For those of us who don’t work as full-time electricians, having a good pair of diagonal cutters might not be as high up on the list of priorities. Still, they’re extremely handy. Having a quality set close by is never a bad idea. With that in mind, it might be worth checking out the Southwire High Leverage diagonal cutting pliers. As part of Southwire’s Made In America line of electrician’s hand tools, these 8″ “dikes” feature the same commitment to quality and durability as the rest of the tools in the line.

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Drop Forged Goodness

Like the rest of the tools in the Made In America line, the Southwire High Leverage diagonal cutting pliers are constructed from drop forged steel. The drop-forging process uses a hydraulic press to remove any imperfections, like air bubbles and fissures. They also feature induction hardened and precision sharpened blades. Before shipping, Southwire inspects every set to make sure their diagonal cutters will function in heavy-duty applications.

These cutting pliers place a hot-riveted pivot joint close to the cutting jaws. The hot rivet provides a flush joint with smoother action than your traditional cold rivet.

Additionally, the placement of the joint near the cutting jaws help these pliers gain the designation of being “high leverage.” Because the pivot point is placed closer to where all the action happens, and because these cutters feature 8″ handles, users gain the leverage to easily cut through most hardened wire, nails, screws, and ACSR. This is where physics becomes our friend.

Examining the Design

Like side cutting pliers, diagonal cutters help with cutting through wires, screws, and nails. So, what is the advantage of having a set of pliers take a hard left turn? For one thing, the bend in the pliers makes for a makeshift puller if you find yourself with a nail that needs prying and no hammer. It also grants a better line of sight as it gets your hands out of your own way. Ultimately, they’re just better for getting into tighter spaces than traditional side cutters.

Final Thoughts

Maybe there really aren’t wild differences in the design scheme of most diagonal cutting pliers, but sometimes the devil is in the details. The Southwire High Leverage diagonal cutting pliers seem like they perform at a higher level. That probably has to do with the little things. The durability of the steel, the hot rivet joint, and the precision-ground blades make these cutting pliers highly functional. The double-dipped handles also add a touch of comfortability that sometimes goes missing in other hand tools.

These 8″ dikes will run you about $32, which seems comparable to other higher-end cutters. Plus, these diagonal cutters come with Southwire’s no-hassle lifetime warranty. Finally, you get the pride of ownership that comes from purchasing a quality item made in the good ol’ USA.

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Southwire High Leverage Diagonal Cutting Pliers Features

• Model Number: Southwire DCPA8D-US
• Made from American forged steel for durability
• Hot-riveted pivot joint for smooth, sturdy action
• Effectively cuts most hardened wire, ACSR, bolts, screws, and nails
• High-leverage design provides maximum cutting power
• Angled head allows for easy work in confined spaces
• Retail ~ $32

For more information about the Southwire High Leverage Diagonal Cutting Pliers, or any other tool in the Made In America Lineup, check out the Southwire Tools website here.