Many brands offer what are described as electrician’s scissors. These scissors often feature a single large loop handles, and usually have convenient wire cutting or stripping features.
Shown above is a prototype shown off at Milwaukee’s NPS show last year. Klein free-fall scissors and Southwire DataComm electrician’s scissors are also widely available.
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This is how many people, who don’t know any better, try to hold them. My fingers look extra awkward because I’m a righty, but was using my right hand for photos. The first time you try to use the scissors like this, you’ll know something is wrong.
You can use these scissors with your thumb and forefinger, but not in the manner shown. I will sometimes put my thumb in the big hole, and forefinger in the small finger hole.
This is the correct way to hold them. Your middle finger goes in the small loop, and the larger handle rests in the palm of your hand.
Why? As far as I can tell, there are several advantages:
- Higher leverage
- Comfort?
- Fits in smaller spaces?
- Can dangle the scissors from middle finger to more dexterously manipulate wires
For those of you that use these scissors, why do you like them over traditionally styled snips and scissors?
Jason
I’ll have to disagree with you there. The Klein’s with the big loop and yellow handles in particular are made so you can hold them multiple ways, depending on what you’re doing. They’re comfortable both ways, work well, and don’t feel awkward. Also, stay away from the Southwire brand sold at Lowe’s, they are terrible. The Klein’s are just a few dollars more and so much better quality.
Jim Felt
Agreed. And for some work I still prefer my US made Klien original all chrome steel telecom scissors.
But I’m not subject to Carpal tunnel is my random use.
Stuart
I’m making assumptions, but the Klein’s don’t look to be able to fit 2 fingers in the big loop either.
Same with brands like Greenlee and Jonard.
Jason
No, just one finger. I wrap my others around the curved part when holding them that way. I’m an IT guy and do lots of datacomm cabling. The Klein’s will cut and do things they were never designed for. I know one guy who uses his for holding nuts like a pair of pliers. He also cuts armored cable with them. Their splicing knife can also be used as a screwdriver, pry bar, etc. as needed.
fred
Klein makes a variety of shears/scissors – different feel – different uses.
I’m partial to these that you can slip in your pocket if you can stand the price.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-Single-Serrated-Blunt-Blade-Shear-23015/100647688
Nathan
what are you using these for exactly? cutting electrical tape – tie wraps – etc.
I wouldn’t use that to cut wires I don’t think. Is that what they are made for?
second maybe dumber question are they spring loaded. If so I might go get a set.
Darrin
Stuart
They’re usually seen used with ethernet cables and such, and other multi-wire cables.
Yes, it can cut wires.
No, these are not spring-loaded, the Southwire ones are.
Wayne R.
Their original purpose is to cut small gage wire and some cable jacketing. No springs. They’re also made to last a long time in daily use. They’re tough little bastards.
fred
I use the ones (have a few pairs) that I linked to fro use with boy scouts working on Leatherwork Merit Badge and Cub Scouts doing crafts. The blunt nose makes them a bit safer in the youngest hands – and the older scouts can easily trim a belt with them.
MikeIt
I think you need a slight edit -” but was using my right hand for photos” – I think you mean you were using your left hand for photos. BTW, I’m left handed and that’s how I probably would have held them and others like it. I had no idea there was a better way to hold them.
Darrin
He was using his right hand to (take) photos, hence the need to use his left hand to hold the scissors.
Stuart
The first handheld photo is of my left hand, taken with the camera in my right hand.
The second handheld photo is of someone else’s hand. Maybe I should have mentioned that in the post, but I was too lazy to find a streamlined way to get into it.
Wayne R.
The telecom snips I use most I use as scissors primarily, but less frequently as whole-hand cutters (placement of that dash is important).
One small tool that’s robust. Can do fine work but chop heavy stuff too.
Such snips that don’t allow both hand positions are used by noobs or poseurs.
Corey
As an electrician I was taught years ago what snips were and to hold them palming the leverage side lol I hadn’t considered that this wasn’t common knowledge. Yet again, you’re providing we, your lucky audience, a fantastic resource and experience, Stuart ?
Alan James
I had a South Central Bell supervisor that could cut the lip off of a penny, resulting in a tiny copper spring and a dime sized coin!
HenrikV01
Great to know! This will save me many hours ??