Southwire recently introduced the Southwireย Compact Ratcheting Cable Cutter for copper and aluminum cables up to 600 Kcmil. This cutter features a quick release lever that opens at any time during operation, a two-step ratcheting mechanism, molded grip, andย replaceable, hardened steel blades.
Our Take
Weโve said it before and it bears repeating โ if thereโs an inviolable truth of electrical installation, itโs that wires need cuttinโ. For most residential installations, Pros will certainly find diagonal cutting pliers or side cutters sufficient. But as the size of the service grows as it does with commercial installations, so does wire diameter and the need for more mechanical advantage to make the cut.
Southwireโs introduction of its 750 Kcmil ratcheting cable cutterโs little brother gives electricians who deal with 600 Kcmil and smaller diameters a more compact option (and presumably less expensive one, although thatโs forthcoming). If you deal with a lot of heavy gauge wire, then youโd probably opt for a battery-powered cable cutter, but for occasional use, a tool like theย Southwire Compact Ratcheting Cable Cutter can get the job done at a fraction of the price.
Based on what we know about the 750 Kcmil version, this compact cutter certainly has the chops. The hardened steel blade combined with the leverage from the overmolded handles provide the force needed to sever the wire. No matter how hard the steel is, over time it will dull and the performance will suffer, so itโs comforting to know that the blades are easily replaceable. That makes the ratcheting cutter even more cost-effective as a battery-powered alternative.
How it Works
The ratchet accomplishes its task with a two-step mechanism that successively closes the jaws around the wire and makes a clean cut without crimping or deforming the end of the wire youโll need to make connections. To make the job even easier, thereโs a quick release lever that frees the jaws before the cut is done. You know how we love our power tools but weโre certainly not opposed to a great hand tool if itโs the right one for the job, and theย Southwire Compact Ratcheting Cable Cutter certainly has the appearance of one that is.
Southwire Compact Ratcheting Cable Cutter Features
- Replaceable hardened steel cutting blades provide long lasting cutting of copper and aluminum wire
- Cuts up to 600 kcmil copper and 600 kcmil aluminum cables
- Two-step ratcheting mechanism for fewer strokes per cut
- Quick-release lever opens blade at any time during operation
- Molded grip for stability and leverage when making cuts
Southwire Compact Ratcheting Cable Cutter Specifications
- Item Number:ย CCPR400S
- Height: 9.25 inches
- Width: 4 inches
- Depth: 2.25 inches
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
