diagonal pliers, recomend me some

[sko]

snips, dikes, or side cutters, everyone calls them something different. i've got a pair of channel lock cutters, that are doing the job, but, when i'm cutting 1/4" cable (which is 80% of what i do with them) they don't seem sharp enough, even tho its squishy stainless cable. are there some better ones that stay sharper longer or are made from harder material? or do i need to man up and squeeze harder? what do you guys recommend.

 

[MrMark]

I think you need more than side cutters for that application. I would consider that abuse. You should use the Knipex mini bolt cutter. They are designed for that thick of a material. The best side cutters I have are Snap-on and Klein and then Knipex. This is one area where Klein does shine. But again, I would never subject quality side cutters to that type of abuse.

 

[Monte]

1/4" squishy stainless cable ??
I don´t recommend diagonal pliers, there are cable cutters for that task.

 

[d33pt]

that squishy stuff is actually hard to cut. harder than solid core. try a cutter made for cutting bike brake/shifter cables.

http://www.biketiresdirect.com/product/park-tool-cn-10-professional-cable-and-housing-cutter

this thing cuts through cable and housing like butter.

 

[wilb1976]

I install elevators and I use dikes often and I wouldn't recommend dikes for 1/4" stainless steel cable, although the blue handled Kleins that I use are very good. My co-workers who don't use the Kleins use the high-leverage Knipex. We use them quite a bit when we install the elevator doors but we're only cutting 1/8" wire rope. For any 1/4" - 5/16" wire rope we use these http://www.usrigging.com/cutters.html and for any thing larger, like the cables that hold up the elevator 1/2" - 3/4" traction steel wire rope, which is harder to cut then stainless steel cable, we use these http://www.wurtec.com/asp/product.asp?Item=16-140

 

[Stuey]

You need a cable cutter. Try Channellock or Klein.

 

[mrholeshot]

If you are cutting 1/4 stainless cable with Channellock side cutters that says a lot for channellock, lol

 

[sko]

thanks for recommendations ill check out some different cable cutters today

 

[Bolster]

You need a cable cutter. Try Channellock or Klein.

I couldn't find a Channellock for steel cable, all I find is for copper and aluminum. do you have a source?

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

If you are cutting 1/4 stainless cable with Channellock side cutters that says a lot for channellock, lol

It also says a lot about his grip......

 

[Stuey]

I couldn't find a Channellock for steel cable, all I find is for copper and aluminum. do you have a source?

You're right. The one I was thinking of for wire is for "soft metals". I've seen them cut through thin gauge steel, though. Sorry for the confusion.

In that case, I'd look for a Park bike tool cable cutter, or a small bolt cutter.

 

[marcusicp]

I think you need more than side cutters for that application. I would consider that abuse. You should use the Knipex mini bolt cutter.

I agree! They are perfect for this in my opinion.