Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cutting material such as metal rod. The device comprises a diaphragm type air brake chamber having a wedge mounted to an output shaft of the chamber, a cutting assembly mounted to the air brake chamber, the assembly comprising two pivotally mounted cutting members with opposed blades with the members biased to maintain an opening between the blades, and a handle for gripping the device rearwardly of the cutting assembly. The device is configured so that on actuation of the air brake chamber, the wedge is driven between ends of the cutting members distal the blades to cause the blades to pivot towards each other.