Best Heavy Duty Side-Cutting Pliers of 2025

Harry Stack Avatar
Harry Stack
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Heavy duty side-cutting pliers are a must-have for any professional electrician or handyman. With their durable construction and hardened cutting edges, these pliers can easily cut through thick wires and cables, making them perfect for any electrical job. The ergonomic grip design ensures comfort and reduces hand fatigue during prolonged use. These pliers are also versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks beyond electrical work, such as cutting metal, plastic, and even fishing line. With their reliability and strength, heavy duty side-cutting pliers are an essential tool for anyone who needs a dependable and effective cutting solution.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

DURATECH 4-in-1 Diagonal Cutting Pliers Cover #TOP 1
DURATECH 4-in-1 Diagonal Cutting Pliers
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Klein Tools D2000-28 Side-Cutting Pliers Cover #TOP 2
Klein Tools D2000-28 Side-Cutting Pliers
ftb score rating icon 9.8
WORKPRO 6” Wire Cutters Cover #TOP 3
WORKPRO 6” Wire Cutters
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Heavy Duty Side-Cutting Pliers

#TOP 1

DURATECH 4-in-1 Diagonal Cutting Pliers

UDT207035AE
DURATECH 4-in-1 Diagonal Cutting Pliers Cover
DURATECH 4-in-1 Diagonal Cutting Pliers, 8" Multifunction Heavy Duty Side-Cutting Pliers with Wire Stripper, Wire Cutters with Ergonomic Handle for Electricians and Homes

DURATECH Side-Cutting Pliers are versatile tools that serve as wire strippers and cutters. They are designed to easily strip various wire sizes without damaging the core, making your tasks efficient. Crafted from premium carbon steel, these pliers offer high hardness and durability, ensuring longevity. The eccentric design reduces effort when cutting, while the ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip, reducing hand fatigue. With applications ranging from cutting wires to thin plastics, these pliers are ideal for electricians and DIY enthusiasts.

What We Like
Versatile: Wire stripping and cutting
Durable: Premium carbon steel
Ergonomic: Comfortable handle
#TOP 2

Klein Tools D2000-28 Side-Cutting Pliers

D2000-28
Light Blue
8-Inch
Klein Tools D2000-28 Side-Cutting Pliers Cover
Klein Tools D2000-28 Pliers, Made in USA, Diagonal Cutting Pliers with Angled Head are Heavy-Duty to Cut ACSR, Screws, Nails, Most Hardened Wire, 8-Inch

The Klein Tools D2000-28 Side-Cutting Pliers with angled head are heavy-duty and designed for cutting ACSR, screws, ils, and most hardened wire. Its high-leverage design provides 36% greater cutting power than other plier designs. The short jaws and beveled cutting edges allow for close cutting of wire, while the induction-hardened cutting knives provide long-life durability. These pliers are made in the USA with custom, US-made tool steel.

What We Like
High-leverage design provides 36% greater cutting power than other plier designs
Short jaws and beveled cutting edges permit close cutting of wire
Induction-hardened cutting knives provide long-life durability
#TOP 3

WORKPRO 6” Wire Cutters

W031377A
6-inch
WORKPRO 6” Wire Cutters Cover
WORKPRO 6” Wire Cutters Heavy Duty CRV Steel, Diagonal Pliers for Cutting Wires Craft, Comfort Grip Handle

WORKPRO Wire Cutters are heavy-duty side-cutting pliers made of durable 50CrV steel. The transparent coating helps prevent rust, ensuring longevity. The bi-material handle provides a comfortable grip, making wire cutting tasks easy on your hands. With hardened cutting edges, these pliers offer increased cutting ease and corrosion resistance. These wire cutters are ideal for quick and effective wire cutting tasks, offering a user-friendly experience with their ergonomic design and environmentally friendly materials.

What We Like
Durable 50CrV steel
Comfortable bi-material handle
Hardened cutting edges
#TOP 4

WORKPRO 7.5 Inch Diagonal Cutting Pliers with Wire Stripper

Red, Blue, Silver
WORKPRO 7.5 Inch Diagonal Cutting Pliers with Wire Stripper Cover
WORKPRO 2-in-1 Diagonal Cutting Pliers with Wire Stripper, 7.5 Inch CRV Steel Wire Cutters with Comfort Grip Handles, Heavy Duty Side-Cutting Pliers for Electricians and Homes, Christmas Gift

The WORKPRO Diagonal Cutting Pliers are a versatile tool for electricians and homes. Made of high-quality 60CR-V steel, these pliers are heat-treated and forged with a blackened surface, ensuring durability and corrosion resistance. The 7.5-inch pliers not only function as wire cutters but also as wire strippers, making it convenient to strip wires without damaging the wire core. With its high-leverage design, cutting becomes labor-saving, and the TPR material handle grip provides a non-slip and comfortable grip. These pliers are suitable for cutting steel wire, copper wire, iron wire, and even thin plastics, making them ideal for various applications such as wiring, making, and repairing telecommunication equipment and small household appliances.

What We Like
High Hardness & Rust-Protection
Multi-Function Pliers
Powerful Performance
#TOP 5

YIYITOOLS Side Cutting Pliers, HX-1-001

HX-1-001
Nickel
Side Cutting Pliers
YIYITOOLS Side Cutting Pliers, HX-1-001 Cover
YIYITOOLS Side Cutting Pliers,Diagonal pliers, Industrial Pliers with Wire Stripper/Crimper/Cutter Function, Heavy Duty Plier, 8 inch (HX-1-001)

The YIYITOOLS Side Cutting Pliers, HX-1-001, are a versatile tool that can be used as a wire stripper, wire cutter, and paper cutter. The pliers are made with durable nickel chromium steel construction and have induction hardened cutting blades for improved strength and durability. The compound leverage design provides a 50% increase in cutting power, making it easier to cut through tough materials. The handles are made with PP+TPR materials and have proTouch grips, which provide extra comfort and reduce hand fatigue. The co-molded grips add further comfort to the user. With its multifunctional features and ergonomic design, the YIYITOOLS Side Cutting Pliers are a reliable tool for various tasks.

What We Like
Versatile
Heavy-duty
Effective wire cutting and stripping
Durable construction
Comfortable grip
#TOP 6

Klein Tools 94508 Pliers Set

94508
Blue, Red
Klein Tools 94508 Pliers Set Cover
Klein Tools 94508 Pliers Set, Made in USA, Ironworker's Diagonal Cutting Pliers and Heavy Duty Side Cutters, Tie Wire Cutter for Rebar Work, 2-Piece Kit

The Klein Pliers Set is designed for durability and efficiency in heavy-duty tasks. The side-cutters allow you to easily twist and cut soft annealed rebar tie wire, making your work smoother. With heavy-duty cutting knives, you can tackle ACSR, screws, nails, and even hardened wire. The knurled jaws provide a secure grip for wrapping and looping, while the spring-loaded action ensures they open automatically, saving you time and effort. The angled-head diagonal-cutters are perfect for accessing tight spaces, making them ideal for various cutting needs.

What We Like
Durable US-made tool steel
High-leverage cutting power
Spring-loaded self-opening action
Knurled jaws for secure grip
#TOP 7

IGAN 7-inch Wire Cutters

330DC-7
Black
7''x1
IGAN 7-inch Wire Cutters Cover
IGAN 7-inch Wire Cutters, Spring-loaded Side Cutters Dikes, Ultra Tough and Durable Diagonal Cutting Pliers in CRV Steel, Heavy Duty Cutting Pliers for Electrical, Artificial Flowers and Homes

IGAN 7-inch Wire Cutters are ultra tough and durable side cutters made from tempered CR-V Steel with hardened jaws. Its spring-loaded dikes pliers and high-leverage design minimize hand fatigue from repetitive work, making it a superior labor-saving diagonal pliers. The long jaws can cut steel wire up to 1.6 mm/0.063 inch and copper wire up to 9 gauge. Additionally, the pliers have comfortable padded handles, which offer higher performance, and is ideal for cutting artificial flowers, chicken wire, and electrical work.

What We Like
Ultra tough and durable
Spring-loaded dikes pliers minimize hand fatigue
Long jaws can cut steel and copper wire
#TOP 8

Crescent 7" Heavy-Duty Diagonal Flush Cutting Pliers

5437CENN
Crescent 7" Heavy-Duty Diagonal Flush Cutting Pliers Cover
Crescent 7" Heavy-Duty Diagonal Flush Cutting Pliers - Bagged - 5437CENN

The Crescent 7" Heavy-Duty Diagonal Flush Cutting Pliers are side-cutting pliers that are designed for heavy-duty wire cutting. They are made of forged alloy tool steel with electronically induction hardened, hand-honed, long-lasting cutting edges. Each plier is individually tested for strength and cutting ability, and the polished head ensures precision cutting.

What We Like
Durable forged alloy tool steel construction
Long-lasting cutting edges
Individually tested for strength and cutting ability
#TOP 9

DURATECH 8.5 Inch Linesman Pliers

UDT207036AE
Black
DURATECH 8.5 Inch Linesman Pliers Cover
DURATECH 6-in-1 Linesman Pliers, 8.5" Multipurpose Combination Pliers with Wire Stripper/Crimper/Cutter Function, Heavy Duty Side-Cutting Pliers for Crimping, Stripping, Shearing, Screwing

The DURATECH Linesman Pliers are versatile and durable 8.5-inch pliers that offer a range of functions to make your tasks easier. With these pliers, you can fasten, clamp, wind, cut, crimp, and strip wires. They have a wire stripper and cutter function, making it convenient to strip wires of various sizes without damaging the wire core. Made of premium carbon steel, these pliers are heat-treated and forged for higher hardness, toughness, and durability. The eccentric and labor-saving design ensures effortless cutting, saving you 30% more force compared to ordinary pliers. The non-slip TPR handle provides a comfortable grip, reducing hand fatigue. These pliers are perfect for electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and auto mechanics, as they can cut steel wire, copper wire, iron wire, and other common metals. They are also suitable for stripping, cutting, and crimping insulation terminals.

What We Like
Multifunctional
High hardness and durability
Labor-saving design
#TOP 10

Klein Tools Diagonal Cutting Pliers with Heavy-Duty Cutting Knives

D2000-49
Yellow
9-Inch
Klein Tools Diagonal Cutting Pliers with Heavy-Duty Cutting Knives Cover
Klein Tools D2000-49 Pliers, Made in USA, Diagonal Cutting Pliers with Heavy-Duty Cutting Knives, Short Jaws and Dual Material Grips, 9-Inch

The Klein Tools D2000-49 Pliers are ideal for cutting ACSR, screws, nails, and most hardened wires. With longer handles, high-leverage design, and angled head, these pliers provide added leverage, reach, and comfort. The induction-hardened cutting knives outlast other cutters and the plastic-dipped handles offer easy identification and comfort during use. Made in the USA with custom, US made tool steel, these pliers are a durable and reliable option for any individual or professional.

What We Like
Longer handles for added leverage and comfort
High-leverage design has 67% more cutting power
Induction-hardened cutting knives outlast other cutters
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are side cutting pliers used for?

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.

2. What is the difference between side cutters and diagonal cutters?

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.

3. What is high-leverage pliers?

Klein Tools High-Leverage Side-Cutting Pliers are forged from US-made tool steel with induction hardened cutting knives for added durability. Their high-leverage design, with the rivet moved closer to the cutting edge, adds more gripping and cutting power.

4. What is another name for side cutting pliers?

The name comes from how the cutting edges of the jaws are set at an angle (hence the name "diagonal"). They are also known as side cutters, flush cut pliers, side cutting pliers, wire cutters, diagonal cutting nippers.

Editor's Notes

During our heavy duty side-cutting pliers research, we found 24 heavy duty side-cutting pliers products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 36,625 customer reviews through our big data system to write the heavy duty side-cutting pliers list. We found that most customers choose heavy duty side-cutting pliers with an average price of $15.66.

The heavy duty side-cutting pliers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of heavy duty side-cutting pliers, including DURATECH, Klein Tools, WORKPRO, YIYITOOLS, IGAN. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 4,964 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Harry Stack Avatar

Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.