The 10 Best Cable Cutters
This wiki has been updated 14 times since it was first published in May of 2019. Cable cutters represent the muscle in a proper collection of pliers. Sure, your side cutters or linesman will do just fine for snipping through light-gauge wire, but when you start getting into the heavier stuff – #6 AWG and up – you're going to want a tool in your pouch that packs a little more cutting power. For slicing through wire as large as 4/0 aluminum or 2/0 soft copper, we suggest these. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
Editor's Notes
May 08, 2019:
This Wiki is focused strictly on cable-cutting pliers. Like all tools, the cable cutters on this list will have their limitations. As a rule of thumb, you can expect any of the pliers on this list to cut through 2/0 soft copper or 4/0 aluminum conductors. If you're looking for a tool to cut through steel or aluminum conductor steel-reinforced cable, your needs might demand a larger investment in some ratcheting cable cutters. Depending on your budget, you might also want to consider a battery-powered cable cutter. Many top tool companies manufacture these, with designs that accommodate the 18-volt lithium ion batteries that you're used to seeing, in other cordless power tools.