What Is a Molding Cutter?
A molding cutter is a tool for cutting wiring moldings and wiring covers that are placed on interior floors and walls. Most of them have a flat receiving part of the blade to match the shape of the bottom of the braid, while some have a guide to indicate the angle at which the braid is to be cut.
Similar tools include duct cutters and PVC cutters, both of which differ in the shape of the receiving part. Cutting with a molding cutter prevents burrs, snags, and other residues from sticking to the cut surface, and produces a cleaner cross-section than when cut with cutters or other tools.
How to Use Molding Cutters
Place the molding to be cut between the blade of the molding cutters and fix it in place. If the molding cutters are equipped with a guide, adjust the angle of the molding cutters to the angle you want to cut.
Once the braid is secured, grasp the handle by hand and close the blade to cut. For molding cutters with a ratchet mechanism (the blade moves only in the cutting direction), gently widen the handle to open the blade fully automatically.
After the braid to be cut is secured to the holder and the blade is closed by grasping the handle, the ratchet mechanism is activated by loosening the handle slightly.
How to Select Molding Cutters
When selecting molding cutters, be sure to check the maximum cutting capacity and the materials that can be cut. Also, select a braid cutter whose shape, structure of the blade, and functionality are suitable for the environment and purpose of the work. The following is a summary of points to consider when selecting molding cutters.
- Shape of the Receiving Part
A flat-type molding cutter with a flat support section is useful when you want to cut moldings accurately and straight. The angle guide on the support section allows you to cut a braid cleanly at various angles, such as 45° or 135°.Molding cutters with a curved support section can cut moldings quickly and sharply, which is useful when speed is required in cutting work. This type of braid cutter is used for cutting wiring braid in places where it is difficult to see, or for reducing the size of braid to be disposed of.
- Structure of the Blade
Molding cutters with a ratchet mechanism (a mechanism in which the blade moves only in the cutting direction) have a high cutting capacity and can cut securely with little force. - Functionality
Molding cutters are safe if they have a locking function on the blade to prevent the blade from opening or moving when the cutter is not in use or when work is interrupted. Also, those with a stopper to keep the braid in place on the blade section will ensure that the braid does not shift during cutting and that the braid is cut accurately.