What Are Electrician’s Nippers?
Electrician’s nippers are specialized tools designed for cutting electric wires, particularly in the construction of electrical equipment. They can handle steel and copper wires, and come equipped with features for stripping wire insulation.
These tools are capable of cutting through various types of cables, including VVF cables, with minimal effort. However, it’s important to use them carefully to prevent damage to the blades.
Uses of Electrician’s Nippers
Electrician’s nippers are widely used in electrical installation work, preparing wires for home appliances, communication devices, and precision equipment. High-quality electrician’s nippers are sharp and durable, but require careful handling to avoid damaging the blades when cutting wires beyond their capacity.
Principle of Electrician’s Nippers
The design of electrician’s nippers allows them to cut through both the soft plastic sheath of a cable and the metal wire itself. Achieving a balance between sharpness for easy cutting and durability to withstand cutting metal is a challenge that manufacturers tackle through various techniques, including specialized grinding or coating of the cutting edge.
Stronger versions, known as strong nippers, are designed for cutting thick, bare wires or even piano wire, though their cutting surfaces may leave a rough finish.
Types of Electrician’s Nippers
Different varieties of electrician’s nippers are available to suit different needs and applications. Selecting the right type depends on the specific requirements of the task at hand.
1. Classification by Blade Shape
Electrician’s nippers come in flat, round, and strong varieties. Flat and round types offer a clean cut, but are not suitable for thick wires due to their thin blades. The strong type can handle thicker wires but leaves a rougher cut surface.
2. Size
Available in various sizes, standard electrician’s nippers are 150 mm in length, with larger options at 200 mm and smaller ones at 125 mm. The larger sizes offer greater cutting capacity but may be less convenient for some users depending on hand size and working conditions.
3. Additional Functions
Some electrician’s nippers include additional features like wire strippers and crimping functions, enhancing their versatility. Models with double power mechanisms can cut hard wires, such as piano wire, more easily. Others may have antibacterial or luminescent grips for hygienic use or visibility in low light conditions.