What Is a Side Cutter Used For?
A side cutter, also called diagonal cutters or dikes, is a hand tool for snipping wire, zip ties, cable and small nails. Its angled jaws let you cut close to a surface and leave a flat, tidy end. It is not meant for hardened steel, thick nails or anything that is powered.
WORKPRO W031377ABest overall
CRAFTSMAN CMHT81646Best for electrical work
Crescent PS5429CMost cutting powerWhat a side cutter is
A side cutter is a pair of pliers with two cutting edges that meet at an angle. The name "side cutting" comes from how the tool works. The blades sit on the side of the jaws instead of at the tip, so you can slide them against a flat surface and cut right there.
You will also hear diagonal cutters, diagonal cutting pliers, dikes or wire snips. They all describe the same basic tool. The jaws do not grip like needle-nose pliers. Their job is to cut cleanly and let go.
What side cutters are used for
Most people reach for side cutters when a small cut needs to be precise. The angled head fits into tight spots, and the edges shear through soft material with little effort.
Common jobs include:
- Cutting copper, aluminum and other soft wire to length
- Trimming zip ties flush with the head so there is no sharp tail
- Clipping the leads off electronic parts after soldering
- Snipping small nails, staples and brads
- Cutting cable ties and soft tie wire when you work on cars, lawn equipment or appliances
- Opening plastic packaging ties or trimming the ends of wire after twisting a splice
How a side cutter works
The two blades are ground to a slight angle and meet like scissors, but with a wedge shape. When you squeeze, the edges press into the material from both sides and split it. A tight pivot keeps the blades lined up so the cut is clean.
Edge quality matters most. Induction-hardened edges stay sharp longer and resist chipping. The WORKPRO W031377A on our comparison page lists induction-hardened edges rated at 65 HRC on 50CrV steel. Hardness around 65 HRC is a good sign if you plan to cut steel wire, because softer edges tend to dent or chip.
Leverage matters too. Longer handles give you more force, and compound action pliers multiply it. The Crescent Pro Series 8 inch cutters are listed with compound leverage that adds 50% more cutting power.
What not to cut
Side cutters have limits. Using them on the wrong material can chip the edges, spring the jaws or throw a sharp piece of metal toward your face.
Keep these off the cutting edges:
- Hardened bolts, screws and tempered steel wire
- Thick nails beyond what the tool is rated for
- Steel cable, unless the maker says the tool can cut it
- Any wire that is live or connected to power
Choosing a pair that fits your jobs
Think about where you will use the tool. A short pair fits panels and electronics. A longer pair reaches into recessed spaces and gives more leverage. The table below uses published specs from our best side cutter comparison.
If you want to see every option on one spec sheet, our side cutter comparison covers the steel, edge type, grip and length of each model.
| Model | Length (in) | Weight (oz) | Notable feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| WORKPRO W031377A | 6.57 | 6.9 | 50CrV steel, 65 HRC induction-hardened edges |
| Crescent Pro Series 8 in | 8 | 8 | Compound action, 50% more cutting power |
| warmtree 8 in | 8 | 9.44 | 50CrV steel, ANSI compliant |
| KATA 11 in long reach | 11 | 17.28 | Long reach for tight spaces, not insulated |
Safety and care
Wear safety glasses every time you cut. Snipped ends can fly off at speed, especially with stiff wire, and your eyes are the part most at risk.
Never cut live wires. Many side cutters have handles that are not insulated. The KATA long-reach cutters, for example, are listed as not insulated and the maker says to disconnect power before use. Switch off the circuit and confirm it is dead before you cut. If you need tools for live work, look for handles that are specifically rated for it.
After use, wipe the jaws and store the tool somewhere dry. A corrosion-resistant finish helps, but a bit of dryness protects the edges and the pivot. If the jaws no longer meet cleanly or start to crush wire, replace the pair instead of forcing it.
Quick buying checklist
Match the tool to the thickest wire you plan to cut, then check these points:
- Steel: 50CrV, Cr-V or drop-forged steel for strength
- Edges: induction-hardened for long life
- Grips: bi-material grips cut down hand fatigue on long jobs
- Size: short for tight spaces, longer for leverage or reach
- Rating: check any stated limits on wire type before you buy
Frequently asked questions
Are side cutters the same as wire strippers?
No. Side cutters cut wire. Wire strippers remove insulation without cutting the conductor. Some people strip with cutters, but a stripper is more precise.
Can I use side cutters to cut a nail?
Only small, soft nails and only if the tool's maker allows it. Thick or hardened nails can chip the edges.
What is the difference between side cutters and end cutters?
Side cutters have jaws that cut along the side, ideal for flush cuts on a surface. End cutters cut with the front of the jaws, which suits pulling or nipping nails and rods.
Why do some side cutters have longer handles?
Longer handles give more leverage, so you can cut thicker wire with less effort, though they are bulkier in tight spaces.