Hand-operated hydraulic cutting tool, speci¿cally designed to cut copper, aluminium and telecommunications cables up to 3.35 inch outer diameter. Offers dual-speed action, fast advancing speed for rapid approach of blades to cable and slower, more powerful speed for cutting. Blades manufactured from high-strength, heat-treated steel to ensure long service life. Head easily opens to enable cutting of existing run cables. Automatic safety valve bypasses hydraulic system when reaching maximum pressure. Pressure release device can also be activated during any point of operation.