Just what is so special about side cutter parallel pliers? Aren’t they just combination pliers that look different? A plier that can grip and cut?

The answer is no. They do grip and they do cut, but they do both tasks better than an ordinary combination plier.

In this blog, we’re going to explain why we believe the Maun Side Cutter Parallel Plier is the combination plier reimagined.

A pair of multi-use pliers

These pliers are multitaskers. First and foremost, they’re parallel pliers, but they also benefit from a high-leverage cutter. So you can grip and cut perfectly, with just one tool.

But that doesn’t mean side cutter parallel pliers are any less efficient. They do everything parallel pliers can do. Grip objects evenly along the length of their jaws. Hold square or hexagonal fastenings securely. And grip, manipulate and straighten wire.

In addition, these pliers are no ordinary cutter. This cutter, in fact, multiplies the user’s hand force by up to 25 times (reducing the effort needed to cut by 50% compared to similarly sized combination pliers). Better still, its hardened cutting edges make it suitable for cutting hard wire up to 3 mm in diameter repeatedly.

So, with a pair of side cutter parallel pliers, you’ve got a convenient two-in-one tool for multiple needs. Perfect.

And there’s plenty to choose from right here.

What can they be used for?

Let’s get straight to it. These pliers are used in multiple industries for:

• Cutting fishing hooks and line.

• Cutting and manipulating springs. For instance, in the manufacture of sprung mattresses and other furniture.

• Cutting, gripping, and manipulating wire (notably welding wire) and springs in general metal manufacturing.

• Cutting and manipulating wire for fencing installation and maintenance.

• Cutting and manipulating wire by tradespeople and maintenance engineers.

How do you use side cutter parallel pliers?

The difference between side cutter parallel pliers and traditional pliers is that parallel jaws can grip along their full length, rather than just at one point. This means that gripping with side cutter parallel pliers is just as easy as gripping with traditional pliers. But with a stronger hold:

Step one:

Place the object to be gripped between the jaws and close the handles firmly. If it’s wire that you’re holding, align the wire with the V-slot in one jaw for a firmer grip.

Step two:

Just kidding. That’s it.

Similarly, cutting wire, springs or nails with side cutter parallel pliers is just like using a cutting or combination plier:

Step one:

Open the jaws wide and place the wire, nail or spring as close as possible to the pivot point (for the most leverage).

Step two:

Close the jaws firmly. Finished.

Alternatively, to repair damaged wire:

Step one:

Feed the damaged wire between the parallel jaws.

Step two:

Close the jaws and squeeze firmly.

Step three:

Open and close the jaws multiple times, while rotating the wire.

Step four:

Repeat, feeding the straightened wire through the open throat of the plier.

How to choose the right pair for the job

Maun offers a variety of side cutter parallel pliers. They range in length from 125 mm to 200 mm.

The rule of thumb is:

Choose a smaller model for finer work, if the user’s hand is on the smaller side, or if the wire has a smaller diameter. For example, 125 mm and 140 mm models are normally chosen by sport fishing enthusiasts or for craft work.

Choose a larger model for more demanding work, to fit a larger hand, to cut thicker wire, or when a larger jaw width and opening are needed. 160 mm and 200 mm models are typically used in the manufacturing industry, and by trades and field maintenance engineers. The workhorse of livestock farmers, the 200 mm plier, is commonly used for installing and repairing electric fencing.

Why are Maun side cutter pliers different?

In short, Maun side cutter parallel pliers offer:

• Better grip and a higher leverage cutter designed for hard wire.

• Half the hand force of a conventional combination plier.

• High-quality materials.

• Made in England.

• Expert engineering, designed to cut through materials again and again. Especially the 200 mm plier, with jaws and blades hardened to HRC 62-65.

• Attention to detail. Beautifully made to last a lifetime.

Shop our range of side cutter parallel pliers here and get your pair today.

Watch our Side Cutting Parallel Plier in action:

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