Pliers & Cutters

Pliers and cutters are hand tools for gripping, bending and cutting cable, wire and conduit, and for electrical work they should carry proper insulation. The range features C.K RedLine VDE combination and snipe nose pliers, CombiCutter 1, 2 and 3 models, C.K ratchet cable cutters, a push-button waterpump plier, a ratchet PVC pipe and conduit cutter and stainless electricians' scissors.

A Termination Technology cable tie tensioner rounds it out. Buy at trade prices with an account, and order before 5pm on a weekday for next-day delivery to NI and ROI.

CTGS/S Ships in 3-5 days

Termination Technology Stainless Steel Cable Tie Tensioner

£70.55 inc. VAT

C.K Ratchet Cable Cutters 190mm 430007 by Meteor Electrical

430007 In-Stock

C.K Ratchet Cable Cutter 32mm Capacity 430007

£202.72 inc. VAT

431003 In-Stock

C.K RedLine VDE Combination Pliers 205mm 431003

£44.59 inc. VAT

431014 In-Stock

C.K RedLine VDE Snipe Nose Pliers 200mm 431014

£40.63 inc. VAT

T3653-250 In-Stock

C.K Push Button Waterpump Pliers 250mm T3653-250

£37.32 inc. VAT

CK Tools 210mm Cable Cutters by Meteor Electrical

T3963 Ships in 3 - 5 days

C.K Cable Cutter 210mm 11mm Capacity T3963

£27.40 inc. VAT

RedLine VDE Combicutter2 from Meteor Electrical

431009 In-Stock

C.K RedLine VDE CombiCutter2 160mm 431009

£59.96 inc. VAT

140mm Stainless Steel Electricians CK Scissors by Meteor Electrical

492001 In-Stock

C.K Electricians Scissors Stainless Steel 140mm 492001

£24.00 inc. VAT

CK VDE 180mm Combicutter1 by Meteor Electrical

T39071-1180 In-Stock

C.K RedLine VDE CombiCutter1 Max 180mm T39071-1180

£48.88 inc. VAT

T39083A 160 In-Stock

C.K RedLine VDE CombiCutter3 160mm T39083A 160

£56.40 inc. VAT

T39083A-180 In-Stock

C.K RedLine VDE CombiCutter3 Max 180mm T39083A 180

£60.00 inc. VAT

CK Ratchet PVC Pipe & Conduit Cutter by Meteor Electrical

430003 In-Stock

C.K Heavy Duty Ratchet Conduit Cutter 430003

£37.13 inc. VAT

How to choose pliers and cutters for electrical work

Most electricians carry three or four pliers and at least one cable cutter. Picking the right shapes, sizes and insulation rating means fewer tools in the bag and cleaner work.

Common types

Combination pliers – flat gripping jaws plus a side cutter; the all-rounder for twisting, holding and cutting.
Snipe nose pliers – long, narrow jaws for reaching into back boxes and forming loops on conductors.
Combi cutters – multi-function tools combining cutting, stripping and gripping, available in several sizes.
Ratchet cable cutters – geared action cuts larger copper and aluminium cables with less effort.
Waterpump pliers – adjustable jaws for glands, locknuts and conduit fittings.
Conduit cutters and cable tie tensioners – for square PVC pipe cuts and neatly tensioned, flush-cut ties.

Insulation and VDE ratings

Tools marked VDE and 1000V are individually tested and designed for work near live parts up to 1000V AC. Check handles for damage before use and replace any tool whose insulation is cut or cracked. Insulated tools do not replace safe isolation; always follow current wiring regulations and your safe working procedures.

Size and capacity

Length affects leverage and reach: 160–180mm suits most accessory work, while 200mm+ gives more cutting force. For cable cutters, check the maximum cable diameter and whether they are suitable for copper, aluminium or steel; never cut SWA armour with copper-only cutters.

Related tools

Complete your kit with strippers and crimp tools, insulated screwdrivers and cable ties.

Meteor Electrical offers Click & Collect from Cookstown and free delivery above £30 or €35 ex VAT.

FAQ's Ask Your Own Question

What is the difference between combination pliers and combi cutters?: Combination pliers have gripping jaws with a built-in side cutter and are the traditional general-purpose plier. Combi cutters, such as the C.K CombiCutter range, add functions like wire stripping holes and long-nose gripping, aiming to replace several tools with one. Many electricians carry both, using combination pliers for heavier gripping and a combi cutter for accessory work.
Can ratchet cable cutters cut SWA cable?: Most ratchet cable cutters are designed for copper and aluminium conductors and are not suitable for cutting steel wire armour, which can damage the blades. Some models are specifically rated for SWA, so check the manufacturer's specification. A hacksaw or dedicated SWA cutter is the usual approach for armoured cable.
How do I know if insulated pliers are still safe?: Inspect the handles before each use for cuts, cracks, burns, exposed metal or swelling. Many VDE tools have a two-colour insulation layer, so if a different colour shows through, the tool should be withdrawn. Keep insulated tools clean and away from solvents and heat. Replace any damaged tool rather than repairing it with tape.
What size cable cutters do I need?: For twin and earth and smaller flex, a 160–210mm side cutter or cable cutter is usually enough. For larger tails and submain cables, a ratchet cable cutter such as the C.K 190mm model reduces effort significantly. Check the maximum cutting diameter on the product and choose a tool rated for the conductor material you work with most.
Why use a ratchet conduit cutter instead of a saw?: A ratchet PVC pipe and conduit cutter gives a quick, square, burr-free cut on plastic conduit and pipe without swarf, which is cleaner on site and in finished buildings. A hacksaw is still needed for steel conduit and some larger sizes. Deburr any cut edge so it cannot damage cable insulation when drawing in.
What is a cable tie tensioning tool for?: A cable tie tensioner pulls ties to a consistent tension and cuts the tail flush, leaving no sharp ends that can catch hands or cables. It is especially useful for stainless steel ties on tray, ladder and outdoor runs where hand-tensioning is difficult. Check the tool is compatible with the tie width and material you are using.