Best Side-Cutting Pliers of 2026

"I've been using these cutters every day at work, and they're built to last while still delivering great performance. The quality craftsmanship is really noticeable."

"I do a lot of electronics and wiring projects, and after my old cutters wore out, I picked these up. The handles are sturdier and more comfortable than my previous pair, and they work perfectly for medium cables and wires. Honestly, I like them better than my old Craftsman ones."

"I needed something to slice through wire for a household project and this tool cut through the old clothesline wire effortlessly. It's a great little tool that really gets the job done."

"I've always trusted this brand, and these pliers did not disappoint. They stay sharp, cut through all kinds of materials, and the grips are comfortable for both me in the garage and my wife with her crafts. Super reliable for everyday use."

"As a low voltage tech, I prefer these side cutters over others. Compact enough to fit anywhere, ergonomically designed, and they cut cleanly every time. The crimping section is handy for B connects, and they're far more comfortable than scissors. I keep coming back to these."

"I use these daily for recycling and repairs. They cut through appliance cords like butter and the grip makes it easy to get the job done fast. I've even accidentally cut a live wire and had no issues, likely thanks to the insulation. For under $15, the value is unbeatable and they fit right in my cargo pocket."

"I was impressed with the strength and durability of these wire cutters—they sliced through my deer fence with ease. The price is excellent for the quality, and I highly recommend them for anyone needing a reliable tool."

"These cutters have a sharp edge and solid feel, making them perfect for small projects. I find them easy to handle and very sturdy. Definitely a great addition to my tool kit!"

"For the price, these pliers are well-made and tackle even hard metals without a problem. They're still in like-new condition after heavy use, and I consider them a top-value tool in my collection."

"As someone who works in electrical construction, I can say these pliers are a great tool for tough jobs. They're easy to handle, offer impressive leverage, and the price is very reasonable. I use them on a daily basis and they've never let me down."

"I've put these cutters through a lot as a carpenter, and the steel has held up incredibly well—even after cutting through 3-1/2” duplex nails. The cutting edges are still in great shape, and they're comfortable to use for extended periods."

"I've tried a lot of different wire cutters over the years, but these stand out for their strength, durability, and cutting power. The range of materials they handle is impressive and the leverage makes tough cuts easy. No other cutters I've used compare."

"I needed a pair of wire cutters for tight spots, especially when working with 18awg to 25awg wires in fluorescent fixtures. These were just the right size and much better than my older, bulkier cutters. They made rewiring for LED bulbs so much easier."

"I use these cutters daily for small gauge wires and I’ve found them to be exceptionally sharp and precise. After trying and returning other brands, these are by far the best for making clean, comfortable snips, even after hours of use."

"I mainly use these for cutting guitar strings. They are plenty sharp and functional, but I noticed a couple of small nicks in the blade after first use and the handles don't close on their own. Still, they work fine and should last until I replace them with another pair."

"These are by far the best wire cutters I’ve owned. They slice through everything from thin wire to drywall screws with barely any effort. The quality is impressive for the price, and I’m even considering picking up another pair. Highly recommended for anyone needing a reliable cutter!"

"I’ve had this 8-inch diagonal cutter since 2019, and it’s still going strong after six years of regular use. It’s handled everything from finishing nails to heavy fishing line with ease. The latch still works perfectly, which is rare. For a tool I thought would be disposable, it’s proven to be a great long-term value."

"I use these pliers for heavy electrical work, and they make cutting wires noticeably easier than standard side cutters. The compound action really helps, and the antislip handles give me a secure grip. The size is just right for all kinds of wiring jobs, and the price was fair."

"These cutters are tough and built to last. I really like that they're made in the USA, and their edges are so sharp and strong that they handle heavy use with no problem. I expect them to hold up for years."

"I'm a big fan of Klein tools, and these side cutters are no exception. They provide straight, easy cuts and are made with solid metal. I always trust Klein for quality."

"For electrical work, these are perfect. The grip feels great, and they're so reliable that I'd definitely get another pair if I ever needed to replace them."

"I've put these tools through some serious use and they really hold up—super durable and feel solid in my hands. They've definitely passed the test for quality and toughness."

"I'm not tied to any particular brand, but I do want tools that are built to last. These Klein pliers get the job done well and, honestly, I found them to be a great value compared to some pricier options."

"I was a little hesitant after reading about possible jaw alignment issues, but my set arrived perfectly machined and the quality is clearly old-school. Even the tiny jaw gap on the lineman’s pliers is apparently by design, not a flaw. Very satisfied with the craftsmanship."

"I've gone through a lot of cutters, but these Knipex angled diagonal cutters stand out for their solid construction and precise cutting ability. The angled head lets me easily access tight spaces my old tools couldn’t handle, and the handles are comfortable even during long jobs. They handle everything from electrical wire to zip ties with ease. Just don’t push them on oversized steel rods—use the right tool for the job! Overall, a fantastic addition to my toolkit."

"As an electrician who uses tools every day, I've come to rely on Knipex for their unmatched quality and durability. This cutter slices through wires with almost no effort and feels great in my hand. I switched from an off-brand cutter and immediately noticed a huge improvement. These are a bit pricier, but totally worth it for something that lasts and performs so well."

"I've always been a Klein guy, but after picking up Knipex cutters, I'm genuinely impressed. The comfort and quality are right on par, and they look and feel just as good as my old favorites. Yes, they cost more, but for a tool that delivers reliable performance, I don’t mind spending a bit extra. Knipex is definitely making waves among electricians—worth considering if you're on the fence."

"I've always relied on Kleins—these pliers stand out for their exceptional durability and quality. They're worth every penny and I expect them to last a lifetime."

"I got these as a gift, and I can say the material is solid and they're definitely heavy duty. Perfect for anyone who wants reliable tools."

"As a commercial electrician, I found these a bit on the small side, but they still get the job done. If you're considering them, it might be worth spending a little more for the larger model."