Best diagonal cutters (dykes): Channellock or Knipex or Snap On...or..?

visionguru · Jan 5, 2020

When I was replacing ball joints, I used Channellock 437 to trim new cotter pins (stainless, 3mm diameter). It worked, but with some effort. I'm wondering if high leverage Channellock e338, or Knipex 10", or Snap On 8" would have worked better.

What do you recommend for a cutting task like that?

TIA.

M6erfan · Jan 5, 2020

I use 8" knipex Cobolt cutters for the larger cotter pins, mainly because I have a pair already. Channellock 447's are great for leveraging out/removing cotter pins but they can struggle cutting the larger diameter pins.

Wamsutta · Jan 5, 2020

You need something like a Channellock 449 for cotter pins.

jimmyin3D · Jan 5, 2020

I used to use my diagonals a lot for cotter pins but have switched over to using an actual cotter pin tool, which is basically like a hardened curved pick.

I do get lazy sometimes and still use them though, my SO 388acf have been beat on but they have no nicks, this is one tool I would definetley get something like SO, it’s bound to wear out and they’ll replace forever. I also scored them for like $40 on eBay

MattT · Jan 5, 2020

Wamsutta said:
You need something like a Channellock 449 for cotter pins.

You really need something other than Channellock for cutting. Isn't something the company does well.

Personally I use Snap-on for mechanics dikes and Klein for general use, which includes unscheduled mechanic work.........

The Kleins aren't as heavy built and durable as the Snap-ons, but wouldn't be a bad choice if you're on a budget.

bob15 · Jan 5, 2020

Why stop at the Snappy 8" side cutters? Why not go with the 11" 312CF cutters? If not, I the e338's would be next on my to try list.

Brownsfan · Jan 5, 2020

Klein 2000 series heavy duty cutters. They take a beating. I think Klein gets overlooked by automotive guys buy 2 things they do great are needle nose and diagonal cutters.

Bighead38 · Jan 5, 2020

I use knipex mini built cutters for cutting metal most of the time. Have 2 blue point diagonals I use the rest of the time. One regular and one long.

sparky 1971 · Jan 5, 2020

Brownsfan said:
Klein 2000 series heavy duty cutters. They take a beating. I think Klein gets overlooked by automotive guys buy 2 things they do great are needle nose and diagonal cutters.

This. I saw a longer version of the dykes at the supply house about a week ago. I would imagine a whole lot of cutting force can be applied with those.

Professional Tool User · Jan 5, 2020

Any decent quality side cutter that's 8" or bigger will work better. My personal favourite side cutters for this task would be my regular diagonal Klein side cutters.

Professional Tool User · Jan 5, 2020

jimmyin3D said:
I used to use my diagonals a lot for cotter pins but have switched over to using an actual cotter pin tool, which is basically like a hardened curved pick.

I do get lazy sometimes and still use them though, my SO 388acf have been beat on but they have no nicks, this is one tool I would definetley get something like SO, it’s bound to wear out and they’ll replace forever. I also scored them for like $40 on eBay

The cotter pin tool is useless when the cotter pin is seized. You can get way more leverage for prying with side cutters.

81turbota · Jan 5, 2020

I like my SO 312CF as posted above. It took a while for the joint to loosen up FWIW.

SweetD · Jan 5, 2020

Klein for sure.

jimmyin3D · Jan 5, 2020

Professional Tool User said:
The cotter pin tool is useless when the cotter pin is seized. You can get way more leverage for prying with side cutters.

Yeah but I’m in sunshine city Los Angeles so that’s rarely an issue, but I agree I’ve used my side cutters much more just because I’m used to it.

pstemari · Jan 5, 2020

What M6er said. Those Knipex mini bolt cutters are perfect for this.

It's only marginally a side cutter application. When you ask about the best side cutters, I start thinking about zero clearance flush cutters with carbide blades. [emoji16] Those are great for circuitry, and even fiber optics, not so much for cutting cotter pins.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

kctyphoon · Jan 5, 2020

Best general use diagonals - NWS 8” / Knipex 8”
Best for hard but thin material - NWS Fantastico 8”

Best for “I’m asking too much of diagonals” - Knipex mini bolt cutters

B_Bimmer · Jan 5, 2020

The mini bolt cutters are really great at this sort of thing. I have everything mentioned so far and that is what I would grab.

MattT · Jan 5, 2020

pstemari said:
It's only marginally a side cutter application.

A 1/8" cotter pin ain't anywhere near the limit of a decent pair of 8" dikes. Might be the limit of weak peoples grip strength but the tool will handle way more.

KnurledNut · Jan 5, 2020

Klein J2000-59

https://data.kleintools.com/sites/a...res/klein/96536_HeavyDutyDiagonal_Cutters.pdf

M6erfan · Jan 5, 2020

MattT said:
A 1/8" cotter pin ain't anywhere near the limit of a decent pair of 8" dikes. Might be the limit of weak peoples grip strength but the tool will handle way more.

IDK, my 8" Channellock's have a hard time with stainless 3mm pins. Colbolts go through them like warm butter

bmxr4life87 · Jan 5, 2020

Knipex long handle didn't ever leave me disappointed even on the one ton and larger truck's I was wrenching on for a decade

Wamsutta · Jan 5, 2020

bob15 said:
Why stop at the Snappy 8" side cutters? Why not go with the 11" 312CF cutters? If not, I the e338's would be next on my to try list.

I think you win Bob. Buy once. Cry once. Love life afterwards.

DSLTRK · Jan 5, 2020

I have had excellent service from my 2000 series Kleins and also 8" Knipex pliers.

ACSR, Tapcons, Tek screws, neither have ever damaged the jaws.

Now I had Snap-On dykes and at least the pair I got were terrible. The jaws nicked on the first use cutting a sheet metal screw.

pizza · Jan 6, 2020

KnurledNut said:
Klein J2000-59

https://data.kleintools.com/sites/a...res/klein/96536_HeavyDutyDiagonal_Cutters.pdf

yep. imo those are the best.

i like these even more than the NWS fantastico cutters (e.g. 138-69-200 in the '69' finish, there is another chrome finish option).
they seem beefier, and they cut thin stuff more completely and more cleanly.
sometimes the NWS won't cut all the way through something thin.
NWS looks cooler though :bounce:

JBH · Jan 6, 2020

Knipex Cobolt or Gedore equivalent for 3mm stainless.

I don’t really “get” diagonal cutters, aside from small ones to cut plastic zip ties flush. I have a couple pairs (Stahlwille, Swiss made Wiha, 5 steps down from those a pair of overpriced Channellocks with separating multicomponent handles) but don’t seem to use them. Cable shears (eg Orbis Evoshark) are superior for copper wire. Cobolts are superior for heavier stuff.

Maybe diagonals if one cuts a lot of softish iron nails?

Steve_P · Jan 6, 2020

kctyphoon said:
Best general use diagonals - NWS 8” / Knipex 8”
Best for hard but thin material - NWS Fantastico 8”

Best for “I’m asking too much of diagonals” - Knipex mini bolt cutters

+1. Channellock ***** for cutters. I have a #447? that I use for pulling cotterpins, but they are useless as cutters

rustbucket5 · Jan 6, 2020

i bought knipex and have used and abused them for about 5 years, really awesome cutters

Batscat · Jan 6, 2020

Use them for a lot of stuff at work. Mostly for removing cotter pins though.

Sine Swept · Jan 6, 2020

Proto also makes a good side cutter, though I never see it mentioned.

visionguru · Jan 12, 2020

Thanks for the recommendations. Somehow I found a good deal locally, Channellock E338, E348, and 424, brand new for less than 1 Knipex 8" cutter.

kctyphoon · Jan 12, 2020

visionguru said:
Thanks for the recommendations. Somehow I found a good deal locally, Channellock E338, E348, and 424, brand new for less than 1 Knipex 8" cutter.

I’d keep those cutters away from stainless steel and hard metal if i were you.

Wamsutta · Jan 13, 2020

I'd still like to try a Channellock 449 on a couple of cotter pins.

hiker19 · Jan 13, 2020

I use the NWS fantastico cutters everyday. I own a business manufacturing luggage, and we use these cutters to remove the zipper teeth off of heavy #10 solid brass zippers. Every zipper we make has about 30 of these solid brass teeth removed, and they're not pulled off, they're cut. We use the Irwin rebranded ones. The oldest pair has literally cut thousands of zipper teeth, and still works effortlessly with one hand.

I started using them after reading a post on this forum from someone who also uses them for his business in a repetitive setting. I don't remember who it was or what he was cutting. He said he bought basically every cutter on the market and tested them, and the NWS fantastico was the clear winner. I'm glad I read that and bought them.

I recently picked up a pair of the knipex 8 inch cutters just to compare. They're not even in the same league as the NWS fantastico. It took actual effort to cut the zipper teeth. Enough effort that I found myself using two hands, and after one zipper my hands were sore. The NWS cuts effortlessly with one hand. I threw the knipex into my personal tool box. The knipex look to be exceptional quality, but they just require more effort. A LOT more effort.

If the NWS cutters had a spring on the handle they would be perfect. I might try to add one somehow.

Maybe the knipex mini bolt cutters are as good as the NWS fantastico, but I can't imagine them being better. But the regular knipex are not even close. I know its apples and oranges since the NWS has extra leverage due to the design. I know Knipex makes a cutter based on a similar concept. Maybe those are as good, but I've seen some tests done and the NWS always comes out on top.

Maybe someone who has used the NWS fantastico as well as the knipex mini bolt cutters can weight in. I just know from my personal experience that the NWS require such little effort to cut that its kind of baffling. We also cut a lot of #9 solid copper rivets, and it cuts those one handed with almost no effort. I tried the new Knipex just out of curiosity. It took two hands and some real effort. I think quality wise, the knipex are probably just as good. But the design of the NWS fantastico is just perfect.

Wamsutta · Jan 13, 2020

hiker19 said:
I use the NWS fantastico cutters everyday. I own a business manufacturing luggage, and we use these cutters to remove the zipper teeth off of heavy #10 solid brass zippers. Every zipper we make has about 30 of these solid brass teeth removed, and they're not pulled off, they're cut. We use the Irwin rebranded ones. The oldest pair has literally cut thousands of zipper teeth, and still works effortlessly with one hand.

I started using them after reading a post on this forum from someone who also uses them for his business in a repetitive setting. I don't remember who it was or what he was cutting. He said he bought basically every cutter on the market and tested them, and the NWS fantastico was the clear winner. I'm glad I read that and bought them.

I recently picked up a pair of the knipex 8 inch cutters just to compare. They're not even in the same league as the NWS fantastico. It took actual effort to cut the zipper teeth. Enough effort that I found myself using two hands, and after one zipper my hands were sore. The NWS cuts effortlessly with one hand. I threw the knipex into my personal tool box. The knipex look to be exceptional quality, but they just require more effort. A LOT more effort.

If the NWS cutters had a spring on the handle they would be perfect. I might try to add one somehow.

Maybe the knipex mini bolt cutters are as good as the NWS fantastico, but I can't imagine them being better. But the regular knipex are not even close. I know its apples and oranges since the NWS has extra leverage due to the design. I know Knipex makes a cutter based on a similar concept. Maybe those are as good, but I've seen some tests done and the NWS always comes out on top.

Maybe someone who has used the NWS fantastico as well as the knipex mini bolt cutters can weight in. I just know from my personal experience that the NWS require such little effort to cut that its kind of baffling. We also cut a lot of #9 solid copper rivets, and it cuts those one handed with almost no effort. I tried the new Knipex just out of curiosity. It took two hands and some real effort. I think quality wise, the knipex are probably just as good. But the design of the NWS fantastico is just perfect.

Is this it? 200mm long?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004GHZXAA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

measuredtwice · Jan 13, 2020

Wamsutta said:
Is this it? 200mm long?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004GHZXAA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

He said he has the Irwin branded one --> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N3VSPF0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Don't know if it's the 7 or 8".

hiker19 · Jan 13, 2020

Wamsutta, that looks like them. I have the Irwin rebranded ones which are cheaper, but they look exactly like those. Mine measure 8 1/2 inches from the very top to the very end of the handle.

Avenging Bankroll, you’re right the NWS/Irwin have a very small opening. This helps with the leverage. Depending on what your cutting it may not even open wide enough. I did notice that the knipex seem to have a wider cutting surface. When I cut the brass zippers with the Irwin/NWS, they cut pretty cleanly. When I use the knipex I have to wear goggles. They basically explode and fly across the room. I think this also accounts for why to knipex require more force. But that also tells me that the knipex may be longer lasting. I don’t know that to be the case for sure, and I’ve cut thousands of brass zipper teeth and they’re still in great shape. But if I ever needed to cut something REALLY hard, maybe the knipex would be more durable.

I probably should have gotten the 10 inch knipex instead of 8 inch for a more fair comparison.
And I agree the fit and finish is not as good on the Irwin/NWS. Mine has play from side to side. I don’t remember if it always did or it developed it. The knipex I just got are clearly nicer quality/more solid. That’s why I’m happy to use them in my personal tool box. But for my business, time is money, and the Irwin powerslot judt work better.

stonesfan68 · Jan 13, 2020

measuredtwice said:
He said he has the Irwin branded one --> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N3VSPF0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Don't know if it's the 7 or 8".

Irwin used to re-brand the NWS pliers that were made in Germany. I don’t know if they do that anymore, but the history of Irwin Newell Rubbermaid would suggest that the tools are now made in China.

measuredtwice · Jan 13, 2020

hiker19 said:
I use the NWS fantastico cutters everyday. I own a business manufacturing luggage, and we use these cutters to remove the zipper teeth off of heavy #10 solid brass zippers. Every zipper we make has about 30 of these solid brass teeth removed, and they're not pulled off, they're cut. We use the Irwin rebranded ones. The oldest pair has literally cut thousands of zipper teeth, and still works effortlessly with one hand.

I started using them after reading a post on this forum from someone who also uses them for his business in a repetitive setting. I don't remember who it was or what he was cutting. He said he bought basically every cutter on the market and tested them, and the NWS fantastico was the clear winner. I'm glad I read that and bought them.

I recently picked up a pair of the knipex 8 inch cutters just to compare. They're not even in the same league as the NWS fantastico. It took actual effort to cut the zipper teeth. Enough effort that I found myself using two hands, and after one zipper my hands were sore. The NWS cuts effortlessly with one hand. I threw the knipex into my personal tool box. The knipex look to be exceptional quality, but they just require more effort. A LOT more effort.

If the NWS cutters had a spring on the handle they would be perfect. I might try to add one somehow.

Maybe the knipex mini bolt cutters are as good as the NWS fantastico, but I can't imagine them being better. But the regular knipex are not even close. I know its apples and oranges since the NWS has extra leverage due to the design. I know Knipex makes a cutter based on a similar concept. Maybe those are as good, but I've seen some tests done and the NWS always comes out on top.

Maybe someone who has used the NWS fantastico as well as the knipex mini bolt cutters can weight in. I just know from my personal experience that the NWS require such little effort to cut that its kind of baffling. We also cut a lot of #9 solid copper rivets, and it cuts those one handed with almost no effort. I tried the new Knipex just out of curiosity. It took two hands and some real effort. I think quality wise, the knipex are probably just as good. But the design of the NWS fantastico is just perfect.

I have the Knipex Cobolt but I don't have the NWS Fantastico or the Knipex equivalent of it. And I've never cut a zipper. The Cobolt cuts through cotter pins with no real effort at all.

stonesfan68 said:
Irwin used to re-brand the NWS pliers that were made in Germany. I don’t know if they do that anymore, but the history of Irwin Newell Rubbermaid would suggest that the tools are now made in China.

The manufacturers website still says made in Germany --> https://www.irwin.com/tools/pliers-...verage-diagonal-cutting-pliers-with-powerslot

Wouldn't surprise me if it changed but I haven't seen any indication. Do you have a link?

Btw, the NWS-made Irwin cutters are in the bargain bin at my local Ace Hardware. You might check your local store if you want them.

Wamsutta · Jan 13, 2020

hiker19 said:
Wamsutta, that looks like them. I have the Irwin rebranded ones which are cheaper, but they look exactly like those. Mine measure 8 1/2 inches from the very top to the very end of the handle.

8.5 inches = 215.9mm. I wonder why they round it off to 200mm. :headscrat

Wamsutta · Jan 13, 2020

Also, what's the difference between 138-69-200 and 138-69-200-SB ? :headscrat

https://www.nws-tools.de/en/products/industrial-tools/finish-69/

Best diagonal cutters (dykes): Channellock or Knipex or Snap On...or..?

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