How do I read cable cutter capacity?

By conductor cross-section in mm² and by material. A copper/aluminium rating does not apply to steel-cored conductor.

Can I cut cable with side cutters?

Not heavy stranded cable. Side cutters crush the section and damage their own edges; this job needs a cable cutter.

When do I need a ratchet cutter?

Above about 50 mm². The ratchet applies force in stages and cuts sections that cannot be cut in one hand stroke.

What cuts steel-cored conductor?

A cutter designed for it. Standard copper/aluminium jaws notch on a steel core.

Can cable cutters be sharpened?

Not outside the manufacturer's service: the jaw geometry is precise, and incorrect sharpening changes the cutting angle and ruins the tool.

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Cable Cutters

A cable cutter is built to cut stranded conductor without crushing it: the jaw geometry gathers the cable as it cuts, so the cross-section stays intact. The range here covers hand, ratchet and hydraulic models.

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Capacity is quoted in mm²

Capacity is given by conductor cross-section and material. A rating for copper and aluminium does not carry over to steel-cored conductor (ACSR), which needs a model made for it.

Hand force runs out as the section grows: above about 50 mm² use a ratchet cutter, above 150 mm² a hydraulic one. Forcing the wrong tool ruins the jaws and crushes the conductor, reducing its section.

Cross-section	Cutter
16-50 mm²	Hand cutter
50-150 mm²	Ratchet cutter
150 mm² and above	Hydraulic cutter

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I read cable cutter capacity?
By conductor cross-section in mm² and by material. A copper/aluminium rating does not apply to steel-cored conductor.
Can I cut cable with side cutters?
Not heavy stranded cable. Side cutters crush the section and damage their own edges; this job needs a cable cutter.
When do I need a ratchet cutter?
Above about 50 mm². The ratchet applies force in stages and cuts sections that cannot be cut in one hand stroke.
What cuts steel-cored conductor?
A cutter designed for it. Standard copper/aluminium jaws notch on a steel core.
Can cable cutters be sharpened?
Not outside the manufacturer's service: the jaw geometry is precise, and incorrect sharpening changes the cutting angle and ruins the tool.