? Sharpening (touch up) linemans pliers, dikes and similar.

[cag]

Anybody have any luck with these types of tools in regard to sharpening them up a bit. Not to take out nicks or with heavy damage. Diamond files the best? Are there small enough creatures to accomplish such a task? Suggestions on specific ones?

 

[Davefr]

I usually use a Dremel and appropriate size stone or abrasive disc.

 

[PCustoms]

I usually use a Dremel and appropriate size stone or abrasive disc.

How do you keep the gap consistent so they materials cut through?

 

[Davefr]

How do you keep the gap consistent so they materials cut through?

All I do is very light touchup that doesn't affect the geometry

 

[RTM]

I try to use small files due to the geometry, like ignition files. Anything larger, and I always foul them up. Even with the ignition file, I still do sometimes.

 

[cag]

Will files cut though?

 

[RTM]

Yup, most of them I’ve tried.

 

[Mintgrun]

Will files cut though?

Not if they are high quality cutters. Some are only meant to cut copper and files might work on those.

I've had a set of these diamond abrasives for a long time and reach for them regularly. The working surface is small, but the grit lasts a long time. The working surface may not be small enough for the combination plier/cutters, due to the width, but I've used them on dykes. If you run a sharpie pen over the edge of the cutter, you'll see right where you are removing material.


Tom

 

[RTM]

Those diamond files are great. One caveat tho, he mentions long life, which is very true. During their initial usage ""break-in period", they are much rougher than rated, but quickly break down to their rated grit. So you may see some really high abrasion rates during the initial use, then much slower after a few minutes. The "after a few minutes" is the correct working mode. Many people have complained about them wearing out quickly due to not being aware of this.

They are also sold in some odd shapes, like credit cards, which you can cut up to get into tiny places, rounds, and tapered cylinders.

 

[cag]

Thank you fellas. I appreciate you all taking the time.