Which tool is essential for cutting cables in electrical work?

The essential tool for cutting cables in electrical work is a cable cutter. Cable cutters are specifically designed with sharp, strong blades that provide a clean cut through various types of cables, including thick and multi-stranded wires. Their ergonomic design and leverage allow for easier cutting, reducing the physical strain on the user when handling larger cables.

In contrast, while wire strippers are used to remove insulation from wires for making connections, they are not intended for cutting through the cables themselves. A crimping tool is primarily used for attaching connectors to the ends of wires, and although it may have cutting capabilities, its primary function is not cutting cables. A multimeter is an electrical measurement tool that tests voltage, current, and resistance, but it does not have a cutting function at all. Thus, for the specific task of cutting cables, the cable cutter is the appropriate and necessary tool.