Help me decide knipex

[Fluelikesymptoms]

I have a gift card I've been holding onto to decide what to spend it on.

I've came to the conclusion I'd like to get my first pair of mini bolt cutters.

I'm set on knipex, regardless of my feelings on their pliers wrench being overrated.

Unless someone has sufficient reason to recommend something other than knipex, I am set on buying the 10 in xl cobolt mini cutters, or the 8 in comfort grip.

It's one or the other here and I'm having a difficult time deciding.

I like the comfort grip for this because I often find myself needing to make alot more than just one cut in situations where a mini bolt cutter is necessary, but I also like the extra leverage of the 10 in.

Knipex claims the 8 in. has a 20x force multiplier, while the 10 in. has 40x. However the 10 in is not available with the comfort grip, which would completely resolve this issue if it were. That's not the case though so it comes down to, comfort grip vs 40x force multiplier?

Here are the two mini bolt cutters in question

https://www.homedepot.com/p/KNIPEX-...h-64-HRC-Cutting-Edge-71-01-250-SBA/303574714

https://www.homedepot.com/p/KNIPEX-...-Cutter-with-Comfort-Grip-71-12-200/100668985

 

[Fluelikesymptoms]

Another thing I noticed is both say up to 1/8 in diameter, but the further down the descriptions I see the following:

10 in- "For powerful cutting of large cross-sections as well as very hard materials with a diameter up to 0.157 in." (3.988mm)

8 in- Cuts material like bolts, nails, rivets, etc. up to 5.2 mm diameter

Both are 64 HRC rated, so it makes me wonder if the 8 in have a bigger jaw capacity for some reason compared to the 10 in.

 

[Dave455]

I have the 8 inch, with the regular PVC grips.

Had these for about a year. Superb tool. Lives in my road box but I use it so much I’m always borrowing it for the shop.

The regular PVC grips are the ones to go for in most cases. I bought some pliers with the comfort grips a while back and hated them. The idea is good, but they are much harder to keep clean, and on pliers they are clunky to use which made fine work hard.

If you are making a lot of cuts I can see why you might prefer the comfort grips, but these things have so much leverage they are easier on the hand than normal cutters!

The other thing to consider, is that while longer cutters have more leverage, their maximum capacity only applies if you can actually get your hand round them!

 

[Mr_B]

I would take the 7131200 or 7131250 as standard grip better for versatile use and they fairly chunky handles as standard .

 

[JBH]

I think the Cobolts to get are the one with a notch at the base of the cutting blade. They have significantly higher capacity, because you can 2-step thicker wires.

I also prefer the spring-assisted models. The 8" one is 71 32 200.

 

[Itsjustdirt]

I bought a bunch of comfort grips but use the regular grips more. Easier to clean, easier to hold/maneuver. I would think the 10" would be easier on the hand than the shorter comfort grips. A little length goes a long ways for cutters.

 

[Matias]

Just another tool I didn't know I needed! Thanks guys

I have a pair of knipex wire cutters with the comfort grip, and it is hard to keep clean.

 

[measuredtwice]

I'd get the 10" for the additional leverage. I also prefer the normal handles.

Amazon's price is about $12 less than Home Depot
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N74RCAA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Fluelikesymptoms]

Thank you guys for the suggestions seems to be a mix between the 10 and 8 in.

As I agree with alot mentioned above, I also like standard grips and I also prefer chrome handles on my hand tools as well, I have to say that I actually want the mini bolt cutters to have a comfort grip.

As mentioned earlier when I have a need for bolt cutters it is never typically one thing, but a bunch of the same cuts over. I also cant ever remember one time I've needed bolt cutters in confined spaces. With all due respect I'd like to avoid the comfort grip vs regular grip this time around.

The suggested about the 2 step teeth and spring assist is a good suggestion, I think I will be going that route.

Still pondering on the 8 vs 10 in though. Like I said I want comfort grips on this particular plier, but the extra leverage might be worth ditching them.

 

[Mr_B]

yeh I went the 10" 7131250 over soft grip, extra leverage good and they cut with little pressure needed.
the comfort has spring assist if want it, really down to how you going be using it.
mine was more general use and the standard handles keep tool less bulky yet not too skinny and I been more than happy with them, paid 49 bucks via amazon, they one of knipex worthwhile buys .