How to cut a wire without wire cutters (5 ways)
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Pliers are useful for both small and large tasks. They are designed to quickly and cleanly cut any type of wire, including construction wire, copper, brass, steel and others. However, not everyone has wire cutters in their toolbox.
So what do you do when you have a task that involves cut the wire without the right tool to get the job done? Of course there are different alternatives, but the best is to use wire cutters if you have. They are usually not expensive and they can make the job easier and safer for you.
While cutters are highly recommended, there are times when you may not have access to them when you need them. What to do in such a situation? In this post we will show you how to cut wire without wire cutters using five different methods. Let's get to the details.
You can cut the wire without wire cutters in five different ways as shown below.
- bend it
- Use a hacksaw to cut it
- Use tin shears
- Use a reciprocating saw
- Use an angle grinder
These are five alternatives to cutting wire without wire cutters.
5 ways to cut wire without wire cutters
If you don't have clippers, don't despair! There are alternatives you can explore to get the job done. Here how to cut wire without wire cutters using five different methods.
1. bend it
You can try bending the wire if it is thinner and more pliable. All you have to do is bend it sideways until it starts to come off. You won't be able to break it if the wire is thick or comes with a sheath on top. One more thing, if you repeatedly bend the wire, you will break the overall integrity of the wire. (1)
This is because the area around the bend or break hardens, which can make that area stronger and harder than the rest of the wire. In addition, the wire may undergo some deformation when using the bending method. This may make the wire unreliable for future use.
2. Hacksaw for metal.
Nothing compares to wire cutting with a couple of clippers. However, you can get a hacksaw if you don't have wire cutters. Make sure the saw has a good number of teeth per inch to get a clean cut. One thing you have to understand is that it's a bit tricky cut the wire, especially for smaller wires.
The tool is mainly used for larger diameter wire. Using a hacksaw to cut smaller diameter and smaller diameter wires can compromise the integrity of the wire. There is a good chance that after cutting, the wire will warp or bend more than you expect.
3. Tin scissors
Tin shears come with sharpened blades and handles that are about 8 inches long. They were originally designed for cutting sheets of thin metal, but they can also be used for cutting copper wire and other softer wire. If you want to use metal shears, you need to be careful.
Gently insert the wire between the blades and close the handles evenly. You can get a clean cut with metal shears, but you can end up warping or bending it if done poorly.
4. Reciprocating saw
While a hacksaw can get yours cut the wire, it cannot be compared with a reciprocating saw. A reciprocating saw provides more power and speed, and you're sure to get a smoother cut with this tool. Reciprocating saws are of variable length and have thin blades attached to them.
Its motor is built into its block and moves the saw blade back and forth at high speed. This device was originally designed for cutting things like wood and pipes in places where a large saw wouldn't fit. When using it for wire strip, make sure that the number of teeth per inch is very high so that you can cut the wire with minimal problems.
To cut wire stripper reciprocating saw, turn on the saw and slowly move the blade towards the wire, pressing gently until it cuts through. Wearing safety glasses is recommended because the speed of the saw can cause pieces of wire to whip in multiple directions.
5. Angle grinder
The angle grinder comes with a circular cutting disc. This blade rotates at a very high speed per minute. You can get a more thorough and deeper clean cut on surfaces by using an angle grinder.
To use this device, wear safety goggles and turn on the grinder. Slowly insert it into the outer part of the wire and move it slowly until the angle grinder cuts through the wire. This tool is best suited for large gauge wires.
Tip: Don't use scissors or nail clippers.
Never try to use nail clippers or scissors to cut the wire, because they are not designed for such work. Using any of these will not cut the wire and you may end up destroying the scissors. Scissors and nail clippers are not sharp enough to cut wires.
When used, they will only bend the wires or deform them. Not only will this damage your instrument, but it will also make the wires unreliable for future use. You also run the risk of injury when using these tools because they are insulated and can cause electric shock. (2)
F.A.Q.
What are the types of wires?
There are different types of wires, and each one is used for different projects and situations. Two popular options you can find are stranded wires and metal sheathed wires.
Stranded wires. They are designed to connect household appliances such as dishwashers, stoves and washing machines. They are commonly referred to as the NM type, meaning non-metallic.
These include live or live wires, ground wires, and neutral wires. Non-metallic cables or copper wires are mainly used for heavier appliances using 120/140 chains.
metal wiring. Metal sheathed wires, also known as MC wires, come with a special metal sheath, which is often aluminum. It contains a neutral, active and ground wire. This type of wire is often used in industry because it can withstand heavy loads.
The metal casing also gives them some level of protection against broken wires and fires. Metallic coated wires are more expensive than stranded wires due to the high safety measures and materials used in their manufacture. You will find this type of wiring in industrial and commercial applications.
How to determine your caliber
The first step is to remove the insulation from the electrical wiring and speaker wires before measuring the diameters. Make sure you cut the end of the wire with wire cutters and also use them to strip the insulation.
Make sure you have half an inch from the end of the wire with the cutter blades, and carefully cut the entire circumference of the insulation. Then peel off the insulation from the end you just cut off. Using a manometer, you can measure wiring made of non-ferrous metals. Make sure you insert the wire into round slots that are closer to the diameter.
Also, use a special gauge to prevent gaps and ensure a snug fit for the wire. It should be noted that gauges for non-ferrous metals differ from those used for ferrous metals. You can use SWG (Standard Wire Gauge) to measure wires containing iron.
Summing up
A lot goes into wiring, and some tools are required to make accurate and clean cuts. The use of other tools may compromise the integrity of the wiring. If you don't have cable cutters, you should use a sharp and precise tool.
Take a look at some of our articles below.
- Where to find thick copper wire for scrap
- How to directly connect the fuel pump
- How to use a multimeter to check the voltage of live wires
Recommendations
(1) integrity - https://www.thebalancecareers.com/what-is-integrity-really-1917676
(2) electric shock - https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-electrical-shock/basics/art-20056695
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