Flush cutters

[T45]

How many of ya'll use them regularly and what styles do you prefer?

Do you use them only for what they were intended (eg electronics) or do you also use them on plastic (eg zip ties) or do you have special pliers for each? I see knipex and snap on amongst others make 'plastik' cutters (eg knipex 72 01 160) and snap-on EPC160 (aka, Bahco 2101PG-160)

 

[lugnut71]

I have the knipex, thought they were silly at first, but they are the best for zip ties. End of discussion

 

[IronMyno]

Cutting zip ties

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[KM223]

I use the Erem 576TX super flush cut almost everyday. Carbide jaws and relieved head.

 

[Roberts210]

I've always called 'em nippers and i use them for anything that needs to be snipped.

 

[Wamsutta]

I wish the people at Home Depot would learn how to use them. They always leave a sharp end sticking out on the zip ties going around the display tools right at the spot where your hand holds it.

 

[gdocktor3]

Spending x amount of dollars for Snap On or Knipex pliers just to cut plastic zip ties is absurd. Diagonal cutters or "dykes" are/were designed for cutting wire. For that purpose, I could understand forking over some money, but not with the intentions of cutting zip ties. I have Channelock, Craftsman USA and Milwaukee dykes and they all work well.

 

[IronMyno]

Toenail clippers work well to.

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[txvwnut]

Spending x amount of dollars for Snap On or Knipex pliers just to cut plastic zip ties is absurd. Diagonal cutters or "dykes" are/were designed for cutting wire. For that purpose, I could understand forking over some money, but not with the intentions of cutting zip ties. I have Channelock, Craftsman USA and Milwaukee dykes and they all work well.

Reach up into a tight spot and find that zip tie that some m'fer didn't use flush cutters on and you'll realize why some of us use them.
I've got two pair of SO flush cutters.

 

[Vvmvbb]

Xcelite 170M are hard to beat.

 

[Brownsfan]

Reach up into a tight spot and find that zip tie that some m'fer didn't use flush cutters on and you'll realize why some of us use them.
I've got two pair of SO flush cutters.

Yes sir. I have had it happen so many times. I think my hands are scared because of it. So when I'm installing a GPS TRACKING system or remote start under the dash I ALWAYS use flush cutters. Not just for me if I have to service it but for the mechanic or anyone else that may be in there. They can be really sharp.

 

[Brownsfan]

Xcelite 170M are hard to beat.

These are what I use but under the Crescent name. Unfortunately the Crescent are now China made. More than likely the Xcelite are too. I am going back to HD tomorrow to pick up a set as a back up. They have a few USA made ones left. Hell, I will Buy a few if they got them. Because these are probably one of my most used and lost tools I use.

 

[70staged]

I have Mac, and a few other brands. But I always reach for my Bahco at work. I find them the best

 

[motofool33]

I use the Erem 576TX super flush cut almost everyday. Carbide jaws and relieved head.

Sweet Jesus those are the most expensive 4.5" cutters ive ever seen

 

[KM223]

Sweet Jesus those are the most expensive 4.5" cutters ive ever seen

That they are but they cut like a mother!

 

[davethorik]

Xcelite 170M are hard to beat.

I bought the 2 pack those come in, mine are not made correctly, the cut edges don't line up and they catch on each other fully closed. The mini pliers I have no complaint with.

I took a gamble and bought a set of used Erems off ebay. They were from a manufacturer of medical equipment and were only used to cut small rubber and silicone tubing. They don't look very worn and cut like champs. No way in hell would I have bought them for list, I think i bought them for $15.

 

[four.cycle]

^ thought I'd gotten these from Bowers Tool but it looks like they came from a different Ebay seller or direct from the factory.

http://proamericatools.com/

 

[redwrench60]

I use a pair of Knipex flush cutters for all zip ties I install also. They will cut a zip tie perfectly without leaving the killer sharp tag end. I have laid myself open on them many times.

 

[popparoach]

i dont think they are for electronics,they say for plastic on them.xurons for the micro style.still made in USA.

knipex for the bigger pair.

 

[WWheeler]

I have a set of knipex 'electronic super-knips' flush cutters that I only use for cutting high density weave cable sleeving for custom cabling jobs in PC builds.

I went through a lot of other tools - trauma shears & surgical scissors and other brands of flush cutters incl Hakko, Xcelite, Klein, etc, before I found the Knipex to be the only thing that could make more than a few cuts before they would not cut a clean unfrayed end any more. >5 yrs and a hundred cable sleeving jobs later and they still cut just like they did when new.

 

[Olafur]

Perhaps off topic, but I rarely see these guys mentioned here. This is by far my most used cutters, after I got them my diagonal/flush cutters mostly sit in the drawer.

Obviously they don't work for electronic work in tight areas.
However they cut cables, soft wires, rubber/silicone hoses , Nylon air-lines etc.. beautifully and without effort.

For bigger cable ties (under a truck, in construction machinery) they are fantastic, cut them like butter. Yes they leave about 2mm of the end of the tie sticking out so for very "clean" installs and small ties - flush cutters are better.
They double as cable and wire strippers. Even if I have to strip dozen wires I don't bother using dedicated wire strippers. Hence the #1 fav. electrician pliers over here.

Available under many different names, Boost (France) and Knipex are the best I have. (the "made in Japan" Shell pliers pictured above are in all likelihood Chinese fake)


Once you get the feel of them you cut and strip something like this in few seconds.


Downside is:
You have to guard them from wifes and coworkers who love to grab them to cut springs or something hard that destroys them. They also have a nasty habit of "walking away" never to be seen again.

Get one!! (or two)

 

[southalabama]

Dad worked at AT&T. I think he used cutters for everything. Now I see him using a good pair to cut rope, zip ties or junk and I'm like .....no. They were free and plentiful back when he was working. Now a good pair costs some money so I try to get him to save for their intended purpose.

 

[M35A2]

I have been using the Fastcap brand of flush cutters for years in my cabinet shop and now have several at home, they are reasonably priced and hold up great. They now have several styles to choose from.

https://www.fastcap.com/estore/pc/Pliers-Flush-Cut-26p287.htm

 

[skruft]

I have a small pair labeled Crescent, with light blue rubber grips, that work properly for light duty. They look like the small ones in the photos above.

Also I have in my old tool collection a gigantic, decorative iron HK Porter pair that look like a medium size bolt cutter except that the head is flush cutting, with the jaw opening forward. I suspect it was made for cutting nails.

 

[Brian_WK]

I went through 3 flush cutters at home they all go abused by other people and destroyed. I then came across these in my wifes drawer:

I just leave them there and get them when I need them and they have stayed perfect.

Brian

 

[Brownsfan]

Perhaps off topic, but I rarely see these guys mentioned here. This is by far my most used cutters, after I got them my diagonal/flush cutters mostly sit in the drawer.

Obviously they don't work for electronic work in tight areas.
However they cut cables, soft wires, rubber/silicone hoses , Nylon air-lines etc.. beautifully and without effort.

For bigger cable ties (under a truck, in construction machinery) they are fantastic, cut them like butter. Yes they leave about 2mm of the end of the tie sticking out so for very "clean" installs and small ties - flush cutters are better.
They double as cable and wire strippers. Even if I have to strip dozen wires I don't bother using dedicated wire strippers. Hence the #1 fav. electrician pliers over here.

Available under many different names, Boost (France) and Knipex are the best I have. (the "made in Japan" Shell pliers pictured above are in all likelihood Chinese fake)


Once you get the feel of them you cut and strip something like this in few seconds.


Downside is:
You have to guard them from wifes and coworkers who love to grab them to cut springs or something hard that destroys them. They also have a nasty habit of "walking away" never to be seen again.

Get one!! (or two)

Klein makes a similar set. Not sure if they are meant for the same purpose as the ones you pictured. But they work very well at co-ax cutting. I can see them working well on similar wire
http://www.kleintools.com/catalog/cable-tools/coaxial-cable-cutter-ccs

 

[Rt jam]

I use Channel Lock flush cuts but I find these U Line cable tie cutters quick and easy. Between the tensioning and cutting at same time I'm pretty confident the cut is actually beyond flush.

 

[chrisnazzy]

I finally bought some SO flush cutters (E710BCG) last year and I'll never cut a wire tie again with regular diagonal cutters. The 86BCP's on the left I used for the 15 years prior.

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[latest project]

I've got 2 pairs on the Snap-on flush cuts but just picked up a couple pairs of Klein D275-5 that I'm pretty pleased with especially since they're only $12 compared to the $62 for the Snap-on ones

 

[JMLangford]

Take your pick.......I use them for anything that needs nippin'

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[Infinia]

knipex plastic cutters
OK splain why do we need these.... anyone?
None pictured in the OP would be my go-to for cutting wire ties. IMO needs a more sharper angled point.
I have more than dozen ..all various sizes and 'pointiness' my favorites are some 5" Klein's./ BTW most stuff in electronics is sized smaller ~4 1/2.
Image below is from my electronics kit. I have larger cutting tools in the garage roll-away.
The Klein's' are sporting a pink handle, those are my go-to cable and GP plastic wire-tie cutters. I avoid the foam handles in most cases, I don't trust them around hot irons and chemical solvents, stains. IMO 5" is great all around size, not too big not too small, not sure if these blues are the same as my pinkys. https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/...pliers/5-electronics-diagonal-cutting-pliers- Klein D244-5C

 

[JMLangford]

Infinia, I see you have a pair of Lindstrom nippers (yellow handles, bottom row) made in Sweden.
They are sweet little flush cutters......I keep mine in a small toolbox that I use for changing strings and light maintenance on my stringed instruments.......



.

 

[Infinia]

Infinia, I see you have a pair of Lindstrom nippers (yellow handles, bottom row) made in Sweden.
They are sweet little flush cutters......I keep mine in a small toolbox that I use for changing strings and light maintenance on my stringed instruments.......



.

good eye
yes those are the 2nd most pricey, not sure why I don't use mine that much.

 

[cm cm]

Home depot carries the crescant branded ones... theyre junk, and will break with use.
When they do break, they become an actual eye injury hazard. I would leave a 2" tail cut with regular pliers before i used the crescants.

Ive found multiple small brands that are quite good at local electronics suppliers.

 

[Jacobson]

I only ever use the micro flush cutters.
Have never used my diagonal cutters yet.

 

[pstemari]

Those Erems are for electronics work such as trimming leads when soldering up a printed circuit board. They're so expensive because they're carbide and ground so they won't leave a sharp point behind.

The downside is that they can chip easily.

Definitely overkill for anything outside aerospace or medical devices. They might also good for fiber optic communications cables, never worked with stuff myself.

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