Klein Tools D238-8 Diagonal Cutting Pliers, High-Leverage, Angled Head, 8-Inch

No. The D238-8 is not insulated. The plastic-dipped handles are there for grip and identification, not shock protection, so keep these off energized conductors and use a rated insulated cutter for live work. Klein also calls for approved eye protection whenever you cut with them.

Non-ferrous wire only. The semi-flush induction-hardened knives are built for copper and aluminum conductors plus Cherry Burrell rivets, and cutting steel, screws, or hardened wire with them will chip the edges. For ACSR, screws, or bolts you want a cutter made for ferrous material.

The angled head lets you get the knives into a crowded panel or box and cut at an angle your wrist could not reach with a straight head. Combined with short jaws (0.813 inch) and beveled edges, it gets you close to the termination for a flush trim. If you are working open bench work or a big pull box, a straight-head high-leverage cutter is just as good and a bit cheaper to justify.

Semi-flush. It leaves a small nub rather than a dead-flat end, which is normal for a heavy-duty electrician's cutter and is what lets the knives survive repeated cutting. If your work needs a true flush finish on fine wire, use a flush-cut electronics cutter instead.

The rivet sits closer to the cutting edge, which Klein rates at 36 percent more cutting power than a standard plier design. That is what makes 8-inch handles enough for repeated copper cuts without two hands. The joint is hot-riveted, so the action stays smooth with no handle wobble as it wears in.

No. The D238-8 has no tether point and is not tether capable, so it cannot be tied off for elevated work under a drop-prevention policy. If your site requires tethered hand tools above six feet, specify a tether-capable cutter instead.

Overall length is 8.05 inches (20.4 cm) with a 4.8 inch (12.2 cm) handle, and it weighs 0.59 lbs. That is a full-size pouch tool, not a pocket cutter. Jaw width is 1.25 inches and jaw thickness 0.46 inches, so the head is stout enough that a tight sleeve pouch may be a squeeze.

Yes, made in the USA with custom US-made tool steel, with induction-hardened cutting knives for edge life. That matters if you are buying against a domestic-content requirement on a government or institutional purchase order.