Cable shears

Cable shears serve electrical installation, industrial maintenance, and energy system installation when cutting multi-core copper or aluminum cables. This product range gathers models from KNIPEX — a professional hand tool manufacturer in the Federal Republic of Germany, including the StepCut line with stepped cutting edges that reduce hand force, the twin-blade line that divides the cutting process into two stages, and the VDE-insulated handle line for environments with voltage.

Length ranges from 160 mm to 225 mm, supporting one-hand or two-hand operation depending on cable cross-section. Maximum cutting diameter ranges from 15 mm to 23 mm, corresponding to cross-sections from 50 mm² to 95 mm². Some models integrate automatic opening springs, safety lanyard attachment points, or hanging clips for management in tool cabinets. All cutting edges undergo heat treatment, some with black oxide coating to increase surface hardness.

Multi-component plastic-covered handles or classic dip-plastic handles provide secure grip when hands are wet with oil or grease. Genuine imported products, warranty according to distributor policy, aimed at electricians, electromechanical technicians, factory maintenance teams, and electrical infrastructure installation units.

Cable shears serve electrical installation, industrial maintenance, and energy system installation when cutting multi-core copper or aluminum cables. This product range gathers models from KNIPEX, a professional hand tool manufacturer in the Federal Republic of Germany. Models in the collection include the StepCut line with stepped cutting edges that reduce hand force, the twin-blade line that divides the cutting process into two stages, and the VDE-insulated handle line for environments with voltage.

Length ranges from 160 mm to 500 mm, supporting one-hand or two-hand operation depending on cable cross-section. Maximum cutting diameter ranges from 15 mm to 27 mm, corresponding to cross-sections from 50 mm² to 240 mm². Some models integrate automatic opening springs, safety lanyard attachment points, or hanging clips for management in tool cabinets. All cutting edges undergo heat treatment, some with black oxide coating to increase surface hardness.

Multi-component plastic-covered handles or classic dip-plastic handles provide secure grip when hands are wet with oil or grease. This product range is aimed at electricians, electromechanical technicians, factory maintenance teams, and electrical infrastructure installation units.

StepCut Stepped Cutting Edge Technology

The StepCut line uses stepped cutting edges to reduce hand force when handling large cross-section cables. Instead of cutting the entire cross-section simultaneously, the blade divides conductors into multiple small groups and cuts each group sequentially. This mechanism distributes cutting force over time, allowing users to operate more easily compared to traditional flat blades.

Models 95 16 160, 95 16 165 T, 95 16 165 T BK, and 95 16 200 belong to the StepCut insulated handle group. Model 95 16 165 cuts cables with 15 mm diameter, equivalent to 50 mm², and meets VDE standards according to DIN EN 60900 and IEC 60900 for 1000 V voltage. Model 95 18 225 belongs to the StepCut XL line, 225 mm long, integrating two cutting zones to support one-hand or two-hand operation when encountering large cross-sections.

The non-insulated StepCut group includes 95 11 160, 95 11 160 SB, 95 11 165, 95 11 165 SB, 95 11 200, 95 11 200 SB, 95 11 225, and 95 11 225 SB. These models use classic dip-plastic handles or multi-component plastic handles, suitable for environments without voltage or with power disconnected.

Twin Cutting Edge Force-Reduction Line

Twin cutting edges divide the cutting process into two separate stages. In the first stage, the upper blade cuts part of the cross-section; in the second stage, the lower blade completes the remainder. This design reduces the hand force required at each moment and prevents conductor core deformation.

Model 95 12 200, 200 mm long, cuts copper or aluminum cables with cross-sections up to 70 mm², equivalent to 20 mm diameter. Model 95 12 200 SB has black oxide-hardened blades and three-color plastic-covered handles, enabling quick identification in tool boxes. Model 95 12 225 belongs to the StepCut XL line, combining twin cutting edges with a force-multiplying joint to handle cables with 23 mm diameter.

The non-insulated twin-blade group includes 95 12 160, 95 12 160 SB, 95 12 165, and 95 12 165 SB. These models use multi-component plastic handles or dip-plastic handles, serving installation in environments with power disconnected or low-voltage systems below 50 V.

VDE Insulated Handle Group

VDE insulated handles meet DIN EN 60900 and IEC 60900 standards, allowing safe operation up to 1000 V AC or 1500 V DC. The insulation layer undergoes 10,000 V voltage testing in water to ensure no current leakage. Handle surfaces typically have red-orange or yellow colors to distinguish them from non-insulated tools.

Models 95 16 165 and 95 16 165 SB cut cables with 15 mm diameter, suitable for residential and industrial electrical installation when working near active electrical circuits. Models 95 26 165 and 95 26 165 SB integrate automatic opening springs, enabling continuous operation without manual opening after each cut.

Models 95 16 165 T and 95 16 165 T BK have integrated safety lanyard attachment points on the handle, allowing strap attachment when working at height or on scaffolding. Models 95 06 230 and 95 06 230 SB are 230 mm (9 inches) long, providing greater leverage for medium cross-section cables in electrical cabinets or junction boxes.

Insulation Testing

Each VDE insulated handle undergoes 10,000 V voltage testing in water according to KNIPEX testing procedures. The manufacturer then stamps the VDE symbol and 1000 V working voltage on the handle body. Users should inspect handles before each work shift to detect cracks, fissures, or peeling of the insulation layer.

Two-Hand Operation Group

Models 500 mm long require two-hand operation to generate sufficient cutting force for cables with cross-sections above 150 mm². The long handle design increases leverage, reducing the hand force required on each handle side. Wider cutting blades encompass large cable cross-sections in a single clamp.

Model 95 12 500 cuts multi-strand copper cables with 27 mm diameter, equivalent to approximately 240 mm² cross-section. Model 95 17 500 has insulated handles, serving medium-voltage line installation or substations when cutting underground or overhead cables. The weight of this group ranges from 1.2 kg to 1.5 kg, requiring users to have stable physical strength.

Automatic Opening Spring Group

Automatic opening springs push the two handles apart after each cut, enabling continuous operation without manual opening. This feature is useful when cutting many short cable segments in a short time, reducing hand muscle fatigue and increasing work speed.

Models 95 26 165 and 95 26 165 SB have opening springs and VDE insulated handles, cutting cables with 15 mm diameter with one hand. Models 95 21 165 and 95 21 165 SB use dip-plastic handles, suitable for environments without voltage. Model 95 22 165 has multi-component plastic handles, providing better grip when hands are wet with sweat or oil.

Replacement spring 95 165 E01 is compatible with models 95 2x 165 and 95 41 165. When the spring becomes fatigued or breaks, users can replace it without purchasing the entire tool.

Classification by Length

Length directly affects leverage and cutting capability. Models 160 mm and 165 mm are suitable for one-hand operation, easy to carry in tool pouches or personal tool boxes. Models 200 mm and 225 mm provide medium leverage, allowing cutting of larger cross-section cables while maintaining maneuverability.

The 160 mm group includes 95 16 160, 95 16 160 SB, 95 11 160, 95 11 160 SB, 95 12 160, and 95 12 160 SB. The 165 mm group includes 95 16 165, 95 16 165 SB, 95 26 165, 95 26 165 SB, 95 16 165 T, 95 16 165 T BK, 95 11 165, 95 11 165 SB, 95 12 165, 95 12 165 SB, 95 22 165, 95 41 165, 95 21 165, and 95 21 165 SB.

The 200 mm group includes 95 16 200, 95 16 200 SB, 95 17 200, 95 12 200, 95 12 200 SB, 95 11 200, and 95 11 200 SB. The 225 mm group includes 95 18 225, 95 18 225 SB, 95 11 225, 95 11 225 SB, 95 12 225, and 95 12 225 SB. The 230 mm group includes 95 06 230 and 95 06 230 SB. The 500 mm group includes 95 12 500 and 95 17 500.

Selection and Usage Considerations

Users need to determine the maximum cable diameter in their work to select the appropriate model. Cutting cables exceeding the capacity stated on the label will cause rapid blade wear or joint deformation. When working in environments with voltage, it is mandatory to select models with VDE insulated handles and inspect the insulation layer before each shift.

After each use, clean the cutting blade to remove copper, aluminum fragments, or adhering oil and grease. Store in a dry box, avoiding blade contact with water or corrosive chemicals. If the blade becomes chipped or the joint loosens, stop using and contact the KNIPEX warranty center for inspection or replacement.