DeWalt 20V MAX Cable Cutting Tool (Tool Only)

A cable cutter that simplifies big-conductor work

Cutting large copper and aluminum used to mean breaking out a heavy ratcheting cutter or a hydraulic setup. Lately I’ve been tossing DeWalt’s 20V cable cutter into the bag instead. It’s a battery-powered, one-handed tool designed for big conductors—rated up to 750 MCM copper and 1000 MCM aluminum—and it has quickly become my go-to for service feeders, gear terminations, and demo work where speed and control matter.

Design and ergonomics

At roughly 8 pounds bare and about 15 inches long, the cutter feels substantial without being unwieldy. Add a 20V MAX pack and you’re still in a manageable range for overhead work, especially with the included padded shoulder strap. The strap sounds like a throwaway accessory, but it’s practical when you’re on a lift or ladder and want the tool handy without hogging a hand.

The inline forward/reverse switch is the right choice here. I can hold a cable in place with my off-hand and cycle the blade forward with my thumb, then bump it into reverse to retract or reposition. That one-handed control is useful in tight panels where there isn’t room to wrestle a ratcheting handle. A bright LED sits near the cutting head and does what it should—illuminates the cut line so you can see your mark or tape in shadowy gear.

Build quality is what I expect from a pro-grade DeWalt tool: stout housing, tight tolerances at the head, and a hardened, replaceable steel blade that inspires confidence. Nothing felt loose or flexy during use.

Cutting performance

This tool is purpose-built for copper and aluminum, and that’s where it shines. On 4/0 and 500 MCM copper, the cut is clean, with minimal deformation of the conductor. You get a flat, square end that lands nicely into lugs without needing to trim again. Moving up to 750 MCM copper, the cutter still tracks straight and steadily. It doesn’t leap through the cut—it progresses with a controlled push—but the results are tidy and predictable.

Aluminum is no problem. I ran it through 750 MCM and up to the rated 1000 MCM, and the blade stayed true without wandering. If you’ve ever tried to snip braided or multi-strand aluminum with a dull manual cutter and watched strands flare out, you’ll appreciate how this tool contains and finishes the cut. It keeps the cable round and the strands compact, which helps with ferrules and compression fittings down the line.

To be clear, it’s not a universal cutter. It’s not for steel, ACSR, or armored cable. Use it as intended—copper and aluminum—and it rewards you with clean results and less fatigue.

Speed and control

Cycle speed is on the conservative side, particularly as you approach the upper end of its capacity. For most cuts in the 4/0 to 500 MCM range, I found the pace appropriate—quicker and far less effort than a manual ratcheting cutter, and fast enough that the cut doesn’t hold up the workflow. On the largest aluminum conductors, it’s steady rather than snappy. I’ll take that trade-off because the blade doesn’t chatter or deflect, and the slower approach helps keep the cut square when you’re crowded inside a panel.

The reverse function has fine enough control to “feather” the blade back a hair if you need to rotate the cable or re-align. That’s particularly helpful when someone else has already prepped insulation length and you really don’t want to shorten anything.

Battery life and platform fit

While battery and charger are sold separately, the upside is obvious if you’re already on DeWalt’s 20V MAX system: pop in any 20V lithium-ion pack and go. Runtime has been solid. With a common 5.0Ah pack, I can get through a typical day of gear terminations and demo cuts without swapping batteries unless I’m doing repetitive large-aluminum work. The duty cycle is light compared to grinders or saws; you’re making a cut, moving, making another cut—so you’re not bleeding amp-hours continuously.

There’s no brushless motor here, but for this application it’s not a liability. The drive has ample torque and doesn’t feel strained at rated capacities.

Blade quality and maintenance

The replaceable blade is a key feature. It’s hardened steel and arrives sharp enough to slice cleanly through multi-strand without mashing. After a few weeks of mixed copper and aluminum (mostly 4/0 and 500 MCM), mine still felt crisp, with no burrs and no flat spots. As with any precision cutter, a little care goes a long way: keep the blade clean, avoid nicking it on lugs or steel edges, and wipe it down if you’re cutting in gritty environments. When the time comes, swapping the blade beats tossing the tool or living with ragged cuts.

Access and visibility

The tool’s footprint is compact enough to work in most gear, though you’ll still need to plan the approach in tight switchboards and MCCs. The head isn’t tiny, and the 9-inch height can be a factor around bus bars and cable trays. The LED earns its keep in low-light rooms and inside cabinets; it doesn’t wash out the work, and it helps you confirm tape marks and sellable cut lines without a separate flashlight.

Safety and handling

One-handed operation is a benefit, but I still prefer to steady the cable with the other hand. The blade guard and travel are predictable, and the reverse function makes it easy to stop mid-cut if something isn’t right. Standard common sense applies: de-energize conductors, support heavy cable ends so they don’t pinch or whip, and never try to force the tool through materials it wasn’t designed to cut.

Limitations

• It’s a dedicated Cu/Al cutter; don’t expect it to handle steel or ACSR.
• Cycle speed is measured rather than blazing, especially at the top end of capacity.
• Tool-only purchase means you need your own 20V batteries and charger.
• The head size, while reasonable, won’t snake into the tightest corners.

None of these are deal-breakers for the intended use, but they’re worth noting if your work leans toward cramped spaces or mixed-material cuts.

Value and warranty

Between the clean cuts, reduced fatigue, and time saved compared to ratcheting cutters, the value is there—especially if you already own DeWalt 20V packs. The warranty package is strong: 3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. That safety net matters for a specialty tool that may not see daily use on every crew but needs to work perfectly when it comes out.

Who it’s for

• Electricians pulling and terminating large feeders
• Telecom and utility contractors working with big aluminum
• Maintenance crews that need reliable, repeatable cuts without the bulk of a hydraulic pump
• Anyone already invested in the 20V MAX platform looking to expand into heavy cable work

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt 20V cable cutter for pros who routinely cut large copper and aluminum and want clean, repeatable results with far less effort than a manual ratcheting tool. It cuts to its rated capacity with control, the one-handed forward/reverse switch is thoughtfully executed, and the LED/strap touches make real-world jobs easier. While it’s not the fastest cutter in the category on the biggest conductors, the trade-off is accuracy and finish quality. If you’re on the DeWalt 20V platform, it’s an easy add; even if you’re not, the performance and warranty make a solid case for this as your dedicated Cu/Al cutter.