To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Flush Cut End Nippers

JWC86

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 4, 2021
Messages
270
I use flush cutters a lot for zip ties, I have a bunch but my current favourite is a pair of Knipex.

However I think a set of flush cutters with a end cutter configuration would be very nice to have and even more practical in most circumstances.

Do these exist and if so what are your experiences?
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

RMERR

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 22, 2017
Messages
429
Location
Northern CA
If you mean a cutter at 90 degrees to the handle as opposed to diagonal there's tons out there. Knipex makes a few and I'm sure there's also cheaper options. I don't have one, as my 6" Knipex diagonal cutters seem to cover my needs there, so I can't speak to usage.

 

mike93lx

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Dec 9, 2013
Messages
37,453
Location
Richmond, VA
If you mean a cutter at 90 degrees to the handle as opposed to diagonal there's tons out there. Knipex makes a few and I'm sure there's also cheaper options. I don't have one, as my 6" Knipex diagonal cutters seem to cover my needs there, so I can't speak to usage.

Its hard to tell, but those don't look like they cut flush. Or am I seeing it wrong?
 

timgunn1962

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 31, 2018
Messages
159
Location
Lancashire, England
I have used flush cutting end nippers in the past mainly for cutting small ties (2.5mm wide, 0.1") in tight places: mostly on-site control panel wiring mods. They might be good on 3mm, 1/8" ties too.
Once you get to wider ties, they need to be used twice: the first cut at an angle to get the tail of the tie out of the way, so the second cut can be made square without the joint of the cutter getting in the way. I found it was a lot of faffing about and I stopped using the end cutters when I got a pair of 6" Tsunoda KBN150s. These are angled flush-cutters with the cutting edges at "about" 45 degrees and long enough to cope with any tie I've tried them on. The specs say 0.3" max width, but I'm sure they've had no problem with 10mm.
They just work.
There are a couple of smaller sizes too: 4" KBN100 and 5" KBN125,
 
OP
J

JWC86

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 4, 2021
Messages
270
I have used flush cutting end nippers in the past mainly for cutting small ties (2.5mm wide, 0.1") in tight places: mostly on-site control panel wiring mods. They might be good on 3mm, 1/8" ties too.
Once you get to wider ties, they need to be used twice: the first cut at an angle to get the tail of the tie out of the way, so the second cut can be made square without the joint of the cutter getting in the way. I found it was a lot of faffing about and I stopped using the end cutters when I got a pair of 6" Tsunoda KBN150s. These are angled flush-cutters with the cutting edges at "about" 45 degrees and long enough to cope with any tie I've tried them on. The specs say 0.3" max width, but I'm sure they've had no problem with 10mm.
They just work.
There are a couple of smaller sizes too: 4" KBN100 and 5" KBN125,
Thanks, any suggestions on any particular end nippers?

I have a pair of KBN150s as well.
 

darkzero

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 20, 2011
Messages
3,320
Location
SoCal
I usually use these for cutting zip ties. They have a small jaw section that allows you to pull a zip tie tighter before cutting. I have 3 of them in the 125mm size. They also come in 150mm & 100mm but I prefer the 125mm size. The 100mm is spring loaded, I wish the 125mm was available with the spring.
20200730_130600.jpg20200801_105052.jpg

I'm too cheap to buy expensive flush cuts like Lindstrom. Even though I have a bunch of Knipex, I won't even buy the Knipex flush cuts cause I feel like they are over priced. Perhaps you get what you pay for but I will never know.

I've been using the Hakko CHP-170 (made in Italy) for probably over 20 yrs for electronics related. I first bought them from Fry's. Next time I bought a 5 pack on Amazon for $25. Last year I wanted to buy another 5 pack but of course they were no longer under $5 ea anymore. I did find them on Home Depot marketplace for $5.50 ea & free shipping, they were shipped directly from Hakko USA. As you can imagine I have a set handy eveywhere.

My current job, we have a strict rule about using flush cuts for zip ties. I took my most used one to work when I got hired & have been using them daily ever since. I prefer these for zip ties at work cause they're spring loaded & because they don't cost much. They also fit in tighter areas, my work supplies cheap generic brand 6" flush cuts. If the Tsunodas had a spring for the size I prefer I would use those at work.
819JPEJ300L._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_DpWeblab_.jpg
 

00 Scrub

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 13, 2024
Messages
60
Might make sense to get a zip tie gun in these cases. Set the tension and cut all in one tool.

Otherwise maybe something like these tsunodas may work.

 

darkzero

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 20, 2011
Messages
3,320
Location
SoCal
I guess I should have actually thoroughly read the thread before posting, haha. While I think I have seen flush cut end nippers, I personally wouldn't want to use an end nipper flush cutter for cutting zip ties, not for primary use anyway, maybe for certain situations, but I definitely can live without.

I do lots of wiring & cut many zip ties daily at work. 5" flush cuts are the perfect size for me. With an end nipper, you'd have to worry about zip tie tail clearing the pivot, handle, & your hands, might not get a complete cut if not careful. But then again, maybe someone makes them with an extra wide cutter to help prevent this?

Speaking of end cutters, I bought a Knipex a while back, wasn't that expensive. They weren't flush cut blades. They were the worst quality Knipex I have ever got. Ordered a second pair & the same thing, I sent them right back.
 

timgunn1962

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 31, 2018
Messages
159
Location
Lancashire, England
I'm not sure what mine were/are and they'll be buried in a toolbox somewhere, probably at work. They certainly weren't anything special; just a set of carpenters-type end cutters bought from a real tool shop where I could look at what was available and chose the ones with the flushest cut.

The Knipex 72 21 160 look like they would probably get the job done: edges at 85 degrees and offset from the pivot mechanism.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Bannik254

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 14, 2020
Messages
55
Location
Cedar Rapids, IA
Imagine using a $65 pair of pliers for a flush cut when these exist for $3 and do the same job and take up less space.
Some folks take pride in wasting their money, I'll take the cheaper simpler option if it does the same job just as well. Great for under-dash work! 😏
 

jabberwoki

Well-known member
Joined
May 1, 2009
Messages
6,462
Location
puyallup wa usa
I use flush cutters a lot for zip ties, I have a bunch but my current favourite is a pair of Knipex.

However I think a set of flush cutters with a end cutter configuration would be very nice to have and even more practical in most circumstances.

Do these exist and if so what are your experiences?
I ve been thinking about a pair of these, do you have the model # of the pair you like?
 

KnurledNut

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 28, 2011
Messages
8,108
Location
n/a
@JWC86
I have a pair and they are the only ones I have ever seen like them.
I have several different flush cutters and these have come in handy for areas where my others wouldnt work.
I would buy another, but I havent been able to figure out who made them.
They are 90° and full flush. The offset jaw was a good design and functions well.
I love these little pliers.
Those 85° Knipex above look nice!

53682143222_01183c62f3_b.jpg

53683461810_c7127c6bee_b.jpg

The Knipex 72 21 160 being referenced:
Z_oIx0hcpIx_.jpg
Knipex-72-21-160-98-180x180.jpg
 
Last edited:

mike93lx

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Dec 9, 2013
Messages
37,453
Location
Richmond, VA
Imagine using a $65 pair of pliers for a flush cut when these exist for $3 and do the same job and take up less space.
Some folks take pride in wasting their money, I'll take the cheaper simpler option if it does the same job just as well. Great for under-dash work! 😏
At least buy MiUSA

 

darkzero

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 20, 2011
Messages
3,320
Location
SoCal
At least buy MiUSA

Damn they are expensive (now)! Funny, I have that same No-Mess brand clipper that "catches" the clippings except the end of the handle isn't bent like that. But I for sure didn't pay that price, I'm too cheap to pay that much for a toenail clipper. I haven't used it in years, I wonder where it is, lol.
 

mike93lx

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Dec 9, 2013
Messages
37,453
Location
Richmond, VA
Damn they are expensive (now)! Funny, I have that same No-Mess brand clipper that "catches" the clippings except the end of the handle isn't bent like that. But I for sure didn't pay that price, I'm too cheap to pay that much for a toenail clipper. I haven't used it in years, I wonder where it is, lol.
I have a pair of seki's that have a catcher (japan) and some biano brothers toenail clippers (us). Both were relatively expensive but are excellent quality
 

FigN⋅m

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 28, 2024
Messages
517
I'll take the cheaper simpler option if it does the same job just as well. Great for under-dash work! 😏
Don't think I haven't considered hot gluing a set of fishing line nippers into a cheap pair of needle nose...!
 

KnurledNut

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 28, 2011
Messages
8,108
Location
n/a
Recently picked these flush-cuts up secondhand.
The length is similar to Knipex and they have a 85° angle.
Anyone recognize the branding?
@Monte

53973462620_9de8cf9413_c.jpg
53973349079_8fedff0d47_c.jpg
 

flippin

Well-known member
Joined
May 24, 2010
Messages
740
Location
Montreal - Ottawa
As others have mentioned Knipex has an end cutting plier which may be what your looking for. I have a couple pairs and they work very well when access is limited and only a vertical approach will work. With jaws extending beyond the hinge, the length of the tag end isn't an issue.

They are spring loaded which is appreciated for their intended use but can cause storage issues. I first used a rubber band then migrated to a zip tie like many others have. One small tip which made me smile was turning the zip tie inside out and sliding the locking mechanism between the handles. Nice and smooth without the "bump" anymore.
 

Attachments

  • 20240905_103714.jpg
    20240905_103714.jpg
    406.6 KB · Views: 18
  • 20240905_103616.jpg
    20240905_103616.jpg
    476.6 KB · Views: 14
  • 20240905_103502.jpg
    20240905_103502.jpg
    594.5 KB · Views: 18
  • 20240905_103519.jpg
    20240905_103519.jpg
    543.1 KB · Views: 18

certified789

New member
Joined
Dec 12, 2024
Messages
3
I'm not sure what mine were/are and they'll be buried in a toolbox somewhere, probably at work. They certainly weren't anything special; just a set of carpenters-type end cutters bought from a real tool shop where I could look at what was available and chose the ones with the flushest cut.

The Knipex 72 21 160 look like they would probably get the job done: edges at 85 degrees and offset from the pivot mechanism.
I signed up for this forum just to reply saying thank you as I’ve been scouring the Internet trying to find flush end cuts. You sir just made my day, those knipex are exactly what I am looking for
 

certified789

New member
Joined
Dec 12, 2024
Messages
3
Imagine using a $65 pair of pliers for a flush cut when these exist for $3 and do the same job and take up less space.
Some folks take pride in wasting their money, I'll take the cheaper simpler option if it does the same job just as well. Great for under-dash work! 😏
Imagine being so cheap you won’t buy a tool that does the job better, cleaner, easier and quicker and the quality of your work looking subpar.

Also id like to see you cut through a ½ wide, .15” thick 250 lb rated zip tie with your toe nail cutters. Good luck
 

certified789

New member
Joined
Dec 12, 2024
Messages
3
Now hurry and delete your account before you face financial ruin purchasing more Knipex pliers!
Funny you say that, so I saw they sell the same flush cuts in a 45 degree angle too, I ended up ordering both 85 and 45s hahaha..

And Oh it’s wayyyyy too late for that. I’m already on board all the big tool company trains. Snappy, knipex, Klein, IR, etc. it’s too late for me brother, but hopefully you end up saving some kid one day ha
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom