The Panel Decides: Best side cutter for electricians

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

Klein Tools Heavy-Duty, High-Leverage Diagonal Side Cutters (A-D2000-28)
Trade price: $67.20
The lowdown: These diagonal cutters have a high-leverage design to provide 36% more cutting and gripping power. The 2000 series knives cut ACSR, screws, nails and most hardened wire, while exclusive handle tempering absorbs the snap when cutting wire.

Wattmaster High-Leverage Cutting Nippers
Trade price: $77.34
The lowdown: Wattmaster’s High-Leverage cutting nippers are drop forged for strength, ensuring long-lasting use even in demanding conditions. Featuring heavy-duty bevelled blades, they provide precise and efficient cutting of both steel and copper wire. The non-slip comfort handle grips offer enhanced control and ease of use.

Hamer 8” Side Cutting Diagonal Pliers
Trade price: $87.33  
The lowdown: The Hamer 8″ Side Cutting Pliers offer a high-leverage hinge and handle design for superior cutting power with less effort. The angled head, meanwhile, allows for flush cable cuts in crammed spaces or trimming cable ties cleanly,

Andrew’s Review

Klein Tools Heavy-Duty, High-Leverage Diagonal Side Cutters (A-D2000-28)
Strong choice.

“This is a good pair of side cutters. I liked the feel and balance they gave, and they cut through larger cable quite well. They didn’t have the cutting power of the other two pairs though – that’s the only thing keeping them off the top of the pile.”

Verdict: Lacking a bit of power.
Rating: 8/10

Wattmaster High-Leverage Cutting Nippers
A contender.

“This is a very good pair of side cutters. The non-slip grips are a big positive, as are the safety wings. They were very close to being my top pick – it was probably just in the cutting of bigger cable where this set was lacking.”

Verdict: Close, but no cigar!
Rating: 8.5/10

Hamer 8” Side Cutting Diagonal Pliers
Top of the pops!

“I loved the feel and weight of these side cutters, and the angled head was also a plus for getting a nice close cut. It cut through large cables with ease, and I couldn’t fault them.” 

Verdict: My favourite.
Rating: 9.5/10 TOP PICK

Klein Tools Heavy-Duty, High-Leverage Diagonal Side Cutters (A-D2000-28)
Rough cuts.

“I liked the slim and ergonomic handles – they fit in my tool pouch really well, and cut through cable with ease, although they don’t leave the cleanest final cut. They left jagged edges of copper protruding past the end of the cable. They’re also still a bit stiff after a couple of weeks’ use.”    

Verdict: A strong option.
Rating: 8/10

Wattmaster High-Leverage Cutting Nippers
Smooth cuts.

“The Wattmaster has a great cutting edge all the way to the tip and left quite a straight/smooth finished cut. Grips aren’t as slim as the other two so don’t fit as well in my tool pouch, and the jaws don’t open as wide as the others.”

Verdict: My favourite.
Rating: 9/10 TOP PICK

Hamer 8” Side Cutting Diagonal Pliers
Jagged finish.

“The ease of use straight from the packaging was quite a surprise, and the jaws can open a long way to help you get around those bigger cables. They do leave quite a jagged finish though, and the shape of the head just doesn’t allow you to get into those tight spots.”

Verdict: Solid choice.
Rating: 8/10

Klein Tools Heavy-Duty, High-Leverage Diagonal Side Cutters (A-D2000-28)
Top all-rounder.
“The design is  very user-friendly and I found the cutters were lightweight with an easy grip and a great working technique. These cutters also fit into your utility/work belt with ease. The cutting process is good, too. For design, feel and value for money, these are the best.”

Verdict: We have a winner.
Rating: 8/10 TOP PICK

Wattmaster High-Leverage Cutting Nippers
Comfortable grip.

“This tool has a comfortable grip and is lightweight, and would be ideal in property and general maintenance jobs. They didn’t fit into my work utility belt comfortably though, which was a downside. The design and the cutting power were good, though, and the pricing is ok.”

Verdict: Good option.
Rating: 7/10

Hamer 8” Side Cutting Diagonal Pliers
On the stiff side.

“The pliers were stiff to use and I personally didn’t find the angle design useful in daily work. I didn’t find the angle head user-friendly and the cutting power was average. These side cutters were a little heavier but still very compact.”

Verdict: Fine for general work.
Rating: 6/10