Diagonal flush cutters for plastics and cable ties specifically

[KnurledNut]

Yeah I realise it's unnecessary But I thought why not write up tools I found and things I noticed, for those who may be interested or in case it helps anyone in future.

I know some people here don't care for it, by some of the replies I got to other nerding out kind of posts.

You're good, it's a tool forum

 

[glenng]

As @NoahG mentioned previously, go down the sprue gate cutters rabbit hole. Swanstrom makes a ton of plastic cutters, which they call gate cutters, for flush cutting injection moldings.

Keep scrolling down this link to look at all of them:

https://www.emicorp.com/molding-supplies/injection-molding-supplies/gate-cutters

^^Following up on my previous post. Here are some interesting Swanstrom Gate Cutters:

A448 Gate Cutter with Oval Head at 15° with 35° Jaw, Super Flush, 5in long​

Product Code: S55E

https://www.emicorp.com/s55e-a448-gate-cutter-oval-head

A450 Gate Cutter with Oval Head at 15° with 35° Jaw, Super Flush, 6in long​

Product Code: S66E

https://www.emicorp.com/s66e-a450-gate-cutter-oval-head

A451 Gate Cutter with Angled Head at 45° with 35° Jaw, 6in long​

Product Code: S66E45

https://www.emicorp.com/s66e45-a451-gate-cutter-angled-head

A453 Ultra Sharp Gate Cutter at 15° with 25° Jaw, 7in long​

Product Code: S72E

https://www.emicorp.com/s72e-a453-ultra-sharp-gate-cutter

Many more gate cutters can be found here:

https://www.emicorp.com/molding-supplies/injection-molding-supplies/gate-cutters

 

[richfinn]

Yeah I realise it's unnecessary But I thought why not write up tools I found and things I noticed, for those who may be interested or in case it helps anyone in future.

I know some people here don't care for it, by some of the replies I got to other nerding out kind of posts.

It's always a good idea to put some thoughts into buying your tools,

For me I try to stick with brands that specialize in a particular type of tool (In this case Knipex, although I'm a big Japanese tool fan).

I also try to minimize what I carry, so if a tool can do two or more tasks without too much compromise that's always a bonus.

I use a Veto pro-pac to store my pliers so spring loaded isn't an issue storage wise

 

[burger]

Review of my purchase. I bought the Tsunoda 150mm cutters.

The flush cut is great. Cuts the tail flush with the bail perfectly without much effort.

The grip function to pull the tie tight wasn't as useful. I found I could get the same results tugging by hand.

I would 100% recommend these. I previously used diagonal cutters to trim zip ties. They left a sharp stub that could tear heat shrink, harnesses, skin, etc. The flush cut from the Tsunoda is indeed flush, leaving nothing to snag.

No doubt that most of the other tools in this thread would have the same good results.

 

[134k]

^^Following up on my previous post. Here are some interesting Swanstrom Gate Cutters:

I have the Swanstrom S66E. It's hands down the best flush cutters I've ever used. Mine is a dedicated cable tie/plastic cutter. The blades are adjustable and the long ergonomic handles are very comfortable. The choice in handle sizes are a plus. They're offered from 4" to 9" lengths. 6" seems to be a good compromise.

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[YesIHaveAHammer]

I'll collect some thought about choosing this type of tool, from a mainly cable tie perspective.

I went for the Tsunoda Plastic Cutting Pliers PN-125 (135mm). Very pleased with it so far. Thanks for all your contributions.

There was practically nothing in it between this and the Knipex 72 01 140, just yellow to distinguish and a bit cheaper. A short length of heat-stretched 15mm hosepipe fits nicely over the end to store it shut. Tsunoda are really good with detailed product measurements on their website too.

 

[billford]

I have 3 milwaukee flush cuts, bought from the dollar store for pretty cheap.

They cut pretty good but if you look closely, looks like they honed the cutting edges with a chainsaw.

Also makes a good fingernail cutter

 

[four.cycle]

this thread is costing me money

 

[mike93lx]

this thread is costing me money

The best ones always do

 

[BlindViper]

Just thought I'd post a picture of my modified craftsman set of wire cutters.

 

[glenng]

Merry Tools has a nice gate cutter that looks similar to the Tsunoda KBN-125/150, but I can't tell if it has the gripper on the bottom end of the cutting edge like the Tsunoda (it doesn't look like it).

Part Numbers and the ability it can cut off:

550SF-125: Resin 3.0 (mm)
550SF-150: Resin 5.0 (mm)