74 01 250 SBA Tools - High Leverage Diagonal Cutters (7401250SBA), 10 inches

Let me begin by saying I’ve worked in the electrical engineering field for thirty-eight years. Whether that lends this review any credibility or simply highlights my persistence—or stubbornness—is up for debate. What it does mean is that I’ve cut a lot of wire with a lot of diagonal cutters, and in the process, I’ve sown enough colorful profanity to fill a sailor’s hymnbook. There’s also been the occasional pinched hand followed by that familiar “trying-not-to-urinate” dance that only true pain can inspire. For most of those years, I was faithful to my trusty Klein diagonal cutters—miniature guillotines of the electrical world—faithfully reducing copper to manageable lengths. Then, by happy accident, I stumbled upon these exquisite German cutters, engineered with all the precision and gravitas of a Grosser Mercedes. They slice through wire like warm country butter and, somehow, stay razor sharp while doing it—again, and again, and again—apparently until the end of time. They have become my cutters of choice, and possibly of devotion. But what truly elevates these Teutonic marvels above their peers is their additional rating: they can cut steel piano wire up to 2.5 mm in diameter. So, should you ever find yourself needing to defend your person against a particularly feral Steinway, these are the cutters you’ll want in hand to swiftly emasculate that ivory-toothed beast. They are, without question, the tool for the job—and perhaps the stuff of legend among those of us who live and die by the snip.

I have an unabashed love for my collection of Knipex tools, and these diagonal cutters are, without a doubt, a standout addition to my toolbox. They're not just tools; they're trusty companions on my daily journey of fixing and creating. These cutters, in particular, are beasts, and they fearlessly tackle any thick wires or cables I dare to throw their way. The first thing you'll notice about them is their size – they're not your average cutters; they're big, bold, and built to endure. When you're dealing with hefty wires that seem like they could double as suspension cables for a bridge, these Knipex diagonal cutters rise to the occasion. They slice through with the precision of a samurai sword, leaving clean, effortless cuts in their wake. But it's not just their strength that impresses me; it's their reliability. Whether I'm working on a challenging electrical project or just doing some DIY magic around the house, I know I can depend on these cutters to get the job done. They're like the superhero of my toolbox, swooping in to save the day whenever a cable needs snipping or a wire needs trimming. In the world of tools, where performance and durability are paramount, Knipex has always been a name I trust. And these diagonal cutters only reinforce that trust. They're not just tools; they're an extension of my craftsmanship, helping me bring my projects to life with precision and ease. So, if you're in the market for a pair of cutters that can handle the thickest wires and cables with finesse, look no further. These Knipex diagonal cutters are the real deal – a testament to quality and performance in the world of tools.

I needed a side cut wire cutter that would work on stainless steel and hardened wire and not damage the jaws. I do a lot of jewelry and use mostly stainless wire. I also do electrical work and they work great in that application. I've gotten tired of the normal cutters not lasting and I have gotten tired of constantly getting replacements. These Knipex wire cutters really fit the bill and were reasonably priced. These are extremely strong and have no flex or movement in the pivot joint. They are very smooth, sharp and easy to use. The length of these are somewhat small but you still have good leverage to cut. The handle grips are firmly attached and do not move at all like some of the other ones I have bought. The cutting edge is not a flush cut but has a fairly small taper which is not bad. I would get these again in a heartbeat but I doubt I will need to very soon! Edited 4-5-2025 I just got thru cutting over 100 stainless steel rings with this and it hasn’t got any damage to it

As an electrician, this is the samurai sword to the bushido of my craft. Incredibly well crafted Germapiano vanadium tool that has a completely different philosophy vs klein and their ilk. I have tried the others. This one destroys them all. It can be held comfortably with 2 fingers and a thumb, unlike other designs. "Where did you get that" "man this thing is sharp" "no way you can cut all of that" and "where can i get one?" Are frequently heard when i bring this out on job sites. The curved one is even more specialized for pulling nails and staples.

Replacing my Craftman tools when they wear out. This brand is high quality and reminds me of the quality of Craftsman years back. Tad expensive but worth it. Made in Germany!

I am 100% - no, scratch that - 200% satisfied with these cutters from Knipex. These are hands-down the ultimate cutters. I simply can't stress enough how effortless they are to use, how tough they are, and how high the quality is. They have extremely high leverage and seem to be immune to any type of damage on the cutting edges. Coat hangers, heavy gauge wire, small bolts, even nails... I haven't tried to push them to their limit, but I know without a doubt they would stand up to just about anything that will fit in the jaws. The capacity is rated at 3mm hardened piano wire. I have no doubt they would cut at their capacity without any damage or wear. I've been an industrial maintenance technician for 15+ years and have worked in many types of manufacturing and production type facilities. The challenges my tools face are steep. Every tool adds weight to my bag and must earn their place as highly valuable and a "must-have" tool. These Knipex cutters have a permanent spot in my bag. Some people might refer to these as "dikes". I have a coworker who has the Klein high-leverage cutters in his bag. The Klein is a fine tool, no doubt. If I wasn't aware of these Knipex cutters I would have bought the Klein. They are great tools and I have nothing bad to say about them whatsoever. BUT - If I had to choose between the two, the Knipex wins, hands down - no contest. These cutters have replaced all my old cutting pliers in my tool bag and are my main go-to for the toughest cutting jobs. The old cutters I have are simply unworthy of a place in my tool bag - they are like toys by comparison, and they now gather dust and rust in the junk drawer.

I got this for clipping tge backs off of brooches. Works AMAZING. I have arthritis and I've been using cheap versions because I didnt know any better. Finally invested in a quality pair and the difference in ease is astounding. Definitely worth the price!

I have a few other pairs of cutters. They are older and don't cut well as they used to.. I decided to spend a little more and get a good pair. These are great and I have no problem with cutting through the wires.