Cutting pliers, also known as wire cutters, are a tool typically used to cut wires. They are one of the most essential tools for any electrician or electrical technician and have become a staple in many households.
The most common type of cutting pliers is the diagonal pliers, which are used for cutting and holding wires, crimping terminals, and gripping small objects. They are the most effective for cutting hard wire, such as underground wires and metal coated wires.
They are also versatile, as they have serrated edges on both sides, meaning they can be used for pushing, pulling, gripping, and bending objects. Some other varieties of cutting pliers include end cutters, which are used for precision cutting and provide a clean cut; diagonal cutters, which are used for removing insulation and providing a clean edge; and multi-cutters, which provide multiple functions in one tool, such as cutting, gripping, crimping, or bending.
What are electrical pliers called?
Electrical pliers are typically referred to as wire cutters or crimping pliers. Wire cutters are used for cutting and stripping electrical wire, although some may be used for stripping and trimming cable wire when applicable.
Crimping pliers come in a variety of sizes and shapes and are used for connecting electrical components together, such as crimping terminals on a battery or when installing switches. They are also sometimes referred to as crimping ferrules, hand crimpers, and electrical terminals.
Can pliers cut wire?
Yes, pliers can cut wire. Pliers are designed for cutting a variety of different materials including wire. When cutting wire with pliers, be sure to use the correct type of pliers for the job. Depending on the type of wire, you can use diagonal pliers, end-cutters, flat-nose pliers, or linesman pliers.
Choose the appropriate pliers and be sure to maintain a firm grip when cutting the wire. To ensure a clean cut and greater precision, you should use a wire cutter to score the wire first, then use pliers to cut the rest of the way through.
Be aware that wire cutters are designed for use on electrical wire and may not be appropriate for cutting other types of wire such as aluminum or steel.
What are the 4 types of cutting tools?
The four main types of cutting tools are:
1. Drills: a tool used to produce cylindrical bores in solid materials, typically of uniform size and depth. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes and types to suit different applications.
2. Reamers: a tool used to enlarge and finish a pre-existing hole in a material. They can be used to refine an existing hole as well as create a new, precise and accurate one.
3. Milling Cutters: a type of rotary cutting tool used to create flat surfaces and shapes in work pieces. They come in many shapes, sizes, and materials and can be used on a variety of materials.
4. End Mills: a type of milling cutter used to create rounded surfaces and shapes in work pieces. They are similar to drill bits in that they have a number of cutting edges that work together to cut away the material.
What are the different names of pliers?
Ranging from general terms for the tool to specific types of pliers. Common general names for pliers are tongs, forceps, and vise grips. Commonly used specific names for pliers include needle-nose pliers, tongue-and-groove pliers, locking pliers, combination pliers, slip-joint pliers, compression rivet pliers, and wire cutters.
Needle-nose pliers are slender pliers with tapering points for reaching into tight spaces. Tongue-and-groove pliers have jaws of different widths and rely on a sliding adjustment between the jaws. Locking pliers have adjustable, locking jaws that securely lock items in place while they are being worked on.
Combination pliers have long handles and multiple jaws, allowing a wide range of uses. Slip-joint pliers generally have two pairs of jaws that meet at a central pivoting point and along a flat sliding joint.
Compression rivet pliers are typically used in the aviation industry and include a manual rivet compressor. Wire cutters are pliers with hardened steel cutting blades for cleanly and reliably cutting wires of different sizes.
How many types of electrical pliers are there?
There are a wide variety of electrical pliers available on the market, ranging from standard pliers to specialized pliers designed for specific purposes. The most common types of electrical pliers include:
• Combination pliers: Combination pliers are the most versatile type of electrical pliers and are designed for cutting and gripping wires. They come in various sizes, allowing them to be used for a wide range of applications.
• Diagonal cutters: Diagonal cutters are designed for cutting wires and can be used to cut through a wire without damaging the insulation. They come in different sizes and shapes to meet different cutting needs.
• Needle-nose pliers: Needle-nose pliers have very long, pointed jaws making them ideal for reaching into narrow spaces or working on delicate components.
• Wire strippers: These pliers are designed to strip the insulation from electrical wires, allowing for a neat and secure connection.
• Crimping pliers: Crimping pliers are designed to create secure connections between two wires.
• Lineman’s pliers: Lineman’s pliers are designed with a wide jaw and long handle, making them ideal for gripping and twisting wires.
• Cable cutters: Cable cutters are designed for cutting through cables, both metal and non-metal. They come in various sizes and can handle different types of cables.
• Voltage testers: Voltage testers are handheld tools used to test for electrical current in cables or wires.
Why are they called pump pliers?
Pump pliers, also known as water pump pliers or tongue-and-groove pliers, get their name from their specific design. The pliers feature a lever-action joint that allows the jaws to open and close with a simple squeezing and releasing motion, similar to the action of a hand-squeezed water pump.
This lever action allows the user to easily adjust the size of the jaws, allowing them to access more confined spaces than regular pliers. The tongue-and-groove design gives the jaws a firmer grip on whatever they are gripping, preventing slips.
Pump pliers are commonly used in plumbing and automotive repair and maintenance, but their versatile design allows them to be used for many other tasks as well.
What can I use to cut through wire?
A wire cutter is the most commonly used tool for cutting through wire. Wire cutters come in a variety of sizes and styles and are typically used to cut thicker gauges of wire. A wire cutter is typically constructed with a pair of sharpened, parallel blades that are actuated by handles to grip, pierce, and then slice through the wire.
Some wire cutters are even equipped with a locking mechanism that securely clamps the wire in place while the blades cut through it. In some cases, side cutters may also be used, which work similarly to but with a slightly different design than traditional wire cutters.
These tools have a set of sharp, angled blades rather than parallel ones, and are mainly used for cutting through softer, finer wires. Additionally, bolt cutters are occasionally used to cut thicker gauges of wire, but they are better suited for larger diameter bolts, rods and steel bars.
Can I cut cable wire with scissors?
Yes, you can cut a cable wire with scissors. However, you should be extremely careful and make sure the scissors are sharp so that you can make a clean cut. When snipping the cable, you should avoid making contact with any of the exposed wires and only cut the outside coating of the cable.
Additionally, it is best to use wire cutters or another specialized tool to cut cable wires, as scissors may not provide a clean or precise cut. Lastly, it is important to ensure the scissors you are using are insulated and will not conduct electricity.
If you follow these precautions, cutting a cable wire with scissors should be safe.
How do you cut wires with pliers?
Cutting wires with pliers can be done with either a pair of needle nose or diagonal pliers. When using either type of pliers, it is important to make sure that the jaws are aligned with the wire. This will ensure a good clean cut.
Start by gripping the pliers firmly in the jaws and hold the wire firmly in between. With the needle nose pliers, squeeze the grips together and apply pressure as you move them towards the wire. With the diagonal pliers, use the blade to slice across the wire.
Ensure the blade is firmly pressed against the wire to ensure it does not break.
Once the wire has been cut, you can use the pliers to open up the ends of the wire. Both types of pliers can be used for this technique by simply reopening the jaws of the pliers and slipping the wire in.
This will slightly open the ends of the wire, making it easier to connect to another wire.
It is important to be very careful when cutting and manipulating wires with pliers. Always wear safety goggles and use caution when cutting. Pliers can be sharp and can cause injury if not used properly.
How do you cut thick electrical wires?
To cut thick electrical wires, you will need a pair of utility scissors or diagonal pliers, which are also known as lineman’s pliers. Start by positioning the electrical wires on a flat, stable surface.
Gently squeeze the handles of the tool so that the tips of the blades come together and the tips come into contact with the electrical wires. Be careful not to pinch the wire insulation with the blades as this could create a short circuit.
Apply a steady pressure to the tool and make sure to cut all the way through the electrical wires. It is best to cut it one wire at a time, so that you don’t accidentally cut the wrong piece of wire.
Once you have finished cutting through the wire, use a wire stripper to strip the insulation around the ends of the wire. This will prepare the cut ends properly and make it easier to attach new wire connectors.
How can I cut metal without a grinder?
Cutting metal without a grinder is feasible with metal cuttings shears or tin snips. Metal shears or snips are a scissor-like tool used to cut metal. They are easy to use, but can become dull quickly if used to cut metal that is too thick or hard.
To cut metal with shears or snips, it is important to score or mark a guideline first. Then, the blade should be placed above the score line and the handle squeezed to cut the metal. If a clean and straight line is desired, the sheeting should be clamped down so that it will not move when cut.
Other methods such as hacksawing, cold sawing, and abrasive cut-off sawing can also be used without a grinder. Hacksaws and cold saws use toothed blades with various teeth per inch and tooth shapes to cut metal into shapes with varying speeds.
Abrasive cut-off saws use powerful motors with abrasive wheels to cut metal quickly and accurately.
What can cut metal wire?
You can cut metal wire with wire cutters, scissors, or anything with a sharp blade. Additionally, you can use heavier tools such as a bolt cutter, an angle grinder, a reciprocating saw, or a metal shear.
A variety of techniques can also be used, such as scoring and bending, a chemical bath, a laser cutter, or an abrasive wheel. While small metal wires can be easily cut with household scissors or wire cutters, larger and thicker wires may require more heavy-duty tools or techniques.
It is important to choose the right tool for the type and thickness of the wire you are cutting. Safety precautions should be followed when cutting metal wire, such as wearing protective gloves, safety goggles, and a dust mask.
What thickness is 12 gauge steel?
12 gauge steel is a type of steel that is associated with a thickness of 0.1046 inches or 2.657 mm. It is a type of material that is a common choice for many manufacturing and construction purposes. It is also a popular choice for use in art, jewelry and other crafting projects due to its attractive finish and malleability.
It is a steel material that is relatively easy to work with, making it a popular choice for professional and hobbyist alike.