Craftsman 3-7/8 in. Handi-Cut: FAIL

[impactsocket]

I used the Craftsman 3-7/8 in. Handi-Cut for a few days then the top jaw bent off center while cutting a vine with thorns. I had to Sears to exchange for a new one.

Most of my tools are Craftsman and I have not had a problem for a long, long, long time with Craftsman tools. I still recommend buying Craftsman tools but I just want to warn tool buyers about this cutter.

http://www.sears.com/3-7-8-in-handi-cut/p-00937301000P

 

[gearhead1]

I only use mine for cutting rubber hose straight. I dont think they were intended for vines and garden stuff.

How big was the vine?

 

[Empty Pockets]

I have had a couple of different handi-cut cutters for years, and they all work as advertised

 

[7th Kahuna]

Thanks for sharing that. I was going to say maybe it wasn't intended that, but if it will cut pipe I don't think it was entirely unreasonable to try. For pruning I stick to Corona. I know there are other brands that stand the test of time, but Corona is my go to.

How is it that when retailers put 'utility' in a name, it is so often the case that they leave out 'durability'? Anyone else notice that. Maybe it's just me. Seems like it should be the other way around.

 

[impactsocket]

gearhead1, Craftsman 3-7/8 in. Handi-Cut is intended for garden. The words "home/garden" is printed on the packaging along with an image cutting a branch. (see packaging image above)

 

[michaelf]

twisting trying to cut something is what bends the top jaw, just put it in a vise and bend it back, good tool I feel

 

[gdocktor3]

I think its one of those things where if you don't get a clean cut, the vine binds up in the middle and the blades split apart. It's happened to me many times, but the better brands like Fiskars or Corona can take the abuse and return to their proper shape once removed.

 

[JerryC]

My wife bought me a set when they first came out. Still have them and it is the only thing I use for pruning until I need a saw. I cut through finger thick stems with them. Never bent them. They cut through small stems like they aren't even there.

 

[impactsocket]

It bent when I twisted the tool trying to free it from a thick vine. The metal on the tool is thick but I could not believe that it would bend so easily.

 

[roblouvasz]

I use mine for all types of cutting including vines and 1/4" oak dowel rod. It's never bent on me.

 

[gearhead1]

gearhead1, Craftsman 3-7/8 in. Handi-Cut is intended for garden. The words "home/garden" is printed on the packaging along with an image cutting a branch. (see packaging image above)

I know. They should remove it. Pruning shears would be a better tool for that job. Not saying the OP did anything wrong. I'm just saying I don't think the handi-cut is tough enough for much other than cutting hose.

 

[3baygarage]

Made in China? They too used to be made here.

 

[T45]

Just a thoutht here but the blade shape of that tool is all wrong to be cutting shapes like that--look at fiskars pruner or a knipex cable shear. They have a curved blade so you dont crush the thing you are trying to cut (which mangles the geometry). That's more important with harder, tougher to cut stuff.

You want a 'shear' type cutter, see eg wire rope shear, a copper cable shear, a pruning shear etc. all have a different geometry and don't look like a scissor with straight a razor blade edge.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Just a thoutht here but the blade shape of that tool is all wrong to be cutting shapes like that--look at fiskars pruner or a knipex cable shear. They have a curved blade so you dont crush the thing you are trying to cut (which mangles the geometry). That's more important with harder, tougher to cut stuff.

You want a 'shear' type cutter, see eg wire rope shear, a copper cable shear, a pruning shear etc. all have a different geometry and don't look like a scissor with straight a razor blade edge.

Those also bend like his did.

I did pick up a small pair of Bahco pruners (made in France) from HJE a few years back which have not bent while cutting small branches.