Are Proto J288 and Blue Point PWC80A cutters the same?

[5spdfrk]

I'm looking for a good wire/cable cutter for 1/0 gauge marine cable and the Blue Point PWC80A cutters were recommended to me. I'm only able to find them direct through SnapOn though. In my search for them, I came across the Proto J288 cutters, which appear to be identical for almost half the price.

I don't mind paying for quality, however, I don't want to overpay for it either. Does anyone know if the Protos are simply rebranded Blue Points?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Cope]

If not the same manufacturer, very similar. I have a pair of vintage Matco that look just like the Proto. Blue Point isn't a manufacturer like Snap-on, and Proto likely bought those cutters from someone else.

Look at these two also.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004SBDG/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000302X1/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[5spdfrk]

Thanks for the info and additional links, Cope!

 

[Cope]

Thanks for the info and additional links, Cope!

Forgot to mention that at those prices, I'd buy the Klein with Channellock second choice.

 

[lilcraigford]

Imperial is the OE of the Proto/Blue Point cutters (someone correct me if I am wrong). In case you prefer different color or name on the handles, here is a list of other brands that carry that style cutter:

Armstrong 67-850
Blue Point PWC80A
Cornwell STBC3
Matco BCC3
Imperial BS-103
Proto J288
SK 15032

...I need to do an info dump in the "The Truck Tool Equivalents" thread at some point.

 

[Derek420]

I wouldn't suggest those for cutting steel cable as they are for copper, I would suggest into looking at Klein's heavy duty ratchets cutters or one of the other heavy duty cutters.

 

[LarryFahn]

What diameter are you cutting up to?

 

[5spdfrk]

Imperial is the OE of the Proto/Blue Point cutters (someone correct me if I am wrong). In case you prefer different color or name on the handles, here is a list of other brands that carry that style cutter:

Armstrong 67-850
Blue Point PWC80A
Cornwell STBC3
Matco BCC3
Imperial BS-103
Proto J288
SK 15032

...I need to do an info dump in the "The Truck Tool Equivalents" thread at some point.

You are the man! Looks like the Imperial and SK cutters have added cushion in the grip, I might end up going for one of those.

I wouldn't suggest those for cutting steel cable as they are for copper, I would suggest into looking at Klein's heavy duty ratchets cutters or one of the other heavy duty cutters.

No worries, I'm cutting battery cable/wires.

What diameter are you cutting up to?

Max will be 1/0 marine wire.