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ASME B107.11-2002 — Pliers: Diagonal Cutting and End Cutting
✂️ ASME B107.11-2002 is the dedicated standard within the ASME B107 “Hand Tools and Accessories” family covering diagonal cutting pliers and end cutting pliers. It defines the classification, dimensional data, performance, and safety requirements for these two cutter families, and specifies the test methods used to evaluate cutting performance. The technical content of this standard was later incorporated and retained in the consolidated ASME B107.500-2010 Pliers standard together with B107.13, B107.16, B107.18, B107.19, and other plier standards. This article systematically explains the requirements for diagonal and end cutting pliers based on that technical content.
💡 Diagonal and end cutting pliers are the highest-frequency cutting tools in electrical work, mechanical assembly, and cable operations. The key value of B107.11 is turning engineering requirements — “cuts cleanly, does not chip, does not slip” — into measurable, testable criteria.
1. Scope and General Framework 📌
This Standard covers hand-operated diagonal cutting pliers and end cutting pliers, providing general dimensional data and safety considerations and specifying test methods for evaluating performance. As in prior editions, the inclusion of dimensional data does not imply that all sizes are stock production sizes; consumers should consult manufacturers about available stock sizes.
The body of the Standard contains sections on classification, performance requirements, tests, and safety requirements and limitations of use; the test procedures reference the uniform methods of B107.25 (Pliers — Performance Test Methods). The Standard may also be used as a guide by state authorities in formulating laws or regulations, and is intended for voluntary use by establishments that use or manufacture the covered tools.
2. Classification 🔩
The Standard divides the products into the following principal types:
- Type I — Diagonal cutting pliers: regular-nose plain design, plus optional designs with stripping notches and a skinning hole, and with a cushion grip throat.
- Type II — Compound action regular cutting pliers: a linkage mechanism amplifies the cutting force for larger cross-section wire.
- Type IV — End cutting pliers: cutting edges on the end face of the head, for cutting flush against a working surface.
| Type | Cutting Edge Position | Typical Designs | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type I | Diagonal (side) | Regular nose, stripping notches, skinning hole, cushion grip throat | Electrician’s wire cutting, stripping, tie trimming |
| Type II | Diagonal (side) | Compound linkage force amplification | Large copper wire, nail cutting |
| Type IV | End face (flush) | End cutting edges | Flush trimming, sprue removal |
⚠️ Diagonal and end cutting pliers are intended for soft wire (copper, aluminum, mild steel). Never cut hardened steel wire, cable, or quenched steel parts — hard workpieces will chip the edges or even shatter the jaws.
3. Performance Requirements and Test Methods 📊
The Standard quantifies the cutting performance of pliers. The core test is the cut cross-section test: a test wire of fixed hardness and diameter is cut at the prescribed position in the jaws, and the cut cross-section shape and burr condition are examined (Figure 1 of the Standard shows typical profiles of severed copper wire with corresponding cutting edge cross sections).
- Cutting capability: the pliers must produce a clean cut of soft copper wire of the specified diameter at the specified cutting position, with no significant tearing or flash.
- Hardness: cutting edge hardness is verified by Rockwell methods per ASTM E18 to ensure edge retention.
- Finish and coating: coating adhesion and corrosion resistance are checked for rust protection and insulated-grip appearance.
- Alignment and closure: the two blades must close squarely with no mismatch or excessive gap.
💡 Acceptance tip: make a test cut of clean copper wire near the pivot (root of the blades); the cross-section should be smooth and bright. Significant deformation or burrs indicate a blade-alignment or hardness problem.
4. Safety Requirements and Limitations of Use 🛡️
The safety section of the Standard states the following key points:
- Cutters are for hand service only; never use them as a pry bar, hammer, or wrench.
- For live electrical work, use pliers with insulated handles meeting the applicable insulation class and keep the insulation intact.
- Cut with the wire perpendicular to the blades; avoid oblique cuts that cause slipping.
- Stop using pliers as soon as the blades chip or dull; replace or rework them to prevent fragments flying during cutting.
🚨 Safety warning: when cutting tensioned steel wire or spring wire, the free end whips back violently at the instant of severing and can strike the face or eyes. Always wear safety glasses and keep the whip direction away from personnel.
5. Engineering Practice Essentials 🛠️
- 🔍 Selection: electricians’ daily work favors 6–8 in (160–200 mm) Type I diagonal cutters; hydraulic fitting and mechanical maintenance work may use Type II compound-action cutters; flush trimming calls for Type IV end cutters.
- 🔧 Bundling: pair cutters with stripping pliers and long-nose pliers (B107.13) to form a complete electrician’s tool set, each tool in its own role.
- 📋 Acceptance: check blade alignment and opening feel, insulated-handle performance, coating quality, and hardness spot-test reports.
- 📊 Maintenance: keep the pivot lubricated and edges rust-free; never cut hard objects that would chip the blades.
6. Frequently Asked Questions ❓
❓ Q: How does B107.11 relate to the later B107.500-2010?
A: The technical content of B107.11-2002 (diagonal and end cutting pliers) was incorporated and retained in ASME B107.500, the consolidated Pliers standard, in 2010. Cite B107.500 for current requirements.
A: The technical content of B107.11-2002 (diagonal and end cutting pliers) was incorporated and retained in ASME B107.500, the consolidated Pliers standard, in 2010. Cite B107.500 for current requirements.
❓ Q: Can diagonal cutters be used on spring steel wire or cable?
A: No. The Standard is designed for soft wire; hardened wire and cable will chip the edges. Use dedicated wire-rope or bolt cutters for such work.
A: No. The Standard is designed for soft wire; hardened wire and cable will chip the edges. Use dedicated wire-rope or bolt cutters for such work.
🔍 Q: What is the difference between diagonal and end cutting pliers?
A: Diagonal cutters have blades set at an angle for side cutting, with slender jaws for confined spaces; end cutters have blades on the end face for flush cutting against a mounting surface.
A: Diagonal cutters have blades set at an angle for side cutting, with slender jaws for confined spaces; end cutters have blades on the end face for flush cutting against a mounting surface.
❓ Q: How is “clean cut” judged under the Standard?
A: A standard copper test wire is cut at the prescribed position; the cross-section must show no tearing, no significant burrs, and no crushing. The wire parameters and procedure are defined in the Standard and in B107.25 performance test methods.
A: A standard copper test wire is cut at the prescribed position; the cross-section must show no tearing, no significant burrs, and no crushing. The wire parameters and procedure are defined in the Standard and in B107.25 performance test methods.
