Electrician Apprentice HQ #1 Online Resource For Becoming An Electrician 
Last updated on October 22nd, 2026.
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Good diagonal cutters, also called side cutters or wire cutters, provide enough cutting force and an angled design that fits comfortably in your hand.
Low-quality diagonal cutters can struggle with thin wire and have a short cutting length. They may last barely 18 months.
We’ve reviewed the Top 6 Diagonal Cutters of 2026.
Compare the following pairs of diagonal cutters before choosing one for your work.
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Top 6 Best Side Cutters
Knipex Diagonal Cutters
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Knipex diagonal cutters are our top pick for electricians who cut wire frequently. Their design makes precise cuts easier.
These angled cutters have a forged axle rivet for durability. The 8 inches long tool cuts precisely and has a hardness of 64 HRC. Its metal components are oil-hardened chrome vanadium steel.
The optimized cutting edge and the advanced transmission ratio reduce the amount of cutting force that needs to be applied when slicing wires. With the help of these cutters, you can even cut through nails.
Knipex diagonal cutters are shaped to reduce hand fatigue during long use. Knipex’s competitive price also makes them good value.
We recommend the Knipex diagonal cutters for their durability, although their weight is a drawback.
- High-leverage axle reduces cutting force requirements by 20%
- Made of oil-hardened chrome vanadium
- Induction-hardened cutting edge
- Ergonomic and angled design
- Difficult to use in tight places due to its weight
- Smaller than other dikes
Irwin Diagonal Cutters
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Our premium choice is the set of diagonal cutters made by Irwin Tools. The improved cutting force due to the PowerSlot system and other additional features make this product an excellent option for those willing to spend more.
Induction-hardened cutting edges and the anti-rust coating improve the overall lifespan of the tool. The Irwin dikes can cut through nails, ACSR, bolts or piano wires.
The ergonomic design includes 3-zone comfort grips that make sure the tool can be used ambidextrously without compromising the overall comfort. Irwin diagonal cutters are eight inches long so you can easily carry them around the job sites.
The Irwin Lifetime Guarantee provides replacement cutters if they fail, which is worth considering alongside the price.
- Longer lifespan due to induction-hardening and anti-rust coating
- Great cutting force through PowerSlot technology
- Features an ergonomic design
- Backed by Irwin Lifetime Guarantee
- Slightly heavier than other cutters
- Pricier than other similar models
Klein Tools Diagonal Cutters
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Electricians that are not willing to spend a fortune on diagonal cutters should consider the Klein Tools multi-purpose cutters. Their simple design provides the basic functions reliably.
The angled head allows you to easily work in tight places while the rivet close to the cutting edge provides a 36% increase in cutting force compared to similar products. Also, the induction-hardened cutting edges allow the cutters to slice through hard materials of any sort.
Hot-riveted joints keep cuts stable and precise. The plastic-dipped handles are durable, although their shape might become uncomfortable during prolonged use.
The USA-made Klein Tools diagonal cutters are a good option if your budget is limited.
- Ideal for beginners
- Features induction-hardened cutting edges
- High-leverage rivet axle has 36% greater cutting power than similar models
- Made in USA
- Stiff and hard to open
- Handles get uncomfortable
Crescent Diagonal Cutters
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Crescent diagonal cutters are another affordable option. They are eight inches long and lighter than other models, with a compound leverage system that provides over 50% more cutting power.
The chrome-vanadium construction of these diagonal cutters makes sure they will last for a very long time. Plus, the improved ergonomics that include co-molded large grips made of soft material reduce the stress after extended use.
Crescent pliers are easy to use and the self-opening design is a nice addition. If you want to prevent the dikes to open up on their own, the locking tab will secure the jaws shut.
Build quality is a concern, although the affordable price makes these cutters worth considering.
- Weighs a third of other cutters, perfect for carrying around
- 50% more cutting power
- 30% bigger grips
- Self-opening design
- Not fit for cutting through hard materials
- Low build quality
Craftsman Diagonal Cutters
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Craftsman diagonal cutters have an affordable price and multi-zone grips designed for comfort and safety.
The compound action design helps you apply more force when cutting.
Made from drop-forged steel and including induction-hardened cutting edges, the Craftsman diagonal pliers are strong and powerful. Slicing through harder wires is no longer an issue.
You must fully open the cutters to engage the compound action, which can be awkward. Their comfort and durability are benefits to weigh against that drawback.
- Compound action design allows you to apply more force to cut tougher metals
- Very comfortable grips
- Drop-forged steel and induction-hardened edges for increased durability
- Lifetime warranty
- Too stiff, needs both hands to open
- Compound action feature is hard to use
Wiha Insulated Diagonal Cutters
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Wiha insulated diagonal cutters are the final model. Their large grips have a slip guard handle design for comfortable use over a full day.
The Wiha cutters use forged CV tool steel and induction-hardened edges for durability. An industrial brushed finish also protects the surface.
The joints move smoothly and handle the extra force needed for thicker wires. They provide up to 40% easier cuts.
Although the cutters’ small size (6 inches long) gives them lesser leverage, the Wiha product remains an excellent option. This is a compact set of dikes, comfortable and easy to use. It will make a great purchase for any electrician.
- Slip guard handle design
- Made of forged CV tool steel
- Meets all standard specifications for insulated tools
- Dynamic joints provide up to 40% easier cuts
- Size too small
- Poor build quality
