In the market for some new cable cutters? Don’t splash the cash until you’ve checked out our panel’s expert reviews on the best cable cutters for electricians.

Cable Cutters

Hamer CC60 Cable Cutter
Trade price: $108.68  
The lowdown: The Hamer cable cutters will shear cable up to 60mm cu. Clean cuts mean that trimming of the conductors is not needed when fitting lugs and links. The handles offer good leverage, and they’re a nice size so they will fit snugly into your tool pouch.

Klein Tools 160mm Cable Cutter
Trade price: $45.95  
The lowdown: Designed to efficiently handle aluminium and copper cables up to 9mm or 50mm2. The high-leverage design allows for easy cutting and stripping, while two distinct profiles maximise efficiency,

Wattmaster Cable Cutter (WATME60)
Trade price: $127.32  
The lowdown: The marvel cable cutting pliers are expertly crafted with blades and handles made from drop-forged chrome vanadium steel. Designed to cut copper cable cleanly, it handles wire sizes 0-60mm2.

Jared’s Review

Hamer CC60 Cable Cutter
Size matters.

“This product is solidly built with plenty of leverage and leaves the fresh cut super clean. There are no real negatives as there isn’t much to this tool – two pieces of sharp metal. The grip could do with a bit more shape, and this proves size does matter– they’re a bit too big.”

Verdict: Decent.
Rating: 7.5/10

Klein Tools 160mm Cable Cutter
Great value.

“This one is a good size in comparison to the others and is perfect for 16mm2 when cables are tight near the top of circuit breakers.   Price is fair, and they are better than side cutters in tight spots, although I wouldn’t use them on anything smaller than 16mm. The grip feels pretty cheap, but because of the size, I would use these more than the other two.”

Verdict: I’d use them.
Rating: 9/10 TOP PICK

Wattmaster Cable Cutter (WATME60)
Second place.

“This tool is pretty slim – perfect size for the tool belt. It’s pretty similar to the Hamer, but a fair bit smaller, but the grip is of similar comfort. I wouldn’t pull it out of the car for less than 25mm2, and the price is getting up there.   It’s slightly better than the Hamer, purely for size.” 

Verdict: Strong choice.
Rating: 8/10

Jay’s Review

Hamer CC60 Cable Cutter
Faultless.

“For me, this one is the pick of the bunch. The handle length and leverage are great and it has the best handles. It gave the cleanest cut of the three, and is best for everyday use for any cable size – couldn’t find fault with it.”    

Verdict: We have a winner.
Rating: 10/10 TOP PICK

Klein Tools 160mm Cable Cutter
Sharp choice.

“The cutting ability and the sharpness of blades means they were good for smaller cables, and stripping was made easy.   They are a handy size for everyday use but the handle length was too short and unfortunately, the grip let it down. It’s also a bit limited in the size of cable it can cut.”

Verdict: Cuts well.
Rating: 9/10

Wattmaster Cable Cutter (WATME60)
Too big for everyday work .

“In the plus column, the leverage of handles and ease of cutting was great. They can be used easily by anyone and the sharpness of the blades left a clean cut.   The only complaint I had was that the handle can become slippery, and it’s a bit too big to keep in the tool bag for everyday use.”

Verdict: Lots of positives.
Rating: 9/10

Nathan’s Review

Hamer CC60 Cable Cutter
Good to use.

“This one felt good for all applications, and the handles and grip were great to use. I had no issues cutting up to 60mm cu, but there just was not enough leverage. This one wasn’t the best, only because of the handle length.”

Verdict: Close!
Rating: 9/10

Klein Tools 160mm Cable Cutter
Tool bag staple.

“Great to use every day with anything from 9mm to 50mm2, and I would happily keep this one in my everyday tool bag. The only downside is the cutting size ability – it would be nicer if it could cut bigger cables, so for that reason it’s not my favourite, but still a great option.”

Verdict: Good option.
Rating: 9/10

Wattmaster Cable Cutter (WATME60)
Pole position.

“This one had the best handles and grip, and was great for any size cable. It had the cleanest cut out of the three, and was the most comfortable to use. An excellent option.”

Verdict: Definitely my favourite.
Rating: 10/10 TOP PICK