Quality is the best business plan. It’s apparent that the folks at Knipex have made quality their business. So what sets these cutters apart from all the others? Four words, oil-hardened chrome vanadium steel. (or is that five words? stupid hyphens)
We have ruined so many other pliers by cutting heardened materials like nails, piano wire, or ACSR wire, but the Knipex just keep cutting. Yeah, the Knipex are expensive (about $35 a pair) but once you can ruin a couple of pairs of cheap cutters you’ve more than paid for these. These are built to last.
What’s more, and somewhat counter intuitive, we recommended these EVEN MORE for the DIY’er. Yep that’s right, because DIY’ers are more apt to use their side cutters to do things the pros wouldn’t dream of (usually because the pro have already made that mistake and now know better). Have you ever cut a nail, screw, or steel cable with your side cutters? If so, then you should pony up for a set of Knipex.
I have used a pair of diagonal cutters from lowes and have so far been satisfied… have cut through piano wire and up to 1/4” stainless cable with no problems, no chipping. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Diagonal-Cutting-Plier/50069699