Cable cutters & wire strippers for clean, reliable terminations

Good electrical work starts before a terminal is crimped. This collection covers cutters, automatic strippers, ratchet cutters, insulated cable cutters, replacement stripping blades and selected powered cable-cutting equipment for preparing electrical cable without crushing, nicking or contaminating the conductor. It is designed for electricians, panel builders, maintenance teams, automotive electrical technicians and trade workshops working from fine wiring through to larger copper, aluminium and ACSR cable applications.

Current live choices include Kincrome automatic wire strippers and compact cable cutters, Klein Tools cable cutters and stripping accessories, Wiha VDE-insulated ratchet cutters, Milwaukee cutting jaws and heavy-duty cordless options, plus Channellock and Stahlwille hand tools. The right tool is defined by cable construction and application—not just the visible outside diameter. Begin by confirming conductor material, conductor size, overall cable diameter, insulation type, site requirements and whether the work needs insulated tools or high-force cutting.

Choose the right preparation tool

Wire strippers

Use a wire stripper when insulation must be removed cleanly while protecting the conductor strands beneath. Automatic strippers can make repeat preparation faster for the cable sizes within their published range. Manual or plier-style strippers offer control for smaller tasks, but the marked stripping range and cable type must still be checked. A stripped conductor with damaged strands, deeply scored copper or excessive bare length can compromise the finished connection.

Cable cutters

Cable cutters are shaped to shear rather than flatten suitable electrical cable. Choose a compact hand cutter for light cable work, a ratchet cutter for larger cable sizes, or a purpose-built hydraulic or battery-powered option for high-volume or heavy conductor work. Cutting capacity is not universal: copper, aluminium, ACSR, steel-reinforced cable and communication cable can require different tools. Never rely on a generic capacity claim when the manufacturer identifies a material-specific limit.

Insulated tools

VDE-insulated cutters are intended for their stated electrical-work classification, but insulation on a handle does not remove the need for isolation, risk assessment and competent work practices. Verify the tool’s published rating and condition before use. If a site requires a specific insulated-tool standard, follow that requirement rather than choosing by handle colour or appearance.

Key details to check before ordering

• Conductor material: copper, aluminium and ACSR have different cutting demands.
• Maximum cable size: compare the published capacity in the same unit and for the same cable type.
• Tool function: cutting, stripping, crimping, sheath removal and cable-tie trimming are separate jobs.
• Access and repetition: a compact cutter may suit a service bag, while a ratchet or powered cutter may better suit repeated heavy work.
• Insulation and safety requirement: check the stated electrical rating where insulated tools are required.
• Replacement parts: blades and cutting jaws must match the exact model and intended material.

Cutting and stripping without damaging cable

Measure and mark the required strip length, then select the notch, blade or adjustment that matches the cable. Do not twist or tear insulation away if it resists; reassess the setting or use the correct stripping tool. After cutting, inspect the conductor for deformation, cracked insulation beyond the cut point and sharp edges. After stripping, check that the conductor is intact and that the exposed length suits the terminal manufacturer’s instructions.

For larger cable, allow for cable support, controlled handling and the safe position of hands and body before cutting. Battery-powered and high-force cutters require particular attention to the manufacturer’s operating instructions, blade condition and material limits. Keep the work area clear and do not use an electrical cutter on live cable unless the exact work method, equipment and competency requirements expressly permit it.

Complete the termination job

Once cable is prepared, select the matching tools and components from Electrical Crimping Tools & Dies and the wider Cable Installation & Termination range. If testing is required after the connection is made, see Digital Multimeters & Clamp Meters and Electrical Test & Measurement. Organise cutters, strippers and consumables for field or workshop use through Tool Storage & Organisation.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use side cutters to cut electrical cable?

Side cutters may be suitable for light wire within their stated capacity, but they are not a universal cable-cutting solution. Larger conductors and specialised cable can be crushed or damaged by the wrong jaw profile. Use a dedicated cutter whose published material and capacity match the cable.

Why does a wire stripper damage some conductors?

Damage often occurs when the stripping setting is too tight, the tool is outside its intended range or the cable construction differs from the tool’s intended use. Fine-stranded, multi-layer or unusual insulation cables need particular care. Inspect every prepared conductor before termination and adjust the process if strands are being nicked or cut.

Are insulated cable cutters safe for live work?

An insulated tool is not a substitute for isolation and safe-work procedures. Its stated rating applies only when the tool is undamaged and used within the manufacturer’s instructions. Follow your site rules and the relevant competent-person requirements for all electrical work.

Industrial Shed can assist with product matching for Australian trade, maintenance and project orders. Provide the cable material, conductor size, application and any insulation or capacity requirement so the live range can be narrowed to appropriate options.