The Best Wire Cutters on the Market

Even the most basic hand tool comes in many models. To pick the most efficient, you'll need to consider factors like cost, comfort, and reliability.

Wire cutters are a relatively simple tool, but all these features come into play when deciding which one is right for you. Here are some of the best, most highly-rated options to consider.

Channellock E337CB Diagonal Cutting Plier

For around $30, this pair of wire cutters offers a soft grip and strong cutting power. Over 225 Amazon reviewers give it a solid 4.5-star rating and the New York Times selected it as their top choice after a comprehensive trial of several different wire cutters.

They were described as durable and exceptionally strong. Plus, they’re made in the USA.

Knipex 74 02 200, 8-inch High Leverage Diagonal Cutter

These are also at the very high end of the range for wire cutters, but the reviews are nearly a perfect five-star across the board, with over 1,100 responses. They reportedly require less effort to use and offer a comfortable hand grip that lessens fatigue during use.

When applying that much pressure, having a cushioned grip notably saves a lot of hand discomfort. Knipex models are made in Germany from high-quality materials.

Hakko-CHP-170 Micro Cutter

These land on the other end of the price spectrum, coming in at under $10. Yet with nearly 17,000 reviews and a nearly perfect 5-star rating, it’s clear they do the job they’re intended to do.

If your needs are pretty basic and you’re dealing with basic wire, rather than thick cable or steel wire, this could be the pair you need in your toolbox. For softer wire such as copper or tin, reviewers frequently mention the ability for these to make a close cut, which is essential in detailed work.

Klein Tools D20009NEGLW Side Cutter Lineman's Pliers

This is technically a pair of pliers that doubles as a wire cutter. That’s a two-for-one deal on a tool that’s priced around $50. Perhaps the most notable characteristic of this model is the glow-in-the-dark handles.

If you’re working in the weather, trying to make repairs at night, or have a roadside emergency, being able to locate the tool easily can save a lot of hassle. These are rated to cut harder wires as well as screws and nails.

Knipex Tools - Diagonal Cutters

Another offering by the Knipex brand, the diagonal cutters are a middle-of-the-road option as far as price, landing in the $20-25 range. They’re a tool for the everyday toolbox and can be used on electrical jobs in and around the home.

The handle is a basic plastic grip without extra padding, but they’re not intended for high-pressure jobs so reviewers report them as comfortable considering the tasks at hand.

Irwin Vise-Grip 2078306 6-Inch Diagonal Cutting Pliers

These are another highly-rated option that also ranked a top spot with the NY Times testing team. At around $10, the Irwin brand is known for quality at an affordable price. They also come in a variety of other sizes to meet the needs of all hands.

At this price point, they are again meant for lighter jobs like trimming floral wire and basic electrical work. The blades will not hold up against use for stronger and thicker wires.

BOENFU Wire Cutter Heavy Duty

These wire cutters offer a rust-resistant coating, which is essential when stored in a damp environment or for excessive outdoor use. For less than $20, they’re highly rated, specifically for crafting and electrical work. For most DIY enthusiasts, they’ll fit the bill.

Klein Tools Long Nose Wire Cutter

Combined tools save time to keep you from digging around for another tool when you can use the one already in your hand. Such is the case with the Klein long-nose wire cutter, which also serves as a wire stripper.

Just about any electrical job, from those on the workbench to those in the outlets require some stripping in addition to the ability to cut through the wire. At around $25, this one can handle both tasks and comes with a high customer approval rating.

For a few dollars less, the curved handle Klein Tools 11054 also comes well-reviewed. In addition to handling different gauges of wires, they can tackle 6-32 and 8-32 screws too.

Craftsman Wire Stripping Tool

Anyone who knows anything about tools will recognize the Craftsman brand, which aligns with the very definition of quality. These wire strippers and cutters again offer the dual-tool advantage with a comfortable grip.

They act as a bolt cutter and wire crimper too. Over 600 reviewers give it an average five-star rating with customers reporting using them for a range of projects.

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