Legrand recently introduced the second generation of its Cablocut battery-powered cable tray cutter. “The Cablocut tool can easily slice steel and stainless-steel cable management trays up to 6 mm in diameter,” the company said. “Using it instead of a manual cutting tool allows contractors to trim overhead cable management systems to specification faster, which reduces installation time and overall project costs.” The new tool resembles its predecessor but offers new features that Legrand says help contractors increase jobsite productivity.
It runs on a Makita lithium-ion battery system and is powered by a 1.5-amp hour, 18-volt battery pack that is interchangeable with other batteries in the Makita cordless tool line. “Designing the Cablocut tool to run on a standardized platform gives contractors the flexibility to select the battery size, weight and runtime to support their product lines,” said Bob Crain, director of marketing and product development for the Cablofil product line. “It also enables contractors to walk into any home-improvement store nationwide and purchase extra batteries and a backup charger to prevent downtime on the jobsite.”
Cablocut’s shearing blades last twice as long as the previous blades, the company noted, adding that the tool has been redesigned to make it easier for users to change the blades quickly. Other modifications enhance durability, according to Legrand. For example, the hydraulically driven tool has a dampening system that oils the unit to protect seals and extend product life. Additionally, the hydraulic dampening system reduces maintenance requirements, Legrand emphasized.
“The Cablocut tool is ergonomically designed for operator comfort,” the company said. “With the push of a button, contractors can control all of the tool’s functions, making it easy to operate it one-handed. While manual wire cutters create a pinching action to cut cable trays, this tool uses a shearing action to produce a clean, smooth edge, which prevents burring and eliminates follow-up work. It also has an open rotating cutter head, which enables contractors to trim cable trays in tight, hard-to-reach spaces.”