Dedicated Zip Tie Tool: Channellock 758 Flush Cutter

[Exceller8]

I just received the August issue of Off-Road magazine and they have short article on the Channellock 758 flush cutter. It is for cutting soft materials like copper, plastic, etc. It is NOT for cutting steel. Anyway, they thought this would be a great dedicated zip tie cutter and so do I. I'm going to put an orange zip tie on the handle so I'll always remember that its not for cutting steel.

I just thought I would pass along the info.

https://www.channellock.com/758-flush-cutter.aspx

 

[keithh2oskier]

how many zip ties do you cut?

 

[jeffmoss26]

Ooh another Channellock tool to buy!

 

[Super Sport]

I like using a zip tie gun. Cuts it flush and ensure that it's tight.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Ooh another Channellock tool to buy!

My thoughts exactly. And I've been wanting a flush cut, but usually they are for baby hands...the CL fits the bill perfect!

 

[Exceller8]

how many zip ties do you cut?

Actually, quite a few. I use zip ties for all types of things around the property here. They work great for hanging signs, etc... I have enough of a use to justify having a dedicated tool for the job. Well... at least in my mind.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

I like using a zip tie gun. Cuts it flush and ensure that it's tight.

I have several of these, and while they kick donkey, many times we can not get access up under the dash of the race truck etc. Having both is mo' betta.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Damn...reviews on Amazon say they are not a true flush cut....http://www.amazon.com/Channellock-7...dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

 

[Exceller8]

Damn...reviews on Amazon say they are not a true flush cut....http://www.amazon.com/Channellock-7...dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

I'm going to buy some anyway. I'll report back when I do a little bit of testing with them.

 

[BlindViper]

Save yourself some money and just make yourself one. I took a pair of cutters with good edges and removed the back of the cutters until the bevel on the cutting edge is gone. Now they flush cut and I just keep them with my zip ties so they don't get messed up.

 

[Kracin]

how many zip ties do you cut?

as much as this really sounds like some kid who wants to say "do you really need a set of pliers to cut zip ties.....".

i'll just say this. people who work in certain industries use zip ties EVERY DAY. and until you slice open a hand, wrist, or finger reaching into something because of poorly cut zip ties, you probably won't ever understand.

i'm with the reviews shown on amazon though. flush cut is flush cut, find a good pair that will cut them flush and call it a day. from the sounds of it, channellock needs to go a little deeper in the design with them

 

[Exceller8]

Save yourself some money and just make yourself one. I took a pair of cutters with good edges and removed the back of the cutters until the bevel on the cutting edge is gone. Now they flush cut and I just keep them with my zip ties so they don't get messed up.

What fun would that be? I'm always looking for reasons to buy a new toy, uh... I mean tool.

 

[rshadd]

I'm all for new tools, but are there any advantages over a small pair of diag cutters? I'm guessing these won't leave a sharp edge to cut yourself on.

 

[Davefr]

Those seem way to big for cutting tie wraps.

I'd want something much smaller to get into tight/confined spaces. And why do you care if the cut end of the tie wrap is totally flush??

I'd use something like this:

 

[Exceller8]

I'm all for new tools, but is there any advantage over a small pair of diag cutters?

In the article they said that the cut was smooth with the 758's unlike regular diag cutters.

 

[Super Sport]

Those seem way to big for cutting tie wraps.

I'd want something much smaller to get into tight/confined spaces. And why do you care if the cut end of the tie wrap is totally flush??

I'd use something like this:

True. I don't cut many zip ties, but at work we use a small pair of Knipex knips for virtually everything, including the occasional zip tie. They offer a flush cut.

 

[BlindViper]

Those seem way to big for cutting tie wraps.

I'd want something much smaller to get into tight/confined spaces. And why do you care if the cut end of the tie wrap is totally flush??

I'd use something like this:

Wait until one day you run your hand or arm across a zip tie that was cut with normal cutters real close to the end. They will cut you open like a scalpel!

 

[Exceller8]

True. I don't cut many zip ties, but at work we use a small pair of Knipex knips for virtually everything, including the occasional zip tie. They offer a flush cut.

Is the cut super clean?

 

[Super Sport]

Is the cut super clean?

They have a flat, machined surface on the backside of the jaws. So yes, they leave a clean cut.

 

[Exceller8]

They have a flat, machined surface on the backside of the jaws. So yes, they leave a clean cut.

Great, thanks!

 

[hifi_hokie]

as much as this really sounds like some kid who wants to say "do you really need a set of pliers to cut zip ties.....".

i'll just say this. people who work in certain industries use zip ties EVERY DAY. and until you slice open a hand, wrist, or finger reaching into something because of poorly cut zip ties, you probably won't ever understand.

Used to see this in A/V all the time. There were racks I wouldn't put my hands near...

 

[jeffmoss26]

I just reach for the closest pair of diagonal cutters. I probably have 25-30 pairs if you count all my old Bell System cutters.

There is something to be said about an old-school wax lacing job in the back of a sound rack. Hard to add new wires but at least you won't draw blood!

 

[Dave.R]

I have the Flush cut HD's by Fast Cap, and they are awesome. They are a true flush cut, and don't leave any burr or anything.

 

[Quickster]

I use these.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GTMZHG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Got them off ebay for $8 shipped brand new.

 

[ATC]

My standard dykes have always cut flush and never left sharp edges.

 

[decableguy2000]

The zip tie gun is the way to go. I have used about every kind of cutter. When you use the gun you have the least chance of getting alligator bites on your arms when reaching into the back of equipment racks. I have cut well over 10000 zip ties. Flush cut pliers would my second choice followed by dykes, then 9's, then scissors.

Jeremy

 

[JonnFX]

I have had a Snap-On set of flush cuts, for over 25 years and they work perfectly. I have used the guns, but for me, the flush cut dykes are much more versatile. The jaws on mine are quite strong and more pointed than a regular set. I use them to remove, as well as trim tie wraps and often, in tight quarters.

I used to work in the off-road industry (Baja type race cars and trucks) and if we did not use flush cuts or a razor blade, we would get yelled at and threatened to be fired. Yep, just one time reaching in a tube frame car and slicing your forearm, made a believer out of me.

Actually, today I needed to do some tie wrap work and couldn't find my good set, dang it.

If I can't cut it flush, I leave the tail.

 

[G20-Budo]

I like using a zip tie gun. Cuts it flush and ensure that it's tight.

I don't own one of these, but have used them.. they're VERY nice..

 

[rharman]

I don't own one of these, but have used them.. they're VERY nice..

Do they REALLY cut flush with no little chunk to slice you open?? I use a utility knife to clip them off clean but always wondered about the zip tool.

 

[KSB]

The zip tool works great. I have two of them, one from Panduit and the other the exact same as the one pictured. I bought it at Princess Auto for $3.00 and it has worked quite well.

Another go to tool for zip ties is a pair of linesman's pliers. Don't cut though, grab tight to the tie and twist until it breaks off.

 

[Stooge]

i never really thought about it but one of my cheaper pairs of Xuron flush cutters i basically only use for cutting zipties. ive been an Xuron fan for a few yrs now and they always cut perfect for me, lightweight so you can put em in a shirt pocket, have the machined back of the blades and are made in the US, cant ask for more than that. i love my channellock stuff but xuron makes some really nice stuff too....still need to find a pair of those channellock mig pliers sometime

 

[98ssuck]

You can twist the ends off with a pair of linesmens and you get a closer and cleaner edge then any cutter that I have ever used.

 

[loranger]

I have been using these for years to cut tie wraps (semiconductor maintenance tech). Well that was until they finally broke on me.

 

[G20-Budo]

Do they REALLY cut flush with no little chunk to slice you open?? I use a utility knife to clip them off clean but always wondered about the zip tool.

My experience with this kind of tool, yes it really does cut flush, or even a slightly below the surface. I've never had on stick out where it cut me, or I could even feel it. The one I used was pretty high end (I don't remember the brand, sorry.. it was a buddies zip tie tool).

 

[Super Sport]

I have been using these for years to cut tie wraps (semiconductor maintenance tech). Well that was until they finally broke on me.

We used to use ones like that, until we were breaking a pair a week. Crescent makes ones very similar, and can be bought at HD. The Knipex I pictured earlier are what we use now. We have broken a couple pair, but not nearly as often as those cheaper ones.

 

[jeffmoss26]

I have a pair like that made by Crescent. Have not used them for a while. I want to get a pair of the Snap-on E710BCG, they look really nice.

 

[SantaAna12]

The Knipex one looks niiiice!

These are affordable and will do the job quite well:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-5-in-Lightweight-Flush-Cutter-D275-5/100647983#.UbjZmPm9FQ4

Smaller the better in this application has been my experience.

 

[gotwheels]

For many years in the prep of off-road motorcycles, we have used toe nail clippers - flush cut, inexpensive, easy fit in pocket.

 

[loranger]

The Knipex one looks niiiice!

These are affordable and will do the job quite well:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-5-in-Lightweight-Flush-Cutter-D275-5/100647983#.UbjZmPm9FQ4

Smaller the better in this application has been my experience.

Those are the ones I picked up to replace the techni tool ones I had. They have worked perfectly so far! I might check out those Knipex ones for home though.

 

[bob from indiana]

At work we get zip ties in the 1000 pack. We have several Paliden tie guns that work very well. We bought a few Harbor Freight tie guns and they were a COMPLETE failure. They left about 3/8 inch of the tie sticking out.

If I only have a few to cut off I use mt 6" diagonal cutters and a pair of 6" linemans pliers to cut them off. I put the diagonal cutters on the square "buckel" part wit the tail sticking up between the blades. Then I put the other pliers down on the upper surface on the diags and grip the ties' tail. Then lever down on the diags. Hold a bit of tension and cut off the tail.

With a bit of practice this will cut it off just below the surface and leave thing nice and smooth. I call this my hillbilly tie gun.