The Ultimate Guide to Selecting Ratcheting Cable Cutters
When cutting different types of wire such as electrical, communications, copper, aluminum, or armored wire assemblies, the result of your cut is paramount. A cut that is rough, crushed, or not produced evenly can affect how fast the wire can be installed, could damage the wire being cut, and add an increased amount of preparation work prior to crimping or terminating your wire. Therefore, many electricians, utility workers, telecommunication technicians, and maintenance personnel choose ratcheting cable cutters as their best option for making cable cuts safely with less effort on the user's hands.
Whereas standard manual cutters require a single strong pull, ratcheting style cable cutters operate using a series of notched gears that give the user much greater cutting capability through repeated simple hand actions. The ratcheting system allows users to cut larger sized cables with constant pressure, especially when operating in tight areas for long periods of time or making repetitive cuts. For buyers comparing cable cutting tools, understanding cutting capacity, blade material, handle design, and application fit can help prevent choosing the wrong tool.
Ratchet Cable Cutters Are Hand Tools Used for Cutting Cables
Ratcheting style cable cutters are hand tools designed for cutting cables using a ratcheting type mechanism. Each time a user squeezes the tool’s handle, the blade advances through the cable in small incremental distances. The ratcheting system keeps the cutting position of the blade at the last position after each squeeze, allowing the user to resume cutting without losing position or effort.
This design is useful when cutting cables with medium to large diameters because the ratcheting system provides more leverage than the strength exerted by the user’s grip alone. The result is improved cutting ability, more control, and less risk of wrist and forearm strain.
High-quality ratchet cable cutters are generally utilized on copper cables, aluminum cables, stranded conductors, multi-core cables, power cables, battery cables, and, in some cases, certain communication cables. However, not all models are designed to cut every material, so it is important to confirm the rated cutting capacity of a particular manufacturer's product before use.
Reasons That Buyers Choose Ratchet Cable Cutters Compared to Regular Cable Cutters
For smaller wires, standard cable cutters can often suffice. With larger diameter cables, however, regular-sized cable cutters may become inefficient or uncomfortable to use. Fortunately, ratchet cable cutters have a variety of practical advantages for both commercial and industrial users.
Perhaps the most vital advantage to using ratchet cable cutters is that they reduce the amount of force required to make each cut. The mechanism allows for multiple stages of blade travel through the cable during each cut, so far less force is necessary to cut large conductors. This is especially advantageous for electricians performing work on large electrical distribution panels, solar panel systems, battery systems, power distribution infrastructure, and control panels.
Another advantage is that ratchet cable cutters create a consistent cut profile. Cutting with a sharp, quality ratchet cable cutter will produce a clean, smooth surface to facilitate preparation of the cut cable for stripping, insertion into lugs, and crimping. Poor-quality cuts from improvised tools or undersized cutters may damage strands or create uneven ends that can complicate later preparation and connection quality.
Additionally, ratchet cable cutter tools can be very practical in confined work spaces. Due to the incremental advancement of the cut with each movement of the handle, users may not require a large opening angle or an excessive amount of physical effort to perform a cut. This makes them useful for panels, cable trays, equipment rooms, and field maintenance work.
Common Applications of Ratchet Cable Cutters
Some of the most common applications for ratchet-type cable cutters include electrical installations and servicing, industrial maintenance, renewable energy installations, telecommunications infrastructure, construction, rail systems, marine wiring, and utility work. They are often used in scenarios where general-purpose cutting tools are not able to make the required cut because the cables or wires are too large, but powered hydraulic cutting equipment is not required.
Cable and wire types that ratchet cable cutters can be used to cut include copper and aluminum power cables, battery cable, conductors for crimp terminals, stranded cable used in panel assembly, and flexible electrical cable installed in the field. Some models of ratchet type cable cutters have also been designed specifically for use with ACSR, steel wire rope, or armored cable. These materials must be clearly approved by the manufacturer to avoid cutting with an improperly sized or incompatible tool.
Another common use of ratchet cable cutters is in solar and energy storage projects, including DC power cables, inverter wiring, battery interconnect cables, and grounding conductors. In telecommunications and data environments, ratchet cable cutters can also be used to cut larger data cables, but they should not be used for delicate fiber optic cable because fiber requires specific cutting and preparation tools.
How to Choose the Right Ratchet Cable Cutter
In selecting a ratchet cable cutter, size is not the only factor. Other considerations include the type of cable being cut, the diameter of the cable, the environment in which the cutter will be used, how often you will be using the tool, and how sharply or cleanly the cut has to be.
1. Make Sure to Check the Rated Cutting Capacity
Cutting capacity is typically the most crucial specification of a ratchet cable cutter. Cutting capacity will generally be associated with the diameter of the cable, the size of the conductor within the cable, or the type of cable. The cutter you choose for cables like copper or aluminum should have an appropriate rating for the size of cable you plan to cut.
Always verify that the cutter you want to use can cut through your actual cables. If you attempt to cut a cable using a cutter beyond its rated range, you could chip the cutter's blade, break its ratchet mechanism, or crush rather than cut through the cable. It is a good idea for professional users who often work with various sizes of cables to err on the side of over-specifying slightly.
2. Ensure the Cutter's Blade Matches the Type of Cable Material
Be aware that copper and aluminum cables are softer than steel-reinforced cables or armored cables. Do not use a cutter designed to cut aluminum or copper wire to cut steel wire, piano wire, bolts, or any type of hard metal unless the manufacturer indicates otherwise.
To help with this, look for hardened steel blades, precision-ground cutting edges, and surface treatments that prevent corrosion. If you will be using your cutting tool often, consider purchasing one with replaceable blades to extend the cutting tool’s lifespan and reduce long-term costs.
3. Think About the Ratchet Mechanism and Release Mechanism of the Cutting Tool
A cutting tool that has a smooth ratcheting mechanism will allow you to better control the cut and be more comfortable while cutting. A ratchet cutting tool should securely advance when squeezed and should not slip backward when being used. Most professional ratchet cutting tools have a quick-release lever, which allows you to release the blade if it is necessary to move the cutting tool before completing the cut.
This may be helpful when using your cutter in tight places or when the cable is not perfectly aligned with the starting point. A trustworthy release system will also offer a higher level of safety and convenience when using the tool each day.
4. Assessing the Comfort of the Handle and Design of the Grip
Handle design has a significant impact on both productivity and safety. Properly designed handles, such as those with non-slip grips, ergonomic shapes, and suitable handle length, can significantly lower fatigue when performing repetitive cutting. Although insulated or other protective handles are generally considered useful for fieldwork, users must not assume the cutting tool is safe when working on live electrical circuits unless it is certified or specifically identified for that application.
For tools that will be operated continuously, balance and weight are essential factors to consider. Using a heavy-duty cutting tool may give you the maximum capacity; however, if your job primarily involves cutting smaller diameter cables, a heavy-duty cutting tool may quickly result in operator fatigue. The key is to choose the proper cutting tool relative to actual daily operating tasks, not just the maximum capacity.
Safety Tips to Remember Before Cutting Cable
Always put safety first over speed. Before using a ratchet cutter or any cutting tool, check that the cable is de-energized, locked out, and tested according to your workplace safety process. Cutting live electrical cable can result in serious injury, arc flash, tool damage, or equipment damage.
Inspect the cutter before use. The blade should be sharp and not cracked or chipped. The ratchet mechanism should engage freely and smoothly, and the handles should be tight. Do not use a damaged cutter, and do not extend the handles with pipe or other improvised leverage, as this may apply too much load to the cutter.
Position the cable correctly within the cutting jaw. A bad cut may occur from cutting at an angle, creating a great deal of stress on the blade. Use consistent force and let the ratchet mechanism do the work. If the cutting tool cannot move smoothly or feels stuck, verify that the cable you are attempting to cut does not exceed the rated maximum size or contain unsupported objects, such as steel reinforcement.
Care Practices to Extend Tool Life
A ratchet cutter that is properly maintained will last for years. Wipe off dirt, metal shavings, and cable residue as soon as you finish using your tool. Clean the blade and lightly oil the cutter's pivot and ratchet mechanisms according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Store the cutter in a dry area to limit corrosion. If your cutter has replaceable blades, inspect them on a regular basis and replace blades that no longer cut properly. A dull blade requires more energy, makes your hands tired, and may cause the cutter to crush the cable rather than cut it cleanly.
Many professional crews find that it is beneficial to assign one cutter per type of material, such as copper, aluminum, or hard steel. Using one cutter for different types of materials will rapidly decrease the cutting ability of the tool if the blade is not meant to be used for all of them.
Important Features to Look for When Comparing Ratchet Cutters
When comparing ratchet cutters, emphasize practical features that relate to daily use instead of just appearance. A reliable model provides clear cutting capacity, strong blade construction, smooth operation, a safe release mechanism, and comfortable handles.
- Rated for the type of cables and materials that are commonly used
- Hardened, ground clean-cutting blades
- Quick-release function for easier repositioning
- Comfortable handles that provide good grip
- Compact head for tight spaces
- Blades that can be replaced or repaired for long-term durability
Price will always play a role, but the cheapest tool may not always be the best value. A tool that wears out too fast, damages cables, or slows down installation can cost more in labor and replacement than a higher priced tool bought upfront.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Do not use ratchet equipment on the wrong type of material. Most cutters designed for copper and aluminum wires will permanently damage the blade if you use them on steel wire, screws, nails, or other hard materials.
Ignoring cable or wire construction is another mistake. Cable may appear to be within a diameter range, but if it has steel reinforcement or heavy armor, another type of cutter may be needed. Be sure to check both the diameter and the material used.
Do not choose a tool based solely upon maximum cutting size. If the majority of your work is with smaller size cables, a large cutter can be more cumbersome and slow. The best ratchet cable cutter is the one that is best for keeping up with your normal type of work while still having enough power to cut larger cables on occasion.