Facom Cable Cutters

Facom Cable Cutters at Tooled-Up.com

Facom, the renowned French tool manufacturer with over a century of engineering excellence, has built an outstanding reputation for producing precision cable cutters that meet the exacting demands of professional electricians and telecommunications engineers. The Facom cable cutter range available from Tooled-Up.com represents some of the finest cutting tools in the industry, combining ergonomic design with exceptional cutting performance and durability that professionals rely on day after day.

What sets Facom cable cutters apart is their meticulous attention to both the cutting mechanism and user comfort. Each tool in the range features carefully engineered blade geometry that ensures clean, precise cuts through copper and aluminium cables without crushing or deforming the conductor. This precision is achieved through heat-treated, high-carbon steel blades that maintain their edge through thousands of cuts, reducing downtime and replacement costs for busy tradespeople.

From compact side cutters perfect for control panel work to heavy-duty ratchet cable cutters capable of severing large armoured cables, the Facom selection at Tooled-Up.com caters to every cable cutting requirement. These tools are designed specifically for the electrical trade, where clean cuts aren't just about efficiency – they're essential for creating safe, reliable connections that comply with BS 7671 wiring regulations.

Why Choose Facom Cable Cutters?

Facom's reputation in the professional tool market is built on decades of innovation and an unwavering commitment to quality that resonates strongly with UK tradespeople. When you choose Facom cable cutters, you're investing in tools that have been tested in the most demanding environments, from industrial installations to marine applications where tool failure simply isn't an option.

The ergonomic design philosophy that runs through every Facom cable cutter minimises hand fatigue during repetitive cutting tasks. Features such as bi-material handles with non-slip grips, optimised lever ratios for reduced effort, and precisely balanced weight distribution make these tools comfortable to use throughout an entire working day. This attention to ergonomics doesn't just improve comfort – it enhances safety by giving users better control and reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries.

Durability is another hallmark of Facom cable cutters. The brand's stringent quality control processes ensure that every tool meets exacting standards before it leaves the factory. Hardened cutting edges resist chipping and maintain sharpness significantly longer than budget alternatives, whilst robust construction withstands the knocks and drops that are inevitable on busy work sites. Many professional electricians report that their Facom cable cutters have provided decades of reliable service, making them an exceptional long-term investment.

Who Uses Facom Cable Cutters?

Facom cable cutters are the tool of choice for a wide range of professionals who demand precision and reliability:

• Electricians and Electrical Contractors: For cutting single and multicore cables during domestic, commercial, and industrial installations
• Telecommunications Engineers: Requiring clean cuts on data cables, fibre optic cables, and communication wiring
• Automotive Electricians: Working with vehicle wiring harnesses and battery cables in confined spaces
• Maintenance Engineers: Performing repairs and upgrades on industrial machinery and control systems
• Marine Electricians: Installing and maintaining electrical systems on boats and ships where corrosion-resistant tools are essential
• Renewable Energy Installers: Working with solar panel arrays and wind turbine cabling systems
• Panel Builders: Assembling control panels and distribution boards requiring precise cable preparation
• Railway and Transport Engineers: Maintaining signalling systems and rolling stock electrical installations

Key Features of Facom Cable Cutters

Facom incorporates several distinctive features that elevate their cable cutters above standard alternatives. The blade design utilises a specific shear angle that produces clean cuts without requiring excessive force, protecting both the cable and the user's hands from strain. High-frequency induction hardening of the cutting edges creates an exceptionally hard surface layer whilst maintaining a tough, shock-resistant core – this combination delivers long-lasting sharpness and resistance to blade damage.

Many Facom cable cutters feature a ratchet mechanism that breaks the cutting action into manageable stages, allowing users to cut through large diameter cables with minimal effort. This progressive cutting action is particularly valuable when working with armoured cables or in confined spaces where leverage is limited. The ratchet system can be quickly released if repositioning is needed, adding to the versatility of these tools.

The handles on Facom cable cutters incorporate bi-material construction, combining a rigid structural core with a soft, non-slip elastomer coating. This design provides excellent grip even when wearing gloves or working in wet conditions, whilst the contoured shape naturally positions the hand for optimal force application. Some models include return springs that automatically open the jaws after each cut, speeding up repetitive work and reducing hand fatigue.

Facom also pays careful attention to the pivot mechanism, using hardened steel pivot pins and precisely machined bearing surfaces that eliminate play and ensure smooth operation throughout the tool's life. This precision engineering translates directly into cleaner cuts and better control, particularly important when working near live conductors or in tight spaces where accuracy is paramount.

Popular Facom Cable Cutters

The Facom range encompasses several distinct cable cutter designs, each optimised for specific applications. Their side cutting pliers are ideal for general electrical work, offering clean cuts on cables up to 4mm² whilst doubling as wire strippers and small component grippers. The compact size makes them perfect for control panel work and domestic installations where space is at a premium.

For heavier applications, Tooled-Up stocks Facom's ratchet cable cutters, which can cleanly sever cables up to 50mm² or larger depending on the model. These tools are indispensable for industrial electricians working with three-phase supplies and distribution cabling. The ratchet mechanism reduces the force required by up to 70% compared to standard cutters, making them suitable for all-day use without causing hand strain.

Facom's insulated cable cutters provide essential protection when working near live circuits, with double-insulated handles tested to 1000V and clearly marked with their voltage rating. These tools comply with IEC 60900 standards and are essential for any electrician performing maintenance work on energised equipment – though of course, best practice always involves isolating circuits before work begins.

Specialist cutters for armoured cable feature extended handles for maximum leverage and reinforced blade design to cope with steel wire armour. These heavy-duty tools are built for the toughest site conditions and are popular with contractors working on major infrastructure projects.

Safety and Compliance

All Facom cable cutters are designed and manufactured to comply with relevant European safety standards, including BS EN ISO 5749 for pliers and nippers. The brand's insulated tools meet IEC 60900 requirements for live working tools rated to 1000V, providing essential protection for electricians who may encounter energised conductors.

However, even with high-quality insulated tools, best practice under HSE guidelines and BS 7671 regulations requires that electrical circuits are properly isolated and proven dead before any work commences. Cable cutters should be regularly inspected for damage to insulation, cutting edges, and mechanical components. Any tool showing signs of wear, cracking, or damage should be withdrawn from service immediately.

Proper technique is essential for safe cable cutting. Users should ensure cables are supported on both sides of the cut to prevent whipping, and should never use cable cutters for materials they're not designed to cut, such as hardened steel wire or rope. When cutting under tension, there's a risk of the cable end springing back – always consider the forces involved and position yourself accordingly. Wearing appropriate PPE including safety glasses is recommended, particularly when cutting larger cables where significant force is involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size cables can Facom cable cutters handle?

Facom produces cable cutters for a wide range of applications, from compact side cutters suitable for cables up to 4mm² through to heavy-duty ratchet cutters capable of cleanly severing cables of 50mm² or larger. The specific capacity depends on the model – it's essential to choose a cutter rated for your typical cable sizes. Using an undersized tool risks damaging both the cutter and the cable, whilst an oversized tool may be unnecessarily heavy and cumbersome for smaller work.

Can Facom cable cutters be used on armoured cable?

Facom manufactures specialist cable cutters designed specifically for armoured cables, featuring reinforced blades and extended handles for the extra leverage required. Standard cable cutters should not be used on steel wire armour as this will rapidly damage the cutting edges. If you regularly work with armoured cable, investing in a dedicated armoured cable cutter will provide cleaner cuts and significantly longer tool life.

Are Facom cable cutters suitable for aluminium cables?

Yes, Facom cable cutters are designed to cut both copper and aluminium conductors cleanly. The blade geometry ensures minimal deformation of the softer aluminium, which is important for maintaining proper contact area when terminating. Aluminium cable is increasingly common in larger installations due to its cost advantages, and Facom cutters handle it effectively without the crushing that can occur with inferior tools.

How do I maintain my Facom cable cutters?

Regular maintenance will extend the life of your Facom cable cutters significantly. Keep the blades clean and lightly oiled to prevent corrosion, particularly if working in damp environments. The pivot point should be periodically lubricated with a light machine oil to ensure smooth operation. Inspect cutting edges regularly for chips or excessive wear – whilst Facom blades are extremely durable, they will eventually require sharpening or replacement after heavy use. Store cutters in a dry toolbox or pouch to protect them from damage and moisture.

What's the difference between ratchet and standard cable cutters?

Ratchet cable cutters break the cutting action into several smaller stages, with a pawl mechanism holding the progress between squeezes of the handles. This mechanical advantage allows you to cut much larger cables with significantly less hand force compared to standard cutters. Ratchet cutters are invaluable for heavy-duty work or when you need to make numerous cuts throughout the day, as they dramatically reduce hand fatigue. Standard cutters are lighter and more compact, making them better suited to general electrical work where cable sizes are modest and portability is important.