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Alternative to snap on cutters

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FlyingLow

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I have recently started a new job on a different helicopter and I'm am going to need a set of long handled cutters fo lockwire. Most of the guys have snap on 808CF cutters. I like and use many snap on tools however I've never been impressed with their cutters. I prefer knipex cutters. I also don't like the price of them for what I get. Has anyone found an alternative to these?
 
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rmsg0040

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I was pleasantly surprised with napa's ultrapro cutters, for a project at work consistently cutting through 1/16 aircraft cable and twice for 3/16 cable. Just under $25
 
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KnurledNut

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Have you tried the 7" 808ACP?
Other considerations:
Bluepoint BDG86LMP
ProAmerica 4046
 
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Wamsutta

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SNAP-ON 808CF for a visual reference.

808CF.jpg
 
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Stevenn1

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I got a Carlyle DCP11 (Napa) that looks like those.
 
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californiaHank

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The Snap-on cutters are a quite unusual pattern - they're quite long (7" overall) with a very small head. I don't know of a similar pattern from somebody else.

What is it you don't like about the Snap-ons?
What style would suit you better?
There are lots of high quality diagonal cutters for hard wire from Facom, Knipex, Lindstrom, and others, but most either have a larger head or shorter handles.
 
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T45

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FlyingLow said:
I like and use many snap on tools however I've never been impressed with their cutters.
Click to expand...

The CF model is pretty new-- like maybe 1-2 years old-- and may or may not be better than whatever else you've used previously. There was an ACP version for example in pretty widespread use, as someone mentioned above, etc. You probably can grab a slight variations off ebay if you're stuck on price, althought the aerospace cutters (long reach, cushion thorats etc) tend to be a bit pricier than regular skus.
 
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woody 73

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Not to hijack the post, but could someone explain to me the special action leverage plier design. I found a pair on sale at lowes (the nws cutters) and picked it up on sale, seems to me that with that double cutting design they would cut most wire or am I not seeing the whole picture ???
 
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67King

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I'm not sure why you need the long handles. If for reach, I don't have a better suggestion. However, if you are just after leverage, I would consider a pair of hog ring cutters, like the kind for upholstery.
 
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T45

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woody 73 said:
This was the pair that I am talking about:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/IRWIN-8-in-Cutting-Plier/50289489
Click to expand...

Woody, those things are the NWS version of knipex twinforce. OP's pliers are long-reach, mini-head diagonal cutting-pliers almost like electronics pliers. Basically like a 4-5inch diagonal but stretched out a bit to 7 inches. The twinforce type are, the opposite concept, more like a 10 inch diagonal shrunk down to 7-8 inches. In the field they won't really do the same jobs, you'd be closer by just going with a 74-01-180 knipex (ie, a standard size cutter).
 
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Ericgst

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jeremy v said:
Safety wire aka locking wire. It prevents bolts from loosening over time due to vibration etc. It's usually made from stainless steel.
Click to expand...

I use stainless safety wire often and never have any issues using standard 8" diagonal cutters

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000X4OFUE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I use 6" cutters if I already have them out but it can take a bit of effort on heavily twisted wire. If I had to cut more than 20 times I suppose I would want the most leverage I could get.
 
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stage20

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ive got a set of the macs they cut well. havent used that particular snap on one so i dont know a comparison. proto might have something similar under their line, cheaper than the macs.
 
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Ericgst

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I have had USA made MAC diagonal cutters and the blades were a bit soft. Got chewed up way too soon. I may have got a bad pair, but would skip them going forward
 
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Wamsutta

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FlyingLow

Why did you pick the 808CF for cutting safety wire? I'm curious because they have a special shape that makes them look like they may be used in tight clearance situations.
 
OP
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FlyingLow

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Thanks everyone for the replys, I'll try to answer the questions with the multi quote format here. Basically I need to be able to cut stainless lockwire, most of it is 0.028 or 0.032". Working today had me cursing my wonderful however "length challenged" knipex cutters of the 140mm length. Amazing cutters none the less, cut some huge stainless cotter pins like nothing and i've had them 10 years. However they don't reach the tight places....

californiaHank said:
The Snap-on cutters are a quite unusual pattern - they're quite long (7" overall) with a very small head. I don't know of a similar pattern from somebody else.

What is it you don't like about the Snap-ons?
What style would suit you better?
There are lots of high quality diagonal cutters for hard wire from Facom, Knipex, Lindstrom, and others, but most either have a larger head or shorter handles.
Click to expand...

I have found snap on cutters to have cutting jaws miss aligned and just not the quality for the price. I need long reach with small cutting head. The new helicopter I am working is ridiculous with the amount of lockwire on it.

T45 said:
The CF model is pretty new-- like maybe 1-2 years old-- and may or may not be better than whatever else you've used previously. There was an ACP version for example in pretty widespread use, as someone mentioned above, etc. You probably can grab a slight variations off ebay if you're stuck on price, althought the aerospace cutters (long reach, cushion thorats etc) tend to be a bit pricier than regular skus.
Click to expand...

there has been a version around under one part number or another for a few years now, the last couple years has brought an improved version though.

67King said:
I'm not sure why you need the long handles. If for reach, I don't have a better suggestion. However, if you are just after leverage, I would consider a pair of hog ring cutters, like the kind for upholstery.
Click to expand...

I don't need leverage, just reach.

Wamsutta said:
FlyingLow

Why did you pick the 808CF for cutting safety wire? I'm curious because they have a special shape that makes them look like they may be used in tight clearance situations.
Click to expand...

Mostly for removing safety wire, if they won't cut it they will grab it so I can twist it until it breaks.

shockwave said:
Unless you need these for tight spots I would look at the high leverage Angeled knipex from Chadstoolbox
Click to expand...

#iloveknipex I just need the reach. I wish knipex would make some!!!

Snap on comes thursday, I guess I'll be shelling out some money to them.
 
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oldldh

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I'm going to get eviscerated...:evil:

But I have the Tekton #34025...:eyecrazy::shocking:

11" 30 Degree Offset High Leverage Cutting Pliers...:thumbup:

Available from Amazon for $ 14.99...:beer:

I have not found anything, up to and including 3/16" rod, they can't cut...

Just a thought...

OK --- Everybody slag me off, I'm ready, I can take it....:scared::banhim::tantrum2:
 

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FlyingLow

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kelwar

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My honest opinion is the snap-ons are the best. I reach for my 808acp the most also have the mac ones pictures above they have a smaller head but the jaws are softer and the stainless lock wire definitely takes its toll on them.
 
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T45

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Pipe_guy said:
For 15 bucks the tektons are worth a try. I've been surprised at the quality of some of their stuff.
Click to expand...

Tektons are a total waste of money because its the wrong shape...has nothing to do with the brand or the price...

OP is looking for a 7 inch plier not 11 inches, the extra 4 inches is not helping those pliers fit into tight areas.

Also OP would like a small-cutter head, not regular size cutter head, or else he would just but 7 inch knipex.
 
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Jdos1

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Aug 18, 2013
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Bumping this slightly old thread. OP, did you ever find an alternative or did you buy the 808's?

I know EXACTLY why you want these. I was googling 808 alternatives after months of spontaneous ebay searches have come up with no luck.

I tried explaining to the Mac guy (as SO won't come to our hangar) what made the 808 special. He brought back 3 different pair of pliers that weren't even close. I said forget it. Mac does make a pair that are very similar and are spring loaded however they won't cut melted cheese.

The ProAmerica 4046 (mentioned by another member on here previously) is very close but spring loaded. Only $21 on Amazon. I'll be giving these a shot, should be here Monday. If they are close enough to the 808 to not justify spending $50 more I'll report back.

If they aren't I'm saying screw it and getting the 808's. They just seem to reach right in those tight spots on PT6A's that cotter pins and .025/.032 likes to hide, whereas other pliers make it a chore.
 
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eyeball

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You need it for work, it will be used often, and it will make your life easier. I think this is one of the times “buy once, cry once” is justified.


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JohnDeere1

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I have the knipex but have others the next would be the Irwin rebranded NWS fantasticos they have a compound leverage and cute like butter can't even feel the snap. Second to those my third long handle cutters are Craftsman they cut great and are I the style of the snap on but slightly different and are under $20 the Irwins are close to $40 but made in Germany like the knipex.
 
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donpauli2

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central Illinois
The snap on edge is not misaligned. It's ground at an angle to have a shearing angle when it cuts. If you're having trouble with that size wire it might be a dull edge. They are designed to " shear" the cut instead of " ****" blade edge to blade edge. They usually can be sent in and resharpened


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Jdos1

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The ProAmerica 4046 are an acceptable alternative.

They won't quite cut thicker 200 size stainless cotters but they will cut .020-.041 stainless safety wire and 134 cotters as well 134 size stainless cotters with ease.

For now they will suffice. Well worth the $20. Time will tell if I have to have the 808's but I believe these will be plenty sufficient.
 
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