Cutting copper wire can be regarded as a basic task that may seem challenging to a novice in the field of metal working, as well as while working on a particular project or assignment. However, they are able to cut metal wire with the right tools and techniques, which makes it quicker and easier. The fundamentals of cutting metal wire can be very helpful to anyone using it for personal, hobby, do-it-yourself, or professional purposes. Here is a detailed instruction on how to approach the entire procedure so that you achieve the best results.
Understanding the Basics
There are various kinds of metal wires and the instruments used for their cutting. Copper, aluminum, steel and brass are the common types of wires we have in the market today. Each type has its own characteristics and needs concerning the cutting process. It will also determine which tool or technique to use in order to strip the wire correctly for connection.
Common Types of Metal Wires
Copper Wire: Because it is pliable and flexible, it may be easily cut and sculpted into any shape needed for electrical applications.
Aluminum Wire: Light and also employed for giving electricity, this wire is softer than steel but harder than copper.
Construction Articles: In construction projects like houses, fences etc., construction articles such as the steel wire are usually hard and it can be time consuming and exhaustive to cut through.
Brass Wire: This is among the commonly used materials in the making of wires due to its strength similar to that of copper but with high levels of hardness as compared to steel.
Choosing the Right Tools
Carefully selecting of the tool is essential in cutting metal wire appropriately.
Here is the list of the common tools useful for this practice:
Wire Cutters
Wire cutters as implied is the most fundamental device used to cut a metal wire. They are available in sizes and designs depending on the specific wire gauge to be used. That is why snub-nosed cutters are suitable for thicker gauges of wire and end-cutters are for thin ones.
Diagonal Pliers
Another kind, the side cutters, are employed especially in cutting small diameter wires. These give a clean cut and they are useful when it comes to doing fine jobs.
Cable Cutters
When cutting large cables or thick wires, cable cutters will do the job effectively. These wheels are quite robust and can bear high tensile wires that makes them fit for use in industries.
Hacksaw
Hacksaw is specifically useful in cutting different kinds of metal wires due to its thickness. This is most helpful in cutting steel wire which is quite difficult to cut using the conventional wire cutters.
Bolt Cutters
If the wire is very thick or if it is of a very hard material, then the provisions are made for using bolt cutters. They offer the required torque to convince materials that are usually applied in security products.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting Metal Wire
Here are the guidelines that will help you when cutting metal wire after acquiring the appropriate cutting tools:
Step 1: Safety First
Risk should never prevail as you are always supposed to protect yourself. For protection of eyes from the metal chips wear safety goggles and for the protection of hands from sharp edges wear gloves. Make sure that the environment in which you work is adequately bright and clear of any possible hindrances.
Step 2: Measure and Mark
Determine the required length of wire before cutting it by using the permanent marker to mark it. This will assist you in obtaining the right length desired.
Step 3: Secure the Wire
The wire needs to be held in place securely, and this can be done by using a vise or a clamp. This will also avoid the wire slipping and also reduces the period one takes while cutting to ensure a clean cut is made.
Step 4: Choose the Right Tool
Due to the wire thickness and being made from metal, the use of the right cutting tool is necessary. For example, one should use a cutter to cut thin wires but should may use a hacksaw to cut thicker or harder wires.
Step 5: Make the Cut
Ensure that the stained line on the cutting tool is in line with the marked line. In the case of wire cutters and diagonal pliers, one should use pressure to make the cut. To hacksaw, one has to make slicing movements with equal number of strokes to cut through the wire. When using bolt cutters, one should ensure that to place the jaws evenly on the wire and apply pressure to cut through it.
Step 6: Smooth the Edges
The cross-section edges of the wire may have sharp spurs. The use of a file or sand paper should also be applied to smoothen the edges as well as to get a smooth surface. Doing this will reduce the risk of been pricked and also to enable the wire to be bent or connected in whatever way that may be required in the project.
Tips for Cutting Metal Wire
Proceed Slowly: Don’t rush in cutting the wire since this creates bad touches and vaster wire damage. Take all the time needed in order to be as precise as possible.
Regular Maintenance: Keep your cutting tools sharp and well-maintained. If the tools are blunt then it is difficult to cut and may result to accidents.
Preparation: You should use some scrap wire if you are new to cutting metal wire so that you may become acquainted with the instruments and equipment.