Side Cutting Plier For Wire And Component Leads

Plier, Side Cutting

High-Leverage Design: The pivot-to-blade ratio is mathematically optimized to reduce the amount of hand force required to snip through tough copper and medium-hard steel wires.

Induction-Hardened Cutting Edges: The blades undergo a secondary heat-treatment process to reach a hardness of 58–62 HRC, ensuring they maintain a razor-sharp edge and resist nicking.

$3.02

Quick Answer: A side cutting plier, also called a diagonal cutter, has two sharpened jaw edges set at an angle along the jaws and no gripping faces. The side cutting plier is used to cut wire, trim component leads and snip cable ties close to a surface.

A Cutter, Not a Gripper

The jaws are ground into two wedge-shaped edges that meet along their length. Squeezing the handles pinches the wire between the wedges until it parts, which is why a bevel-cut end is slightly pointed rather than square. Because the jaws are angled to the handles, the cutter can lie flat on a board or panel and cut a lead close to the solder joint.

Edge profiles differ. Bevelled edges are strong and cope with harder wire but leave a small stub; flush-ground edges leave a nearly flat end, ideal for electronics, but are more delicate. Which profile this cutter has can be confirmed, along with its length.

Cut ends fly. When trimming component leads, cover the lead with a finger or point the board downwards, and wear eye protection. Hard steel, piano wire and screws should not go into cutters made for copper; heavier steel rod needs a bolt cutter.

Care & Handling

Keep the jaws square to the wire and do not twist the cutter to finish a cut.
Keep hard wire, screws and nails away from the edges; a nicked edge spoils fine cuts.
Close the jaws for storage and oil the pivot occasionally.
If relying on handle insulation, check it is marked and undamaged.

Specifications

Type	Diagonal (side) cutting plier
Edges	Angled, sharpened jaw edges
Cuts	Copper and soft wire, component leads, cable ties
Edge profile	Bevelled or flush, to be confirmed
Overall length	Confirm at enquiry

Applications

Trimming resistor, capacitor and LED leads after soldering on PCBs and stripboard
Cutting hook-up wire and copper conductors to length for circuits
Snipping cable ties flush when tidying wiring and apparatus cables
Cutting thin wire for coils, electromagnets and models in physics projects

Why Choose LabEquip

Electronics workshops, physics labs and robotics clubs issue side cutters with every soldering station, usually next to a combination plier. LabEquip includes them in its general lab products; ask about flush-cut versions through the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between flush-cut and bevel-cut side cutters?

Flush-cut edges leave an almost flat end and are used for trimming electronic leads neatly. Bevel-cut edges leave a small pointed stub but are stronger, so they last longer on thicker or harder wire.

Can side cutters cut steel wire?

Thin soft iron wire, yes. Hardened wire, piano wire and spring steel can chip the edges unless the cutter is rated for hard wire.

Why does the cut end fly off?

The wedge action releases stored energy as the wire parts. Cover the offcut with a finger, point the work down or away from people, and wear safety glasses.

Can I strip insulation with side cutters?

It is possible to nick and pull insulation, but the edges easily cut into the copper strands. A wire stripper set to the conductor size gives cleaner, safer results.

Why are the jaws angled to the handles?

The angle lets the sharpened edges sit flat on a board or panel while the hand stays clear, so leads and ties can be cut close to the surface.

How do I keep the edges sharp?

Use the cutter only on materials it is meant for, cut at right angles and never use it to grip, twist or lever. Nicked edges are hard to restore and are a sign the tool needs replacing.

Last Updated: September 2026