DeWalt 7.5 in. Compound Action Diagonal Pliers

Why I reached for these in the first place

I picked up DeWalt’s 7.5-inch compound cutters because I wanted more bite without jumping to a full-on bolt cutter. Compound-action diagonal pliers promise extra power in a compact package, and on paper these hit all the right notes: induction-hardened edges, chrome-vanadium steel, and a bi-material grip, with a manufacturer claim of roughly 70% more cutting force versus standard dikes. After several weeks of use on a mix of electrical tasks and general shop duty, I’ve got a clear sense of where they shine—and where they don’t.

Cutting performance and leverage

The headline feature is the compound linkage, and it’s not a gimmick. These cutters deliver noticeably stronger cuts for a given squeeze. On common electrical tasks—snipping zip ties, trimming 14/2 and 12/2 conductors (after splitting the jacket), cutting THHN/THWN singles, and clipping hanger wire—the extra leverage is real. I was consistently able to cut 12 AWG solid copper in one comfortable squeeze, and 10 AWG stranded took only a bit more effort than I’d expect from a traditional 8-inch pair.

Edge quality helps here. The induction-hardened cutters arrive sharp and leave a clean finish on copper and aluminum. They’re not true flush cutters, so you’ll still see a tiny nub if you’re trimming zip ties against a panel, but the cut is controlled and predictable. On soft steel like light brads and wire shelving segments, the edges held up better than I expected, though I wouldn’t make a habit of chewing through hardened fasteners. The cutting geometry aligns well enough to prevent material from squirming out under pressure, and there’s minimal pivot play.

The tradeoff to the extra leverage is travel. Each handle movement translates to less jaw movement than on a standard pair, and that’s by design—it multiplies force. You feel that in use: the cut is easier, but the stroke is slightly longer to close through the material.

The jaw opening is the limiting factor

If you work mostly with small to medium conductors and light-gauge materials, you’ll be happy. If you routinely cut chunky cable, you may not. The jaws don’t open especially wide—about a quarter-inch at full spread—and the compound linkage inherently reduces the opening compared to a standard pivot. That means:

• Splitting the outer jacket on 12/2 NM-B (Romex) is better done with a knife or stripper; the cutters are fine for the individual conductors once separated.
• RG6/RG59 coax is awkward to cut cleanly because you can’t easily get the full diameter seated deep in the jaws.
• Heavier building wire (10 AWG solid) is doable but requires a two-bite approach unless you’re perfectly positioned and really commit.

In short, these are terrific for the “everything under that” range: zip ties, small rope, lamp cord, THHN, thermostat wire, speaker cable, hanger wire, and general shop odds and ends. They’re not the right pick for regular coax work or thick cable sheaths.

Ergonomics and control

DeWalt’s grips are a high point. The bi-material handles are shaped well, with just enough softness for comfort without feeling spongy. The profile lets you index your hand quickly, and at 7.5 inches overall, they’re compact enough for pouch carry but long enough to get two full fingers around each handle without feeling cramped.

Balance is neutral, and because of the compound action, the force you apply translates into a very controlled closing motion. That makes delicate cuts—like trimming a single conductor in a crowded panel—less fatiguing and more precise.

One note: when I pushed these cutters hard on a few stubborn cuts (jacketed cable, bundled conductors), I could feel a hint of handle flex near the end of the squeeze. It doesn’t affect typical performance, but it’s there at the limit. If you regularly work near the tool’s top end, you’ll feel it.

Grip texture and ancillary use

There’s a short cross-hatched gripping section near the pivot. It’s not meant to replace a linesman’s flat jaws, but it’s handy in a pinch. I used it to pull the occasional staple and to twist off small material like soft wire ties. As with any diagonal cutter, gripping isn’t its primary job, but the texture is useful, especially when your dedicated pliers are in another pouch.

Lock and spring behavior

There’s a thumb-operated lock that keeps the handles closed. I’m not a big fan. It’s fine for storage, but it can partially snag on clothing or a pouch edge and pop open inadvertently. Worse, I had it creep toward engagement mid-task once, which is annoying. If you prefer a clean, no-lock handle, you’ll likely ignore it or tape it off. The spring tension is light to moderate and makes repeated cuts easy without fighting the tool, but if you disable the lock, make sure the handles won’t chafe or catch in your pouch.

Fit, finish, and consistency

Out of the package, my first sample had well-aligned cutting edges and a tight pivot with no slop. A second sample I checked at the shop showed the edges slightly offset. That kind of variance is worth noting. If your pair doesn’t meet cleanly at the cutting edges, exchange them; alignment matters for both cut quality and edge life.

Finish otherwise is solid: the steel takes abuse, the edges are uniformly ground, and the grips are bonded well with no seam ridges. The chrome-vanadium steel isn’t just spec-sheet filler—these cutters shrug off the occasional nick and don’t deform easily under normal use.

Durability and maintenance

After several weeks of daily cutting on copper, aluminum, and light steel, the edges remain sharp enough to slice paper—always a nice quick check. A drop of oil at the pivot after dusty work keeps the action smooth, and a quick wipe prevents the usual shop patina. If you accidentally nip something hardened, expect a tiny ding; it’s fixable with a fine stone, but better to avoid.

The one-year limited warranty is fine, though not a standout; the real protection here is buying from a retailer with easy exchanges in case you encounter a misaligned pair.

Where these cutters fit in a kit

• Ideal for: electricians and techs who do a lot of small to medium-gauge cuts and want lower hand fatigue; facility maintenance; HVAC controls; light shop and DIY work; repetitive zip-tie and wire-trim tasks.
• Not ideal for: frequent coax work; cutting large cable jackets; repeated cuts on hardened materials; users who need a wide jaw opening.

If your day involves trimming hundreds of ties and conductors, the compound action pays dividends. If your day involves decapitating thick cable, you’ll want either a larger pair of cutters or a dedicated cable/copper cutter.

Practical tips for best results

• Seat material deep in the jaws before squeezing—compound cutters reward good placement.
• For NM-B, split the jacket first and use these for the conductors.
• Keep a dedicated cable cutter for coax and large-diameter cable to avoid frustrating half-cuts.
• Check edge alignment at purchase; a clean meeting line is non-negotiable for performance.

Recommendation

I recommend these cutters with clear boundaries. They’re comfortable, compact, and genuinely easier to cut with than standard dikes in the small-to-medium range. The compound action reduces fatigue, the edges are durable, and the overall build holds up well in everyday electrical and shop tasks. The tradeoffs are equally clear: limited jaw opening, a lock that’s more nuisance than help, and occasional variability in edge alignment.

If your work lives mostly in 14–12 AWG conductors, zip ties, and light steel, these are a smart, efficient addition to your pouch. If you regularly tackle thick cable jackets, coax, or heavy-gauge solid wire, choose a wider-opening cutter or a purpose-built cable tool instead—and keep these as a lighter-duty companion.