Diagonal cutters - your length preferences ?

[YesIHaveAHammer]

I've always considered 160mm (6.3") to be the "standard" size, and models of this size are most popular at my usual online tool store. It's a good size in the hand, not cumbersome but not weak either. It's ok from vehicle electrics to some gauges of fencing wire, so if you're only going to have one at hand, it's probably a good choice for many (depends what you do, of course).

One thing I've come to appreciate is to have the best size tool for the task, even if a mid size would be satisfactory. Recent ones for me have been hammers (got a set of all the common oz sizes), and end cutters (got a 200mm and a 140mm). It's just easier, more comfortable, safer, less fatiguing. Seems the same would do well for diagonal cutters - small one for small or soft things, big one for bigger or harder things.

So what do you have, and what do you tend to use?
edit - and for what kind of stuff?

Relative comparison for reference:

• 140mm (5.5") - 0.88x length
• 160mm (6.3") - 1x
• 180mm (7") - 1.13x
• 200mm (8") - 1.25x
• 250mm (10") - 1.56x
• High leverage ones seem to be same cutting spec as the next size up in standard
• Special mechanism ones (e.g. TwinForce) seem to be same as the next size up again

 

[MJD1]

9.5" angled head knipex

 

[sparky 1971]

I use 8" Klein dykes every day. I have smaller; a pair of 7" Channellocks and a midget pair of SK's, neither of which I ever remember using. But I have them, just in case. I also have bigger; 9" Channellocks that are disappointing to say the least, 9" Kleins that I recently picked up but haven't used them yet, someday I'll remember I have them and give them a shot, and a pair of 9+" Knipex that are just too big.

 

[whateg01]

I have a bunch of the little ones that come with 3d printers scattered about. Great for trimming fingernails or zip ties. Too soft for any steel wire though.

 

[Steve_P]

I like 7" for general use in most pliers, including cutters.

 

[impactims]

I've always considered 160mm (6.3") to be the "standard" size, and models of this size are most popular at my usual online tool store. It's a good size in the hand, not cumbersome but not weak either. It's ok from vehicle electrics to some gauges of fencing wire, so if you're only going to have one at hand, it's probably a good choice for many (depends what you do, of course).

One thing I've come to appreciate is to have the best size tool for the task, even if a mid size would be satisfactory. Recent ones for me have been hammers (got a set of all the common oz sizes), and end cutters (got a 200mm and a 140mm). It's just easier, more comfortable, safer, less fatiguing. Seems the same would do well for diagonal cutters - small one for small or soft things, big one for bigger or harder things.

So what do you have, and what do you tend to use?
edit - and for what kind of stuff?

Relative comparison for reference:

• 140mm (5.5") - 0.88x length
• 160mm (6.3") - 1x
• 180mm (7") - 1.13x
• 200mm (8") - 1.25x
• 250mm (10") - 1.56x
• High leverage ones seem to be same cutting spec as the next size up in standard
• Special mechanism ones (e.g. TwinForce) seem to be same as the next size up again

I find that a wide variety is essential.

 

[rooster59]

8", comfortable for 12g romex. 65+, so you younger guys prob only need 5 1/2 inchers

 

[theoldwizard1]

I've always considered 160mm (6.3") to be the "standard" size ...

Yep, but I have a couple of very small ones for working on electronics.

 

[redwrench60]

8” Klein dykes for general duty. Love my Snap-on 311CP 11 inchers for when **** gets real.