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Whether you’re cutting wire, nails, or plastic, these high-quality wire cutters will make every job a whole lot easier.

A reliable wire cutter is one of the more convenient tools you can have in your tool kit, enabling you to safely and easily cut through wires with minimal effort. These compact hand tools use extremely sharp jaws, combined with a high-leverage handle design, to snip through a variety of wiring types, as well other thin metal items like screws and nails. They’re also available in a range of sizes, with small heads to access and maneuver tight electrical components, or larger options that provide maximum leverage for cutting through especially thick wires.

Make sure that your potential wire cutters will be able to handle the type and size of wire you’ll be working with. Luckily, most options will clearly state the range of wire sizes they’re capable of cutting. This is sometimes denoted with standard AWG (American Wire Gauge) sizes. If you’re not sure about what you’re going to be cutting, it’s probably a good idea to opt for a lower AWG rating. Just remember that the lower the AWG number, the thicker the wire.

You should also think about whether or not you’ll be working around any kind of live wiring. If so, make sure to use wire cutters that have an insulated handle to protect you from any accidental electric shock. These options can sometimes be more costly than regular cutters, but a few extra dollars is definitely worth the investment. The National Fire Protection Association requires insulated tools to be used when working around electricity higher than 50 volts.

We’ve been using wire cutters for years to tackle a variety of tasks, and used this experience to assemble this list of useful options. Also, although we don’t have a ton of hands-on electrical experience, we understand the importance of both cutting and wire stripping, which is why we included a couple of options that can do both. We also did our best to exclude any obscure brands or low-quality models, since we’ve known the frustration that comes with spending unnecessary time and energy struggling with inferior cutters.

The small size and narrow tip of these cutters make them perfect for accessing and snipping wires and other components in tight or awkward spots, like in crafting or electronic work. An opening spring also makes the handles easier and more comfortable to use than typical manual cutters, and the rubber-like covering provides a sturdy grip while you work. 

Even if you don’t have a specific task in mind for them right now, at a price this low, it could be worth it just to grab a pair and keep them around for when you need them.

If you plan on stripping wires as well as cutting them, this Irwin tool could be a great choice. Although its layout might be confusing and intimidating at first, it’s actually simple to use, thanks to the straightforward instructions and labels printed directly onto the blades and handles. 

A series of dials allow you to easily select the proper AWG size that you’re working with, and the nose is designed to be used as a plier for grabbing and pulling as well. These wire cutters provide the ability to crimp wire and cut small bolts too, making them an extremely versatile choice for an amateur electrician.

These Klein Tools pliers strike the ideal balance of convenience and power, and would be well-suited for a wide range of wire cutting tasks. Their 8-inch length allows users to generate the leverage needed for heavy-duty projects, while the relatively short jaws make them just as useful for smaller, more precise jobs. Plus, the plastic-dipped red handles make them easy to identify in a cluttered tool box or workshop. 

Klein Tools is well-known for the high quality of its products, which is clearly seen in the hot-riveted joint of this model, which allows for smooth operation without wobbly or loose handles.

These cutters offer both the precision craftsmanship of a Knipex product, as well as the safety of an insulated tool. The handles are rated to withstand up to 1,000 volts of electricity, and are designed with a ridge near the top to prevent your hands from accidentally slipping forward during use. 

Their extra-sharp cutting edge also allows you to tackle a wide range of materials, like nails, piano wire, and soft copper. Although these cutters cost considerably more than similar options, they’re also extremely durable, and thanks to their chrome vanadium steel construction, will last a very long time.

If you’re serious about electrical work, this Klein Tools cutter and its convenient stripping mechanism could be just what you’re looking for. Its fitted teeth and clearly labeled holes allow you to strip a wide range of wiring sizes by simply squeezing the handles together. It can cut wires from 8 to 22 AWG, and is coated with a protective finish to prevent damage from corrosion or rust. 

Although this model is extremely useful, it might be too complex and unnecessary for the casual user who's just going to cut the occasional wire.

Even though they aren’t technically “wire” cutters, we wanted to add these Klein Tools cutters for anyone who wants maximum cutting power in a relatively compact tool. These extra heavy-duty cutters use their forged steel jaws to shear through wire and cable, and their hooked jaw shape makes it easy to prevent whatever you’re working on from slipping out. 

Despite their powerful cutting capacity and ability to generate a ton of leverage, these cutters are compact in size, and at 13 inches long, are still easy to store in your toolbox or backpack. They’re also available in an insulated version.

These Boenfu cutters are designed to cut through coat hangers, artificial flower stems, and plastics—in addition to traditional wiring—making them well-suited for crafting and decorating hobbyists. Their orange handles make them easy to identify, and also feature a rubber grip that allows you to maintain maximum control while you cut. 

These rubber handles, combined with the manageable 7.6-ounce weight, make this set comfortable to use for those all-day projects. While the six-inch length is convenient for transport and storage, this set is also available in a larger size for more heavy-duty tasks.

Whether you’re looking to expand your current wire cutting capabilities, or buying a gift for someone just starting out, this set is a great option. It includes three wire cutters, measuring 6¼, 8, and 10 inches long, so you’ll be prepared to tackle a wide range of wire sizes and settings. 

These Knipex cutters all feature plastic-dipped handles for a solid and sturdy grip, and the chrome-vanadium steel bodies make them extremely durable. Plus, just like all Knipex tools, these are all covered under a limited lifetime warranty against defects.