Cable Shears Armoured & Steel Wire

2 products

Cable shears designed for armoured and steel wire applications are specialized cutting tools engineered to handle the tough outer layers of cables. These shears feature robust, hardened blades capable of slicing through steel wire armoured (SWA) cables with ease, ensuring clean cuts without fraying or damage to the internal conductors. The ergonomic handles provide a comfortable grip, reducing hand strain during repetitive tasks. Safety features such as locking mechanisms prevent accidental blade exposure when not in use. Whether for electrical installations, maintenance, or repairs, these cable shears are essential for professionals working with heavy-duty cables. At HK Calibrations, we offer high-quality cable shears tailored for armoured and steel wire applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Standard shears are designed for soft metals and will likely chip or fail when hitting the hardened layers of an armoured cable. These specialized shears use a different steel alloy and reinforced blade geometry specifically tempered to slice through the galvanized steel wires of SWA cables without dulling, ensuring the tool lasts through heavy industrial use.

The 500mm model is engineered with a wide-jaw capacity and a precision "bypass" cutting action that prevents the common "pinching" effect of lower-quality tools. By distributing force evenly across the circumference of the cable, it allows you to cut through large-diameter aluminum and copper conductors up to 500mm² while keeping the internal cores perfectly round for easier termination.

This model is built with a compact frame and a sophisticated ratcheting mechanism that allows you to perform high-force cuts with one hand in cramped spaces like distribution boards or trenches. Despite its smaller size, it is rated for armoured cables with a maximum cross-section of 150mm², providing a high power-to-weight ratio that reduces operator fatigue during repetitive installations.

It is important to note that while these shears are "heavy-duty," they are specifically calibrated for electrical cables with steel reinforcement, not for solid steel bars or high-tensile wire ropes. Attempting to cut solid bar stock can cause the blades to misalign or crack, so they should only be used on the specific armoured cable types they are rated for to maintain their precision edge.

Yes, both the larger 500mm and the ratcheting 150mm models include safety-focused designs such as non-slip finger guards and ergonomic grips that prevent your hands from sliding toward the blades. The ratcheting versions also feature a release lever that allows you to open the blades mid-cut if you encounter an obstruction, ensuring you always have full control over the tool's movement.

To keep these tools functioning at their peak, you should regularly clean the blades of any metal shavings and apply a light lubricant to the pivot points and ratcheting gears. Because they are often used in outdoor or underground environments, keeping them dry and checking for small blade burrs will ensure they continue to provide the clean, fray-free cuts required for high-stakes electrical certifications.