#1.Knipex 8-Inch High Leverage Diagonal Cutters
The Knipex Diagonal Cutter are some of the best side cutters in the industry in our opinion. This is not necessarily the most expensive or the best-performing ones, but we think they achieve a great balance between their ability to through things and the effort it takes to do so. Also, it happens to be a very good value for your money.
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Best Side Cutters
- #1.Knipex 8-Inch High Leverage Diagonal Cutters
- #2.Irwin Vise-Grip Diagonal Cutting Pliers
- #3.Channellock 436 6-Inch Diagonal Cutting Plier
- #4.Whizzotech Diagonal Cutting Pliers 4.5 Inch
- #5.Klein Tools Side Cutters
#1.Knipex 8-Inch High Leverage Diagonal Cutters
If you are looking for the best side cutters, the Knipex 8-Inch High Leverage Diagonal Cutter is certainly a very nice option. It is made of very durable chrome vanadium electric steel. So we think the standout feature is definitely its ability to cut through a lot of materials with minimal effort. This is because of the right balance of the cutting angle, ergonomic handle, and transmission angle.
Also, we like the fact that it is suitable for all types of wires and even good for piano wires due to its forged-on axle. And as a rule of thumb, it has a cutting-edge hardness of around 64 HRC. Finally, just know that we really like the non-slip plastic handles, which give you a nice and firm grip on things and make side cutting much easier.
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#2.Irwin Vise-Grip Diagonal Cutting Pliers
When it comes to the best side cutters, we think that the Irwin Vise-Grip definitely does a very good job. It is made of a very durable nickel chromium steel construction, that resists rust and corrosion. What we really like about this side cutter and what we think makes it stand out is really the handle and grip. It has super comfortable grips and makes cutting seamless.
Next, we like the fact that it has an induction-hardened cutting edge, which means it stays sharper for longer periods of time without you having to manually sharpen it. And finally, just know that it meets or exceeds ANSI specifications and it comes with a lifetime guarantee.
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#3.Channellock 436 6-Inch Diagonal Cutting Plier
Next, we have the Channellock 436, which is one of the best side cutters if you are looking for a set of pliers with great rust protection. It is specialty coated to prevent rust and corrosion. In terms of building material, it is made of high-carbon C1080 steel or high-carbon drop-forged steel. This basically means that it is very strong and will not break or fail.
We also think that the Channellock 436 does a decent job at holding an edge and it is heat treated in a way such that it stays sharp for a long time and definitely outlasts most other brands. The handles are simple yet effective. They are not the most comfortable, but we think it is good enough for most people, who won’t even notice.
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#4.Whizzotech Diagonal Cutting Pliers 4.5 Inch
The Whizzotech Diagonal Cutting Pliers are great for those looking for some side cutters that are quite functional and cheap, without sacrificing too much quality and performance upfront. It comes in three different sizes from 4.5 inches to 5 inches and all the way up to 6 inches. It is easy to cut most materials but is not suited for hard electrical wires.
We really like that it is kind of spring-loaded in the back, which is great for those with little grip strength as it essentially makes you way less fatigued. Many other side cutters don’t have this. The handle is PVC coated and pretty ordinary in our opinion. Nothing to brag about and the comfort level is decent.
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#5.Klein Tools Side Cutters
The Klein Tools Side Cutters are great rather high-end side cutters that really pride themselves on their cutting power and efficiency, claiming up to a 36% increase in performance. So we had to put it to the test and really see if it was worth the hype. After experimenting with it, we say with confidence that it does seem a bit sharper and easier to cut things.
Overall, this side cutter just feels quite premium in your hands and it definitely feels like a better-polished piece of steel rather than some cheap metal with a plastic handle. Lastly, we really like the hot-rivet joint, which makes sure that there is incredibly smooth action and doesn’t give you much handle wobble.
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