DeWalt Cable Cutting Tool Kit

Why I reached for this cutter

I brought DeWalt’s battery-powered cable cutter (model DCE150D1) onto a commercial service upgrade where we were swapping a main and rerouting feeders. The job had a mix of 500–750 MCM copper and big aluminum conductors. Lugging manual ratcheting cutters into a crowded room and fighting through each cut wasn’t appealing. I wanted something predictable, controllable, and safe around live gear (with power off, of course). This cutter didn’t just make the work easier—it made the workflow more consistent.

What it is and what it isn’t

This is a dedicated copper and aluminum cutter, rated to 750 MCM copper and 1000 MCM aluminum. It’s not for steel, ACSR, or armored cable with steel content. Within its intended range, the hardened steel blade bites cleanly and repeatedly, and the fact that the blade is replaceable and field-serviceable matters. Tools like this earn their keep by showing up, every time, for years—only if you can keep them cutting without a trip to a service center.

At 13.8 lb and roughly 16.5 x 5.75 x 15.75 inches, it’s a compact hydraulic-style package by big-cable standards, but it’s still a two-hand lift when you’re working at awkward angles. The kit includes a 2Ah 20V battery, charger, shoulder strap, and a hang hook, which is a thoughtful set of essentials for jobsite use.

Cutting performance

On copper up to 600 MCM, the cutter glides through with a controlled, steady pace that feels almost effortless. You don’t get the whining strain or binding that manual cutters can produce in the last third of a cut, and you don’t fight the tool to keep alignment. The cut faces are clean, with minimal burrs—good enough to go straight into mechanical lugs without extra cleanup.

On the top end of its range—750 MCM copper and 1000 MCM aluminum—the cutter is deliberate rather than fast. That’s not a knock; predictable speed brings control. I found the cycle time to be just right for maintaining blade alignment and cable position. If you’re moving fast and clipping many identical conductors, that cadence can actually help your rhythm and reduce mistakes.

The inline forward/reverse switch is the hero feature. One-handed operation lets me position the cable with the other hand, start the cut, and feather the trigger as the jaws close. If I misjudge a tape mark or need to realign the insulation, a quick flick into reverse backs the blade out smoothly without chewing the jacket. That reverse also helps clear the odd strand snag or when you decide mid-closure that you want to rotate the cable to avoid crushing a label. It’s the kind of control that makes this tool feel like a cutting instrument, not just a powered clamp.

Ergonomics and visibility

The grip and switch placement are intuitive, even with gloves. The center of mass sits close to the hand, so you’re not front-heavy when you’re reaching around a gutter or into a gear trough. The built-in LED does more than you’d expect; it lights the cutting window and the tape line without glare. In tight gear corners where your headlamp washes out in reflections, that onboard light made accurate cuts easier and safer.

Still, this isn’t a featherweight. Overhead cuts and cuts out at arm’s length will fatigue you faster than waist-high bench work. The shoulder strap helps when you’re climbing, and the hang hook is genuinely useful on ladders and in lift baskets. I clipped it off to a rail when swapping positions, which kept it secure and prevented that awkward “where do I set this?” shuffle in live rooms.

Battery and runtime

The kit ships with a 2Ah battery. I expected to swap packs more often, but on a typical day of service work with a mix of conductor sizes, I made it through without a mid-day change. That said, if your schedule is a steady diet of large-diameter aluminum cuts, I’d add a second battery or step up to a higher-capacity pack to avoid pausing. The motor drive feels efficient; it doesn’t waste time spinning when it’s not cutting, and the cut pressure ramps instead of slamming, which seems to help runtime and reduce stress on the blade and drivetrain.

Maintenance and durability

The replaceable, hardened steel blade is the maintenance story here. You can service it in the field, which means you can keep production moving after a nick or when the edge dulls. Keeping the jaw surfaces clean and lightly oiled pays dividends—cuts stay smooth and the motor doesn’t hunt. I also appreciate that the blade doesn’t flex or chatter on large aluminum; that stability preserves the edge and keeps strands from splaying.

As for the rest of the build, it’s the kind of rugged plastic-and-metal mix DeWalt tends to use on jobsite tools—solid overmolds, good fastener choices, and nothing that feels delicate. The warranty—3-year limited, 1-year free service, and 90-day satisfaction—adds peace of mind for a tool that will see hard use.

Transport and jobsite practicality

Between the shoulder strap, hang hook, and the tool’s balanced layout, moving around a site is straightforward. I used the hook constantly: hanging the tool while dressing conductors, taping, or setting lugs keeps the floor clear and the tool secure. The strap matters most when you’re in a lift or walking stairs with a spool in the other hand.

Little touches—like the way the LED comes on right when you need it, and the inline switch that doesn’t force you to change grip—make a difference over a long day. You feel them as fewer micro-delays and less frustration.

Limitations and things to know

• Speed: It’s not a race-tool. The cut is steady and controlled rather than fast. If you’re chasing absolute cycle speed over control, you may prefer a lighter, faster unit with smaller capacity.
• Weight: At nearly 14 lb, extended overhead work gets tiring. Plan your sequence and use the hook/strap to manage fatigue.
• Scope: It’s for copper and aluminum only. Don’t expect it to replace a steel-capable tool for ACSR or armored cable with steel.
• Clearance: In crowded panels with short pigtails, the tool’s length can make positioning tricky. Pre-plan your cut lengths and consider the jaw approach angle.
• Battery: The included 2Ah pack is fine for mixed work; heavy-duty days benefit from a spare or higher-capacity battery.

Best practices from the field

• Wrap a clean tape line and score the jacket lightly before cutting to avoid pulling labels or distorting the insulation during closure.
• Start the cut, then pause to check alignment just as the blade kisses the strands. Use reverse to reset, not force, if you’re off.
• Keep the jaw faces clean and lightly lubricated. Wipe aluminum dust; it can gum up the closure if left to pack in.
• Stagger big cuts to give your shoulders a break. Hang the tool between cuts to reduce fatigue.

Who it’s for

This cutter makes the most sense for commercial and industrial electricians, utility contractors, and maintenance teams who regularly handle 4/0 and larger conductors. If you’re an apprentice or a residential-focused crew cutting mostly #2 and below, it’s overkill. For everyone else facing large copper or aluminum on a routine basis, it consolidates tasks, improves consistency, and reduces the physical strain that comes with manual cutters.

Verdict and recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt cable cutter for crews who routinely cut large copper and aluminum conductors and value control, clean results, and jobsite practicality over raw cycle speed. It delivers predictable, clean cuts up to its rated capacities, the one-handed forward/reverse control makes day-to-day use smoother and safer, and the field-serviceable blade protects your investment. The weight is real, and the cutting pace is deliberate, but those traits come with a payoff in control and confidence. Pair it with a spare battery for heavy days, keep the jaws clean, and it will earn a permanent spot on the cart.