DEWALT Cutting Tools Matched to Wire, Pipe and Metal

Best for
Snipping wire and zip ties by hand

The DEWALT 7.5 in. Compound Action Diagonal cutting pliers (DWHT70275) are the simplest tool here and the one most builders will reach for daily. Compound action multiplies hand force through an extra pivot, so snipping wire, zip ties and small fasteners takes less squeeze than with standard diagonal pliers. The jaws use an aggressive cross hatch tooth pattern, so the tool can also grip, and the cutting blades are induction hardened.

The body is chrome vanadium steel, the tool measures 9.7 by 2.9 inches and it weighs 9.12 ounces. The listing does not specify a maximum wire gauge or whether the blades are rated for hardened wire, so keep them for copper cable, zip ties and soft wire. For cable management and trimming leads during a build, these are the right DEWALT diagonal cutting pliers; for anything thicker, one of the powered tools takes over.

• Compound action for extra cutting force
• Cross hatch jaw teeth for gripping
• Induction hardened cutting blades

Best for
Cutting PVC inside the pipe

The DEWALT Impact Connect Pipe Cutter (DWAIPCIR) is an attachment rather than a standalone tool. It chucks into any impact driver or drill that accepts a 1/4 in. hex shank and cuts PVC from the inside of the pipe using a diamond grit wheel. DEWALT claims 10X longer life and 2X faster cuts than traditional inside pipe cutters, and the blade is permanently fixed so it cannot fall off.

It handles schedule 40 PVC from 1-1/4 in. to 8 in. The specification table lists the power source as hand powered, which reflects that it has no motor of its own; you supply the power with your driver. If you already own a 20V MAX drill or impact driver, this is an easy way to add pipe cutting without another battery tool. It is not listed for copper or metal pipe, so it suits drain and irrigation work rather than supply lines.

• Diamond grit cutting wheel
• PVC schedule 40, 1-1/4 to 8 in.
• Fits 1/4 in. hex drivers and drills

Best for
Flush cuts, drywall and case mod trimming

Best for
Metal, tile and stone cuts in tight spots

Best for
Plumbers and HVACR techs cutting copper

The DEWALT 20V MAX XR 1-1/4 in. Copper Tubing Cutter (DCE154B) is a powered cutter for type K, L and M hard and soft copper from 1/4 in. to 1-1/4 in., including 3/8 in. outer diameter tubing for HVACR work. An auto-size adjust head handles those sizes without swapping parts, and the head pivots through 90 degrees to reach pipe close to walls and joists.

DEWALT claims cuts in as little as 1.2 seconds and up to 550 cuts per charge, with a variable speed trigger and corrosion resistant cutting components. It weighs 3.8 pounds and ships as the bare tool only. The specification table calls it a portable bandsaw, which it is not, so ignore that label. This DEWALT copper tubing cutter suits plumbers and HVACR techs doing repetitive copper cuts; hobbyists who only cut PVC should stick with the Impact Connect attachment.

• Cuts 1/4 to 1-1/4 in. copper
• Auto-size adjust cutting head
• 90 degree pivoting head
• Up to 550 cuts per charge

Best for
Sheet metal work on DEWALT batteries

Be clear on what the Cordless Metal Shears Compatible with Dewalt batteries are: a third-party tool, not a DEWALT product. The listing says it runs exclusively on DEWALT 20V MAX and 60V Flex batteries and ships as a bare tool with no battery. If you search for metal shears for DEWALT battery packs, this is the kind of product you will find, and warranty and support come from its own maker rather than DEWALT.

The listing describes a brushless motor rated for 14GA steel, an IP54 housing, high-speed continuous and intermittent cutting modes, an anti-mishap safety lock and an LED. The cutting head rotates 360 degrees on a hex bolt, so you can angle it without twisting your wrist. It lists stainless steel, aluminum, PVC sheet, metal mesh, carpet, leather and cardboard as materials, and says it is not for wood branches. The claimed 400Nm torque figure is unusual for shears, so treat it as marketing. For cutting case panels or duct, it is the only sheet metal option in this group.

• Rated for 14GA steel
• 360 degree rotating head
• Safety lock and built-in LED

The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cut Off tool (DCS438B) is a compact 3 in. brushless cutter spinning at up to 20,000 rpm with a 550 MWO rating. It comes with three wheels: a bonded abrasive wheel, a diamond multi-material wheel and a diamond tile wheel, which cover metal, tile, stone, plastic and drywall or fiber cement between them.

A removable dust shroud has tool-free depth adjustment with mm and inch markings and an AirLock connection for a DEWALT extractor (sold separately). Forward and reverse let you change which way debris flies, and onboard wrench storage plus a spindle lock speed up wheel changes. It weighs 3 pounds and is sold as a bare tool. For cutting bolts, threaded rod, metal brackets or tile, it beats the oscillating tool on speed, but it throws sparks and dust, so it is a garage tool rather than a desk-side one.

• Brushless, up to 20,000 rpm
• Three cutting wheels included
• Depth-adjustable dust shroud with AirLock
• Forward and reverse rotation

The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Oscillating Tool kit (DCS356C1) is the generalist. Its brushless motor runs up to 20,000 OPM with a 3-speed selector and a Dual-Grip variable-speed trigger, and DEWALT claims up to 57% more runtime than brushed tools. The Quick-Change accessory system swaps blades without wrenches, and a universal adaptor accepts most oscillating accessory brands.

Unlike the bare tools above, this is a kit with a battery and charger. The listing gives a 40 amp-hour battery capacity, which cannot be right for a 20V pack, so check the included battery on the box. It carries a 3 year limited warranty. Common jobs listed include drywall, detail sanding and laminate floor cutting; for builders it also handles plunge cuts, flush trimming and cutting openings in panels. If you are starting a battery platform, a DEWALT 20V combo kit can supply extra packs for the bare tools in this list.

• 3-speed selector plus variable trigger
• Quick-Change, universal accessory fit
• LED work light
• Battery and charger included