GMP has always taken pride in providing a wide range of high-power and high-performing cable cutters for industry workers. Whether you need a cable cutter for telecommunications work or a cutter for power industry work, GMP has the right tool to do the job well. This blog, the second in a two-part series, covers the best cutters specifically designed for power industry work. If you’d like to read the blog on the best cutters for telecommunications work, click here.
The GMP 1 3/4 IN. Ratcheting Power Cutter (01818)
The 1 3/4 IN. Ratcheting Power Cutter is the perfect tool to have in hand for power industry work. No other compact hand cable cutter offers you both the ease of use and sheer muscle power of these exceptional cutters — built for cutting in some of the tightest spaces, like junction boxes and manholes. They easily accommodate 750 MCM copper power cable and 1000 MCM aluminum power cable with a maximum capacity of 1.75 IN. (44mm).
The efficient mechanical advantage of the ratcheting feature allows you to make clean one-handed cuts using only a fraction of the effort required by non-ratcheting cutters. The tool also features a rubber boot to lodge the stationary handle against your work surface, further multiplying your manual effort. Last but not least, the cutter comes equipped with a release lever to disengage the blades even in mid-cut, and a safety latch to lock the blades in a closed position for storage.
The GMP 750 MCM (75249) & 1000 MCM (75245) Ratcheting Cable Cutters
The GMP 750 MCM and 100 MCM Ratcheting Cable Cutters offer big cutter performance without long handles to tackle large cutting jobs in tight spaces such as manholes. Both tools have an overall compact length of 19 IN. (484mm), and have fiberglass handles with 100 KV/ft. dielectric strength.
These cutters are built with a powerful two-speed ratcheting mechanism which lets you switch between fast action blade movement (5 strokes to open or close) or high leverage cutting (18 strokes to close). For greatest leverage, the ratchet can advance one tooth with each closing stroke. To change blade direction, simply flick the lever on the blade head. The speed switch works with blade movement in either direction.
The 750 MCM cutters are used for cutting copper and aluminum cables up to 750 MCM with a size over the insulation of up to 1.4 in. (36mm). The 1000 MCM Cutters are designed for cable sizes up to 1000 MCM with a maximum capacity of 2.25 in. (57mm). Both tools are designed to make every cut smoothly: the precision-ground, high alloy tool steel blades are twice as thick as those on some competing cutters and offer excellent cutting edge performance. Finally, a special hardening process on the ratchet and pawl mechanism gives them lasting durability.
The GMP 556 ACSR Ratcheting Cutter 1.6 IN. (75248)
These Hard Ratcheting Cutters are designed to cut ACSR power cable up to and including 556 kcmil, 500 kcmil hard drawn electrical conductors 1.40 in. (35.6mm) maximum outside diameter, 750 kcmil soft drawn electrical conductors 1.60 in. (40.6mm) maximum outside diameter.
The tool has an overall length of 18 IN. (457mm), and the blades are made from 6150 alloy steel. Observe the following important directions when cutting with this tool:
- The cable must enter into the jaws of the tool exactly perpendicular (90 degrees) to the cutting blades so as to result in a circular cross-section cut.
- When cutting self-support cable, always orient the supporting strand so it faces the handles for maximum leverage.
- If you encounter excessive cutting resistance, use a one-click cutting cycle until the cutter moves freely.
- Tighten the fulcrum nut periodically and keep the handle bolts tight. The tool will not operate properly unless the fulcrum nut is at least 15 ft-lbs. (20 Newton meters).
The GMP 500 & 1000 MCM Cutters (75246)
These shear action cutters have rugged Chrome Vanadium steel blades which offer excellent cutting edge performance with toughness that stands up to heavy use when cutting copper or aluminum cables. Without the ratcheting mechanism, these cutters rely on their long handles and natural leverage to make strong and effective cuts. The blades are precision ground for easy cutting and contoured to act like a hook, forcing the cable into the blades and preventing it from slipping as you cut with minimal cable distortion. Both have fiberglass handles with 100 KV/ft. dielectric strength.
The GMP Guy Strand (75254) & Compact Guy Strand (75244) Cutters
The GMP Guy Strand Cutter is a revolutionary new tool design for cutting guy strand cable up to 1/2 IN. (12.7mm) EHS. At 11 lbs. (5kg), this progressive action cutter gives you enormous mechanical advantage in a compact tool that measures less than 30 in. (762mm). The Compact Guy Strand Cutter is only 17 in. (434mm) long.
Both tools also cut utility grade guy strand, mild steel rods and bolts, and similar materials. The strand is pulled into the blades with each click of the ratchet, ensuring a clean, even cut. The cutting blades are made from precision ground, high alloy tool steel for long life, and a special hardening process to keep cutting edges sharp. To inhibit rust, the cutter head has a black oxide finish, and the handles are epoxy coated for long life and firm grip.
Whether you’re looking for a cutter for telecommunications or power industry work, we hope you’ve found the perfect tool to add your arsenal!
Since 1936, General Machine Products has been a leader in supplying the telecom industry. Visit us today at www.gmptools.com or call us at 215-357-5500 to learn more about our product offerings.
