Best Wire Cutters For Fencing Projects
Wire cutters are an essential tool for any fencing project, but there are many different makes and models available to choose from. It can take time to figure out where to start. Here’s a guide to some of the best wire cutters for fencing projects
First Things First
Before you get started with an installation project, there is some preparation you’ll need to do first. What kind of this fence do you need – something to contain vegetables or one that will contain a herd of bulls? This tells you the wire you’ll need (namely, how strong this fence needs to be) and the cutters you’ll require to get the job done. With that in mind, determine how much wire you’ll need for the project. Most retailers will be able to help once they know how many metres of fencing are involved.
What Tools Do I Need?
Fencing tools – from gloves to this cutters – are designed to help you work easily and safely with wire during an installation. Cutters should be versatile enough to manipulate any wire and do other jobs, like pulling nails and staples out of posts. Most of all, they should be easy to use and durable enough to last the distance.
Types of wire cutters
Most wire cutters come in various sizes: smaller ones are less likely to give you the leverage and cutting power of their bigger cousins, which are best when working with strong materials such as electric fencing wire. As well as different sizes, there are various features to consider, each with a specific purpose.
Bullnose heads are a standard among this cutters, while a Parrot Beak will let you get up close and personal with the task in hand.
The V-Slot is a feature explicitly designed to grab the wire and hold it firm.
Parallel Jaws help reduce slip by evenly distributing force across the wire.
Serrated Jaws offer more grip and reduce slip while holding or bending the wire.
The handles of wire cutters are designed to multiply leverage, but those with compound lever action can double that force.
When working with toughened materials such as electric fencing wire, it’s essential to ensure your cutters have high tensile capabilities.
Tip: If you’re looking for something of an all-rounder, consider a model which combines gripping, cutting and other functions in one device.
Don’t Forget
It’s unlikely that one model of wire cutter will be enough for a fencing project. Different tools will be required for different tasks, plus materials differ, and some (such as high tensile steel, for instance) may require a different, stronger cutter. There are also many brands to choose from, so shop around, remembering that the best price is unlikely to get you the best cutter. They also need to feel comfortable and do the hard work for you (not the other way around).
