Jaw keeper prevents jaws from spreading while under heavy load. Shear-cut blades. Ratchet and chain increase cutting pressure as handles open and close. Cuts hard cable, ACSR, ACAR, ZEBRA, and self-supporting telephone cable, with minimal distortion. Moderate pressure needed to open and close handles. Can be used effectively with short strokes in confined spaces. Increased mechanical advantage over manual cutters. Not recommended for cutting insulated copper or aluminum cable.