Fixing Klein Cable Cutters

[Bruce Wayne]

Hello everyone. I have the Klein cable cutters that are pictured below. A while back someone used them to cut some hard wire and now there is a divot in the blade portion of the head. Does anyone have a suggestion on how to fix that spot?

Thanx!
Charlie

 

[BreeStephany]

You could use a steel round file or diamond round file and re-file the blade edge until the knick is gone. When you do this, you will also have to grind down the stops behind the pivot point so that the blade has more range of travel since you will be loosing a portion of the blade at least equal to the depth of the knick.

You will need to keep the angle pretty much the same, so making a guide block or another means to keep your angle set would be beneficial.

Unfortunately, even with all of that, they probably won't cut as easy as they did before they were knicked. If this isn't an issue, go for it. If you are hoping to bring them back to 'brand new' condition, the best way is to replace them.

 

[LXCam]

Been there before. Well just like Bree suggested. I use a Dremel with a 1/2" sanidine drum or stone. Just make sure you don't overheat the edge, keep it cooled off.

 

[rlitman]

I have a pair that someone used to cut a live wire with. That divot is beyond grinding back. I keep meaning to try to TIG weld in some filler and then file it back, but I haven't had the time to try yet (and they've been sitting in the junk drawer for years).

I'd love to know if anyone has had any success with this technique.

 

[BreeStephany]

Been there before. Well just like Bree suggested. I use a Dremel with a 1/2" sanidine drum or stone. Just make sure you don't overheat the edge, keep it cooled off.

I generally try to avoid using a dremel for sharpening due to the fact that heat is your enemy when it comes to a good hard edge. You can definitely use a dremel, but you want to make sure to keep it cool as much as possible. If the metal starts changing color at all, you have already got it too hot and the hardness is gone out of the metal.

 

[SantaAna12]

Been there too. I used a rat tail to make the best of a bad situation. Someone grabbed them out of my bag and cut some cable messenger.
Luckily, those are pretty affordable, and if your cutting 100 pr. or larger gauges you will want a new pair.

 

[Roobaix]

Throw away and purchase a new pair...

 

[gdocktor3]

Doesn't Klein have lifetime warranty?

 

[BreeStephany]

Doesn't Klein have lifetime warranty?

Yes, but the warranty excludes damage from abuse / using the tool out of the scope of its design - i.e. using cu/al rated cutters on hardened cutter

"Klein products, manufactured and sold for commercial or industrial uses, are warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for the normal life of the product. This warranty does not apply, for example, to damage from alterations, abuse, accidents, misuse, lack of maintenance, or normal wear and tear. "

They don't offer a "no questions" lifetime warranty like some of the tool truck brands offer.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

I might just have to replace them with some Channellock one when I can find them in the store. Thanks for the responses fellas.

Thanx!
Charlie

 

[rlitman]

I might just have to replace them with some Channellock one when I can find them in the store...

GASP. Don't do that!

 

[Slednut]

I have some that are really bad, I'll try a couple things and see if anything really works. If it does I'll post up some before and after pics.

 

[PBCampbell]

I'd suspect that by the time you grind the edge back you'll be out of adjustment (if there is any adjustment possible) to get good cuts. Probably best to just purchase new and save some time.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

GASP. Don't do that!

Why not?

 

[Slednut]

They weren't as bad as I thought, they are also a lot softer than I expected.

I just used an old fine round file. I'm happy I saw this thread because I would have never tried to fix them.

 

[Wamsutta]

I could write a 1000 word post describing exactly how to fix them, but I have no guaranty that the owner of the cutters would follow my instructions.

 

[Art From De Leon]

Why not take them back to whatever big box store sells Klein, and see if they will warranty them?

I really doubt if they would know, or care, if they had been 'abused'.

 

[r_olson_06]

Why not take them back to whatever big box store sells Klein, and see if they will warranty them?

I really doubt if they would know, or care, if they had been 'abused'.

Yes if you can sleep at night. Throw them away and buy a new pair.

Sent from my XT1030 using Tapatalk

 

[kwoswalt99]

I would sharpen them, but then again, I sharpen everything...