A wire rope cutter is a tool used to cut wire rope. It is also known as a cable cutter or a rope cutter. The most common type of wire rope cutter is the grooved cutter. The grooved cutters have a groove on the cutting edge of the tool. The groove helps to keep the cutters sharp and the wire rope from slipping off the tool. Some of the renowned brands are Gerber, Klein, and Stanley.
Choosing the right wire rope cutter is difficult as there are many factors to consider such as the size of the rope, the type of rope (aluminum or galvanized), and the type of cutting edge (grooved, serrated, or plain). To make it easier to find the exact wire rope cutter you’re looking for, we rounded up the best wire rope cutters on Amazon, according to thousands of customer reviews.
Check out our favorite wire rope cutters in the list below, and keep reading for our buying guide.
Our Editor’s Best Wire Rope Cutters Reviews
- Cutting Capacity: This heavy-duty cable cutter handles up to 3/16 inch aluminum and copper cables, 5/32 inch stainless steel wire rope, hard steel wire, and aircraft cable
- High-Quality Material: Forged and polished chrome vanadium steel jaws ensure long-lasting durability and cutting strength, with heat treatment for extended service life
- Clean Sharp Cut: Features hardened, precision-ground shear-cut blades that provide clean cuts on various wire ropes without fraying
- Ergonomic Design: The telescopic spring keeps the handles open automatically, reducing effort. Plastic-coated steel handles offer a comfortable, non-slip grip for precise one-handed operation
- Safety Lock Mechanism: A convenient lock keeps the cutters closed for easy storage and prevents accidental opening or cutting when not in use
- Sharp shear with cutting-edge hardness approx. 68 HRC for cutting aircraft cable,copper cable,piano wire,soft cable.
- The entire crimper is made of high-quality Cr-MO steel with superior rust resistance to ensure a long service life.
- The groove in the central joints of the cutter are constructed with metal plating to provide high strength.
- Ergonomic non-slip grip made of TPR brings comfortable operating experience.
- Ratcheting mechianism allows the tool stay lock when holding the wire rope,therefore you can give more power to the grip
- Clean Cut: The blade of this cable cutter is sharp and durable, the high-frequency induction hardened cutting edge offers increased capacity and less cutting effort, maximum cutting capacity is 14 mm
- Ergonomic Rubber Handle: The anti-slip rubber handle offers a secure and comfortable grip
- High-leverage design for exceptional cutting capability, labor-saving, one-handed precision cutting, improve your work efficiency
- The 24-inch steel wire cutter is made from chromium-molybdenum steel, 60Si2Mn blades, cutting edge quenched with high temperature, shear strong, sharp, and durable
- Wide Application: This steel cable cutter is suitable for home, construction, gardening, and other maintenance work, can cut iron wires, iron mesh, single and multi-strand steel wire ropes, etc
- Size and Weight: This SPENDINS wire rope cutter measures 24 inches in length and weighs 4.15 pounds. It is designed for clean cutting of max 5/16”(8mm) hard wire: stainless steel cable or galvanized aircraft wire rope; or 13/32"(10mm) soft wire: copper and aluminum cable.
- Premium Quality Construction: Crafted from high-quality hardened Chrome Vanadium steel (CrV), the SPENDINS wire rope cutter offers exceptional strength and durability. The precise hardening process ensures that the blades remain sharp and resilient even after repeated use in tough conditions.
- Circular, Detachable Jaws: The round, detachable jaws of the SPENDINS wire cutter ensure perfect cable cuts, eliminating fraying of small-strand cables. Each cut is smooth and effortless, making it ideal for cutting hard steel wire rope, as well as copper and aluminum cables.
- Ergonomic Handle Design: The handle is made of heat-resistant material with a comfortable rubber grip and a blue safety coating. Its ergonomic design reduces fatigue and saves time, making it perfect for high-altitude operations.
- Versatile Applications: The SPENDINS wire rope cutter is ideal for a wide range of wire rope types, including galvanized and stainless steel cables commonly used in construction, rigging, marine applications, and fencing. It excels in cutting hard steel wire ropes, aircraft cables, and copper or aluminum cables, making it an essential tool for contractors, electricians, DIY enthusiasts, and professionals working in industries where precise and clean cable cutting is required.
- With two crimping Dies for end caps on Bowden Cable sheaths and end ferrules for traction cables
- Pliers with tether attachment point for mounting a fall protection
- Handles with multi-component grips
- 【High Quality】This cable cutter works excellent in cutting up to 5/32" wire rope cable of all kinds. It is widely used in industrial and home applications like cable railing, fencing, bike brakes, and other DIY projects. Recommend using with 1/8" stainless steel wire rope WR01 and hydraulic crimper CR09. Package includes: 1pc cable cutter, 10 pcs S-buckles to hold brake cables
- 【Clean Cut】The blade of this wire rope cutter is quite sharp and durable since the blade is made of Chrome Vanadium (CR-V) steel and has been hardened by high-frequency quenching. This steel wire cable cutter can make exact and clean cuts without fraying or smashing the cable ends
- 【Safe and Easy】The safety lock of these cable cutters prevents accidental opens and cuts that might hurt you. The ergonomic one-hand operation and non-slip rubber grips make it work easily. With telescopic spring and lightweight design, it is beginner-friendly and portable
- 【System Recommendation】To help you build Sliver cable railing system more efficiently, we recommend the following product combinations from Muzata, including cable railing kits CB40 CR07, wire rope WR02, protector sleeve CR72 CR79, angled washer CR60, cable cutter and hydraulic crimper CK12, posts PS01-LA4S PS02-LH4S L34S, handrails HT10-SL4, handrail connectors HA01 HA02 HA23
- 【Why Choose Us】MUZATA has helped millions of families with their cable railing projects during the past years. We believe that home renovation should be easy and affordable. So we work with every effort to provide quality products and professional service, to make Muzata a reliable brand. Need professional cable railing solutions, please reach us to get Free design or After-Sales service
- 【High Quality】This cable cutter works excellent in cutting up to 5/32" wire rope cable of all kinds. It is widely used in industrial and home applications like cable railing, fencing, bike brakes, and other DIY projects. Recommend using with 1/8" stainless steel wire rope WR01 and hydraulic crimper CR09. Package includes: 1pcs cable cutter
- 【Clean Cut】The blade of this wire rope cutter is quite sharp and durable since the blade is made of Chrome Vanadium (CR-V) steel and has been hardened by high-frequency quenching. This steel wire cable cutter can make exact and clean cuts without fraying or smashing the cable ends
- 【Safe and Easy】The safety lock of these cable cutters prevents accidental opens and cuts that might hurt you. The ergonomic one-hand operation and non-slip rubber grips make it work easily. With telescopic spring and lightweight design, it is beginner-friendly and portable
- 【System Recommendation】To help you build Sliver cable railing system more efficiently, we recommend the following product combinations from Muzata, including cable railing kits CB40 CR07, wire rope WR02, protector sleeve CR72 CR79, angled washer CR60, cable cutter and hydraulic crimper CK12, posts PS01-LA4S PS02-LH4S L34S, handrails HT10-SL4, handrail connectors HA01 HA02 HA23
- 【Why Choose Us】MUZATA has helped millions of families with their cable railing projects during the past years. We believe that home renovation should be easy and affordable. So we work with every effort to provide quality products and professional service, to make Muzata a reliable brand. Need professional cable railing solutions, please reach us to get Free design or After-Sales service
- DIMENSIONS: Total length is 600mm/24” with a cutting diameter for cables can be up to 2 inch
- WIDELY APPLICATION: The AUPREX 24 Inch heavy duty wire cable cutter applies to copper core cables,aluminum core cables and telecom lines. It can be used to cut wire seals, battery & welder cables, construction wires, SO cord and electrical wire. It is perfect for DIY enthusiasts, electricians, mechanics, and metalworkers. (Note: It’s not suitable for steel wire).
- DURABLE AND RELIABLE: The line cutter is made of harden carbon steel which is enhanced by overall heat treatment and extra high-frequency quenching to the blades. A fine and dense coating on the cutting blade surface provides more corrosion&wear resistance to secure a longer lifetime.
- ERGONOMIC DESIGN: This Wire Cutter is designed with Non-Slip ergonomic grip and effort-saving long arms with its length extended to 24 inch/600mm. It will fit your hand perfectly and save your effort greatly.
- EASY TO USE: With the help of long arm leverage, this cable cutter can easily cut different sizes of copper&aluminum cables and the sharp blades will make the cutting get a flat and clean effect.
- 【High Quality】This cable cutter works excellent in cutting up to 5/32" wire rope cable of all kinds. It is widely used in industrial and home applications like cable railing, fencing, bike brakes, and other DIY projects. Recommend using with 1/8" stainless steel wire rope WR01 and hydraulic crimper CR09. Package includes: 1pcs cable cutter, 6pcs ferrules
- 【Clean Cut】The blade of this wire rope cutter is quite sharp and durable since the blade is made of Chrome Vanadium (CR-V) steel and has been hardened by high-frequency quenching. This steel wire cable cutter can make exact and clean cuts without fraying or smashing the cable ends
- 【Safe and Easy】The safety lock of these cable cutters prevents accidental opens and cuts that might hurt you. The ergonomic one-hand operation and non-slip rubber grips make it work easily. With telescopic spring and lightweight design, it is beginner-friendly and portable
- 【System Recommendation】To help you build Sliver cable railing system more efficiently, we recommend the following product combinations from Muzata, including cable railing kits CB40 CR07, wire rope WR02, protector sleeve CR72 CR79, angled washer CR60, cable cutter and hydraulic crimper CK12, posts PS01-LA4S PS02-LH4S L34S, handrails HT10-SL4, handrail connectors HA01 HA02 HA23
- 【Why Choose Us】MUZATA has helped millions of families with their cable railing projects during the past years. We believe that home renovation should be easy and affordable. So we work with every effort to provide quality products and professional service, to make Muzata a reliable brand. Need professional cable railing solutions, please reach us to get Free design or After-Sales service
- Cuts Steel Wire Up to 5/32" (4mm): This compact steel wire rope cutter delivers clean cuts through steel cables, brake lines, and aircraft wire—ideal for precision jobs requiring powerful results in a small package.
- Engineered for Repeated Use: Made of heat-treated CRV steel, this wire rope cutter is built for endurance and reliability—slice through multiple cables without dulling or deforming.
- Ergonomic for All-Day Use: Designed with comfort in mind, these cable cutters for steel wire feature non-slip orange handles and a spring-action design that reduces hand fatigue.
- Secure Storage, Safe Use: A built-in latch keeps these stainless steel wire cutters compact and protected when not in use—perfect for tool belts, bags, and mobile repair kits.
- Pro Tool, Lifetime Warranty: Whether you're a pro or DIYer, these aircraft cable cutters deliver consistent results—trusted as durable cable wire cutters for electrical, fencing, or cycling jobs.
Best Wire Rope Cutters Buying Guide
Before choosing the best wire rope cutters you should consider the following options:
1. Cutting Capacity: The maximum breaking strength of a rope is expressed in thousand pounds. For industrial and marine applications, ropes with a breaking strength of 20,000 pounds and higher are widely available.
The maximum cutting capacity of a wire rope cutter is expressed in millimeters. The standard wire rope cutters used in the industry have a cutting capacity of up to 20 mm.
2. Cutting Speed: Wire rope cutters are available in single- and multi-blades. The speed at which a wire rope is cut depends on the number of blades and the thickness of the rope.
The number of blades and the thickness of the rope determine the amount of force needed to cut through the rope. The force applied by the handles determines the speed of the cut.
If you have to cut a rope with a thickness of more than 20 mm, you need a wire rope cutter with a higher cutting speed.
3. Maximum Wire Diameter: All rope has an outer layer made from protective steel wire. The thickness of this wire determines the maximum diameter that a wire rope cutter can cut.
The maximum diameter depends on the number of blades and the force applied. The maximum diameter that a wire rope cutter can cut is determined by the thickness of the steel wire.
If you need to cut a rope with a diameter greater than 30 mm, you need a specialized wire rope cutter.
4. Number of Blades: The more the number of blades, the faster the cut. The more the number of blades, the higher the cutting capacity.
If you need to cut a rope in a single pass, you need a wire rope cutter with a higher number of blades.
5. Handles: The force applied by the handles determines the speed of the cut. The force applied by the handles determines the maximum cutting capacity.
If you have to cut a rope in a single pass, you need a wire rope cutter with strong handles.
What else you should know about wire rope cutters
1. What are the best wire rope cutters for the money?
Some of the best wire rope cutters for the money include the Klein Tools Wire Rope and Cable Cutters, the Tabor Tools Heavy Duty Cable Cutters, and the Milwaukee Electric Tool 48-22-4303.
2. What are the best wire rope cutters for the job?
The best wire rope cutters for the job are the ones that are designed specifically for cutting wire rope. There are many different types and brands of wire rope cutters on the market, so it is important to do some research to find the best ones for your specific needs.
3. What are the best wire rope cutters for the home?
The best wire rope cutters for the home are those that are made of high-quality materials and have a sharp cutting edge.
4. What are the best wire rope cutters for the shop?
The best wire rope cutters for the shop are the ones that are specifically designed for the type of wire rope you are using. There are many different types of wire rope, so make sure to get the right type of cutter for the job.
5. What are the best wire rope cutters for the garage?
Some wire rope cutters that may be suitable for use in a garage include the following:
- Handheld wire rope cutter: A handheld wire rope cutter is a convenient tool that can be used to quickly and easily cut through wire ropes.
- Benchtop wire rope cutter: A benchtop wire rope cutter is a more heavy-duty option that is designed for more strenuous cutting applications.
- Hydraulic wire rope cutter: A hydraulic wire rope cutter is a powerful option that can be used to quickly and easily cut through even the thickest wire ropes.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best wire rope cutters. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best wire rope cutters will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.