This category covers knives, scissors, shears and cable cutters for trade work, electrical installation and workshop use. Most of the range comes from KNIPEX, with BESSEY, BOSCH and MAKITA also represented. With over 40 models, it suits electricians, installers and DIY users who need a dedicated cutting tool.
How to choose knives and scissors
Material to be cut. Start with what you will actually cut: paper and packaging, plastic sheathing, copper or aluminium cable, or sheet metal. Household-style scissors will be ruined by wire, while tin snips and cable shears are built for it. Check the manufacturer's stated cutting capacity before you buy.
Tool type. Scissors and utility knives suit sheathing, tape and thin material. Cable shears and cable cutters give a cleaner cut through thick conductors and multi-core cable. Sheet-metal snips are made for metal sheet and come in left, right and straight-cut versions.
Electrical safety. If you work near live installations, look for tools marked as insulated for up to 1000 V, usually with VDE approval. The insulation is a safety feature, so a tool with damaged handles should be replaced, not taped up. For work on dead circuits or general workshop jobs, a standard tool is sufficient.
Handle and grip. A long day of cutting is tiring, so handle shape matters. Look for non-slip, multi-component grips and a return spring that opens the blades for you. Leverage also differs: longer handles cut thicker material with less effort, while shorter ones are easier to control in a tight enclosure.
Blade quality and upkeep. Hardened, induction-hardened or coated edges stay sharp longer. On knives, a replaceable or snap-off blade is practical for daily use, whereas a fixed blade made from good steel can be resharpened.
Brands we carry
- KNIPEX: German maker best known for pliers, cable cutters and insulated electrician's tools, and the largest brand in this category.
- BESSEY: German company known for clamps, and also makes snips and shears for sheet metal work.
- BOSCH: professional power tool manufacturer that also offers hand tools and accessories for trades.
- MAKITA: Japanese brand known for cordless power tools, with a smaller selection of cutting tools here.
- BAHCO: Swedish hand tool brand known for saws, spanners and professional hand tools.
- MORAKNIV: Swedish knife maker known for outdoor and craft knives with simple, sturdy blades.
- DREMEL: known for rotary tools and accessories for fine cutting, shaping and finishing.
Also in our range: LogiLink, TrendNet and Inline.
Frequently asked questions about knives and scissors
What is the difference between cable shears and ordinary scissors?
Cable shears have hardened, heavy-duty blades and a lever design that cuts through copper or aluminium conductors. Ordinary scissors are made for soft material such as paper, tape or thin sheathing. Using scissors on wire will blunt or chip the blades.
Do I need VDE insulated cutting tools?
You need insulated tools if you work on or near live parts. VDE-approved tools are tested for up to 1000 V and are marked accordingly. For jobs on dead circuits, or non-electrical work, a standard tool is acceptable.
Which tool is best for stripping cable sheathing?
A dedicated cable knife or stripping tool is the safer option, because it limits blade depth and protects the conductor insulation underneath. A sharp utility knife can do the job, but it is easy to nick the wires. For regular installation work, a purpose-made stripping tool is faster and more consistent.
How do I keep cutting tools sharp for longer?
Use each tool only on the material it was designed for, and keep it clean and dry after use. Light oil on pivots and blades helps prevent rust and keeps the action smooth. Knives with replaceable blades can simply be refitted, while fixed edges can be resharpened with a suitable stone.
