Laura....Do not know what project you are referring to but probably wire cutters.

Yes, heavy duty wire cutters.

When my husband cut ours, he used bolt cutters. Hope this helps, Laura. If you need a photo of what to buy, here is a tutorial on cutting the cages to make planters. It will help you to see how they did it. https://www.hometalk.com/30802369/diy-tomato-cage-plant-stands

DIY Tomato Cage Plant Stands

I used wire cutters on mine.

Wire cutters worked for me

Wire or tin snips

Wire cutters

You can use metal snips which work great. Here are a good pair from Amazon with my affiliate link https://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-All-Purpose-Snips-295-9613-7097/dp/B003WM5MEM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?keywords=tin+snips&qid=1572108377&s=arts-crafts&sr=1-22&tag=&linkCode=ll1&tag=lydioutloudco-20&linkId=05338c03a312ce0f7e7e0404628c5f07&language=en_US

I think a heavy pair of wire cutters would work but I have some tin snips too and they would do a fabulous job!