The present invention is directed toward a surgical cutter for wires, pins and rods, especially spinal rods, having two cooperating jaws pivotally secured in between two holding plates by floating bolts, and having said jaws pivotally secured to two handles by freely floating bolts, so that when the handles are pushed together the jaws close and cut an object placed therein, and when the handles are pulled apart the jaws open to permit placement of an object for cutting therebetween, wherein further the handles are precisely designed to form a non-adjustable stop limiting the opening of the jaws when the handles are pulled apart and preventing the jaws from closing beyond a predetermined point when the handles are pushed together.