Top-notch electrician's scissors or shears can be relied upon for long-lasting performance, effectively cutting through wires, cables, and copper sheets. Think your work environment is tough? Make sure your tools are up for the challenge.
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- Best for fibre optics: Jonard Tools - JIC-186 Wire & Kevlar Ergonomic Fiber Optic Cutter
- Heavy duty: Klein Tools - 2100-5 Electrician Scissors
- Best for small wires: Knipex Tools - Electricians' Shears with Crimp Area for Ferrules
- Best Utility: Engineer - Multi-Function Compact Scissors
- Best angled: Knipex Tools - Angled Electricians' Shears
1. Best for fibre optics: Jonard Tools - JIC-186 Wire & Kevlar Ergonomic Fiber Optic Cutter
The JIC-186 has become a favourite among electricians who specialise in fibre optics. Its plastic handle provides added safety when working with low voltage, making it a trusted choice.
Pros
- Kevlar pull strings: This cutter is specifically engineered for cutting Kevlar pull strings within fibre optic cables. It provides precise and clean cuts, ensuring the Kevlar is efficiently severed without damage.
- Solid copper coax cables: In addition to its use with fibre optics, it’s capable of cutting solid copper coaxial cables.
- Extended use: The JIC-186 is engineered with ergonomically designed handles made of dual-component nylon and Santorini material. These offer a comfortable and secure grip, reducing hand fatigue.
- Durability: Crafted from strong high-carbon stainless steel, these scissors ensure long-term durability and reliability, even in demanding work environments.
- Serrated blade: The JIC-186 features a serrated blade, which not only aids in precision cutting but also provides an easy and secure grip on the material being cut.
- Adjustable joint screw: The inclusion of an adjustable joint screw allows for quick and hassle-free adjustments.
Cons:
- Thicker materials: The JIC-186 may not be the best choice for cutting through thicker materials, such as coaxial cables.
- Accidental cuts: Due to its sharp serrated blade and lack of sheath, users should use caution to avoid accidental cuts to their fingers or palms.
2. Heavy duty: Klein Tools - 2100-5 Electrician Scissors
Klein Tools is known for its commitment to producing high-quality tools in the United States. The 2100-5 scissors reflect this commitment, meeting the standards of electricians who value high-quality sturdy construction and sharp blades.
Pros:
- Cutting through wires and cables, including Cat6: The Klein 2100-5 is specifically designed for effortlessly cutting through most wires and cables.
- Long-lasting performance: Made from stainless steel, these scissors are built to last, offering consistent sharpness over an extended period.
- Corrosion-resistant nickel-plated finish: The scissors are nearly indestructible, with a corrosion-resistant nickel-plated finish that ensures that they survive whatever environments you throw them in.
Cons:
- Handle sizing: Some users may find prolonged use uncomfortable, particularly those with larger hands.
- Handle comfort and voltage protection: As the scissors are fully metal, users after cushioned or plastic protection around the grips should look elsewhere.
3. Best for small wires: Knipex Tools - Electricians' Shears with Crimp Area for Ferrules
Measuring just 6.25 inches in length and 3.12 inches in width, these compact electrician's shears exhibit remarkable cutting capabilities, effortlessly handling wires while also offering an additional crimping area for Ferrules. Despite their small size, these shears pack a powerful punch and are impressively sharp. To ensure safety, they come with a protective sheath to prevent accidental stabbings.
Pros:
- Stripping coax and smaller wires: These shears excel at stripping the insulation from coaxial cables and smaller wires.
- Compact and lightweight design: The compact and lightweight design of the shears is perfect for electricians on the go.
- Comfortable grip and holster: The shears are designed with an ergonomic grip that promotes comfortable use during tasks. Additionally, they come with an included holster for convenient storage and quick access.
- High-quality, sharp blades: The shears feature high-quality blades that are razor-sharp, ensuring precise and efficient cuts.
Cons:
- Not suitable for 10 and 12-gauge wires: While these shears are great with smaller wires, they are unsuitable for cutting thicker 10 and 12-gauge wires.
- Blades care: The sharpness of the blades may diminish when used to cut coaxial cables and thicker materials.
4. Best Utility: Engineer - Multi-Function Compact Scissors
Made in Japan from steel, these scissors are known for their high-quality craftsmanship, reflecting a commitment to reliability and precision. Their sharp blades make light work of most wire varieties and remain effective even under harsh working conditions.
Pros:
- Copper and steel wires: These scissors rock at handling copper and steel wires; as well as carpet, leather, insulated cable, CDs, thick rope or whatever you can think to throw its way.
- Protection: The scissors include a finger pinch guard and a protective cap with drain holes. This ensures safe storage and reduces the risk of accidents.
- Comfortable handles: The ergonomic design of the handles provides a comfortable grip, ensuring that users can work efficiently and without hand strain during prolonged use.
Cons:
- Small handle size: Users with larger hands may find the handles somewhat small, which can affect their grip and comfort during use.
- Rust: As they are made of steel, the blades may rust when exposed to water for extended periods.
5. Best angled: Knipex Tools - Angled Electricians' Shears
Featuring precision-ground stainless steel blades equipped with fine serrations, these shears guarantee precise and slip-resistant cuts across a diverse array of materials.
Pros:
- Comfortable: The 45° angled shears provide a natural extension of your hand, making them exceptionally comfortable for electricians working in confined spaces. This design ensures that your hand is in a more relaxed and ergonomic position.
- Enhanced sightlines: The angled head not only improves comfort but also offers better sightlines. Electricians can see exactly what they're cutting.
- Multi-functional crimping: These shears feature two end ferrule crimping areas, catering to different wire sizes. The smaller crimper handles 10 - 20 AWG wires, while the larger crimper takes on 4 - 8 AWG wires. This eliminates the need for separate crimping tools.
- Safety: The inclusion of an opening spring and a lock for secure storage and transport ensures the blades remain safely tucked away when not in use.
Cons:
- Thick wires: While versatile, there may be better choices than these shears for very thick wires. They are more suitable for smaller gauges (10 - 20 AWG and 4 - 8 AWG).
- Handle size: Users with larger hands may find the handles of these shears somewhat small, which could affect overall comfort during prolonged use.
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