Cable Cutter Uses: A Complete Guide to Choosing and Using the Right Tool
Not only does having the right cutter for cutting cables used in electricity, telecommunications, or industrial settings serve as an advantage, but it is a necessity as well. Having the right cut means making sure that the cable will be installed properly, it will not be damaged, and the person will not be injured. Of all the different types of cable cutters available in the current market, the ratchet cable cutter stands out as one of the best types of cable cutters when it comes to cutting thick and hard cables.
What Is a Cable Cutter?
Cable cutter refers to a device which can either work manually or by using electricity for the function of cutting electrical cables, wires and cords effectively and efficiently. A cable cutter differs from the conventional scissor or knife in the way that it is made in such a manner as to cut different types of cables including thin control wires and thick power armored cables.
There are many kinds of cable cutters. Some of them include hydraulic, ratchet type, and plier-type cutters.
What Is a Ratchet Cable Cutter?
The ratchet cable cutter is a manual cutting device that works on the basis of a ratcheting system which helps in multiplying the force applied by the hand. In such a manner, the operator can cut through thick cables made of copper, aluminum, and steel in much less effort compared to using a regular cutter which requires just one squeeze to cut a wire. Using the ratchet system, the operator can apply multiple squeezes until the cable is fully cut.
In this way, ratchet cable cutters are quite handy in cutting large diameter cables.
Common Uses of Cable Cutters
1. Electrical Installation and Wiring
Cable cutters are commonly used by electricians in trimming wires and cables during the installation of electrical wiring in homes, office buildings, and industries. Clean cutting is necessary to ensure proper termination of cables at connector or junction box.
2. Cutting Heavy-Duty Power Cables
Ratchet cable cutters offer their best in such situations. Power distribution cables, feeder cables and armored cables may not be able to be cut using regular cable cutters due to their thickness and toughness. A ratchet cutter can cut cables of copper and aluminum of a few hundred square millimeters in cross-section easily with applied pressure and without requiring much force from the operator.
3. Telecommunications and Data Cabling
In telecom and data networking applications, technicians use cable cutters for cutting of coaxial cables, fiber optic cables, Ethernet cabling, etc., during installations of these cables.
4. Automotive and Marine Wiring
Cable cutters are needed to cut the cables like battery cables, wiring harness and other electrical cables within the vehicle and boat wiring. These cable cutters can be used in tight areas which require easy handling.
5. Steel-Reinforced and Armored Cable Cutting
Some cables have steel wire armor (SWA) for protection purpose. Hardened steel blades of a ratchet cable cutter can easily cut such cables without any damage to the blade and without need of more than one tool.
6. Emergency and Utility Work
Sometimes utility personnel and emergency responders find it necessary to cut cables within no time. Using a ratchet cable cutter will save time because of mechanical advantage over manual cutting using brute force.
7. Cable Maintenance and Repairs
In repairing of cables, technicians may find it necessary to cut out the defective section of cable. This is needed before connecting the other end of a cable.
Why Choose a Ratchet Cable Cutter Over Other Types?
Reduced Physical Effort
Due to the design of the ratcheting mechanism, the cutting force is applied in several squeezes, and hence there is no need for physical strain in order to complete one powerful squeeze of the device. The lower physical strain is very beneficial especially when cutting is done repetitively and when very thick wires are used.
Cleaner, More Precise Cuts
As opposed to other cable cutters, the ratcheting mechanism does not crush the inner part of the cable. The clean and exact cut is vital for those cables that have to be terminated using lugs or connectors.
Safety and Control
As a result of holding its position after each squeeze of the cutter, the risk of the slip in the middle of the cutting process is considerably reduced. The feature is beneficial especially when cutting live or nearly live cables and in those cases where the position of the cable is uncomfortable.
Versatility
Most of the ratchet cable cutters are able to cut various types of cables, like aluminum, copper, and even ACSR cables.
Portability
Being lighter than hydraulic cutters, and having no other equipment besides the cutter itself, this type of the cutting tool is perfect for the field work and other places where power is not available.
How to Choose the Right Ratchet Cable Cutter
- Capacity to cut – Determine the maximum size or the cross-sectional area of the cable (in mm² or AWG) that the equipment can manage.
- Material of the blade – Go for cutter blades made of hardened high-carbon steel to ensure longevity, especially when cutting armored or steel-core cables.
- Compatibility of the cable types – Verify the equipment can work on the cables that will be cut, for example, aluminum or ACSR cables.
- Comfort – Go for a cutter with non-slip and comfortable handles, especially if you are going to use it a lot during your working hours.
- Safety – Some cable cutters have insulated handles for safety.
Cable cutters form some of the essential equipment in the electrical, telecommunications, automotive, and utility sectors, and selecting the proper tool will make a huge impact in terms of efficiency and safety at work. Ratchet cable cutters provide an ideal blend of mechanical advantage, accuracy, and portability that makes them the most efficient tool for cutting tough cables made from copper, aluminum, and steel, without any physical strain. If you are an electrician, technician, or utility worker, the best investment would be a ratchet cable cutter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What can a ratchet cable cutter be used for?
It is used to cut thick electrical cables – copper, aluminum, and steel-reinforced cables.
2. What size of cables can a ratchet cable cutter cut through?
Depending on the design of the device, ratchet cable cutter is able to cut off wires of different sizes, starting from thin wires up to 300-500 mm2.
3. Is it possible for a ratchet cable cutter to cut ACSR wire?
Ratchet cable cutters have hard blade to cut ACSR wires.
4. Is it safe to use a ratchet cable cutter to cut cables that are live?
Most cable cutters are not insulated and cannot be used to work with live cables. It should be mentioned that it is dangerous to work with live cables anyway.
5. What is the difference between a ratchet cable cutter and a hydraulic cable cutter?
While a ratchet cable cutter is driven by manual power with the help of a mechanical ratcheting system, a hydraulic cutter uses pressure generated by hydraulic fluid for cutting cables. Ratchet cable cutters are cheaper, smaller and do not require a power source, while hydraulic cable cutters are designed to cut very thick cables.
6. Is it necessary to do some maintenance of ratchet cable cutters?
It is desirable to clean and lubricate it periodically.
7. Can ratchet cable cutters be used to cut fiber optic and coaxial cables?
Some ratchet cable cutters can be used for general electric cables and cannot be suitable for fiber optic cables because of their fragile core.
8. What features should I pay attention to when purchasing a ratchet cable cutter?
Among important features that should be considered there is a cutting capacity, blade material and hardness, suitability for your cable types, and ergonomic handle.
Related Post:
How to Use a Motion Sensor: Complete Guide & Top Uses