Best Insulated Side-cutting Pliers of 2025

Jennifer Fraser Avatar
Jennifer Fraser
Last Updated: 1 Feb 2025

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Insulated Side-cutting Pliers are a useful tool for electricians, technicians, and DIY enthusiasts who work with live electrical wires. These pliers are designed to help prevent electrical shock by providing insulation to the user's hands. The pliers are made of high-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting. They have a comfortable grip, which makes them easy to use for extended periods. The pliers feature a side-cutting blade that can cut through wires cleanly and precisely. Overall, Insulated Side-cutting Pliers are a reliable and essential tool for anyone who works with live electrical wires.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

S&R 160mm Insulated Diagonal Side Cutter Cover #TOP 1
S&R 160mm Insulated Diagonal Side Cutter
ftb score rating icon 9.8
SATA 6-Inch VDE Insulated Diagonal Cutting Pliers Cover #TOP 2
SATA 6-Inch VDE Insulated Diagonal Cutting Pliers
ftb score rating icon 9.7
6" VDE Insulated Electricians Cable Cutter Cover #TOP 3
6" VDE Insulated Electricians Cable Cutter
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Insulated Side-cutting Pliers

#TOP 1

S&R 160mm Insulated Diagonal Side Cutter

S&R
161.513.xxx
Red - Yellow
160mm
S&R 160mm Insulated Diagonal Side Cutter Cover
S&R Insulated VDE Diagonal Side Cutter/Electrical Wire Cutters 160mm 1000V VDE-Tested (German Electrical Engineering Association Serie) Wire Cutting Pliers

The S&R Insulated Diagonal Cutter is a versatile tool designed for electrical installation work. With a length of 160 mm and a cutting capacity for medium hard wire up to 2.3 mm, you can effortlessly handle various wiring tasks. The ergonomic grip ensures comfort during use, allowing you to work for longer periods without strain. Made from durable chrome-vanadium steel, this cutter is built to last, making it an excellent addition to your toolkit.

What We Like
Lightweight and easy to handle
Cuts medium hard wires effectively
Ergonomic grip for comfort
Durable chrome-vanadium steel
#TOP 2

SATA 6-Inch VDE Insulated Diagonal Cutting Pliers

ST70232ST
Green
SATA 6-Inch VDE Insulated Diagonal Cutting Pliers Cover
SATA ST70232ST 6-Inch VDE Insulated Diagonal Cutting Pliers with Chrome Vanadium Steel Body and Dual Material Anti-Slip Handles

The SATA VDE Diagonal Pliers are expertly designed for high-voltage environments, ensuring safety with a VDE certification that allows for use up to 1000V of alternating current. The ergonomic dipped grips feature a two-tone, anti-slip surface, providing you with maximum comfort and grip strength during use. The laser-hardened diagonal cutting edge is perfect for electricians, allowing you to tackle most cutting tasks with ease. Additionally, the diagonal cutting blade design ensures clean and precise cuts, helping you achieve the best results in your work.

What We Like
VDE certified for safety
Comfortable anti-slip grips
Laser-hardened cutting edge
Precise cutting blade design
#TOP 3

6" VDE Insulated Electricians Cable Cutter

AN343
6" VDE Insulated Electricians Cable Cutter Cover
6” VDE Insulated Electricians Electrical Cable Cutter Cutting Cut Pliers Snips

The AB Tools Cable Cutter is a high-quality tool designed for electricians. With a total length of 6 inches, these VDE insulated cable cutters ensure your safety while working with electrical cables. The separate induction hardened cutting edges provide added strength, allowing you to slice through tough materials with ease. Fully insulated handles enhance both comfort and grip, giving you better control during use. Tested to 1000V AC, these cutters offer peace of mind, knowing you are protected while handling electrical tasks.

What We Like
VDE insulated for safety
Induction hardened cutting edges
Fully insulated handles
Tested to 1000V AC
#TOP 4

Knipex Insulated Diagonal Cutter 140 mm

70 06 140
140 mm
Knipex Insulated Diagonal Cutter 140 mm Cover
Knipex Diagonal Cutter chrome-plated, insulated with multi-component grips, VDE-tested 140 mm 70 06 140

The Knipex Diagonal Cutter is an essential tool for various cutting tasks. Made from high-quality materials, it ensures a long service life, making it a reliable choice for your toolkit. With precision cutting edges, it can handle both soft and hard wires effortlessly. You will appreciate the clean cuts it provides, even for thin copper wires, right up to the tips. Additionally, the induction-hardened cutting edges guarantee durability, maintaining a hardness of approximately 62 HRC.

What We Like
High-quality material
Precision cutting edges
Clean cuts for thin wires
Long service life
Induction-hardened edges
#TOP 5

Klein Tools Insulated Heavy Duty Pliers

20009NEEINS
Orange/Gray
insulated
Klein Tools Insulated Heavy Duty Pliers Cover
Heavy Duty Side Cutting Pliers Insulated Klein Tools 2000-9NE-EINS

The Klein Tools Pliers are designed for safety and efficiency on the job. With a 1000V rating and VDE certification, you can work confidently without worrying about electrical hazards. The unique three-part insulation includes a white underlayer that alerts you when the insulation may be compromised, ensuring your safety. These pliers excel at cutting ACSR, screws, nails, and most hardened wires, making them versatile for various tasks. Their streamlined design features cross-hatched knurled jaws for a secure grip, allowing you to handle different materials with ease.

What We Like
High safety rating
Versatile cutting abilities
Secure grip design
Durable insulation
#TOP 6

MAXPOWER VDE Insulated Side-Cutting Pliers 1000V

M28544
Red+yellow
MAXPOWER VDE Insulated Side-Cutting Pliers 1000V Cover
Side Cutters Insulated, MAXPOWER VDE Insulated Diagonal Side-Cutting Pliers Wire Cutters Wire Cutting Pliers 1000V VDE-Tested for Electricians, 200mm

The MAXPOWER Insulated Cutters are designed for electrical installation work, providing a reliable solution for cutting cables and wires under 1000V. With a maximum cutting capacity of 1.8mm, they can efficiently handle hard wire, copper wire, and steel wire. The VDE certification ensures that these pliers are safe for use around high-voltage equipment. Constructed from durable chrome vanadium steel, these cutters promise longevity and resistance to rust, making them a valuable tool for any electrician or DIY enthusiast.

What We Like
VDE certified for safety
Durable chrome vanadium steel
High cutting capacity
Designed for 1000V use
Extra hardened cutting edge
#TOP 7

Knipex 32022 160mm Insulated Side Cutters

32022
Blue
160mm
Knipex 32022 160mm Insulated Side Cutters Cover
Knipex 32022 160mm Fully Insulated High Leverage Diagonal Side Cutters

The Knipex Insulated Cutters are expertly crafted from chrome vanadium electric steel, ensuring durability and strength. Their smoothly ground heads feature cutting edges that are induction hardened to 64HRC, making them ideal for cutting through piano and hard wires with ease. The lack of a conventional centre rivet, replaced by a forged-on pivot, provides extra leverage, allowing you to cut with less effort. Additionally, the specially angled head at 12 degrees enables you to cut wires that protrude from flat surfaces, enhancing your convenience during use.

What We Like
Durable chrome vanadium steel
High hardness for tough wires
Extra leverage design
Convenient angled head
#TOP 8

Bahco 2101S-160 Ergo Insulated Side Cutting Pliers

2101S-160
Multi
160 mm
Bahco 2101S-160 Ergo Insulated Side Cutting Pliers Cover
Bahco 2101S-160 Ergo Ins Side Cutting Pliers

The Bahco 2101S-160 Pliers are insulated side cutting pliers designed for work on live equipment up to 1000 volts. This makes them ideal for electricians and professionals who require safety when handling electrical tasks. The pliers feature a black oxidized finish that provides anti-corrosion protection, ensuring durability over time. Additionally, their high performance alloy steel construction guarantees strength and reliability. You will also appreciate the round shaped jaws, which enhance accessibility in confined spaces, making your work easier and more efficient.

What We Like
Insulated for safety
Corrosion-resistant finish
High performance alloy steel
Improved accessibility in tight spaces
#TOP 9

Tengtools Insulated Side Cutting Pliers

MBV442-8
2.5mm
Tengtools Insulated Side Cutting Pliers Cover
Tengtools - Insulated Side Cutting Pliers

The Tengtools Side Cutting Pliers are designed for ease of use and efficiency. With a flat capacity of 2.5 mm, you can confidently tackle various tasks requiring precision. Their cutting capability extends to wire steel up to 3 mm, making them suitable for heavier jobs. The insulated handles provide added safety, allowing you to work without fear of electric shock. Overall, these pliers are a reliable addition to your toolkit, ensuring you can handle cutting tasks comfortably and safely.

What We Like
Easy to use
Insulated for safety
Flat capacity of 2.5 mm
Cuts wire steel up to 3 mm
#TOP 10

Klein Tools Insulated Diagonal Cutting Pliers

200028EINS
Multi-colour
Klein Tools Insulated Diagonal Cutting Pliers Cover
Insulated Diagonal Side Cutting Pliers with Slim Handle, 1000 V Rated, Klein Tools 200028EINS

The Klein Insulated Pliers are rated for 1000 V, ensuring safety while you work. Their unique three-part insulation features a white underlayer that warns you if the insulation is compromised, adding an extra layer of security. With induction hardened cutting knives, these pliers are built for longevity and can cut through ACSR, screws, nails, and most hardened wire effortlessly. The sleek design includes small thumbguards, making them easy to handle and store in your toolbelt.

What We Like
High safety rating
Durable cutting knives
Comfortable to use
Compact for easy storage
Effective on various materials
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the function of side cutting pliers?

Proper use of side cutting (lineman's) pliers: Many applications including electrical, communications and construction work. Use to grip, splice or cut wires, and strip insulation.

2. What are side cutting pliers called?

Diagonal pliers (or wire cutters or diagonal cutting pliers or diagonal cutters or side cutters or dikes or Nippy cutter) are pliers intended for the cutting of wire (they are generally not used to grab or turn anything).

3. Which is the best cutting plier?

The Best Diagonal Cutters. Channellock 338 Diagonal Cutting Pliers.Klein Tools D248-8 Diagonal Cutting Pliers.CRAFTSMAN CMHT81718 Diagonal Cutting Pliers.Mr. ... Klein Tools D275-5 Diagonal Cutting Pliers.Crescent PS5429C Cutting Pliers.TEKTON PCT00007 Diagonal Cutting Pliers.iExcell Cutter Diagonal Cutting Pliers.

4. Is a side cutter the same as a wire cutter?

Answer: The term "flush" means level or straight and on the same plane, so flush cutters cut a wire level. Side cutters or angle cutters, cut on an angle, meaning the wire edge will be cut to one side. The choice of use is totally up to you, the wire jewelry maker.

Editor's Notes

During our insulated side-cutting pliers research, we found 142 insulated side-cutting pliers products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 61,500 customer reviews through our big data system to write the insulated side-cutting pliers list. We found that most customers choose insulated side-cutting pliers with an average price of £24.99.

The insulated side-cutting pliers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of insulated side-cutting pliers, including S&R, SATA, AB Tools, KNIPEX, KLEIN TOOLS. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 847 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Jennifer Fraser Avatar

Jennifer Fraser is a licensed contractor specializing in sales, maintenance, and kitchen, bathroom, and home appliances, tools, and utilities. She owns a store in Leeds where you can get any home and tool appliance. Jenny has a degree in literature, but she combines her knowledge and experience with her degree to publish DIY articles on solving home appliances issues to keep up the family enterprise.