Klein D228-7 vs Milwaukee MT507: Two 7-Inch Diagonal Cutters Compared

Introduction

The 7-inch diagonal cutter has quietly become a size worth paying attention to. Milwaukee came to it first with a three-part series in small, medium, and large, and Klein has now answered with the D228-7, a compact cutter that effectively benefits from hindsight. Both tools are made in the USA, both carry a lifetime warranty, and both aim at the same job: clean, controlled cuts in wire and cable when a full-size 9-inch tool is more than you need. Here is how they stack up.

Design and Build

The two cutters share a very similar overall design, but the details differ in ways you can feel. The Milwaukee is a little cheekier at the front, with the head sticking out more, while the Klein is more slender and has a longer bite in terms of the jaws. The Klein reads almost like a smaller version of the brand’s larger, much-loved side cutters.

Branding is dramatic on both, with big USA markings in roughly the same size type. Klein has also upped its game on the finer details, with subtle flag etching that is barely perceivable at a glance but adds a touch of refinement.

Cutting Performance

In everyday wire snips, both cutters perform smoothly, and both require a firm squeeze to guarantee a full cut, which arguably gives you a bit of control when you want to slow a cut down and save the piece.

Thin stranded wire is no problem for either tool; both cut very smoothly. The real difference showed up on thicker multi-conductor electrical cable. One-handed, the Milwaukee sliced through with noticeably less effort, while the Klein demanded more force and a lower grip position on the handles. With two hands, either can get through it, though neither is the right tool for that job in the first place.

Handle Comfort and Feel

The Klein has a slightly thicker handle, thicker even than the larger Milwaukee in this comparison, and that matters. With a tool this size, you often apply a lot of pressure, so any narrowness in the handle is something you genuinely feel in the hand. For extended work, that extra handle girth gives the Klein a more comfortable grip.

Price and Small Details

The Klein sells for around $25 at Lowe’s, while the Milwaukee runs about $7 more, roughly $32 at Home Depot. Both tools are USA made and backed by a lifetime warranty. One small differentiator: the Milwaukee includes a lanyard or tether hole, which matters if you work at height or simply like having the option.

Which One Should You Buy?

If price and cutting effort on tougher cable are your priorities, the Milwaukee earns its premium, having proven the design and delivering easier one-handed cuts on the hardest test material. If you want the better handle feel, a longer jaw bite, a more slender profile, and a lower price, the Klein is a compelling entry, and it would not be surprising to see the line expand from here.

Conclusion

Both the Klein D228-7 and the Milwaukee MT507 are well-made, USA-built 7-inch diagonal cutters with lifetime warranties. The Milwaukee offers easier cuts on thick cable for about $7 more, while the Klein counters with a thicker, more comfortable handle, a longer jaw, and a friendlier price. Either one is a smart pick if this compact size fits your everyday work.