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Here are a few alternative methods that you can use to cut or break wiring on a job without using wire cutters. 1 – Bend it. If the wiring in question is on the thinner side and relatively pliable, you could try bending it. 2 – Hacksaw. 3 – Tin Snips. 4 – Reciprocating Saw. 5 – Angle Grinder.
What is the best tool to cut thick wire?
The Best Wire Cutter Our pick. Channellock E337CB Diagonal Cutting Plier. Strong cuts, comfy grips. Budget pick. Irwin Vise-Grip 2078306 6-Inch Diagonal Cutting Pliers. Quality at a bargain. Also great. Bahco 2101G-180 Ergo Cutting Pliers. Great features, not as strong. Also great. Klein 11054 Wire Stripper-Cutter.
What tool is used to cut wires?
Use the correct pliers or wire cutters for the job. Proper use of side cutting (lineman’s) pliers: Many applications including electrical, communications and construction work. Use to grip, splice or cut wires, and strip insulation.
How do you cut thick copper cable?
Tools for Cutting Medium Gauge Copper Wire A good heavy pair can cut copper wire up to 1/4 of an inch thick. Coax cable cutters are designed for cutting multipair wiring. With a curved blade, these cutters are good for insulated cables and small braided wire. Diagonal cutters are great for cutting in tight situations.
Can you use pliers to cut wire?
Diagonal cutting pliers have a sharp, rounded tip, making them great for stripping and cutting wire. You can use these for nearly any type of wire. Diagonal cutting pliers are also widely used for removing pins and nails as well. If you want to cut a wire hanger, for example, this is a good option.
How thick can a wire cutter cut?
If you need to cut thicker wires, these cutters are a good option. They can cut steel wire up to 5mm and copper cable up to 6mm. The 8″ handle is large enough to get a comfortable grip while cutting. The tool has a simple latch at the base of the handles to secure the cutters in a closed position when not in use.
Are pliers the same as wire cutters?
Remember that wire strippers are best for removing the insulation from wire, while cutters are best for (you guessed it) cutting wire. Pliers help you reach, bend, grab, cut, hold and loop wire, and crimpers are the best tool to join two pieces of ductile material together.
Are wire cutters necessary?
Regardless of whether the job you’re on is big or small, a capable wire cutter is a good tool to have on hand. Wire cutters can help you make fast, clean cuts in most types of wire including copper, brass, steel, building wire, and others. If the wire is too thick or jacketed, this process will definitely not work.
Is it safe to cut wires?
A: Cable and phone wires don’t carry current, so it’s safe to remove them. However, it’s critical not to cut into a power line, as you know.
How do you cut wires without getting electrocuted?
If you want to cut a live wire, try you can use a pair of insulated pliers. Every electrician (amateur or pro) should have a good pair of lineman’s pliers. They can be used to strip wires and to tighten wire nuts, too.
Can I cut speaker wire with scissors?
If you don’t have wire cutters, sharp scissors will do the trick, but you will need to use more pressure. This is done to ensure that your wire reaches from the electronic to the speakers. You can also use a sharp knife and hammer to cut the wire to size.
What to do with extra electrical wires?
Electrical tape is the simplest method of making electric wires safe. You also use tape on capped live electric wires as an extra precaution. Tapes can be used on loose live wires that do not fit the cap. You can simply use tape over the live wire to fit into the cap.
Can scissors cut copper?
Snips work like scissors, try to keep them straight (perpendicular) to the copper. If you have to tilt them you will get a slight extra impression right next to your cut from the snip blade, because it will drag along the copper.
Can I cut a live wire with wire cutters?
House Damage While cutting a live wire will likely trip the circuit breaker, there are other significant hazards. The sudden short caused by cutting live wires can cause sparks which could result in a fire or it can damage other electrical components which themselves could cause fires at unpredictable times.
What uses thick copper wire?
Thick copper strip is used for lightning conductors on tall buildings like church spires. The copper strip has to be thick so that it can carry a large current without melting.Good Electrical Conductivity. Device Use Electromagnets Locks, scrapyard cranes, electric bells. (See Electromagnets.).
How do you cut a piece of metal?
An angle grinder fitted with an abrasive metal-cutting disc works well to cut all kinds of metal, including bolts, angle iron, rebar and even sheet metal. But the discs wear down quickly, cut slowly and shrink in diameter as you use them. Instead, we recommend using a diamond blade that’s rated to cut ferrous metal.
Can wire cutters cut through stainless steel?
Best Heavy Duty Cable Cutters These heavy duty cable cutters are fashioned from sturdy hardened steel and can be used to cut 1/4″ stainless steel cables as well as galvanized aircraft wire.
Can wire cutters cut through metal?
For the most basic application of cutting cables, you can use the wire cutters to cut copper, brass, aluminium, iron and steel wire. To protect you from being shocked by the electric cables you are working with; some wire cutters have insulated handles.
What kind of wire cutters do electricians use?
7. Needle-Nose Wire Cutters. Needle-nose wire cutters are often used by electricians because the sharply tapered jaws make it easy to bend and insert wire into a switch-gear in electrical panels, where there is often not enough space to use any other type of pliers or cutters.
