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Tools Hand Tools

Best Soft Wire Cutters

Melinda Harris
Written by Melinda Harris
Updated October 2021
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Klein Tools Stranded and Solid Wire Cutter and Stripper
Klein Tools
Stranded and Solid Wire Cutter and Stripper

The Klein offers the cleanest cut of any model we considered, along with the most precise stripping and shaping holes. The product is built to last by a trusted tool company.

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Bottom Line

The Klein offers the cleanest cut of any model we considered, along with the most precise stripping and shaping holes. The product is built to last by a trusted tool company.

Pros

This model will cut up to 18 AWG solid or 20 AWG stranded wire. Will cut through wire without fraying the ends for easy threading and splicing. Holes for bending, looping, and stripping wire are precisely measured and easy to use. Serrated nose provides a strong grip for pulling loose wires or other small obstacles. Tool is light enough for anyone to use, yet the heavy-duty material is tough enough to stand up to frequent usage.

Cons

Some users report that blades may need sharpening quickly with frequent usage on the heaviest gauges of soft wire.

Best Bang for the Buck
Newacolox Multi-Tool Side Cutting Pliers
Newacolox
Multi-Tool Side Cutting Pliers

This model stands out for its innovative handle design, and its potential for multiple uses including a surprisingly useful paper cutter.

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Bottom Line

This model stands out for its innovative handle design, and its potential for multiple uses including a surprisingly useful paper cutter.

Pros

This strong and well-built tool cuts easily through commonly-used gauges of copper and soft wire, and can even cut through thin plastic. Owners report using the paper cutting tool on job sites more than they expected, along with the popular wire stripping and crimping tools. The insulated handle grips are designed to conform to fingers while staying in place on the handles, even with frequent usage. The grip is noticeably comfortable when compared to other models.

Cons

These are bulkier than many handheld wire cutters, meaning users with smaller hands may struggle with this model.

Milwaukee 6-in-1 Combination Wire Stripping and Reaming Pliers
Milwaukee
6-in-1 Combination Wire Stripping and Reaming Pliers

This model makes clean cuts on up to 20 AWG stranded wire, and includes a small bolt cutting tool and reaming head designed for wire crimping or smoothing the edges of metal pipes.

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Bottom Line

This model makes clean cuts on up to 20 AWG stranded wire, and includes a small bolt cutting tool and reaming head designed for wire crimping or smoothing the edges of metal pipes.

Pros

This tool includes just about everything an electrician or audio-visual technician would need on the job in a compact handheld tool. Curved cutting blade moves easily through even the heaviest gauges of wire, and the stripping tool works just as quickly. The bolt-cutting tool allows trimming of common size Number 6 and Number 8 bolts to whatever size the user requires. Reaming head can smooth up to half-inch pipe. This is the best tool we considered for making light displays or similar technical jobs.

Cons

The comfort grips tend to slip off of the handles on this model with frequent usage.

Hakko Carbon Steel Soft Wire Cutter
Hakko
Carbon Steel Soft Wire Cutter

The carbon steel material allows this model to be used a lot without wearing down, for users who need to cut a lot of wire without the need for shaping.

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Bottom Line

The carbon steel material allows this model to be used a lot without wearing down, for users who need to cut a lot of wire without the need for shaping.

Pros

The heavy-duty carbon steel is the primary benefit of this model. Strong, durable, and lightweight, these cutters can be used by anyone for household tasks but also hold their own at the job site. We are impressed by the cutting power — up to 16 gauge copper or soft wire. There are no wire shaping features, but for simple cutting and splicing, these are a good option.

Cons

On heavier gauges, this model will not give as clean a cut as higher end models.

TGK Micro Shear Flush Wire Cutters
TGK
Micro Shear Flush Wire Cutters

A good option for users who need reliable wire cutters for occasional household tasks without the multi-tool functions of other models.

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Bottom Line

A good option for users who need reliable wire cutters for occasional household tasks without the multi-tool functions of other models.

Pros

This model is a great tool for small household tasks such as trimming and splicing wires. It is lightweight and thin making it easy to use for just about anyone, yet the carbon steel material will hold up for a long time with occasional usage. The slim .39-inch blade makes these wire cutters a great option for jewelry making or crafts as well.

Cons

This model is not intended for frequent cutting of heavy gauge wire, and will wear out quickly with such usage.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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First Reviewed
October 30, 2021
30
Models
considered
14
Hours
researched
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The team that worked on this review
Our Top Picks
Klein Tools
Best of the Best
Klein Tools
Stranded and Solid Wire Cutter and Stripper
Bottom Line
The Klein offers the cleanest cut of any model we considered, along with the most precise stripping and shaping holes. The product is built to last by a trusted tool company.
Shop Now
Newacolox
Best Bang for the Buck
Newacolox
Multi-Tool Side Cutting Pliers
Bottom Line
This model stands out for its innovative handle design, and its potential for multiple uses including a surprisingly useful paper cutter.
Shop Now
Milwaukee
Top Pick
Milwaukee
6-in-1 Combination Wire Stripping and Reaming Pliers
Bottom Line
This model makes clean cuts on up to 20 AWG stranded wire, and includes a small bolt cutting tool and reaming head designed for wire crimping or smoothing the edges of metal pipes.
Shop Now
Hakko
Top Pick
Hakko
Carbon Steel Soft Wire Cutter
Bottom Line
The carbon steel material allows this model to be used a lot without wearing down, for users who need to cut a lot of wire without the need for shaping.
Shop Now
TGK
Top Pick
TGK
Micro Shear Flush Wire Cutters
Bottom Line
A good option for users who need reliable wire cutters for occasional household tasks without the multi-tool functions of other models.
Shop Now
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