Different Types of Cutting Hand Tools and Their Uses

Published: 4 Jul 2025

Cutting hand tools are tools you use with your hands to cut different objects like paper, wood, metal, plastic, or fabric. Each tool is made for a specific task. Some tools can cut soft things, and some can cut strong, hard items. In this article, we will discuss 20 cutting hand tools and see how they help us in our daily work.

20 Cutting Tools Hand Name List and Their functions

1. Scissors

A classic tool found in nearly every home. Scissors feature two pivoting blades and are perfect for cutting paper, fabric, thin plastic, or even hair.

2. Utility Knife (Box Cutter)

A utility knife has a small, sharp blade that slides in and out. It cuts cardboard, ropes, tape, and plastic. It is easy to carry and helpful for opening boxes or cutting packing materials.

3. Wire Cutters

Wire cutters are used to cut small wires. They are useful in electrical work and electronics. The sharp jaws make clean cuts in copper and plastic-covered wires.

4. Lineman’s Pliers

These are strong pliers made to cut thick wires. They can also twist or hold wires firmly. Electricians use them for handling heavy cables and strong wires in electrical work.

5. Hacksaw

A sturdy saw with a thin blade stretched across a strong metal frame. It’s mostly used to cut metal pipes, rods, and plastic tubes. Some people also use it to cut thin wood pieces.

6. Coping Saw

A coping saw has a U-shaped frame with a thin, flexible blade, perfect for cutting curves and shapes.

7. Pruning Shears

These are strong scissors used in gardening. They cut small branches, flowers, and stems. Gardeners use them to keep plants healthy and tidy.

8. Loppers

Lopper is a giant pruning shears and is used to cut thicker branches that small shears can’t handle. They are used with two hands.

9. Tin Snips

Shaped like scissors but designed for metal. They cut thin metal sheets used in roofing, ductwork, and metal crafts.

10. Aviation Snips

These are heavy-duty snips with curved blades. They cut thick metal sheets with more force and control.

11. Bolt Cutters

Bolt cutters have long arms and strong cutting heads. They are used to break thick metal parts like locks, chains, rods, and heavy wires. You must use both hands to press and cut with more force.

12. Glass Cutter

A glass cutter has a tiny, sharp wheel that scores a line on glass. When you apply pressure, the glass breaks cleanly along the line. Used by glaziers and crafters working with stained glass or windows.

13. Pipe Cutter

A pipe cutter has a sharp, round blade that rolls around the pipe to cut it. It is used in plumbing to cut plastic or metal pipes evenly.

14. Chisel (Wood Chisel)

A chisel has a flat, sharp edge. You hit it with a hammer to cut or shape wood. It’s used to make clean cuts or designs in wood.

15. Leather Cutter (Rotary Cutter)

This cutter has a round blade that rolls and cuts fabric, leather, or foam. It is used in tailoring, crafts, and quilting.

16. Cable Cutter

Built to handle thick, high-tension cables. They cut thick power cables cleanly without crushing them.

17. Thread Snips

Thread snips are small and sharp, shaped like tweezers. They are used in sewing to quickly cut threads or trim cloth edges.

18. Keyhole Saw (Pad Saw)

This saw has a thin, pointed blade. Ideal for cutting small holes and curves in wood or plastic.

19. Japanese Pull Saw

This saw has a thin blade and cuts when pulled toward you. It makes smooth, clean cuts in wood and is used in fine carpentry.

20. Hand Saw

A hand saw has a wide blade with sharp teeth and a handle, usually made of wood or plastic, for gripping. It is used to cut wood by moving it forward and backward. Carpenters and workers use it for cutting wood planks, logs, and boards.

Conclusion

Each cutting hand tool has a unique shape, size, and purpose. Some are ideal for soft jobs like sewing or gardening. Other tools are designed to handle stronger materials, such as pipes, wires, or metal. Knowing which tool to use helps you work better and stay safe. Make sure you know which cutting hand tool you need before beginning your next project—and make sure you use it correctly!