BrianJohn said:
THE BIG DIFFERENCE. Cable cutters are designed and tested for the purpose, I DOUBT the trimmers were tested and DEFINENTLY not designed for the purpose. They could have had metal reinforcing rods in the handle, for one.
To say that pruning tool was not "designed" (intended) for cutting live wires is certainly correct, but given the physical capabilities of the tool and its known-potential use for cutting branches away from live wires, it would be impossible for me to believe the manufacturer did not make absolutely sure those handles were not conductive and that Bob did not know they were completely safe.
Who decides what is the right or correct tool for any job?
Some folks learn (the hard way) by trial and error.
Some folks (the teachable ones) learn from others.
Some folks assume manufacturers and/or testing labs know best.
Some folks gain experience from any and/or all of the above and, with knowledge and planning, are ultimately able to decide for themselves.
Have you ever seen a 7-1/4" carbide-tip saw blade mounted backwards on a 4" grinder? I hope not. Nevertheless, I had a certain job to do a few weeks ago ... and that combination was definitely the right/correct tool to use for that specific job on that day, but only *after* I had spent about an hour just holding it (unplugged) and going over every bit of possible trouble I could bring to mind (knowledge) and how to do what needed to be done without getting hurt (planning).
Have you ever seen a welder used to remove a bearing cone from inside a hub?
Truly, there is no better tool for doing *that* job!
Correctness and/or rightness of tools is occasionally subjective.