What were pedal cutters originally designed for?

Pedal cutters were originally designed for cutting reinforcing steel bars, often used in construction and structural applications. These tools leverage a pedal mechanism that allows for significant force to be applied with minimal physical effort from the user, making it effective for slicing through tough materials like steel rebar. The design enhances efficiency, especially in emergency situations where extrication work may require rapid and reliable cutting capabilities. The other choices refer to materials that do not align with the primary industrial application of pedal cutters, which is distinctly aimed at reinforcing steel, highlighting its specialized function in construction and heavy-duty work.