Best Lineman's Side-Cutting Pliers of 2025

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Lineman's Side-Cutting Pliers are an essential tool for any electrician or lineman. These pliers are designed with a cutting edge on one side, allowing for easy cutting of wires and cables. The other side of the pliers is designed with a gripping surface, allowing for a strong and secure hold on the wire or cable being worked on. Lineman's Side-Cutting Pliers are built with durable materials, ensuring they can withstand the toughest jobs and last for years to come. These pliers are a must-have for anyone working in the electrical industry.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Lineman's Side-Cutting Pliers
Klein Tools D2000-9NE Side Cutter Linemans Pliers
The Klein Tools D2000-9NE Side Cutter Linemans Pliers are designed to cut ACSR, screws, nails, and most hardened wire with its high-leverage design and induction hardened cutting knives. The hot-riveted joint ensures smooth action and no handle wobble while the unique handle tempering helps absorb the "snap" when cutting wire. Made in the USA with custom, US-made tool steel, the streamlined design features sure-gripping, cross-hatched knurled jaws for maximum performance.
Klein Tools D2000-48 Pliers
The Klein Tools D2000-48 Pliers are a set of side-cutting pliers with an angled head design that makes it easy for you to work in confined spaces. Its high-leverage design provides 36-percent greater cutting power than other plier designs, and the diagonal cutters are ideal for cutting ACSR, screws, nails, and most hardened wire. With short jaws and beveled cutting edges, it allows for close cutting of wire. Made in the USA with custom, US-made tool steel, the pliers have induction-hardened cutting knives for long life. The hot-riveted joint ensures smooth action and no handle wobble.
Klein Tools J213-9NE Side Cutter Linemans Pliers
These side cutter linemans pliers from Klein Tools are designed with high-leverage for 46% greater cutting and gripping power. The hot-riveted joint ensures smooth action and no handle wobble, while the induction hardened cutting knives provide long life. The streamlined design of the pliers features sure-gripping, cross-hatched knurled jaws, and the dual-material Journeyman handles offer a better grip without sacrificing tool strength and durability. Additionally, the color-coded handles allow quick identification of the tool.
IRWIN VISE-GRIP Lineman's Pliers (2078209)
The IRWIN Lineman's Pliers are a reliable tool for any job. Made with durable nickel chromium steel construction, these pliers are built to last. The ProTouch grips provide extra comfort, reducing hand fatigue during use. The induction hardened cutting edge stays sharper for longer, ensuring precise cuts every time. With machined jaws for maximum gripping strength, these pliers can handle even the toughest tasks. Whether you're an electrician, contractor, or DIY enthusiast, these pliers are a must-have in your toolbox. They meet or exceed ANSI specifications, guaranteeing their quality and performance. Get the IRWIN Lineman's Pliers and experience the convenience and reliability they offer.
Klein Tools 9-Inch Electrical Pliers
The Klein Tools 9-Inch Electrical Pliers are designed with thicker dipped handles for comfortable gripping with gloved hands. These pliers can cut ACSR, screws, nails, and most hardened wire with its high-leverage design and induction-hardened cutting knives. The hot-riveted joint ensures smooth action without handle wobble, and the unique handle tempering helps absorb the "snap" when cutting wire. Made in the USA with custom, US-made tool steel, these pliers have a streamlined design with sure-gripping, cross-hatched knurled jaws.
Klein Tools Side Cutter Linemans Pliers with Tape Pulling and Wire Crimping
The Klein Tools Side Cutter Linemans Pliers with Tape Pulling and Wire Crimping are designed with high-leverage to provide 46-percent greater cutting and gripping power than other plier designs. The pliers are made in the USA with custom, US-made tool steel and have induction hardened cutting knives for long life. The built-in crimper works on non-insulated connectors, lugs, and terminals, while the built-in channel pulls steel fish tape without damaging it. The streamlined design with sure-gripping, cross-hatched knurled jaws and unique handle tempering helps absorb the "snap" when cutting wire.
YIYITOOLS Lineman's Pliers with Wire Stripper/Crimper/Cutter Function
The YIYITOOLS Lineman's Pliers are a versatile tool that can be used as wire stripper, cutter or pliers. The wire stripper can be adjusted with a screwdriver if it's out of alignment. The handle is made of environmentally friendly PP+TPR materials with ProTouch grips for extra comfort and reduced hand fatigue. The tool's compound leverage design increases cutting power by 50% and the metal portion is thickened to save force. Reasonable gaps between the tool joint reduce friction loss and make it easy to use.
Klein Tools 80043 Heavy Duty Tool Set
The Klein Tools Heavy Duty Set is designed to enhance your cutting and gripping experience. With a rivet positioned closer to the cutting edge, you gain better leverage for slicing through tough materials like ACSR, screws, nails, and wire. The hot-riveted joint ensures smooth action without any handle wobble, providing you with stability during use. Additionally, the diagonal cutters feature a high-leverage design that makes cutting effortless, while the short jaws with beveled edges allow for precise cutting in tight spaces. This set is perfect for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Klein Tools D213-8NE Pliers: High Leverage Lineman's Pliers
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.
DURATECH 8" Linemans Pliers
The DURATECH Linemans Pliers are designed for efficiency and comfort. With a high-leverage design, these pliers allow you to grip and cut with ease, reducing the effort needed for tough tasks. Their ergonomic non-slip handles provide a comfortable grip, ensuring better control during use, which is essential for precision work. Weighing only 0.83 pounds and measuring 8.7 inches, they are easy to handle for extended periods. Made from durable Cr-Ni alloy, these pliers resist corrosion and ensure long-lasting performance, making them a reliable choice for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a lineman's pliers used for?
Lineman's pliers are used by electricians to straighten, cut, grip, twist, push, and pull wire. They are used to cut and bend light gauge metal and pull staples and nails. The angular edges on the outside edge of the jaws are designed to ream down ridges and burs on the inside lip of cut pipes.
2. What's another name for lineman's pliers?
Lineman's pliers (US English), Kleins (genericized trademark, US usage), linesman pliers (Canadian English), side cutting linesman pliers and combination pliers (UK / US English) are a type of pliers used by linemen, electricians, and other tradesmen primarily for gripping, twisting, bending and cutting wire, cable and ...
3. Why are they called lineman's pliers?
Lineman pliers are named for the occupation of electrical linesmen. The job of being an electrical linesman was born in the 1840s, with the invention of the telegraph. Telegraph lines were able to be strung between trees, however soon wooden poled were the preferred method of installing lines.
4. What are New England style lineman's pliers?
These Klein Tools Lineman's New England Nose Pliers are made of US-made forged steel with induction hardened blades. Their streamline design with ''handform'' handles also has unique handle tempering that helps absorb the ''snap'' when cutting. They have sure-grip jaws with cross-hatched knurling.
During our lineman's side-cutting pliers research, we found 24 lineman's side-cutting pliers products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 52,190 customer reviews through our big data system to write the lineman's side-cutting pliers list. We found that most customers choose lineman's side-cutting pliers with an average price of $27.68.
The lineman's side-cutting pliers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of lineman's side-cutting pliers, including Klein Tools, IRWIN, YIYITOOLS, DURATECH. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

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.