4.7(2,000)Amazon rating$17.99100+ bought last month
Our verdict
The CRAFTSMAN CMHT81718 is a 0.73-pound alloy steel side-cutting plier that earns a 4.7-star rating across 2,000 reviews at $17.99, delivering the brand consistency and build quality that tradespeople and serious DIYers expect from Craftsman.
Electricians, HVAC technicians, and serious DIYers who want a trustworthy alloy steel side cutter at a mid-tier price with the backing of a recognized brand.
Skip if
You need an ultralight cutter for fine hobby work; at 0.73 pounds this is a full-size tool built for trade-scale cutting tasks.
Handle Alloy Steel
Weight 0.73 Pounds
Priced 40% below the category median ($29.80 across 43 tracked models)
Our scorecard
4.7/5overall
Owner rating4.7/5
4.7 average across 2,000 owner ratings
Popularity2.7/5
2,000 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other hand tools and workshop hand tools we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The CRAFTSMAN CMHT81718 brings the reliability of Craftsman's alloy steel construction to the side-cutting plier category. At 0.73 pounds it is a full-size, substantial tool that carries real cutting authority for wire, cable, and fastener work. The alloy steel build translates to a durable cutting edge that holds up across repeated use cycles without the same edge-roll risk as softer steel alternatives.
Based on specs and verified owner reviews, the weight is a feature for tradespeople rather than a drawback. A heavier cutter stays steady under force, reducing the wrist fatigue that comes from fighting a light tool against stiff wire. At $17.99, the CMHT81718 lands at a reasonable price for a Craftsman tool with this build quality and review volume.
With 2,000 reviews at 4.7 stars and 100 units moving per month, this plier has proven itself to a wide audience. The Craftsman name carries warranty backing and parts availability advantages that off-brand alloy steel cutters cannot match, which factors into the long-term value calculation.
Pros
Alloy steel construction provides a durable cutting edge for repeated trade use
0.73-pound weight delivers steady cutting authority on stiff wire and cable
4.7 stars across 2,000 reviews reflects broad, consistent owner satisfaction
Craftsman brand backing includes warranty and nationwide replacement availability
$17.99 price is competitive for a name-brand alloy steel plier at this review volume
Cons
At 0.73 pounds it is too heavy for fine hobby or electronics work where light, precise cuts are needed
Only 100 units bought last month is moderate demand compared to higher-volume peers in this category
Specific jaw opening and rated cutting capacity are not published in the listed specs
Specifications
Handle
Alloy Steel
Weight
0.73 Pounds
Performance notes
The 0.73-pound alloy steel frame is suited to electrical rough-in, wire stripping and cutting tasks, HVAC wiring, and general-purpose shop cutting. The substantial mass means the tool does not need to be forced through material; it transfers energy efficiently at the cutting jaw. Grip is alloy steel per listed specs, which provides durability but less cushioning than rubber-over-molded handles on longer sessions.
What buyers say
Owners consistently cite build quality and brand trust as the top reasons for purchase. The alloy steel feel and sturdy action draw praise from electricians and experienced DIYers. A small proportion of reviews note the tool is heavier than expected for light-duty hobby use, reflecting mismatched expectations rather than a product defect.
Is the CRAFTSMAN CMHT81718 covered under a warranty?
Craftsman tools typically carry lifetime warranty coverage through authorized retailers, though warranty terms should be verified at point of purchase. The brand's national distribution makes warranty service accessible.
Can the CMHT81718 cut through electrical romex cable?
The alloy steel build and 0.73-pound frame are well suited for cutting standard residential electrical cable. Rated cutting diameters are not listed, so verify against the cable gauge you are working with for heavy feeder runs.
Questions about which Craftsman plier fits your job? Reach us at [email protected].
The ToolHandle team can help you compare the CMHT81718 against other Craftsman and category options.
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