RIGGING SUPPLY YOU CAN DEPEND ON

Professional Cutters - Wire Rope & Cable Cutting Tools

Benefits of Proper Wire Rope Cutters

• Clean Cuts: Sharp blades shear cleanly without crushing strands
• No Fraying: Prevents strand separation and fraying
• Maintains Integrity: Preserves rope structure for proper terminations
• Easier Terminations: Clean ends are easier to insert into sleeves and fittings
• Professional Results: Creates quality cuts for professional work
• Saves Time: Quick, clean cuts without cleanup
• Extends Tool Life: Designed for wire rope, not general-purpose tools
• Safety: Proper tools reduce risk of injury from improper cutting methods

Hand Cable Cutters

Compact, hand-operated cutters for small to medium-diameter cable. Portable and economical for general use.

Key Features:

• Hand-operated, no power required
• Portable and lightweight
• Good for cable up to 1/4" or 5/16" typically
• Economical option
• Plier-style or scissor-style designs
• Hardened steel cutting blades
• Suitable for occasional use

Common Applications:

• Cable railing installation
• Small marine rigging
• Architectural cable work
• Light-duty cable cutting
• Field work and repairs

Ratcheting Cable Cutters

Lever-action cutters with ratcheting mechanism that provides mechanical advantage for cutting larger cable with less effort.

Key Features:

• Ratcheting mechanism multiplies force
• Cuts larger cable than standard hand cutters
• Less hand fatigue
• Good for cable up to 3/8" or 1/2"
• Professional-grade tool
• Clean, precise cuts

Hydraulic Cable Cutters

Powered by hydraulic pressure, providing maximum cutting force for large-diameter wire rope and cable. Professional and industrial grade.

Key Features:

• Hydraulic power for maximum force
• Cuts large-diameter wire rope (up to 1" or more)
• Clean cuts with minimal effort
• Professional and industrial grade
• Manual pump or powered options
• Essential for heavy-duty rigging work

Common Applications:

• Marine rigging shops
• Industrial cable fabrication
• Heavy-duty wire rope work
• Professional rigging operations
• Large-scale cable projects

Bolt Cutters (for Wire Rope)

Heavy-duty bolt cutters can cut wire rope but may crush strands. Better than hacksaws but not as clean as dedicated wire rope cutters.

Key Features:

• Leverage-based cutting
• Can cut wire rope in a pinch
• May crush strands
• Not ideal but better than hacksaws
• Economical if you already own them

Note: While bolt cutters can cut wire rope, dedicated wire rope cutters provide cleaner cuts with less strand damage.

Matching Cutter to Cable Size

• Up to 1/8" cable: Small hand cable cutters
• 1/8" to 1/4" cable: Standard hand cable cutters
• 1/4" to 3/8" cable: Heavy-duty hand cutters or ratcheting cutters
• 3/8" to 1/2" cable: Ratcheting cutters or small hydraulic cutters
• 1/2" to 3/4" cable: Hydraulic cutters
• 3/4" and larger: Heavy-duty hydraulic cutters

Always check manufacturer specifications for exact cutting capacity. Attempting to cut cable larger than the tool's capacity can damage the cutter and create poor cuts.

Key Considerations

• Cable Size Range: Cutter must handle your maximum cable diameter
• Frequency of Use: Occasional use = hand cutter; professional use = hydraulic
• Portability: Hand cutters are portable; hydraulic cutters are shop tools
• Budget: Hand cutters are economical; hydraulic cutters are expensive but necessary for large cable
• Cut Quality: Dedicated wire rope cutters provide cleanest cuts
• Application: Marine, architectural, or industrial requirements
• Blade Quality: Hardened steel blades last longer and cut cleaner
• Ergonomics: Comfortable handles reduce fatigue for frequent use

Application-Specific Recommendations

• DIY Cable Railing: Hand cable cutter for 1/8" or 3/16" cable
• Professional Cable Railing: Ratcheting cutter for efficiency
• Sailboat Rigging: Hydraulic cutter for standing rigging (3/16" to 5/16"+ cable)
• Occasional Small Projects: Hand cable cutter
• Rigging Shop: Hydraulic cutter for versatility
• Field Work: Portable hand or ratcheting cutter

Best Practices for Clean Cuts

• Mark Cut Location: Mark cable clearly before cutting
• Secure Cable: Hold or clamp cable to prevent movement
• Perpendicular Cut: Cut straight across, not at an angle
• Full Blade Engagement: Ensure cable is fully in cutter jaws
• Smooth Motion: Apply steady, even pressure
• Complete Cut: Cut completely through in one motion if possible
• Tape Before Cutting: Wrap tape around cut location to prevent fraying (optional)
• Inspect Cut: Verify clean cut before proceeding with termination

Safety Warnings

• Wear Safety Glasses: Wire strands can fly when cut
• Secure Cable: Prevent cable from whipping or moving
• Proper Capacity: Don't exceed cutter's rated capacity
• Sharp Blades: Keep blades sharp for clean cuts and safety
• Proper Technique: Use correct body position and leverage
• Cut Ends are Sharp: Handle freshly cut cable carefully

Tool Maintenance

• Keep Blades Sharp: Sharpen or replace dull blades
• Clean After Use: Remove wire debris from blades
• Lubrication: Oil pivot points and moving parts
• Proper Storage: Store in dry location, protect blades
• Inspect Regularly: Check for blade damage or wear
• Don't Overload: Never cut cable larger than rated capacity
• Hydraulic Maintenance: Maintain hydraulic fluid and seals

Can I use bolt cutters to cut wire rope?

Bolt cutters can cut wire rope but they tend to crush the strands rather than shearing cleanly. This creates frayed ends that are difficult to work with and may compromise the rope. For professional work and clean terminations, use dedicated wire rope cutters. Bolt cutters are acceptable in a pinch but not ideal.

Why can't I use a hacksaw to cut wire rope?

Hacksaws create very rough, frayed cuts on wire rope because they saw through individual strands rather than shearing the entire rope cleanly. The frayed ends are nearly impossible to insert into sleeves or fittings. Hacksaws also take much longer and can cause the rope to unravel. Always use proper wire rope cutters for clean, professional results.

What size cutter do I need for 1/4" cable?

For 1/4" cable, a heavy-duty hand cable cutter or ratcheting cable cutter is appropriate. Check the manufacturer's specifications - most quality hand cutters handle up to 1/4" or 5/16" cable. For frequent cutting of 1/4" cable, a ratcheting cutter will reduce hand fatigue and provide cleaner cuts with less effort.

How do I prevent fraying when cutting wire rope?

Use sharp, proper wire rope cutters that shear cleanly rather than crush. Some professionals wrap tape around the cut location before cutting to hold strands together. Make a clean, perpendicular cut in one smooth motion. After cutting, you can also apply a small amount of super glue or solder to the cut end to prevent fraying during handling.

When should I replace my cutter blades?

Replace blades when they become dull and no longer cut cleanly, when you see nicks or chips in the cutting edge, or when cuts start to crush rather than shear the cable. Dull blades create poor cuts and require more force, increasing the risk of injury. Quality cutters often have replaceable blades - replace them rather than struggling with dull tools.

Professional Wire Rope Cutters from US Rigging

US Rigging is a manufacturer and master distributor of climbing ropes, fall protection equipment, and industrial rigging equipment located in Santa Ana, California. With over 40 years of experience, we offer professional-grade wire rope cutters and cable cutting tools engineered for precision, durability, and reliable performance in demanding applications.

Our cutter collection includes hand cable cutters for small-diameter cable, ratcheting cutters for professional use, and hydraulic cutters for heavy-duty marine and industrial applications. Whether you need a portable hand cutter for cable railing installation, a ratcheting cutter for efficient field work, or a hydraulic cutter for sailboat rigging and large cable fabrication, we have the quality cutting tools for clean, professional wire rope cuts.

Browse our cutter selection and contact our knowledgeable team for expert guidance. Trust US Rigging for professional-grade wire rope cutters and cable cutting tools you can depend on.