Best Metal Side-cutting Pliers of 2025

Jennifer Fraser Avatar
Jennifer Fraser
Last Updated: 1 Feb 2025

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Metal side-cutting pliers are a versatile tool used for cutting and shaping various materials such as wires, cables, and metal rods. With their sharp jaws and ergonomic handles, they provide a comfortable grip and precise control for a range of DIY projects and professional applications. These pliers come in different sizes and designs to accommodate various cutting needs, from fine wire work to heavy-duty industrial cutting. Whether you're an electrician, mechanic, or DIY enthusiast, metal side-cutting pliers are a handy addition to any toolkit.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

The Army Painter Precision Side Cutter Tool Cover #TOP 1
The Army Painter Precision Side Cutter Tool
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Ainiv Spring-Loaded Wire Cutter Pliers Cover #TOP 2
Ainiv Spring-Loaded Wire Cutter Pliers
ftb score rating icon 9.7
nuosen 6 Inch Precision Wire Cutters for Crafts Cover #TOP 3
nuosen 6 Inch Precision Wire Cutters for Crafts
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 9 Metal Side-cutting Pliers

#TOP 1

The Army Painter Precision Side Cutter Tool

The Army Painter Precision Side Cutter Tool Cover
The Army Painter Hobby Tools Precision Side Cutter, Stainless Steel Flush Cutter, Side Snips, for Plastic, Resin and Metal Miniatures, for Tabletop Wargaming and Roleplaying DND Mini Figures

The Army Painter Cutter is an essential tool for hobbyists, whether you are a beginner or an experienced professional. Its sharp precision head enables you to cut through various materials, including white metal and thick resin, making it easy to remove excess burrs. The wide, rubberised handles provide comfort and leverage, allowing you to cut without discomfort. Made of durable stainless steel, this cutter maintains its sharpness over time, ensuring reliable performance for all your miniature preparation needs.

What We Like
Comfortable rubberised handles
Durable stainless steel construction
Precise cutting for miniatures
Essential for hobby projects

Ainiv Spring-Loaded Wire Cutter Pliers

F5-3387270
1pcs
Ainiv Spring-Loaded Wire Cutter Pliers Cover
Ainiv 1PC Wire Cutter, Spring-Loaded Side Cutters Flush Cutters, Diagonal Cutters Precision Side Cutters, Diagonal Cutting Pliers in CRV Steel, Heavy Duty Cutting Pliers for Electrical, Homes

The Ainiv Wire Cutter is designed for precise cutting performance, allowing you to reach narrow spaces with ease. Its comfortable PVC handgrips ensure you won't tire during prolonged use, enhancing your work efficiency. The sharp blade can handle wires up to 16 AWG, making it perfect for various applications like jewellery making and electronics. With a protective cover, you can safely store the cutter, preventing accidental injury when not in use. This tool is a reliable choice for your cutting needs.

What We Like
Precise cutting in tight spaces
Comfortable handgrips for extended use
Sharp blade for various materials
Safe protective cover included
#TOP 3

nuosen 6 Inch Precision Wire Cutters for Crafts

Type C
nuosen 6 Inch Precision Wire Cutters for Crafts Cover
nuosen 6 inch Precision Wire Cutters, Metal Side Cutters Diagonal Plier for Craft Wire, Jewelry, Cable Cutters

The nuosen Wire Cutters are crafted from high-carbon steel, ensuring durability for long-lasting use. With their 6-inch size and long-tempered jaws, they are perfect for reaching into tight spaces while working on intricate projects. The comfortable matt grip handles make operation easy and enjoyable, allowing you to work for extended periods without discomfort. Additionally, their spring-loaded design provides a self-opening action, making cutting tasks more efficient and effortless.

What We Like
Durable high-carbon steel construction
Comfortable grip handles
Spring-loaded for easy use
Ideal for precision tasks
#TOP 4

VCELINK Precision Flush Cutters for Electronics

GJ706BL
Blue
1 Pack
VCELINK Precision Flush Cutters for Electronics Cover
VCELINK Side Cutters Wire Cutters Precision Flush Cutters Small Cable Snips Diagonal Pliers Ideal for Electronic Industry Repair, Jewelry Processing, DIY Model Making 129mm Blue

The VCELINK Wire Cutters are versatile tools designed for various cutting tasks. You can easily slice through copper and aluminium wires, as well as PCB boards and soft metals, making them perfect for electronics repairs and DIY projects. Their sharp carbon steel blades ensure a neat cut, while the compact design allows you to work in tight spaces effortlessly. With an ergonomic PVC handle, you'll experience less fatigue during prolonged use, which is especially beneficial for intricate tasks like jewellery processing.

What We Like
Versatile for multiple materials
Sharp, long-lasting blades
Compact for tight spaces
Ergonomic, non-slip handle
#TOP 5

XFentech Micro Wire Cutter for Precision Jobs

Wire Cutter
Black
XFentech Micro Wire Cutter for Precision Jobs Cover
XFentech Micro Wire Cutter - 5 Inches Wire Snips Jewellery Wire Cutters Flush Cut Nippers Precision Small Side Cutting Pliers for 3D Print, Plastic Models, Jewellery, Electronics, Black

The XFentech Wire Cutter is designed for precision cutting tasks. Its high hardness material ensures durability, while the refined PVC handle provides comfort during use. The automatic return spring makes repetitive cutting easier, allowing you to work more efficiently without straining your hands. This ultra-sharp cutter can handle soft metal wires up to 6mm in diameter, giving you clean, flush cuts that are essential for delicate projects. Enjoy the convenience of a compact tool that excels in tight spaces.

What We Like
Durable manganese steel blade
Comfortable PVC handle
Automatic return spring
Ultra-sharp cutting edge
Compact and lightweight
#TOP 6

Kafuty Lightweight 3D Printer Wire Cutter

Kafutyaxgwkh3ge5
Blue
Kafuty Lightweight 3D Printer Wire Cutter Cover
Kafuty 3D Printer Wire Cutter, Lightweight Side Cutting Nippers Snips Shears Diagonal Pliers Tool, Suitable for Cutting Wire, Electronic Foot Trimming Plastic Products, Cut a Small Metal Wire

The Kafuty Wire Cutter is an excellent tool for precision cutting tasks. Weighing only 60 grams, it’s easy to handle and reduces fatigue during use. The refined handle design ensures a comfortable grip, allowing you to work for extended periods without discomfort. Its scientific oblique mouth flat design enables you to cut 0.1MM metal wire neatly and efficiently. Made from high-speed tool steel, it easily handles soft metal and iron wires, making it ideal for various applications, including electronics, jewellery, and model making.

What We Like
Lightweight and easy to use
Comfortable handle design
Neat cutting for precision tasks
Durable high-speed tool steel
Versatile for multiple applications
#TOP 7

U-K Mini Nose Cutting Pliers

U-K
ZHSAJQMZNSA0220
U-K Mini Nose Cutting Pliers Cover
1 x mini nose cutting pliers, electric wire cable cutter, metal side flush pliers, practical durable tool, durable and practical nice design, practical design

The U-K Nose Cutting Pliers are a versatile tool designed for various DIY tasks, particularly in electrics. With a compact size, they are easy to handle and perfect for precision work. The random colour adds a bit of personality to your toolkit, while the durable construction ensures they will withstand regular use. Their practical design allows you to cut through wires and cables effortlessly, making your projects quicker and more efficient.

What We Like
Compact size for easy handling
Durable construction for longevity
Versatile for various DIY tasks
Effortless wire and cable cutting
Attractive random colour design
#TOP 8

YUFANYA Micro Flush Cutters for DIY Craft

YF080901
Yellow
2 pack
YUFANYA Micro Flush Cutters for DIY Craft Cover
2pcs Wire Cutters,Micro Flush Cutters,Electrical Wire Cutters,Cutting Pliers,Flush Pliers Diagonal Side Cutters Wire Cutter Snips with Soft Grip for DIY Craft and Jewelry(Yellow)

The YUFANYA Wire Cutters are designed for precision and comfort. With ultra-sharp blades made from heated carbon steel, they easily snip through soft metal wires up to 1.3mm thick. The PVC hand grips provide a comfortable and labour-saving experience, allowing you to work for extended periods without fatigue. These cutters are versatile and suitable for various tasks, including jewellery making, crafting, and even miniature bonsai pruning. You can rely on their performance for all your cutting needs.

What We Like
Ultra sharp blades
Comfortable PVC hand grips
Versatile for multiple applications
Ideal for jewellery making

2pcs Lefute Precision Side Cutters

KKP2883
Blue
2pcs Lefute Precision Side Cutters Cover
Wire Cutters, 2pcs Side Cutters Cable Cutters Precision Flush Cutters Electrical Cable Cutter Cutting Plier Side Snips Diagonal Pliers Cutting Pliers Tool for Coil Making, Home DIY Jewelry

The Lefute Side Cutters come in a handy pack of two and are designed for precision cutting tasks. With a sharp and strong build, these cutters can handle soft metal wires up to 1.6 mm thick, making them ideal for a variety of DIY projects. The automatic rebound function reduces hand fatigue, allowing you to work longer without discomfort. Their lightweight and non-slip rubber handles ensure ease of use, making them perfect for both professional and home applications.

What We Like
Sharp and strong cutting capability
Reduces hand fatigue
Lightweight and portable
Non-slip grip for safety
Versatile for various applications
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. 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).

2. 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.

3. Are diagonal and side cutting pliers the same?

One of the key differences is that diagonal cutters are often better suited to smaller, more delicate cutting tasks, whereas side cutters are ideally suited to larger-scale applications. While this isn't always the case, it is useful to know as a general rule.

4. Are side cutters the same as wire cutters?

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 metal side-cutting pliers research, we found 304 metal side-cutting pliers products and shortlisted 9 quality products. We collected and analyzed 40,362 customer reviews through our big data system to write the metal side-cutting pliers list. We found that most customers choose metal side-cutting pliers with an average price of £5.43.

The metal side-cutting pliers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of metal side-cutting pliers, including The Army Painter, Ainiv, nuoshen, VCELINK, XFentech. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 555 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

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.