What Is a Duct Cutter?
A duct cutter is a tool for cutting plastic materials, such as wiring ducts and terminal block covers that protect and contain the wiring of electrical equipment.
A duct cutter basically has a blade on one side only and consists of a cutting blade and a receiving part structure. This structure of the duct cutter secures the wiring duct at the receiving part, and the blade part moves firmly to the receiving part to ensure a secure cut.
Cutting with a duct cutter also prevents the cut surface of wiring ducts from being disturbed or cracked during cutting and produces a cleaner cross-sectional finish than when cutting with a cutter or saw.
How to Use Duct Cutters
Place the duct to be cut between the blades of the duct cutters and fix it in place.
Grip the handle with your hand and close the blade to cut. At this time, applying force slowly will prevent the duct from breaking during cutting. Be especially careful when starting and finishing cutting, and when the temperature is low, as wiring ducts are prone to cracking.
After cutting, burrs (residue from cutting) may adhere to the cut surface. Therefore, it is recommended to remove them using plastic nippers or a similar tool. It is safer to wear protective goggles when cutting ducts, as cut materials may fly off during the cutting process.
How to Select Duct Cutters
Duct cutters are available for cutting general wiring ducts and those specially designed for cutting air conditioner ducts. When selecting duct cutters, be sure to check the maximum cutting capacity and the materials that can be cut. Also, select duct cutters whose blade length, structure, and functionality are suitable for the environment and purpose for which it will be used. The following are summaries of points to consider when selecting duct cutters.
- Structure of the Blade
Duct cutters with a ratchet mechanism (a mechanism in which the blade moves only in the cutting direction) have a high cutting capacity and can slowly cut even hard ducts with little force. Since a large force is not applied to the duct at once, the duct can be prevented from breaking during cutting. - Functionality
It is safer if the duct cutters have a lock function on the blade to prevent the blade from opening or moving when the duct cutters are not in use or when work is interrupted. - Duct Cutters for Cutting Air Conditioning Ducts
Duct cutters for cutting air-conditioner ducts have an uneven blade. Because of the unique shape of the receiving part, these duct cutters are not suited for cutting anything other than air conditioner wiring ducts.