Best Plastic Side-cutting Pliers of 2026

Jennifer Fraser Avatar
Jennifer Fraser
Last Updated: 4 Feb 2026

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If you're looking for a sturdy and reliable tool to cut through plastic, then plastic side-cutting pliers might be the answer. These pliers are designed to make clean and precise cuts on plastic materials without causing any damage. The sharp, pointed jaws of the pliers can reach tight spaces, making it easier to cut through even the thickest plastic. They are perfect for use in DIY projects, electrical work, and other tasks that require cutting plastic. With their ergonomic design and comfortable grip, plastic side-cutting pliers are a must-have tool for any handyman or DIY enthusiast.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

BOENFU 5-Inch Micro Wire Cutter for Precision Cutting Cover #TOP 1
BOENFU 5-Inch Micro Wire Cutter for Precision Cutting
ftb score rating icon 9.9
XFentech Micro Wire Cutter for Precision Jobs Cover #TOP 2
XFentech Micro Wire Cutter for Precision Jobs
ftb score rating icon 9.8
The Army Painter Plastic Frame Cutter Tool Cover #TOP 3
The Army Painter Plastic Frame Cutter Tool
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 7 Plastic Side-cutting Pliers

#TOP 1

BOENFU 5-Inch Micro Wire Cutter for Precision Cutting

Black ( 1 Pack )
1 Pack
BOENFU 5-Inch Micro Wire Cutter for Precision Cutting Cover
BOENFU Small 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 BOENFU Micro Wire Cutter is a precision tool designed for various cutting tasks. Its improved blade design allows you to snip wire up to 16 AWG effortlessly. Made from 5mm thick heat-treated carbon steel, the blades offer exceptional durability and strength, ensuring they withstand frequent use. The steel return spring enhances comfort, especially during repetitive cutting sessions. With its precision flush cutting capability, you can achieve a clean cut for applications like jewellery making and electronics work, giving you the control you need for intricate projects.

What We Like
Durable carbon steel blades
Comfortable for repetitive use
Precision flush cutting
Cuts various materials
Suitable for multiple applications
#TOP 2

XFentech Micro Wire Cutter for Precision Jobs

Pince Coupante
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 3

The Army Painter Plastic Frame Cutter Tool

The Army Painter Plastic Frame Cutter Tool Cover
The Army Painter Hobby Tools Plastic Frame Cutter, Stainless Steel Model Flush Cutter, Side Snips, for Plastic Miniatures with Safety Grip Handle, for Miniature Fantasy Tabletop Wargaming

The Army Painter Cutter is an essential tool for hobbyists, whether you're a beginner or a veteran. Its precise head and sharp cutting edge allow you to easily cut through plastic sprues and model parts, ensuring clean and accurate results. The broad safety grip provides maximum leverage and comfort, so you can apply pressure without discomfort. Made from durable stainless steel, this cutter maintains its sharpness over time, making it reliable for all your miniature projects.

What We Like
Precision cutting for miniatures
Comfortable safety grip
Durable stainless steel construction
Ideal for beginners and experts

SPEEDWOX Mini Diagonal Pliers for Crafts

c91f1c87-7f63-45b1-a467-79463058fc17
Orange&green
4.5"
SPEEDWOX Mini Diagonal Pliers for Crafts Cover
SPEEDWOX Mini Diagonal Pliers Thin Precision Wire Cutters 4-1/2 Inches Convex Shoulder Small Plastic Nippers Micro Side Cutter Side Cutting Fine Plier Jewelry Making Professional Beading Hobby Craft

The SPEEDWOX Mini Pliers are ideal for cutting soft materials like wires and plastic components, making them essential for jewellery making and various craft projects. Their convex shoulder design ensures a comfortable grip, allowing you to work without straining your fingers. The lightweight, slim profile is particularly beneficial for those with smaller hands. Additionally, the spring action feature reduces fatigue, enabling easy one-handed operation, so you can focus on your creative tasks without discomfort.

What We Like
Sharp blades for precise cutting
Comfortable grip for small hands
Lightweight and easy to use
Durable high carbon steel material
#TOP 5

The Army Painter Precision Side Cutter Tool

TL5032
Sand
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
#TOP 6

HOUSERAN 5 Inch Micro 170 Flush Wire Cutters 5 Pack

HOUSERAN
HR-02A
Micro- 5 Pack
HOUSERAN 5 Inch Micro 170 Flush Wire Cutters 5 Pack Cover
Small Wire Cutters, 5 Pack, 5 Inch Micro 170 Flush Cutter, HOUSERAN Wire Cutters Spring Loaded Cutting Pliers, Side Cutters, Diagoanl Cutters for Jewelry Making, Models, Zip Ties Plastic Wire Snips

The HOUSERAN Micro 170 Cutters are small, precise wire cutters designed to fit into tight spaces with their 5-inch size and flat edge. This ensures you can get close to your workpiece, reducing the need for extra filing. The cutters feature a sharp, high-frequency hardened carbon steel jaw, allowing you to easily cut copper and soft wires up to 18 AWG with accuracy. Thanks to the internal spring-loading, these cutters open automatically, making them easier to use and reducing hand fatigue. Additionally, their ergonomic PVC-coated handles offer a comfortable grip, giving you better control and leverage during use.

What We Like
Compact size for tight spaces
Sharp, precise cutting jaws
Internal spring for ease
Comfortable PVC handles
#TOP 7

KNIPEX Snipe Nose Side Cutting Pliers 160 mm

25 21 160
Multi Color
KNIPEX Snipe Nose Side Cutting Pliers 160 mm Cover
KNIPEX Snipe Nose Side Cutting Pliers (Radio Pliers) with Plastic Coating 160 mm, 25 21 160

The KNIPEX Snipe Nose Pliers are ideal for finer gripping and cutting tasks, allowing you to handle delicate work with precision. Their half-round, long, tapered jaws help you reach into tight spaces easily, making intricate jobs more manageable. The knurled gripping surfaces provide a secure hold, so you won’t slip while working. Additionally, the cutting edges are designed to handle soft, medium-hard, and hard wire, giving you versatility for various materials. These features combine to make the KNIPEX Snipe Nose Pliers a reliable tool for detailed and demanding tasks.

What We Like
Precise gripping and cutting
Long, tapered jaws for access
Secure knurled grip
Versatile wire cutting
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 use 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. Can pliers cut plastic?

These Klein Tools Plastic Cutting Pliers are designed to precisely cut injection mold sprues, gates and other plastic. They have an adjustable 1/16-Inch hollow-heaad screw to keep knife edges from damaging each other. The special use pliers come with spring loaded flush cutting knives.

Editor's Notes

During our plastic side-cutting pliers research, we found 111 plastic side-cutting pliers products and shortlisted 7 quality products. We collected and analyzed 43,634 customer reviews through our big data system to write the plastic side-cutting pliers list. We found that most customers choose plastic side-cutting pliers with an average price of £8.61.

The plastic side-cutting pliers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of plastic side-cutting pliers, including BOENFU, XFentech, The Army Painter, SPEEDWOX, HOUSERAN.

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.