Side cutters

Side cutters are hand tools and are part of a large group of hand tools for cutting various materials in the form of wire, thin rods and wires. Another name for side cutters is side cutters. People tend to shorten different names, so it happened with this type of instrument. Side cutters are similar in principle to end cutters, although the force due to the smaller lever parameters on the material is usually less for side cutters. Side cutters are pliers.

Basically, with the help of this tool, mainly electricians work, although they are also used when cutting metal or plastic.
And at the household level, side cutters are used so often that it’s impossible to list everything. The length of the side cutters that can be found in the store

ranges from 125 to 200 mm.
High-quality side cutters have a cutting edge hardened by high frequency current, which allows them to cut through such durable material as steel. Of course, you should not use this tool for cutting thick steel wire, otherwise you will simply cover the cutting edge and the tool can be thrown away.

To prevent electric shock, the handles of most side cutters are covered with an insulating material made of plastic or plastic with rubber pads. In addition, such a lining of the handles reduces slipping of the hands when working with side cutters, and also partially protects the tool from moisture. Most side cutters have a special chrome coating to prevent rust and corrosion on the metal of the tool. It should also be noted that a good tool is made of durable chrome-vanadium steel.

Types of side cutters

Depending on the size of the side cutters, they are divided into several groups.

1. Side cutting pliers of special power.

A characteristic feature of this group of side cutters is that they have the highest gear ratio (the largest lever). The edges of this tool are of the highest quality and durable, since the tool initially involves biting strong metals. For cutting pliers of special power, the hinge axis is usually made by forging, which significantly increases the bending and shear strength.

2. Side cutters are ordinary.

In fact, the main part of the side cutters presented in hardware stores belongs to this group. They have almost the same characteristics, except for the price and quality of the metal from which they are made. You should not choose very cheap side cutters made in China, as they have a very short life. Very often, about cheap Chinese models of this tool, the cutting edges are not processed by hardening, and if you bite such a strong material as steel (steel wire or nails) with them, jams will form very quickly and, accordingly, the wire cutters will stop cutting.

3. High voltage side cutters.

This group of tools is made with reinforced insulating handles that allow you to carry out work, including on electrical networks up to 1000 volts. The metal of these side cutters is subjected to heat treatment with bluing. Yes, in appearance they look more powerful than the classic models.

4. Side cutters are miniature.

This is already a tool, so to speak, for people who are engaged in more delicate work compared to laying wires. Basically, miniature side cutters are used by people associated with electrical engineering or computer topics, laying Internet lines and telephone cables. The tool is easy to recognize by its small size, as well as a special plate, which, like a flat spring, returns the tool handles to their original position. This was done due to the fact that it is not very convenient to do this with your fingers.

We recommend small side cutters for all people to have among their tools. With their help, it is very convenient to snack not only building materials, but also plastic, strong threads, fishing line, etc. In general, a very useful tool in everyday life.

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