When we talk about a hand tool that no technician should be without, we talk about the best electrician’s scissors, an indispensable instrument in every hardware box, just like wrenches, screwdrivers, or pliers.
- ENGINEER – The Best Hard Plastic Electrician’s Scissors
- Vampire Professional Tools International – The Best Professional Electrician’s Scissors
- KLEIN TOOLS – High Quality Electrician’s Scissors
- Fluke – The Best for Cabling Electrician’s Scissors
- KNIPEX – The Best Cutting Edge with Integrated Cable Cutter Electrician’s Scissors
This instrument is the faithful companion of professional electricians. Its function makes it indispensable for the electrical assemblies, those that to make it with normal scissors we would lose so much time as materials, in addition, that by its form and properties they help to reduce the electrical dangers and those own of working with not specialized scissors, knife or razor.
The parts of scissors are two blades with which effective cuts are made. Generally, at the lower end, it has a notch that facilitates the manipulation of the extensions when removing the coating without mistreating the filaments. That is why they are used to work cables and stripping conductors.
TOP Electrician’s Scissors – Reviews
| Image | Product | |
|---|---|---|
Hard plastic | Versatile Compact Multi-Function Scissors with 4-in-1
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Works well with paracord  | Super Combo Scissors by Vampire Professional Tools International
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High quality  | Klein Tools 2100-8 Scissors, Electrician Free Fall Snips
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Excellent for cabling  | Fluke Networks D-Snip Cable Scissors
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Tools for Pros  | Knipex 95 05 155 SB Electrician's Shears 6,1
| Check Price |
What are the Best Electrician’s Shears?
The decision practically depends on the size of the piece you want and on one or another detail that the scissors may have to increase comfort, ease of handling, or versatility.
After researching several models on the market, we made a list where we gathered the six most convenient scissors, according to the opinion of professional electricians.
Here are the best electrical scissors:
1. The Best Value for Money is The Versatile Compact Multi-Function Scissors with 4-in-1
The quality of these scissors is superior to others, as both the blades and the handle are made of stainless steel, which guarantees the tool’s durability, sharpness, and resistance.
The handle is coated with plastic and made of non-slip material so that your fingers are firm; on the other hand, its design is ergonomic and easy to use.
The wire stripper is also precise and has three holes for different sizes ranging from 1.5mm to 4mm thick, but if you are cutting wires, the tool will easily split pieces up to 50mm in diameter.
Although it is not as precise as a professional crimper, it allows crimping, which does the job.
It also has a high level of insulation, with thick plastic and a good feel. It is also among the best value in the market, and considering that it is not the cheapest, it is the most recommended among experts in the area.
2. Super Combo Scissors by Vampire Professional Tools International
The strength of these scissors is that the handle is made of two types of plastics and reinforced with fiberglass that gives a feeling of robustness and quality that makes the piece super easy to manipulate.
It is also lightweight, weighing only 110g and measuring 15.5cm; it is the ideal scissors to take the first steps in electrical work and be used by women in DIY work.
The purchase comes with a protective plastic sheath to carry the scissors safely, which can also be attached to your tool belt.
It will be very efficient even for continuous work and an affordable investment that will satisfy you.
3. Klein Tools 2100-8 Scissors, Electrician Free Fall Snips
This simple scissors model is the least expensive of our suggestions; however, it has the typical hole that no electrician’s shears can lack for stripping wires.
Also, its design is metallic; it has plastic-coated rings and can cut pieces up to 48mm thick.
It may be enough for sporadic work, but it will still make precise, clean cuts and fulfill its function perfectly.
On the other hand, the design makes it operate with smooth movements, so you will not mistreat your fingers when using it.
4. Fluke Networks D-Snip Cable Scissors
Aside from being inexpensive, it is one of the most full-featured shears you can find on the market. It is designed for cutting, stripping, and crimping and has an ultra-comfortable coating that will facilitate each task.
It is another pair of scissors made entirely of steel which makes it boast an unquestionable quality. Professionals accept it as a high-efficiency scissors for performing well in all its utilities.
You will be impressed by how solid and sharp they are. It offers an exact cut without generating waste, and if used for domestic use, the investment in it can be long-lasting.
5. Knipex 95 05 155 SB Electrician’s Shears 6,1
If you need sturdy, resistant, sharp scissors that will perfectly fulfill your task without investing a lot of money, this is the model you should buy.
It is for professional use and will become the faithful ally of any electrical technician. It has the particularity of having a wide handle but with small blades; however, it fulfills its function perfectly and makes it easy to handle.
For scissors with these characteristics, it has a low price since it is considered one of the best options on the market.
Characteristics of a Good Power Shear
- When used to work with current, they must have a high level of insulation.
- The stainless steel ones are the best and most durable; however, you can also find quite resistant metallic scissors.
- The rivet must firmly join the two pieces that form the structure.
- The handles should be comfortable so that the hand feels the support needed to work with precision. It is also preferable that they are covered with a plastic or strong material to provide comfort and reduce the possibility of slipping between the hand and the scissors.
How to Use It
Despite how similar it is to normal scissors, the key feature that makes it perfect for working the wiring is that small hole inside which the extension should be placed when you decide to peel it. No matter the pressure you exert with the scissors, it will not be cut, and you will only have to pull it out, so the strands will be free, and you can make the joints you consider.
Electric Scissors: Safe and Clean Cuts
When working around a home that requires electrical installations or remodeling, having a tool to make precise and safe cuts is extremely important. It allows you to do a safe job.
These scissors are designed primarily with a large opening for thick cuts in solid or stranded wires, from 12 AWG (American Wire Gauge Diameter) for hardwire and 10 AWG for treble wire.
But the best thing is not this, but the possibility of making copper cuts and plastic covering of clean wiring. To this end, the blades feature a serrated blade on the back that seals each cut and does not expose sharp copper cutting edges.
In addition, many also come with a notch that serves as a pre-step to quickly and conveniently strip wires by hand.
What to Look for When Buying Electrician Scissors? – Buyer’s Guide
Sharp Blades
As with any scissors, the most important part is the sharpness of the metal blades that make the cuts. A good pair of scissors should come well sharpened from the factory as they are usually quite difficult tools to sharpen on their own.
Durability
But the blades should not only come with a sharp side, but you should also consider the angle and width of that sharp cut and the hardness of each blade.
For example, a blade that is too thin may be prone to break on the first cut of a copper braid.
Another sign that the tool will last you a long time is if the company includes a warranty period of more than 5 years. If they are willing to offer you this insurance, they are confident that their product has great performance and efficiency.
Reputable Brand or Store
Nothing gives more confidence than a good reference and public recognition. If your long-time electrician recommends a type of cable cutter, it is probably because this brand has been in his hands for several years.
The same goes for specialty stores. If a place is dedicated to offering technical service and heavy-duty products, they may already have their own quality control to offer the best to regular customers. In addition, these sites also tend to have more affordable prices on the best ranges.
What Tools to Include in a Skilled Electrician’s Box?
If you have taken a look at the workbox of a professional electrician, you have likely been confused among so many cutters and pliers. So here I will explain the basics that you can not miss if you are starting in this world.
Pliers
This is the first and foremost. A good plier is a tool that can not miss any professional manual labor in the workbox, not only electricians but also plumbers, carpenters, etc…
These pliers allow you to hold, press, and make sharp incisions rather than smooth or sharp cuts. They have needlepoint and diagonal and lateral blades.
Wire Stripper
This is essential as a separate tool, although some scissors may include it in their handle. Its use is to remove or peel the plastic or rubberized coating that usually wraps the copper of the cables.
When we want to make exact joints or cuts, it is essential first to remove the sheathing and not cut directly.
Having a special tool for this job allows for greater precision, especially because they come with a size guide. This ensures that the necessary amount of sheathing is removed according to the size of the cable and does not cut the metal.
Nut Drivers
This is an instrument similar to a screwdriver but much more specialized. A hollow shaft allows nuts and bolts to be adjusted fairly by accommodating different designs and sizes.
Having one of these can facilitate the installation and remodeling of fixed wiring while saving you a lot of money instead of having several models of sockets and nuts.
Multimeter
It is not common in homes, but it is common in professional work. It is an electronic meter capable of detecting different electrical problems.
Having one can be useful to diagnose voltage variations, measure resistances, current type, and the ignition of an appliance or wiring very accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are electric scissors?
They are a type of hand tool that is used for a variety of cutting applications. Also known as cordless scissors, they are basically shears, which are battery operated that cut without manually moving the blades.
How do you sharpen electric shears?
Generally, these types of tools are sharpened with sandpaper. Sandpaper with 150-200 grit usually works well; however, if smoother edges are desired for the scissor blades, the sandpaper should be folded in half with the rough sides facing out.
Can I use a knife sharpener on scissors?
When it comes to sharpening scissors, a knife sharpener can also be used; however, the scissors sharpener is more recommended, as it keeps the blade secure, and you can sharpen both at the same time.
What are electricians scissors for?
Electricians scissors are specially designed for cutting through electrical insulation. They have blunt tips to prevent accidental puncturing of electrical wires, and their serrated blades help to grip the insulation material so it can be cut cleanly and efficiently.
How do you sharpen electrical scissors?
There are a few ways to sharpen electrical scissors. One way is to use a sharpening stone. First, wet the stone with water and then rub the blade of the scissors against it in a circular motion. Another way is to use a file. First, find a file that has a coarse side and a fine side. Then, use the coarse side to remove any burrs from the blade and the fine side to smooth out the edge. Finally, you can also use sandpaper to sharpen your electrical scissors. First, find some sandpaper with a grit of around 600. Then, rub the blade of the scissors against the sandpaper in a circular motion until it is nice and sharp.