6" Diagonal Cutters? Options? High Leverage?

[roofdweller49]

I need a 6" diagonal cutter, and can't find anything locally (My Home Depot has like 3 Channellock facings) - Main use is cutting zip ties, and rebar tie wire. I see Channellock has the 336 and 436, but can't actually see the 436 on their website, and is there a disadvantage to the high leverage design? Are Klein/NWS/Knipex better options for the same price?

 

[Dig Doug]

I like these they are longer - high leverage!


For tieing rebar the spring loaded lines man are great the spring is the key

 

[four.cycle]

"... Main use is cutting zip ties ..."

take a look at jeff's recently acquired new toy and take a look at the two or three posts immediately following.

here's where they are at Amazon at the moment.

just sayin' ....

 

[larry_g]

Notice that in post #2 the cutters have a material spec. Some cutters are only for copper wire and some are rated for steel and harder materials. Make sure that you get some that are for hard wire. I also think that you want a different pair for the tywraps. Those work better with a sharp cutter vs a cutter made for pinching wire.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Wamsutta]

Union Ironworkers use these pliers for tying rebar.

 

[nadogail]

Klien is the "go to".

 

[DerekV]

I have the 140mm Knipex, I love em

KNIPEX High Leverage Diagonal Cut

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0054M67QK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[4xdog]

I recently got this pair of NWS 8" high leverage diagonal cutters. I've put them through a few paces so far, and they've been quite capable. The linkage to increase leverage does indeed help a bit.

NWS 8" Heavy Duty Lever Side Cutter FantasticoPlus - TitanFinish - SoftGripp, Tethered Attachment | NWS at KC Tool

Why the yellow background? We have curated a selection of Essentials, which are a great place to start if you are new to the world of German tools. All the E...

www.kctool.com

 

[roofdweller49]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm not trying rebar, I'm usually cutting the seismograph cables for my equipment off the rebar/fence posts that contractors have tied them on to. I was aiming for the smaller sizes because of the smaller (?) head.

 

[roofdweller49]

Union Ironworkers use these pliers for tying rebar.

I got a profanity intensive lesson on how to use those pliers from a union dockbuilder while installing instrumentation for a foundation pile. I still don't fully understand how to use the bevel edges to pry and tighten at the same time

 

[Jeff]

I have the NWS pair. They have performed well.

 

[bwringer]

You need two pairs of cutters.

For cutting zip ties, you need a small pair of flush cutters. That way you won't leave a sharp edge to slice up the next pair of hands to come along. (Or if you WANT to draw blood, then never mind...)

I have these guys scattered throughout my usual haunts, but there are many other good brands. You can't cut steel wire with flush cuts, though.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0063GL7UM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

For cutting the wire, I'd lean toward Knipex; they really do have harder edges than the rest. If you have Menards nearby, they're on the shelf.

 

[lardy1]

I'll second the flush cutter suggestion. No brand in particular because there are dozens and everyone has a favorite. But the point about leaving sharp plastic stubs for the next guy (or yourself) is poor workmanship . imo. Wire ties are used in a multitude of trades so most of us eventually will encounter a sharp one somewhere along the way. Nothing quite like a fresh cut on your hand. Dripping blood on finished surfaces, etc.

You don't need exceptional blade durability as much as you need a nice, flush cut.

 

[roofdweller49]

I spent the $12 at home Depot for the Klein flush cutters. The fine tip is great at getting into bundles and cutting the zip ties off.

Now to figure out what diagonal cutters to get. Does the "high leverage" type pivot means the jaws don't open as wide?

 

[Grokew]

https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/...393a-3d16-4d5e-9b06-71f6d0e36a13&ref_=ast_bln

Tsunoda pliers and cuters are affordable and good. They do offer 160mm high leverage diagonal cutters

 

[Davefr]

If you want high leverage then get the Gearwrench Pivot Force:

 

[johninct]

You need 2 pairs, one being a flush cut for zip ties.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

I like the diagonal cutter from Snap on 87ACF, came with the pliers set.

 

[T45]

+1 to all the guys saying flush cuts for zip ties. the idea you need "high leverage" to cut plastic is simply not true.

from there, figure out what you need for the steel. I really like knipex hard cutting jaws, they make a wide variety. you can get anything from bolt cutters (compact bolt cutters, ie co-bolts). The higher leverage cutters have narrower opening, so you need to size the jaws correctly.

The co-bolts now have a 160 size and the high leverage diagonals also come in 160. But you also need to think about the number of repetitions, the size or your hands, and basic ergonomics. 160 is good for packing into portable kits, for shop use a 180 is typically more comfortable.

Also, if you are doing lots of cuts (eg zip ties) spring loaded is way better.

KNIPEX 6-1/4 in. Diagonal Flush Cutters 72 01 160 - The Home Depot

KNIPEX Diagonal Flush Cutters provide a fully flush cut in plastic, soft metals and molded plastic components from spruces.

www.homedepot.com

KNIPEX 6-1/4 in. CoBolt Compact Bolt Cutters 71 01 160 - The Home Depot

Removing your drum brake shoe is made easy by selecting this affordable KNIPEX CoBolt Compact Bolt Cutters.

www.homedepot.com

https://www.knipex.com/products/cutting-pliers/high-leverage-diagonal-cutters/high-leverage-diagonal-cutters/7402160

For shop use, these are arguably more comfortable...but slightly larger size (7" vs 6").

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

 

[KnurledNut]

If you want high leverage then get the Gearwrench Pivot Force

Did you miss the 6" criteria?

 

[roofdweller49]

+1 to all the guys saying flush cuts for zip ties. the idea you need "high leverage" to cut plastic is simply not true.

from there, figure out what you need for the steel. I really like knipex hard cutting jaws, they make a wide variety. you can get anything from bolt cutters (compact bolt cutters, ie co-bolts). The higher leverage cutters have narrower opening, so you need to size the jaws correctly.

The co-bolts now have a 160 size and the high leverage diagonals also come in 160. But you also need to think about the number of repetitions, the size or your hands, and basic ergonomics. 160 is good for packing into portable kits, for shop use a 180 is typically more comfortable.

Also, if you are doing lots of cuts (eg zip ties) spring loaded is way better.

KNIPEX 6-1/4 in. Diagonal Flush Cutters 72 01 160 - The Home Depot

KNIPEX Diagonal Flush Cutters provide a fully flush cut in plastic, soft metals and molded plastic components from spruces.

www.homedepot.com

KNIPEX 6-1/4 in. CoBolt Compact Bolt Cutters 71 01 160 - The Home Depot

Removing your drum brake shoe is made easy by selecting this affordable KNIPEX CoBolt Compact Bolt Cutters.

www.homedepot.com

https://www.knipex.com/products/cutting-pliers/high-leverage-diagonal-cutters/high-leverage-diagonal-cutters/7402160

For shop use, these are arguably more comfortable...but slightly larger size (7" vs 6").

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

I'll look into the knipex. Not that much more than the channellock/Klein I was looking at. I think 160 would be fine for squeezing into spots.

 

[bpwoodworking]

Personally I really like the knipex 8” high leverage bolt cutters for cutting steel. They are not great for tight spaces though.

Recently tried out some Keiba flush cutters and they are great.