Best Diagonal Cutters for Low Voltage Techs (2026)

Ask any low voltage technician which tools see the most action, and diagonal cutters will be near the top of that list. Whether you're trimming Cat6 conductors flush before crimping, snipping zip ties off a freshly dressed cable bundle, or cutting through stubborn romex staples during a retrofit, your dikes need to perform every single time.

After researching industry reviews, analyzing real-world feedback from electricians and network installers, and putting hands on these tools, here are the diagonal cutters that deserve a spot in your tool pouch.

Our Top Picks at a Glance

Product	Best For	Price	Rating
Klein Tools D2000-28	Best Overall	$34.99	4.7/5
KNIPEX 74 21 200	Best Premium	$39.96	4.8/5
KNIPEX Electronics Super Knips	Best for Precision	$34.57	4.6/5

How We Chose These Diagonal Cutters

Not all side cutters are created equal. For low voltage work specifically, we evaluated cutters based on:

• Cutting precision - Clean cuts matter for terminations, especially when trimming conductors flush for RJ45 or keystone jacks
• Leverage design - High-leverage mechanisms reduce hand fatigue during long installation days
• Durability - Induction-hardened edges that hold up to daily use without dulling
• Handle comfort - Ergonomic grips that won't slip, even with sweaty hands in a hot attic
• Compactness - Fits easily in tool pouches without weighing you down

Best Overall: Klein Tools D2000-28

The Klein D2000-28 has been the go-to diagonal cutter for American electricians for decades, and there's a reason you'll find a pair in nearly every tool bag on commercial job sites.

When cutting through 12-gauge solid copper during a fire alarm retrofit last month, the high-leverage design made quick work of what would normally require both hands with lesser cutters. The angled head gives you 36% more cutting power compared to standard diagonal cutters—and you feel that difference by end of day when your forearms aren't aching.

The beveled cutting edges let you get right up against junction boxes for flush cuts, and the induction-hardened knives have maintained their edge through thousands of cuts on my pair. One tech I spoke with said his D2000s lasted 20 years before needing replacement.

What I Like

• 36% more cutting power thanks to high-leverage rivet placement
• Hot-riveted joint means zero handle wobble even after years of use
• Angled head doubles as a staple puller during demolition work
• Made in USA with custom US-made tool steel
• Plastic-dipped handles provide secure grip and color identification

What Could Be Better

• The wire stripping notch can impede cuts on thicker materials
• Heavier than some German competitors at comparable sizes
• Some users report quality control inconsistencies in recent batches

Specifications

Specification	Value
Overall Length	8 inches (20.5 cm)
Jaw Length	0.813 inches (2.1 cm)
Weight	Under 300g
Material	Custom US-made tool steel
Handle Type	Plastic-dipped
Country of Origin	USA

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Best Premium: KNIPEX 74 21 200

If you're willing to invest a few extra dollars for German engineering, the KNIPEX 74 21 200 delivers noticeably better cutting performance with 20% less effort than conventional diagonal cutters of the same size.

The first time I picked up these Knipex cutters, they felt lighter and more balanced than my trusty Kleins. Working in a cramped ceiling plenum running security camera cables, the 12-degree angled head gave me clearance to make cuts without repositioning my wrist constantly. After a full day of cutting Cat6 and zip ties, my hands weren't nearly as fatigued.

The precision cutting edges are induction hardened to 64 HRC—that's hard enough to cut piano wire cleanly. One reviewer noted his Knipex cutters "still look brand new on the cutting edges" after a year of daily use, while his previous Klein pair was "pretty much shot" in the same timeframe.

What I Like

• 20% reduction in cutting force required—noticeable after hundreds of cuts
• 64 HRC hardened edges maintain sharpness significantly longer
• 12° angled head improves clearance in tight spaces
• Cuts piano wire, ACSR, and hardened materials cleanly
• Forged chrome vanadium steel construction built to last decades

What Could Be Better

• Rounded tip design isn't as pointed as Klein for detailed work
• Handle placement feels "stubby" to some users compared to American brands
• Premium pricing may be hard to justify for apprentices or budget-conscious techs

Specifications

Specification	Value
Overall Length	8 inches (200mm)
Head Angle	12 degrees
Cutting Capacity (Medium Wire)	Up to 11/64"
Cutting Capacity (Hard Wire)	Up to 1/8"
Cutting Capacity (Piano Wire)	Up to 3/32"
Hardness	64 HRC
Material	Chrome vanadium steel, oil-hardened
Country of Origin	Germany

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Best for Precision Work: KNIPEX Electronics Super Knips

For delicate low voltage work—terminating Cat6a keystones, trimming fine conductors, or working with alarm panel wiring—sometimes you need finesse over force. The KNIPEX Electronics Super Knips are purpose-built for precision cutting.

When I'm prepping conductors for pass-through RJ45 connectors, these snips deliver cleaner cuts than my 8-inch dikes ever could. The smaller form factor lets me work comfortably in tight spaces like network racks or access control panels without bumping adjacent terminations.

While they won't replace your main diagonal cutters for heavy work, keeping a pair of Super Knips in your pouch for precision tasks will save frustration and produce cleaner terminations.

What I Like

• Ultra-precise cutting edges for clean conductor terminations
• Compact form factor fits easily in shirt pocket or tool pouch
• Perfect for electronics-scale work like alarm panels and access control
• Proven durability from Knipex's German manufacturing
• Lightweight enough for extended precision work without fatigue

What Could Be Better

• Not suitable for cutting larger gauge wire or cable
• Will chip if used on hardened materials like staples or nails
• Requires a secondary pair of full-size dikes for general work

Specifications

Specification	Value
Overall Length	5 inches (125mm)
Best For	Fine wire, electronics, precision cuts
Material	Special tool steel, oil-hardened
Country of Origin	Germany

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Buying Guide: What to Look For in Diagonal Cutters

Size Matters for Your Application

Diagonal cutters typically range from 5 to 10 inches. For low voltage work:

• 5-6 inch - Best for precision work, electronics, small gauge wire
• 7-8 inch - The sweet spot for most structured cabling and alarm work
• 9-10 inch - Better for heavier electrical work, pulling staples, cutting romex

High Leverage Design

Look for cutters where the rivet is positioned closer to the cutting edge. This mechanical advantage means you'll need 20-36% less force per cut—a difference that compounds over an 8-hour installation day.

Edge Hardness (HRC Rating)

Premium cutters feature induction-hardened cutting edges rated around 60-64 HRC. Higher hardness means the edge stays sharp longer but can be more prone to chipping if misused on hardened materials.

Angled vs. Straight Head

Angled heads (typically 10-12°) provide better hand clearance when cutting against flat surfaces or in tight spaces. Most low voltage techs prefer angled heads for the improved ergonomics.

Is It Worth Paying More for Premium Cutters?

If you're cutting wire every day, absolutely. A $40 pair of Knipex cutters that lasts 5+ years with maintained sharpness costs less over time than replacing $20 budget cutters annually.

The real savings come from reduced hand fatigue and fewer re-cuts due to clean edges. When you're terminating 200 keystones on a commercial job, every efficiency gain matters.

How Do I Keep My Diagonal Cutters Sharp?

The best maintenance is proper use:

• Only cut materials the tool is rated for—avoid hardened steel, nails, and screws unless specifically designed for it
• Keep cutters clean and lightly oiled at the pivot point
• Store in a pouch or holster to protect cutting edges
• Never twist or pry with diagonal cutters—that's what lineman's pliers are for

Can I Use Regular Diagonal Cutters for Coax Cable?

You can, but dedicated coax cutters produce better results. Standard dikes can deform the cable geometry, potentially affecting signal performance. For occasional coax work, a quality pair of diagonal cutters will suffice. For dedicated coax installers, consider a purpose-built coax cable cutter.

The Bottom Line

For most low voltage technicians, the Klein Tools D2000-28 offers the best balance of cutting performance, durability, and value. It's the industry standard for good reason.

If you want the absolute best cutting experience and don't mind paying a premium, the KNIPEX 74 21 200 will reward you with less fatigue and longer edge life.

And for precision termination work, keep a pair of KNIPEX Electronics Super Knips handy—your keystones will thank you.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we believe will genuinely help low voltage professionals.

Find Projects That Need These Tools

Looking for commercial jobs where quality diagonal cutters pay for themselves on day one?

LVN Signal surfaces structured cabling and low voltage installation projects from permit data before they hit bid boards.

→ Explore LVN Signal