Cutters

About Cutters

Cutters are essential hand tools found in every professional tradesperson's toolkit and DIY enthusiast's workshop. This versatile category encompasses a comprehensive range of cutting implements designed to cleanly sever, trim, and shape various materials including wire, cable, metal rods, glass, and bolts. Whether you're an electrician working on a 240v installation, a glazier scoring glass, or a maintenance engineer cutting through security fixings, having the right cutter ensures precision, efficiency, and safety.

MyToolShed.co.uk offers an extensive selection spanning from compact side cutters perfect for detailed electronics work to heavy-duty bolt cutters capable of shearing through hardened steel padlocks and reinforcement bar. Our range includes specialised VDE cutters, cable cutters with ratcheting mechanisms, precision glass cutters, and flush-cutting end cutters (nippers). Quality brands such as Knipex, Bahco, Stanley, and Irwin manufacture cutters with hardened cutting edges, ergonomic handles, and specialised jaw designs that deliver clean cuts without crushing or deforming materials.

Applications

Cutters are indispensable tools across numerous trades and applications:

• Electricians and Electrical Contractors: Cable cutters, wire strippers, VDE-insulated side cutters for installation and maintenance work on 240v circuits
• Automotive Technicians: Wire cutters, side cutters, and end cutters for electrical repairs and modifications
• Plumbers and Heating Engineers: General-purpose cutters for cable ties, wire, and fixings
• Glaziers and Window Fitters: Glass cutters for scoring and cutting sheet glass and mirrors
• Maintenance Engineers: Bolt cutters for removing old padlocks, chain, and securing emergency access
• Telecoms and Data Installers: Precision cable cutters for network cabling work
• Construction Workers: Various cutters for wire, reinforcement bar, cable ties, and fixings
• Electronics Technicians: Fine side cutters and flush cutters for component leads and delicate wire work
• DIY Enthusiasts: General-purpose wire cutters, glass cutters, and small bolt cutters for household projects

Choosing The Right Cutters

Selecting the appropriate cutter depends on several critical factors. Consider the material type and diameter you'll be cutting—copper cable requires different jaw profiles than steel wire or glass. Check the cutter's maximum jaw capacity matches your requirements, as exceeding rated capacity damages the tool and produces poor results.

Electrical safety requirements are paramount when working on or near live installations. VDE-insulated cutters certified to BS EN 60900 aren't optional—they're essential for anyone working with 240v circuits. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks individually tested tools bearing the VDE mark conforming to UK regulations.

Handle design and cutting action significantly impact productivity. Professional-grade cutters feature ergonomically designed handles with soft-grip zones that reduce hand fatigue. Ratcheting cutters allow cutting in stages, ideal for thick cables or restricted spaces, whilst compound leverage bolt cutters multiply force for tough materials.

Match precision requirements to your application—fine electronics work demands flush-cutting side cutters with precisely aligned jaws, whilst general site work requires robust cutters that withstand rough handling. Established brands like Knipex and Bahco offer superior materials and often lifetime guarantees.

Safety Information

Electrical safety: Only use VDE-insulated cutters certified to BS EN 60900 when working on or near live electrical installations. Always verify circuits are isolated before beginning work wherever possible, following HSE guidelines.

Eye protection: Always wear safety glasses conforming to BS EN 166 when using cutters, as cutting wire and hardened materials can produce sharp fragments at high velocity.

Correct capacity: Never exceed the cutter's rated capacity. Forcing cutters beyond design limits can cause blade chipping or complete tool failure, potentially causing injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between side cutters and end cutters?

Side cutters have cutting edges on the side of the jaws, ideal for general wire cutting and accessing tight spaces. End cutters (nippers) have cutting edges at the tip and excel at flush-cutting applications where you need to cut close to a surface, such as removing protruding wire ends.

Can I use regular cutters on live electrical circuits?

Absolutely not. Only use cutters specifically designed and tested for electrical work, marked with VDE certification to BS EN 60900. Regular cutters have no electrical insulation and using them on live 240v circuits presents a serious electrocution risk.

What size bolt cutters do I need for cutting padlocks?

For standard padlock shackles (typically 8-10mm diameter), 600mm bolt cutters provide sufficient leverage. Heavy-duty padlocks with hardened shackles may require 750mm or larger cutters. Security professionals often carry 900mm cutters for maximum versatility.