What are you go to and recommend site cutters?
Looking for some new pairs (need a few) and looking for some good ones that don't go bad over time and ideally, don't go blunt over a short period of time.
Don't mind them being a bit longer, but also would like some shortish ones.
When my car was broken into 20 years ago the pricks left behind some side cutters…. whilst they don't compensate for what they stole, they have been a bloody good pair of side cutters!
Hahahaha that’s gold
Knipex. Everything else is shit.
The ones I bought 30 years ago still cut like they are new. I've been through other brands that just don't last or damage easily or go blunt quickly.
Alternatives;
NWS if you can't afford Knipex. Wiha if you want to spend 10x the amount just for a brand name printed on the handles.
Happy to spend the money if they are going to be worth it. I've seen a lot on OzBargain about Knipex being very good, so I might have to buy some things and give it a try before expanding.
What's the saying, buy once, cry once? Your kids will handing Knipex side cutters down to their kids.
My dad's Knipex pliers and side cutters from when he was an apprentice are still in his toolbox and still get used a lot.
I have a pair of Knipex side cutters that say made in West Germany. Still going strong
All the Knipex tools on sale on Amazon ATM.
https://www.amazon.com.au/primeday?ref_=nav_cs_td_pd_dt_cr&d…
I saw that, been going through what to buy.
My money goes to Knipex as per above
+1
OP Get a mini mini bolt cutter type (200mm) in your kit as well, if you want more leverage on harder material
blunt
What are you cuttin but?
If you’re cutting anything hit cable , you’re gonna see them die off pretty quick
Most of the time cable ties and the odd cable that is only a couple of mm thick. They start of well, and then just turn crap.
I used to use marvel brand in our workshop but the guys were just using them to cut random stuff like aluminium as well as cables - so now I just deck them out with cheapy trojan Bunnings ones. Does the job.
Yeah, not cutting stuff like that. All cables and cable ties for the work I am doing.
@geekcohen: Get proper cable tie cutters. They are a god send. They act as a tensioner and don't leave sharpe edges on the cable tie when they are cut.
If you are using them to remove cable ties, Knipex.
@pegaxs: Trying to avoid extra tools and space in the tool bag. Not concerned about the sharp edges. Its usually on a pole or in behind something where you shouldn't need to put your hands.
If you are using them to remove cable ties, Knipex.
Yes, removal is sometimes required.
@geekcohen: Pretty sure they're just for stripping the ends of insulated cables (I think)
Dedicated wire strippers be better for that.
I'd just get some 200 or 300 mini bolt cutters for cable
@geekcohen: No, I was referring to these (not this brand or store in particular, just this style of cable tie gun.)
@pegaxs: I've got one of those but find it too bulky and sometimes you are in an space that you cannot use it.
That doesnt sound like hard work. I just bought some budget ones from the big green shed and theyve done wires and cable ties perfectly well. Seem to do bicycle brake and gear cables just fine too. I cant imagine ill want for more - although i do also have several oair of pliers (inherited) and use them as well grabbing whatever is handy.
It isn't, but I am using them 3 to 4 times a week, if not maybe even more. So they go blunt after a month or so.
You say most of the time, what are you occasionally cutting because any decent brand should last a lifetime of cutting plastic zip ties and a couple mm of copper wire so something has to be going on for you to be wearing them out.
The thing is, I don't have a decent brand. Just keep buying the odd ones here and there. Hence why I think it is time to invest and buy something decent.
I am not cutting anything else with them except cable and cable ties.
@geekcohen: There's been several good brands already recommended in this thread then. Side cutters aren't exactly complex so the brand doesn't matter too much but avoid the junk like trojan and craftright that bunnings sell.
There's been several good brands already recommended in this thread then
Yes, and I am looking at buying some.
avoid the junk like trojan and craftright that bunnings sell.
Yeah, I already avoid that stuff for all tools.
Knipex.
I have a bunch of different sizes and designs for cutting everything from 16/20 gauge wire up to tin snips for straight or curves.
Lindstrom for fine work. But be prepared to pay.
Knipex.
And also use the right tool for the job. Don't go using a pair of mini flush cutters to try cutting a steel nail.
KTC Nepros NPN-150BWK.
https://ktc.jp/catalog/index-category/category-list/npn-150b…
A beautiful tool. High quality finish, has held a sharp edge, Japanese quality.
I picked them up in Kyoto, and you don't need the leather handle version, but it is nice.
Their ratchets are outstanding too. The super short 3/8" drive is a godsend for getting under dashboards, tight engine bays etc.
I've had my Bahco sidecutters since the early-80s. 7 years of constant use replacing brakes / mechanicing; the past 5 years processing scrap metal and everything in-between. Still sharp but the plastic hand-grips have failed.
mine were handed down to me.