Just as there are different strokes for different folks, there are different pliers for different electrical tasks. My analogies and rhymes might not be as smooth as my tool reviews, but I think you get the picture. Needle-nose pliers can reach, hook, and wrap; Linesmanโs grasp, crimp, push, pull, and cut; and Diagonal Cutters allow targeted wire snipping. We like to combine tool functions when possible, but each of these plier designs performs a function the others canโt. Today I have a tool from one of my favorite companies โ theย Southwire 8-Inch Hi-Leverage Diagonal Cutting Pliers.
A plierโs leverage is a function of handle length and rivet location. Itโs intuitive that longer handles result in higher leverage. But unless youโre fresh out of a physics class, it might not be clear that the closer the rivet is to the jaws, the greater the potential leverage.
For a while, it seemed that plier manufacturers reserved โhi-leverageโ for 9-inch long pliers, but now some 8- and even 7-inch pliers carry the designation. So whatโs the deal? Is that just ambiguous marketing jargon that canโt really be measured? Or is there a noticeable difference in the Southwireโs cutting power compared to the other pair in my toolbag?
Key Features
Blades
The business end of theย Southwire 8-Inch Hi-Leverage Diagonal Cutting Pliers is made of two induction-hardened cutting blades. You can imagine how metal-to-metal cutting can take its toll on blade sharpness, so the hardening process is essential for Pro performance. Cut with unhardened blades for just a short time and youโll be able to tell the difference. In fact, I recently had a Jonard Linemans pliers with side cutters that had a lot of good features going for it โ except hardened blades. And it was for that reason that I couldnโt recommend them.
Steel Alloy
Drop forging is the way to make steel stronger and more durable โ and alloying it ups the ante. The Southwireโs body is drop-forged 6150 steel alloy which, for all intents and purposes, makes it indestructible. Your hands will give out long before youโll need a new pair!
On the Rivet, Easy to Handle
The plier pivots on a hot-riveted joint designed to make the action smooth. It should also keep the plier sides from wobbling over time.
Although itโs usually rude to double dip, Iโll give theย Southwire 8-Inch Hi-Leverage Diagonal Cutting Pliers a pass as each handle is plastic dipped to offer a more comfortable grip.
Performance
Making the Cut
Diagonal cutters are an essential tool in a Proโs toolbag, so Southwireโs came along with me to every job. I had a lot of service work to do in mobile homes during the review which was particularly helpful. Several of these mobile homes had strapsย nailedย instead of screwed โ a bad way to do it โ but I found that the pliers were particularly good at grabbing them and prying them out. They could also cut through them with ease if needed.
But the beauty of this tool isnโt just the leverage for big cuts โ itโs the ability to cut small snips with precision. A sharp tip allows pinpoint accuracy and cutting. Case in point: I had to cut through a braided guidewire but it was too thick for the pliers as a whole. I was able to use the sharp, pointed knives to snip the individual strands until I got through it!
The hardened steel blades havenโt dulled a bit. They are still cutting as well as the first cut I made.
Gaining Leverage
Believe it or not, I sensed that I had greater leverage with these Southwire 8-Inch Hi-Leverage Diagonal Cutting Pliers than I do with my typical 9-inch pair. It has everything to do with the location of the pivot point. I cut MC cable, Romex, and up to #6 wire with ease. Theyโre comfortable in the hand, and even when itโs sweaty, thereโs little chance of slippage.
I think most of us would choose the shorter plier if we found the cutting power to be equal. Of course, every tool pouch is different, but a shorter tool takes up less space in it. I found that my 9-inch plier sticks out of it a little more than Iโd like, so Southwireโs option is a better fit.
Then I did something that surprised even me: I gave our first-year apprentice my 9-inch Kleins and kept Southwireโs. You might recall that I love those Kleins, but having all their leverage in an 8-inch package appealed to me. Now, the Southwire pliers donโt have Kleinโs angled head that I like so much, but I decided to give them the starting spot. Weโll see in time if that was a good choice!
The Bottom Line
Theย Southwire 8-Inch Hi-Leverage Diagonal Cutting Pliers is an all-around star in its position. Pros will like its hardened, sharp blades that stay sharp and the leverage of bigger pliers in an 8-inch package. Itโs true you donโt have the same reach (or the conveniently angled head from Klein that I like so much), but you can make pinpoint snips, cut nails, screws, ACSR, and the tool fits neatly in your pouch or bag.
I have an affinity for Southwire tools because they seem to consistently pack a lot of performance into the price. I typically find the value to be quite high, and these pliers are no different. At $18, they might just become your go-to pliers!
Southwire 8-Inch Hi-Leverage Diagonal Cutting Pliers Features
- Induction-hardened cutting blades ensure efficient and lasting cutting surfaces for hard and soft wire
- Drop-forged 6150 alloy steel for long-lasting durability and performance
- High-leverage design provides maximum cutting power
- Hot-riveted pivot joint for smooth action and no wobble
- Effectively cuts most hardened wire, ACSR, bolts, screws, and nails
Southwire 8-Inch Hi-Leverage Diagonal Cutting Pliers Specifications
- Item Number: Southwire DCP8D
- Height: 8 inches
- Width: 2 inches
- Depth: 0.63 inch
- Weight: 9.8 ounces
- Head Type: Standard
- Handle: Yellow, Dipped Grip
- Price: ~$18ย
