Isla Bennett
Cutting pliers are a valuable tool for cutting nails and hardened screws. Traditional cutting pliers may not be the best option for cutting nails, especially when you want to cut them close to a surface. End-cutting pliers are a better option for such tasks, as they have a flush edge that allows them to get very close to the cutting surface. They are also useful for cutting nails in wood when you want to reuse the wood for another project. Side cutters, or diagonal cutting pliers, are another type of cutting pliers that can be used for cutting nails, although they may not provide as clean a cut as end cutters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of pliers | End cutting pliers, side cutters, lineman's pliers, bolt cutters, bull nose pliers, fence pliers, vise grips, carbide nippers, piano wire nippers, Irwin cutting nippers, Knipex Cobolts, Channellock end nippers, etc. |
| Use case | Cutting nails, hardened screws, wire, staples, bolts, etc. |
| Advantages | Cutting nails very close to the surface of the material they're embedded into, making them safe for reuse; greater cutting force; flush finish; pulling nails from wood; removing electrical staples |
| Disadvantages | Carbide nippers are brittle and can break easily |
| Availability | Maun Industries Limited, Home Depot, Rockler, Harbor Freight, Fine Homebuilding, The Home Garage, etc. |
| Price | $10.95-$175 |
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What You'll Learn
End-cutting pliers cut nails close to the surface
If you're looking to cut nails close to the surface, end-cutting pliers are the tool for the job. They are specifically designed to cut nails and wires close to the surface of wood, making them ideal for when you want to reuse a piece of wood without removing the nail.
End-cutting pliers are also known as end nippers or end cutters. They have a flush edge, which helps them get very close to the cutting surface. The cutting jaws of these pliers are perpendicular to the handle, allowing them to sit flush with the surface and create a cut that avoids extra material rising above the surface. This makes them very useful for cutting nails safely, without the need to worry about removing the nail.
End-cutting pliers are also commonly used for trimming metal wire or bolts, and for removing electrical staples. In these applications, the pliers can push right up against the staples, helping to safely remove them and relocate the cables without risking damage to the wire.
While end-cutting pliers are a precision tool, it's worth noting that they may not always cut nails perfectly flush with the surface. In some cases, a small amount of metal may still be exposed, and an angle grinder may be required to get a perfectly flush finish.
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Diagonal cutting pliers are better for cutting wires
Diagonal cutting pliers, also known as wire cutters, side cutters, or flush cut pliers, are specifically designed for cutting wire. They are excellent at cutting through wire due to their unique angled design, which applies greater cutting force onto the wire. This design also makes them useful for cutting in inaccessible places.
The cutting edges of the jaws in diagonal cutting pliers are set at an angle or "on a diagonal", giving them their name. The jaw edges are ground to a symmetrical "V" shape, allowing the two jaws to form an "X" shape when closed. This angle allows diagonal cutting pliers to indent and wedge the wire apart, rather than using a shearing action like scissors. This makes them ideal for cutting hard wires, such as copper, brass, iron, aluminium, steel wire, and even piano wire.
In contrast, traditional cutting pliers may not provide the desired finish when cutting nails or wires close to a surface. End cutting pliers, on the other hand, are designed for this purpose. They have a flush edge that allows them to get very close to the cutting surface, creating a flush finish. While end cutting pliers are excellent for cutting nails and wires close to the surface, they may not be as versatile as diagonal cutting pliers when it comes to cutting wires of different hardness and thicknesses.
Diagonal cutting pliers are also available in different sizes, with varying jaw widths and openings, making them suitable for a range of tasks and users' preferences. They are commonly used by dental technicians, jewellers, hobbyists, craft workers, and utility meter installers. The versatility, precision, and ease of use of diagonal cutting pliers make them a preferred choice for cutting wires in various applications.
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Carbide-jaw pliers are not suitable for pulling nails
While pliers are a useful tool for cutting and pulling nails, not all pliers are created equal. Carbide-jaw pliers, in particular, are not suitable for pulling nails.
Carbide is a very brittle material. It is good for steady cutting under very controlled conditions, but it is not suitable for yanking, levering, or any other type of impulsive load. If you use a carbide cutter in a lathe and have to stop the lathe with the cutter engaged, for example, it will break. Carbide will also break in "interrupted cuts", like turning down a steel shaft with a slot for a key.
For this reason, carbide-jaw pliers are not suitable for pulling nails. The impulsive load of yanking or levering out a nail will cause the carbide to shatter. Instead, when pulling nails, it is recommended to use tools with steel piano wire nippers, or pliers with a rounded head, such as bull nose pliers.
End-cutting pliers are another type of plier that is useful for cutting nails. They have a flush edge, which helps them get very close to the cutting surface. This is ideal when reusing a piece of wood, as they can cut nails very close to the surface of the wood without damaging it.
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Linemen's pliers are not a replacement for bolt cutters
Lineman's pliers are a versatile tool with a range of applications, including cutting. While they can be used to cut certain materials, they are not a suitable replacement for bolt cutters. Lineman's pliers are designed with a specific purpose and set of functions in mind, and attempting to use them as bolt cutters can lead to unsatisfactory results or even damage the tool.
Lineman's pliers are commonly used by electricians and are available in various designs, including side cutters, shear cutters, and crimpers. Some lineman's pliers also feature integrated bolt cutters, but these are intended for cutting smaller bolts and should not be considered a substitute for dedicated bolt cutters.
Dedicated bolt cutters are designed for the specific task of cutting through bolts and similar objects. They are constructed from high-quality steel to ensure they can withstand the forces involved in cutting such objects. Bolt cutters are available in different sizes, and the small ones are particularly useful for cutting bolts.
Lineman's pliers, on the other hand, are not designed to handle the same level of force or the same types of materials as bolt cutters. Attempting to use lineman's pliers for cutting thick bolts or similar objects may result in damage to the pliers or unsatisfactory cuts. It is always advisable to use the right tool for the job to ensure efficiency, safety, and the longevity of your tools.
While lineman's pliers offer versatility and can be used for a range of cutting tasks, they have their limitations. For cutting nails, for example, traditional cutting pliers may not provide the desired finish when cutting close to a surface. In such cases, end-cutting pliers are a more suitable option as they are designed for precision cutting and can achieve a flush finish against the surface.
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Irwin cutting nippers are good for pulling out nails in walls
Pulling out nails from walls can be a challenging task, but the right tools can make it much easier. Irwin cutting nippers are a popular choice for this job, and for good reason. Here's why Irwin cutting nippers are a great option for pulling out nails in walls:
Performance and Functionality:
Irwin cutting nippers are designed to grip and extract nails efficiently. They feature hardened cutting edges that can cut through both hard and soft metals, including steel cables, plastic ties, and electric wires. This makes them versatile for various projects involving nail removal. The nippers' perpendicular blade orientation provides clean cuts, ensuring that nails are extracted smoothly and safely.
User Experience and Comfort:
The Irwin cutting nippers are built with user comfort in mind. They feature ProTouch grips for a secure and comfortable hold, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. The spring-loaded action further enhances user experience by reducing the effort required to operate the nippers.
Durability and Longevity:
Irwin cutting nippers are constructed with nickel-chromium, ensuring durability and long-term performance. The hardened blade edges are designed to withstand repeated use without chipping or dulling, even when dealing with stronger nails. This makes them a reliable choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Precision and Control:
The Irwin cutting nippers excel in providing precise cuts. Their induction-hardened cutting edges and perpendicular blade design allow for controlled flush cuts, making them ideal for nipping off nails close to the wall surface without damaging the surrounding material. This precision is crucial when working in confined spaces or dealing with delicate finishes.
Customer Testimonials:
Numerous users have shared their positive experiences with Irwin cutting nippers for pulling out nails in walls. Testimonials highlight the nippers' effectiveness, ease of use, and ability to efficiently extract nails without the need for additional tools. Some users have noted that the nippers' performance exceeded their expectations, reinforcing the reputation of Irwin as a trusted brand in the tool industry.
In summary, Irwin cutting nippers are a reliable and user-friendly choice for pulling out nails in walls. Their combination of performance, comfort, and precision makes them a go-to tool for professionals and DIY enthusiasts tackling projects that involve nail removal from walls or other surfaces.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cutting pliers can be used to cut nails. End cutting pliers are the best type of cutting pliers for this purpose, as they can cut nails very close to the surface of the material they are embedded in.
End cutting pliers, also known as end nippers or end cutters, are a type of pliers with a flush edge that helps them get very close to the cutting surface. They are often used for cutting nails in wood, especially when reusing wood from old projects.
Yes, there are other types of pliers that can be used to cut nails, such as side cutters or diagonal cutting pliers. Linemen's pliers, bolt cutters, and Klein pointed cutters are other tools that can be used for cutting nails.
End cutting pliers provide a flush finish when cutting nails, which means there is no extra material rising above the cutting surface. This makes them ideal for cutting nails close to the surface without damaging the surrounding material.
End cutting pliers are versatile tools that can be used for a variety of tasks beyond just cutting nails. They are useful for pulling nails from wood, trimming metal wire or bolts, removing electrical staples, and cutting hard wire in applications such as jewellery making or metal fabrication.
