Best Insulated Side-Cutting Pliers of 2026

Harry Stack Avatar
Harry Stack
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2026

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Insulated side-cutting pliers are an essential tool for electricians and anyone who works with electricity. These pliers have insulated handles that protect the user from electric shock while working with live wires. The side-cutting feature allows the user to cut wires while holding them securely in place. The pliers are made with high-quality materials that ensure durability and longevity. They can withstand high temperatures and are resistant to corrosion. Insulated side-cutting pliers come in various sizes and designs to suit different applications. They are a must-have tool for anyone who values safety and efficiency when working with electricity.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

WORKPRO 7-Inch Diagonal Pliers in CRV Steel Cover #TOP 1
WORKPRO 7-Inch Diagonal Pliers in CRV Steel
ftb score rating icon 9.9
IRWIN VISE-GRIP Diagonal Cutting Pliers Cover #TOP 2
IRWIN VISE-GRIP Diagonal Cutting Pliers
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Craftsman CMHT81647 7-in. Diagonal Pliers Cover #TOP 3
Craftsman CMHT81647 7-in. Diagonal Pliers
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Insulated Side-Cutting Pliers

#TOP 1

WORKPRO 7-Inch Diagonal Pliers in CRV Steel

W031271
7-inch
WORKPRO 7-Inch Diagonal Pliers in CRV Steel Cover
WORKPRO 7-Inch Diagonal Pliers in CRV Steel for Cutting Wires, Bi-material Handle Comfort Grip

The WORKPRO 7-Inch Diagonal Pliers in CRV Steel are coated with a transparent electrophoretic coating and covered in will to help prevent rust. Made of 50CrV steel, these pliers are heat-treated and have a blackening surface for higher hardness, better clamping force, toughness, and durability. The bi-material handle provides anti-slip and comfort grip, and the pliers are ideal for quickly and effectively cutting wires.

What We Like
Comfortable handle grip
Sharp cutting performance
Good value price
Durable construction
Easy to use
#TOP 2

IRWIN VISE-GRIP Diagonal Cutting Pliers

2078306
Blue
Pack of 1
IRWIN VISE-GRIP Diagonal Cutting Pliers Cover
IRWIN Vise-Grip Diagonal Cutting Pliers, 6", 2078306

The IRWIN VISE-GRIP Diagonal Cutting Pliers are made of durable nickel chromium steel construction, ensuring they last for a long time. The ProTouch grips provide extra comfort and reduce hand fatigue, making them easier to use for extended periods. The induction hardened cutting edge stays sharper for longer, while the machined jaws provide maximum gripping strength. These pliers meet or exceed ANSI specifications, ensuring they are of high quality and suitable for various applications.

What We Like
Comfortable grips
Sharp cutting edges
Sturdy build quality
Great value for price
Easy wire and chord cutting
#TOP 3

Craftsman CMHT81647 7-in. Diagonal Pliers

CMHT81647
Chrome
Craftsman CMHT81647 7-in. Diagonal Pliers Cover
CRAFTSMAN CMHT81647 7-in. Diagonal Pliers

The Craftsman Diagonal Pliers are designed for comfort and control with multi-zone bi-material grips. The cutting edges of these pliers are induction hardened, ensuring they stay sharper for longer periods of time. Made from drop forged steel, these pliers offer strength and durability. Additionally, they feature a corrosion-resistant finish. The multi-zone grips provide a comfortable and secure hold, allowing for precise cutting and manipulation of wires or other materials. With their sharp cutting edges, these pliers can easily cut through various materials with ease. The drop forged steel construction ensures that these pliers can withstand heavy-duty use. The corrosion-resistant finish adds to the durability and longevity of the tool, making it ideal for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

What We Like
Durable build quality
Sharp and clean cutting
Affordable price
Comfortable grip
Suitable for tough jobs
#TOP 4

Klein Tools D248-9ST Ironworker's Pliers

D248-9ST
9-Inch
Klein Tools D248-9ST Ironworker's Pliers Cover
Klein Tools D248-9ST Diagonal Cutting Pliers, Made in USA, Ironworker's Diagonal Cutters with High Leverage Design, Works as Rebar Cutter and Rebar Bender, 9-Inch

Klein Tools D248-9ST Ironworker's Pliers are side-cutting pliers designed for soft annealed rebar tie wire. With short jaws and beveled cutting edges, they allow for close cutting of wire, and the hooked handle reduces slippage. The angled head design makes it easy to work in confined spaces, and the high-leverage design provides 36% more cutting power. The cutting knives are induction-hardened for long life, and the pliers are made in the USA with custom, US-made tool steel.

What We Like
Exceptional cutting strength
High leverage design
Durable build quality
Comfortable grip
Made in USA
#TOP 5

WORKPRO 2-Pack 6" Precision Flush Cutters

W031368A
Blue
WORKPRO 2-Pack 6" Precision Flush Cutters Cover
WORKPRO 2 Pack Wire Cutters, 6 Inch Precision Flush Cutters, Spring Loaded Side Cutting Pliers, Sharp Diagonal Cutters for Crafts, Jewelry Making, Electronics

The WORKPRO Flush Cutters are designed to give you clean and precise cuts, especially useful when working on detailed projects like jewelry or electronics. Their blades are specially shaped and angled, making it easier to work in tight spots without struggling. Made from heat-treated carbon steel, these cutters offer strong and durable performance that stands up to regular use. Plus, they resist rust, so you don't have to worry about corrosion shortening their lifespan. The spring-loaded handles help reduce hand fatigue by automatically opening the pliers after each cut, giving you a more comfortable and efficient experience.

What We Like
Sharp cutting blades
Ideal for tight spaces
Comfortable for extended use
Great for small gauge wire
Good price and quality
#TOP 6

Crescent 8" Pro Series Diagonal Cutting Pliers

PS5429C
Polished
8 inch
Crescent 8" Pro Series Diagonal Cutting Pliers Cover
Crescent 8" Pro Series Diagonal Compound Action Dual Material Cutting Pliers - PS5429C

The Crescent Pro Series Diagonal Cutting Pliers are side-cutting pliers with a compound leverage design that enhances their cutting power by 50%. The co-molded grips provide added comfort, and the induction-hardened edges ensure long-lasting cutting performance. These pliers are also 1/3 lighter than standard pliers, reducing user fatigue.

What We Like
Easy heavy-duty cutting
Durable long-lasting build
Comfortable antislip handle
Sharp precise blades
Great value price
#TOP 7

Klein Tools D248-8 Pliers: Diagonal Cutters with Angled Head and High-Leverage Design

D2488
8 inch (D248-8)
Klein Tools D248-8 Pliers: Diagonal Cutters with Angled Head and High-Leverage Design Cover
Klein Tools D248-8 Pliers, Made in USA, Diagonal Cutting Multi-Purpose Pliers with Angled Head, High-Leverage Design, and Short Jaw, 8-Inch

The Klein Tools D248-8 Pliers are side-cutting diagonal cutters with an angled head design, making them ideal for work in confined spaces. These high-leverage pliers have a rivet closer to the cutting edge, providing 36-percent greater cutting power than other plier designs. The short jaws and beveled cutting edges permit close cutting of wire, while the induction-hardened cutting knives ensure long life. Additionally, the hot-riveted joint provides smooth action and no handle wobble, and the plastic-dipped handles offer comfort and ease of identification.

What We Like
Made in USA
Durable construction
Sharp cutting edges
Easy, clean cuts
Comfortable grip
#TOP 8

KNIPEX 74 22 200 Comfort Grip High Leverage Angled Diagonal Cutter

74 02 200 T
Black
KNIPEX 74 22 200 Comfort Grip High Leverage Angled Diagonal Cutter Cover
KNIPEX 74 22 200 Comfort Grip High Leverage Angled Diagonal Cutter, 8-Inch, Angled, Comfort Grip

The KNIPEX 74 22 200 Comfort Grip High Leverage Angled Diagonal Cutter is an 8-inch side-cutting plier with a high leverage 12 angled diagonal cut. It offers precision cutting with its sharp and durable design. This tool is comfortable to use with its ergonomic grip and angled design, making it easy to reach tight spaces. It is perfect for cutting through wires, cables, and other materials with ease.

What We Like
Excellent build quality
Clean, effortless cutting
Comfortable ergonomic grips
Angled head for tight spaces
Long-lasting sharpness
#TOP 9

Klein Tools D213-8NE Pliers: High Leverage Lineman's Pliers

D213-8NE
Dark Blue
8-Inch
Klein Tools D213-8NE Pliers: High Leverage Lineman's Pliers Cover
Klein Tools D213-8NE Pliers, 8-Inch Side Cutters, High Leverage Lineman's Pliers Cut Copper, Aluminum and other Soft Metals

The Klein Tools D213-8NE Pliers are 8-inch side cutters designed to cut copper, aluminum, and other soft metals. These pliers are forged in the USA with custom US steel, ensuring durability and precision. The high leverage rivet is closer to the cutting edge, providing 46% greater cutting and gripping power than other designs. The versatile jaws have cross-hatched knurled jaws that provide a strong grip and a wide design for holding, pulling, and twisting. The pliers also have comfortable soft dipped grips and unique tempered handles that absorb shock when cutting wire. The precisely machined and hot riveted joint ensures smooth action and no handle wobble.

What We Like
Exceptional durability
Heavy duty construction
Long-lasting quality
Versatile usage
Trusted brand reputation
#TOP 10

IRWIN VISE-GRIP 8-Inch Diagonal Cutting Pliers

Standard Diagonal with Spring
One Size
IRWIN VISE-GRIP 8-Inch Diagonal Cutting Pliers Cover
IRWIN VISE-GRIP Diagonal Cutting Pliers, 8", 2078308, nichel chromium steel

Experience the durable nickel chromium steel construction and induction hardened cutting edge of the IRWIN VISE-GRIP 8-Inch Diagonal Cutting Pliers. These pliers meet or exceed ANSI specifications and come with ProTouch grips for extra comfort and reduced hand fatigue. They're perfect for side-cutting tasks and will stay sharper for longer.

What We Like
Solidly built
Excellent build quality
Effortless cutting
Comfortable grips
Fair price
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What type of pliers is used to grip cut and strip insulation?

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 insulated plier?

Pliers (insulated) are tools that can pinch, grip, cut, bend, etc., with the tip of the tool. By sliding the joint in the middle, it can be adjusted according to the thickness and size of the object to be pinched. There are many types of pliers, and each one is good at different tasks.

Editor's Notes

During our insulated side-cutting pliers research, we found 24 insulated side-cutting pliers products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 134,619 customer reviews through our big data system to write the insulated side-cutting pliers list. We found that most customers choose insulated side-cutting pliers with an average price of $14.99.

The insulated side-cutting pliers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of insulated side-cutting pliers, including WORKPRO, IRWIN, CRAFTSMAN, KLEIN TOOLS, Crescent. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 3,627 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.