors to consider when shopping for wire cutters. Be it diagonal cutters or side cutters. The following are the most important ones:
Frequently Asked Questions
Diagonal cutters or side cutters are not only good for cutting. You can see them for other tasks such as removing stuck cotter pins when replacing ball joints on a car’s suspension system.
What is the difference between diagonal and side cutters?
One of the key differences is that diagonal cutters are often better suited to smaller, more delicate cutting tasks, whereas side cutters are ideally suited to larger-scale applications. While this isn't always the case, it is useful to know as a general rule.
What is a diagonal cutter?
Diagonal cutters are designed for crimping or wedging cable apart to allow precision cuts. They provide a diagonal cut and are commonly used on soft copper or aluminium electrical conductors.
What is a hydraulic cable cutter?
Hydraulic Cutters. Hydraulic cable cutters can be used on a variety of conductors, wire ropes and even solid bars. They feature a guillotine-style head shear to minimise jams. These tools are mainly used in the power utility and electrical industry for chopping copper or aluminium power cables and overhead conductors.
What is a lineman's cutter?
Linemans Cutters. Easily identifiable by their pincers, they have a shorter gripping surface at the tip and a cutting surface in the middle. These tools are popular in electrical and communications tasks, as well as construction. They are ideal for grasping, splicing or chopping leads and strip insulation.
What is a bolt cutter used for?
They are ideal for tasks such as snipping bolts off containers and cutting through thick chains or leads.
How do side cutters work?
Side cutters work by indenting and wedging the cable apart. They offer a cleaner finish than scissors or knives. Side cutters should not be used on harder items, such as nails or screws, as these materials can cause damage and might even render the tool unusable.
What is a cutter?
Cutters are hand tools which are used to cut a variety of materials. An average pair has two levers fixed together by a fulcrum, which is located closer to one end. The shorter part is the jaws and the longer section comprises the handles. These tools use levers to extend and increase the strength of grip. By pressing on the handles, holding power ...
What is the difference between a side cutter and a diagonal cutter?
Side cutters and diagonal cutters are generally the same. The main difference is how they’re called in different countries. For example, they’re commonly called diagonal cutters in the US, but they’re referred to as side cutters in Canada and Australia. Meanwhile, in the UK and Ireland, these tools are called snips.
What is a diagonal cutter?
Diagonal cutters are generally used for cutting wire. You can see that its jaw doesn’t have any flat plane for gripping. Its cutting edges intersect at an angle, hence the “diagonal cutter” designation. Diagonal cutters work by indenting the wire and then wedging it apart.
What material can a diagonal cutter handle?
It can handle soft metals like copper, brass, aluminum, iron, and steel. However, harder materials, like tempered steel cables and piano wire, usually require a higher-quality cutter made with hardened steel. Today, I’m looking at twelve of the best diagonal cutters I’ve worked with in my years as a handyman, then as a contractor.
How much does a diagonal cutter weigh?
It is also covered with slim non-slip grips to ensure maximum controllability during use. The best thing about this diagonal cutters is it only weighs 0.65 pounds. Its minimal mass allows you to comfortably carry it anywhere, whether in your pocket or your toolkit.
Can you use pliers on cable cuts?
If you’re looking for a pair of pliers to use on intricate cable cuts, then this is the tool for you. Just ensure that you don’t use it for harder materials because it’s not designed for that application.
