Side-Cutting Pliers

About Side-Cutting Pliers

Side-cutting pliers are the dedicated wire and cable cutter in any plier collection. The angled jaw allows you to sever copper wire, zip ties, plastic sprues, and soft metal rod close to a surface, making them standard equipment for electricians, electronics technicians, model builders, and general DIYers. At the top of the demand chart, the Klein D248-9ST ($29.99, 4.8 stars, 6,158 reviews) draws 1,000 buyers a month, a figure that tells you how central these tools are to everyday electrical and trade work. The 43 side-cutting pliers in this collection range from $5.94 to $50.33. Handle materials span plastic, alloy steel, thermoplastic rubber (TPR), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), each suited to different grip preferences and work durations. Full-size professional models like the KNIPEX 74 01 200 SBA ($38.42) measure 9.5 inches and weigh 9.12 ounces. Compact hobby cutters like the Tamiya TAM74035 ($29.80) are listed at a small size for detail work on model builds, while the ENGINEER NS-04 ($23.75) comes in at 83 grams with a TPR grip for those who want minimal weight and maximum control. To narrow your choice, focus on three things: jaw profile (standard diagonal for wire cutting versus close-cut flush for circuit boards and plastic sprues), handle material (alloy steel for trade durability, TPR or PVC for comfort over long sessions), and price tier. Budget picks under $15 handle occasional use well. Professionals who cut wire daily typically invest $30 to $50 for edge retention and a grip that holds up across a full shift.