Diagonal Cutting Pliers
Sharp, angled cutting pliers for trimming wire and pins close to a surface, also called dikes.
What is it?
Diagonal cutting pliers, or dikes, have angled cutting jaws for snipping wire, pins, and cable close to the work. The angle keeps your hand out of the way for clean, precise cuts.
What is it used for?
- Cutting wire and cable
- Trimming pins and leads
- Cutting flush at a surface
How to choose
Match cutter size to the wire you cut; hardened steel edges for hard wire, and a slim head where reach matters.
Anatomy
Understanding the parts of a diagonal cutting pliers helps you use, maintain, and buy it with confidence.
- Body: the main working portion of the tool
- Working end: the part that contacts the material
- Handle: the part you grip for control and leverage
Materials & construction
Quality diagonal cutting plierss are made from hardened, heat-treated steel (often chrome-vanadium or high-carbon) chosen for strength, edge retention, and resistance to wear and corrosion.
Safety & maintenance
- Inspect the tool before use and replace any that are worn or damaged
- Use the right tool for the job and apply controlled force
- Store tools clean and dry to prevent corrosion
- Wear appropriate eye protection for the work
Also known as
dikes, wire cutters