The best diagonal cutters in the UK 2023

Indispensable for manual workers or gardeners, diagonal cutters are a must-have tool in any toolbox. They come in all sizes and colors, so it is advisable to take your time to choose the right model. To make things quicker, here is a comparison of the best diagonal cutters available today.

Tacklife MWS02 1
8/10

Best value for your money

Tacklife MWS02

The best diagonal cutter in 2021

Whatever the thickness of the wire, the MWS02 model from Tacklife cuts and strips without any problem. As for the crimping side, it is still perfectible.

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The German brand Tacklife offers us a first class diagonal stripper. The MWS02 works perfectly. Whatever the thickness of the wires, the automatic stripping and the cutter function do the job well. This pliers is powerful and sturdy, and there is no doubt that when it comes to durability, it is perfect.

A small drawback, the adjustment of the conductor to be stripped was more efficient. Indeed, the screw that should adjust the clamping force seems to work poorly for some insulation plastics. As a result, the cut is not clean and straightforward.

Diagonal Cutting Pliers with PLATO170 Ejoyous 2
7/10

Best value for your money

Diagonal Cutting Pliers with PLATO170 Ejoyous

The best entry-level diagonal cutter

Choose a versatile diagonal cutter. This precision tool is useful for working on electrical installations or jewelry processing.

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Made of special high carbon steel, this tool is designed to last and resist wear and tear. It is a versatile cable cutter that can be used for 3D printers, electronic circuit repair, jewelry making, model making and many more.

Equipped with a non-slip rubber handle, it fits perfectly in the hand. Product plus: a light spring for easy cutting. This one is convenient to bite and to use.

Stanley FMHT0-96230 FatMax 3
9/10

Best value for your money

Stanley FMHT0-96230 FatMax

The best high-end diagonal cutter

A Stanley FatMax pliers takes the top spot in this ranking. Its sturdiness, automatic stripping and compatibility with all household cables and wires speak for themselves.

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Stanley has developed the FMHT0-96230 FatMax, the perfect tool for do-it-yourselfers. The quality of this pliers is impeccable, solid and very well finished. Comfortable and easy to use, it is designed for stripping. Simply insert the wire from the left to the right stop and squeeze the pliers and you're done.

With this tool, cutting plastic will no longer be such a time consuming task. In short, the Stanley FMHT0-96230 FatMax does the job very well and is sure to make your job easier.

TSNetwork Universal Wire Stripper 4
8/10

Excellent

TSNetwork Universal Wire Stripper

A great alternative

Whether you are a student, a professional or an occasional handyman, this model is for you. This TSNetwork universal wire stripper strips by simply rotating the cable.

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If you need a handy tool for preparing flexible, rigid, shielded or unshielded multi-stranded cables, you've got just what you need. This is a universal cable stripper for RG59, RG6, RG7 and RG11 coaxial cable, telephone cable, TV cable, data cable and Ethernet cable. Whether it is for installing a computer network or for various domestic cabling, this tool will do the job perfectly.

After inserting the cable, simply rotate it to strip the insulation. Thanks to the stable handle and the sharp blades, you will get a professional result in seconds.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best diagonal cutter

Any specific needs?

The best diagonal cutter in 2021

The best entry-level diagonal cutter

The best high-end diagonal cutter

A great alternative

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best diagonal cutters

TOP OF THE LINE CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Tacklife MWS02 5
8/10
Diagonal Cutting Pliers with PLATO170 Ejoyous 6
7/10
Stanley FMHT0-96230 FatMax 7
9/10
TSNetwork Universal Wire Stripper 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Tacklife MWS02
Diagonal Cutting Pliers with PLATO170 Ejoyous
Stanley FMHT0-96230 FatMax
TSNetwork Universal Wire Stripper
Whatever the thickness of the wire, the MWS02 model from Tacklife cuts and strips without any problem. As for the crimping side, it is still perfectible.
Choose a versatile diagonal cutter. This precision tool is useful for working on electrical installations or jewelry processing.
A Stanley FatMax pliers takes the top spot in this ranking. Its sturdiness, automatic stripping and compatibility with all household cables and wires speak for themselves.
Whether you are a student, a professional or an occasional handyman, this model is for you. This TSNetwork universal wire stripper strips by simply rotating the cable.
Adjustable stripping length
High hardness and wear resistance
Heavy-duty steel automatic wire stripper
Universal stripping tool
High quality alloy head and spring
Handle is made of anti-slip rubber
Soft Touch dual material handles
Stable handle and sharp blades
Good non-slip performance
Wide range of application
Multipurpose
Two stripping blades

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Buying guide - diagonal cutter

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How to choose your diagonal cutter

Diagonal cutters are generally used for cutting wires. Not sure which model to choose? Here are some criteria to consider that will help you find the right diagonal cutter.

#1 - Adjustment on the hand

When purchasing your diagonal cutter, check to see how it fits on your hand. Its length is almost always indicated in the product description. It varies between 140 mm and 200 mm. This length goes from the tip of the jaws to the tips of the handles.

If a model is available in different lengths, the jaws will all be the same length, but the handles will be longer or shorter. There are different sizes on the market. Make sure the item you choose fits you well, whether you use it with your bare hands or with safety gloves.

#2 - Cutting capacity

Also check to see if the diagonal cutter you buy is suitable for the materials you will be working with. The cutting capacity will be described in the technical specifications. Sometimes it is also on the handles of the tool using their chemical symbols as well as the maximum wire diameter that can be cut. While this is only a guide, cutting anything harder than the materials listed will potentially damage your diagonal cutter.

#3 - Condition of use

As a general rule, for light duty work on small copper wires, the diagonal cutter can be smaller and lighter. On the other hand, if you want to cut piano wire all day, a model witha wide jaw and thick blades will be more suitable despite their heavier, bulkier frames.

#4 - Light and comfortable

Go for a pair of diagonal cutters that are both lightweight and comfortable. Sometimes the weight is also listed in the product description. Obviously, it is best if diagonal cutters are fairly light, as they need to be carried and used comfortably.

#5 - Features

You should choose a diagonal cutter based on the use you plan to make of it. If it is to be designated for a construction of structural parts, you should opt for those with compound action levers. But if it is to be used by an electrician, go for the one with an automatic opening spring.

How to use your diagonal cutter?


A very useful cutting tool, diagonal cutters are used to cut thin metal sheets. Diagonal cutters are generally very popular with electricians as they provide a high degree of precision in electrical panels, for example. In addition, it can be used to cut different kinds of wires such as piano wire, etc.

In fact, the cutting part of these pliers is located on the outside to cut the object very short to prevent it from sticking out. When using a pair of pliers, there are a few precautions to take for optimal and safe use. In addition, you need to know how to handle it properly.

First, you need to equip yourself with protective gear before using this tool, such as safety glasses, gloves, as well as a face shield. The latter will provide good protection against flying particles or pieces of wire.

It is imperative to cut at the right angle when using a cutter. Never use them from side to side. This is also true when moving back and forth against the cutting edge of your tool. For a good grip of your cutting pliers and especially for your comfort during use, it is strongly advised to use one that is adjustable or has a smaller grip opening, more precisely from 6 to 9 cm.

In addition, this will reduce the risk of pinching your fingers or palm when the pliers are closed. Finally, be careful not to expose your tool to high heat. It is also not recommended to use it as a hammer as this can damage it and reduce its longevity.

Diagonal cutters or pliers?

Diagonal cutter

The diagonal cutter is a very popular DIY tool for electricians, fishermen, florists, carpenters... Many use it in their work. This type of pliers allows a clean and precise cut. Thanks to its resistance, it has the strength to cut several kinds of objects such as wires, cables or hard plastics. Its handles ensure a comfortable grip and the fact that they are equipped with plastic coatings prevents electrocution. The diagonal cutter is also quite small and light.

But while very practical, this form of pliers has a few weak points. Some have blades that dull quite quickly. This will make it ineffective, if not unusable. Others do not offer comfort because of their very hard handles. In addition, diagonal cutters have difficulty cutting wire or nails of a certain diameter. This forces you to turn to pliers.

Pincers

The pliers fall into the category of cutting pliers. In contrast to the diagonal cutter, its blades are perpendicular to the handles. They cut small objects of all kinds clearly and have a higher cutting power. For example, it can cut nails. However, this type of pliers is not limited to cutting, as it can also pull out nails. This is made possible by its extremely compact jaws and long handles that allow for a leverage effect that reduces effort considerably.

On the downside, the pliers are not as precise as the diagonal cutters. Moreover, it does not guarantee excellent manoeuvrability, due to its weight and long handles. Because of its large jaws, it cannot be used in confined spaces for cutting. In addition, some models do not have non-slip surfaces.

Verdict

The choice between pliers and diagonal cutters will depend on the use you intend to make of them. A diagonal cutter is certainly more practical because it is easy to use and because its cutting edges can easily reach narrow places. On the other hand, a pair of pliers is preferable if you want to cut materials of a certain thickness.

Tips

Uncoil your diagonal cutter

The big problem with cutters is that they rust quite quickly, making the cut less effective. The maintenance of the tool consists largely in its rust removal. To do this, immerse the pliers in a basin filled with white vinegar and let it sit overnight. Then rinse it with clean water and let it air dry.

Remember to lubricate it

As time passes, the mechanism of your diagonal cutter gets old and eventually jams. When faced with this problem, consider pouring some degreaser on the joint pin and activate the mechanism several times to ensure the product penetrates well. You can also use oil in place of sealer.

Store it properly

First of all, your diagonal cutter should be stored in a place out of reach of children. This is because children can cause damage with them and even injure themselves. Ideally, the pliers should be stored in a toolbox and placed high up. But also note that some pliers models have a hook so they can be attached to a stand.

Always check the condition of the toothed jaw

Before using your diagonal cutter, it is important to always check the condition of the toothed jaw. A dirty or worn jaw could actually compromise your safety. You will have to put more effort into cutting, which will increase the risk of muscle fatigue and repetitive strain injuries.

Use the universal pliers as a substitute

If you don't have a diagonal cutter at your disposal, you can turn to the universal pliers that also have the cutting function. For an electrician, it is also possible to replace the cutting pliers with a simple pair of scissors, or an electrician's knife.

FAQ

What safety precautions should be taken when using a diagonal cutter?

It all starts before you buy! Make sure your diagonal cutter has all the necessary safety features such as effective electrical insulation. You can also put on a pair of gloves before each use to optimize the insulation. But the most important thing to check is how hard your tool is; whether it is made of materials that are strong enough for you to cut your cables and wires with ease.

What is the ideal size of a diagonal cutter?

The size depends mainly on your needs. For this reason, you should consider the other parameters to better orient yourself towards a quality tool. Nevertheless, a standard cutter is 16 cm long. Therefore, you can use it for all your DIY jobs, especially for cutting electrical wires. On the other hand, you can choose 18 cm pliers if you are often confronted with harder wires.

How to sharpen a diagonal cutter?

If you are a professional, you must have one of these sharpeners in your toolbox, otherwise a trick that allows you to sharpen your pliers well would be to use a white stone that you soak in water. Simply rub both sides of the blade well and clean with an eraser. Do not use abrasive paper, as this could damage the blade.

Who is the diagonal cutter for?

Being a universal tool, the diagonal cutter is used for all DIY and construction work. It is the preferred tool of professionals in the field of mechanics and plumbing, but it is also a popular tool for small DIYers and craftsmen. This is why it is essential to choose the right diagonal cutter to meet your requirements.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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  16. , shop.kstools.fr
  17. , leroymerlin.fr
  18. , maxoutil.com
  19. , stanleyoutillage.fr
  20. , mabeo-direct.com
  21. , hellopro.fr
  22. , materiel.hellopro.fr
  23. , setin.fr
  24. , weinmann-schanz.de
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  30. , manomano.fr
  31. , leroymerlin.fr
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Tacklife MWS02 9
Tacklife MWS02
Diagonal Cutting Pliers with PLATO170 Ejoyous 10
Diagonal Cutting Pliers with PLATO170 Ejoyous
Stanley FMHT0-96230 FatMax 11
Stanley FMHT0-96230 FatMax
TSNetwork Universal Wire Stripper 12
TSNetwork Universal Wire Stripper

Lecteurs

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