Flush Cut Diagonal Pliers

[AdAstra]

For the specific application of shortening a wire end, shears are the ideal tool, they leave a nicer edge and have lower cutting force. Especially matters as wire size increases.

These Tsunoda CA-22 are great: https://a.co/d/9mS9i5B

The “S” spring version is nicer for repetitive tasks but the non-spring stows much easier in a bag.

They are also great for cutting un-stripped wire and cable, removing cable outer jackets, and even stripping wire when used carefully.

There are also electrician scissors that can work well for similar tasks.

 

[strength_and_power]

That makes two of us, at least. I've lost too much flesh and blood to such meat hooks. I'll either cut them completely flush, or leave the entire tail if that presents no problems or cosmetic objections to my eyes.

One of our access control techs talked of working a job where zip ties were forbidden. As the story goes, a guy who had clotting issues cut himself on a zip ties while in a remote location and bled out.
I’ve given my share of blood to zip ties.
I have a pair of flush cutters for zip ties that somebody on here probably recommended. Works great but definitely plastic only cutting with them

 

[drmarkr]

We use these on zip ties and smaller gauge wire....they're so cheap I figure if I ruin the edge on a pair, I'll chuck them. $10 for 5 pair.

But....I haven't ruined any of them yet. They're all still sharp and cutting great. I do have a pair of the Doyle flush cuts, and these cheapo's are just as good.

Amazon.com

 

[strength_and_power]

These have been great

Amazon.com

 

[AEAdam]

Sheet metal, if the alloy is chosen properly, and heat treated peoperly, can potentially be just as durable, if not more durable that forged steel.
A lot of the cutters made for cutting the highest tensile steel wire rope for instance, are made from sheet and plate steel that has been machined and ground, rather than forged.
This includes the ultra high end HK Porter cutters, and brands like Felco.

Yes! I feel the same about Snap On snap ring pliers. The forged KNIPEX versions feel like much better quality. In that case, it could be the thickness at the pivot or the handles. It’s a prejudice or a perception, not a statement of fact. In my post I said something like “people complain”. I should added “unwarranted”. I think the Xuron stuff is inexpensive and looks cheap so it puts people off. I like them.

I’d also say, too many people, many here included, review tool “first impressions“. Doc from YouTube and so many others do it. “Well, it seems to fit my hand…”. I like some of those videos, as we all do, but it’s really BS and we should speak up. That’s not a helpful tool review. Get back to us after you‘ve actually used that tool.

Our aircraft electricians use Xuron pliers and cutters. (there‘s an endorsement) That was my first exposure to that brand. Since then, I’ve used them for a range of jobs including what they were designed for like populating circuit boards, delicate electronics, ethernet etc, and automotive and household repair. I like them and recommend them. If you aren’t cutting guitar strings with them, they last a long time.

I’ve had mine so long, I damaged the cutters (Maybe 10yrs of pretty hard use). So that set is now in my kitchen junk drawer used by all to remove the plastic tags and things from whatever we buy, plastic strapping, cutting twist ties (usually pretty soft steel and they do fIne for that). SUGGEST. If you buy them, either don’t show them to your wife, or buy an extra set!

Made with pride in Maine by really great people who give a **** about tools. Support your neighbors!

 

[AEAdam]

We use these on zip ties and smaller gauge wire....they're so cheap I figure if I ruin the edge on a pair, I'll chuck them. $10 for 5 pair.

But....I haven't ruined any of them yet. They're all still sharp and cutting great. I do have a pair of the Doyle flush cuts, and these cheapo's are just as good.

Amazon.com

I think it’s possible those are Xuron clones. They probably patented those in the 70s, the patent has expired, and now they are getting made overseas. Point is, the real deal (Xuron micro shears) are $14. And some of that $14 is providing private medical insurance and keeping our federal taxes lower than they would be otherwise.

This is something I learned living in Europe that they do very well and we are naive about. Vote with your wallet. Spend as locally as possible. It's pretty self serving really. It helps us in ways that aren't obvious to us. I suspect the rest of the world is better at this than we are. It's not magnanimous.

This is what I actually have and use regularly and have had for years. There are MANY other styles to choose from:

Micro Shears

Amazon.com

Maxi Shears - not skippable- these aren't just bigger versions of the micros. Sometimes you need a longer cutting edge- nipping off heat shrink tubing or trimming printed labels etc etc.

Amazon.com

These are like tiny duck bill pliers, which I love for control and twisting in every size. They have a wide variety of pliers, smooth jaw to serrated jaws, all different lengths and tip sizes, bent and straight.

Amazon.com

 

[Steve_P]

Here's mine. The Knipex and the mini NWS were first. I saw the Tsunoda here years ago and bought a set to try since they were so inexpensive- and I don't think I've used the Knipex since. The Knipex are fine, but I like the Tsunoda better- the gripper feature is a nice touch.

As said in another post, the Swanstrom have carbide cutters. They were listed here years ago when they were being sold on Ebay, used but like new, for something like $20 for a $100+ tool- that's the only reason I have them.

 

[cbracer]

After 20 years in the motorsport electronics wiring building industry I have settled on the Tsunoda brand like many of the posts above. I originally found them after trying some Engineer branded ones, then discovered this is the original manufacturer. I have tried just about everything. For the price they are a steal compared to all the expensive ones I've used.

curved:

Amazon.com

straight:

Amazon.com

hard material:

Amazon.com

But for wire stripping, I have never found a Japanese wire stripper, or linesman pliers that lasts. They are all soft and wear quickly. Use stainless like this:

Amazon.com

 

[Skyman]

I think it’s possible those are Xuron clones. They probably patented those in the 70s, the patent has expired, and now they are getting made overseas. Point is, the real deal (Xuron micro shears) are $14. And some of that $14 is providing private medical insurance and keeping our federal taxes lower than they would be otherwise.

This is something I learned living in Europe that they do very well and we are naive about. Vote with your wallet. Spend as locally as possible. It's pretty self serving really. It helps us in ways that aren't obvious to us. I suspect the rest of the world is better at this than we are. It's not magnanimous.

This is what I actually have and use regularly and have had for years. There are MANY other styles to choose from:

Micro Shears

Amazon.com

Maxi Shears - not skippable- these aren't just bigger versions of the micros. Sometimes you need a longer cutting edge- nipping off heat shrink tubing or trimming printed labels etc etc.

Amazon.com

These are like tiny duck bill pliers, which I love for control and twisting in every size. They have a wide variety of pliers, smooth jaw to serrated jaws, all different lengths and tip sizes, bent and straight.

Amazon.com

I have a strong preference for supporting quality domestic manufacturing. But, the photos of the above-mentioned Xuron shears would seem to indicate that they don't provide a completely flush cut. Is this correct?

 

[KnurledNut]

The Snap-on E-710 series might be the greatest flush cutters of all time.
I'm surprised no one mentioned lead catchers. My old Uticas have one and its invaluable when needed.
Lindstrom and Swanstrom soft grips, especially the longer handles, are hard to beat for ergonomics.
90° flush cutters can be super handy and aren’t mentioned much.

 

[AEAdam]

I have a strong preference for supporting quality domestic manufacturing. But, the photos of the above-mentioned Xuron shears would seem to indicate that they don't provide a completely flush cut. Is this correct?

Maybe I’m not sure what you mean. The jaws on the microshears and maxi whatever’s are single beveled and very flush on one side. They are for things like nipping the tails of components on a printed circuit board.

Look. I suspect GJ folks have tons of pliers and screwdrivers. I do. For $15 or so, I’d buy a set and try them. You will find them useful, I can pretty much guarantee it. I have an old set in my junk drawer. My wife uses them all the time. If you hate them, put them in your junk drawer.

Here’s something I’ve noticed that I really hope doesn’t generate rude juvenile comments: My kitchen junk drawer has tools my whole family uses. My wife and daughter(27) always choose the smallest tools. They are not small people, both nearly 6’ tall. Given the choice between a full sized screwdriver and a mini screwdriver, a pair of diagonals to cut flower arranging wire or the Xurons, they always pick the smaller tools. They are tool users, crafty, good with their hands. I feel like men go for the biggest tool, and maybe use it clumsily (linesman’s pliers - such a clumsy tool).

Point is, maybe it’s not so much the quality of these pliers/cutters, but the range in size they provide that I find really helpful.

Come to think of it, I think I like smaller tools too. I gravitate to 1/4” drive when maybe others would pick 3/8”. I am also very tall, so it’s not a hand size thing, tho I feel the Snap On mini hard handle tools are too small for me. Mini instincts are perfect. My wife and daughter use those a lot (I have a 4pc set in my kitchen junk drawer along with a full sized ratcheting screwdriver).

 

[billford]

Bought 5 milwaukee flush cutters from dollarama for $5cdn each, gave a few away.
Work nice for cutting your fingernails too...

 

[nicks78camaro]

https://www.harborfreight.com/5-in-precision-flush-cutter-57794.html

These work fine