Questions — NWS 137-69-240 Cutters

[RyanMP1011]

Hi everyone,

I've been visiting this forum for a while now, but finally decided to make an account, since I can't find much information on my questions.

About a year ago, I purchased a pair of these NWS diagonal cutters from KC Tool. They've been working really well, but have always been kind of sloppy in the pivot point. The cutting edges can sometimes slightly overlap, and the tips are starting to roll and develop burrs as a result. This has been noticably affecting cutting performance, specifically when using the very tip of the cutters (e.g., cutting cable ties from bundled cables).

I'll be sending them back for warranty, but in the meantime I've purchased another pair. There's significantly less slop in the new pair, more comparable to Klein or Knipex.

Two things I noticed are similar with both the old and new pairs is that there are some blemishes (burrs) that can only be seen with the handles open, between the pivot point and the grips.

Also, both cutters are smooth to operate, but if opened too wide they get stuck. I can feel a gradual increased resistance the further the pliers are opened. This makes it inconvenient at times to use one-handed, because if the other handle is left to fall open, it will not easily fall back closed.

Most cutters I've owned have had the same problem, initially, but it's always worked itself out over time with use and lubrication. The NWS ones never did fully loosen up in the wider position.

For reference: I currently own and have owned cutters from Klein, Knipex, Milwaukee (trash), Chanellock, Tsunoda, Pittsburgh (well-priced trash), Irwin, Wiha, and of course NWS. These ranged from 4 inch up to 9 inch.

I bought and kept the NWS because I prefer the longer-handled cutters. The Knipex 9-inch diagonal cutters held up well, but I found that they don't cut as effortlessly as the NWS, which easily cut through 6 AWG like butter.

So, my main questions are:

1. Is NWS's QC really this bad?
2. How can I fix the "getting stuck open" issue? I worry about using abrasive compounds, don't want to make them sloppy.
3. If I'm unable to make the NWS work for me, can y'all provide any other recommendations for long-handled diagonal cutters?
4. As an aside, I have a pair of 5-inch Knipex that live in my pocket. I have to lubricate them regularly, or else they get squeaky and eventually very stiff. I use mainly silicone lubricant or white lithium grease. Is there a good way to preserve the lubricant in these? (without making a mess, of course)

I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thanks in advance.

 

[Steve_P]

So, you used them for a year and are now going to return them??? You expect a lifetime warranty on cutting pliers? How about shoes?

I have a lot of NWS, and they're sometimes a little roughly finished on the non-critical surfaces. They're pliers, a tool, not art IMO. Yes, I know they're expensive, but even for the price, they have to limit how much time they can put into them. The Knipex I have are generally slightly nicer finished, but again, there will still be areas that could've been sanded a little better, etc. Even with a few rougher edges than Knipex, I still prefer NWS for general use pliers- cutters, needlenose, etc. And then Knipex for Cobra, Cobolt, Plier Wrench.

 

[RyanMP1011]

So, you used them for a year and are now going to return them??? You expect a lifetime warranty on cutting pliers? How about shoes?

I have a lot of NWS, and they're sometimes a little roughly finished on the non-critical surfaces. They're pliers, a tool, not art IMO. Yes, I know they're expensive, but even for the price, they have to limit how much time they can put into them. The Knipex I have are generally slightly nicer finished, but again, there will still be areas that could've been sanded a little better, etc. Even with a few rougher edges than Knipex, I still prefer NWS for general use pliers- cutters, needlenose, etc. And then Knipex for Cobra, Cobolt, Plier Wrench.

Hi Steve, thanks for the reply.

I made this clear when I submitted a claim to KC Tool: I'm not one to submit unnecessary warranty claims. My NWS were very well taken care of, considering the environment. I have a pair of Klein that were submerged in water for two days, a pair of Knipex that I've been horribly abusing for several years too. They do not have the amount of slop that my NWS do, which have never been dropped or misused.

The slop had always been present since when I bought the tool, but didn't become an issue until more recently. I bought these around March/April 2023, and I'd say 9 months is an awfully short time to develop major wear and tear from normal use, especially considering KC Tool advertises a 5 year warranty.

I love the NWS despite the damage mine have, they still are the best cutting pliers I own. They've only recently started to suffer in performance when using the very tip to cut.