Types and Uses of Cutters

Have you ever been in a situation where you need to cut something open, but your regular cutter won’t? It doesn’t help that you can use different cutters to cut various materials. Not all materials are the same, so they need other tools to cut through them. In this blog, we will explore the different types of cutters and their general specifications and discuss their uses and advantages.

Annular Cutter

What Is It?

An annular cutter is a cutting tool used to create holes in metal, similar to a holesaw for wood.

General Specifications

• Made from high-speed steel (HSS) or carbide
• Diameter range: 12 mm to 150 mm
• Cutting depth: up to 75 mm
• Shank types: Weldon shank, Quick-in shank

Uses

• Creating precise holes in structural steel, pipes, and other metals
• Used in fabrication, construction, and engineering industries

Advantages

• Faster and more efficient than twist drills
• Produces cleaner, burr-free holes
• Less material waste and lower power consumption

Pipe Cutter

What Is It?

A tool used for cutting pipes made from materials such as PVC, copper, and steel.

General Specifications

• Types: Ratchet, wheel, or rotary cutter
• Cutting capacity: varies depending on the type, typically up to 50 mm for handheld versions.

Uses

• Cutting plumbing pipes to desired lengths
• Used by plumbers and in HVAC installations

Advantages

• Provides clean, precise cuts
• Easy to use and often faster than using a saw
• Reduces the risk of pipe deformation

Glass Cutter

What Is It?

A tool used for scoring and cutting glass.

General Specifications

• Carbide or diamond-tipped wheel
• Handle for applying pressure
• Oil reservoir in some models for lubrication

Uses

• Cutting glass sheets to size for windows, mirrors, and other applications

Advantages

• Allows for precise cuts on glass
• Easy to use with a smooth scoring wheel
• Reduces the risk of glass breakage during cutting

Wire Cutter

What Is It?

A tool used for cutting wire of various materials and gauges.

General Specifications

• Types: Diagonal, side cutters, and flush cutters
• Cutting capacity: varies by type, typically up to 10 gauge wire

Uses

• Cutting electrical wire, cables, and small metal rods
• Used in electrical work, jewellery making, and crafts

Advantages

• Provides clean, precise cuts without fraying
• Ergonomic handles for comfortable use
• Some models include insulation for electrical work

Bolt Cutter

What Is It?

A tool designed for cutting through heavy metal objects like bolts, chains, and padlocks.

General Specifications

• Long handles for leverage
• Cutting capacity: up to 10 mm diameter steel
• Blade material: hardened steel

Uses

• Cutting bolts, padlocks, chains, and rebar
• Used in construction, emergency services, and by locksmiths

Advantages

• High-cutting power with minimal effort
• Durable and capable of cutting through rigid materials
• Various sizes are available for different applications

Handsaw

What Is It?

A manual saw is used for cutting wood and other materials.

General Specifications

• Types: Crosscut, rip, and panel saws
• Blade length: typically 20 to 26 inches
• Teeth per inch (TPI): varies based on the type of saw

Uses

• Cutting wood in carpentry and woodworking projects
• Suitable for DIY and professional use

Advantages

• Versatile and easy to use
• No power source required
• Provides clean cuts with the correct technique

Hacksaw

What Is It?

A saw with a fine-toothed blade used for cutting metal and plastic.

General Specifications

• Frame: adjustable or fixed
• Blade length: typically 10 to 12 inches
• TPI: varies from 14 to 32 TPI

Uses

• Cutting metal pipes, rods, and profiles
• Cutting plastic pipes and other materials

Advantages

• Versatile and portable
• Blades are easily replaceable
• Provides precise cuts on a variety of materials

Holesaw

What Is It?

A saw blade with a ring shape is used for cutting large-diameter holes in various materials.

General Specifications

• Diameter range: 14 mm to 210 mm
• Material: HSS, carbide-tipped, or bi-metal
• Cutting depth: varies by model

Uses

• Drilling holes for plumbing, electrical installations, and door hardware
• Used in woodworking, construction, and DIY projects

Advantages

• Creates prominent, clean holes with minimal effort
• Interchangeable arbor for different sizes
• Efficient cutting with less material waste

Cutter Knife

What Is It?

A utility knife with a retractable blade is used for cutting various materials.

General Specifications

• Blade types: snap-off, fixed, or retractable
• Blade material: high-carbon steel or stainless steel
• Handle: plastic or metal with an ergonomic design

Uses

• Cutting cardboard, plastic, leather, and other materials
• Used in crafting, packaging, and general utility tasks

Advantages

• Versatile and easy to use
• Replaceable blades
• Safe storage with a retractable feature

Wrap Cutter

What Is It?

A tool used to cut stretch film and other wrapping materials.

General Specifications

• Small, handheld tool
• Blade: stainless steel or carbon steel
• Handle: ergonomic design for ease of use

Uses

• Cutting stretch wrap, shrink wrap, and other packaging materials
• Used in warehouses, packaging, and shipping

Advantages

• Provides clean, straight cuts
• Safe and easy to handle
• Reduces the risk of injury compared to using knives

Milling Cutter

What Is It?

A rotary tool used in milling machines for machining metal, wood, and other materials.

General Specifications

• Types: end mills, face mills, ball noses, etc.
• Material: carbide, HSS, or cobalt
• Sizes: various diameters and lengths

Uses

• Machining parts with precision in milling operations
• Creating slots, pockets, and contours in materials

Advantages

• High precision and efficiency
• Wide range of shapes and sizes for different applications
• Durable and capable of handling rigid materials

Hand Axe

What Is It?

A small, handheld axe used for chopping wood and other materials.

General Specifications

• Blade material: carbon steel or stainless steel
• Handle: wood, fibreglass, or metal
• Weight: typically 1 to 3 pounds

Uses

• Chopping wood, splitting kindling, and general outdoor tasks
• Used in camping, woodworking, and survival situations

Advantages

• Portable and easy to handle
• Provides efficient chopping power
• Durable and long-lasting

TCT Blade

What Is It?

A blade with Tungsten Carbide Tips (TCT) cuts various materials.

General Specifications

• Blade diameter: varies, commonly 150 mm to 350 mm
• Teeth: carbide-tipped for durability
• Types: circular saw blades, router bits, etc.

Uses

• Cutting wood, metal, plastic, and composites
• Used in saws, routers, and other power tools

Advantages

• Long-lasting and stays sharp longer
• Provides clean, precise cuts
• Suitable for a wide range of materials

Conclusion

In conclusion, you need to understand your need and recognise the type of cutter you need. It is essential that you use the correct kind of cutter based on what you are cutting through as using something to do what it is not meant to might end up in an injury.