Help Me Pick some Cutters

[T45]

What is the difference between the various cutters? From what I can tell a fancy $50 cutter works like the next size up $30 cutter. The $30 cutters will do piano-wire etc. that the $15 diagonals are not rated for. The $15 cutters seem lighter, smaller and maybe have better clearances.

What is the best all around cutter?

I'm sure Channelocks/NWS etc have the same basic styles, but knipex website has lots of data on the meausrements etc. So, using knipex as an example, how do you rate the three series?


http://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=group_detail&parentID=1367&groupID=1478

http://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=group_detail&parentID=1367&groupID=1472&artID=2285

http://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=group_detail&parentID=1367&groupID=2035




[Edit: added link to twin-post style cutters, based on feedback below]

http://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=art_detail&parentID=1367&groupID=2028&artID=32477

 

[ChrisF250]

74 01 140, I've had these for about 4 years now in a construction environment. I use them daily to cut finish, siding and even framing nails when a Sawzall is too cumbersome. They have exceeded my expectations many times over and are a favorite tool by everyone on the crew.

 

[jakemac]

Don't look for one cutter to do all jobs. You need one cutter for stranded wire, separate cutters for hard and soft solid wire, another for stranded cable (aircraft cable), etc.

What is the primary purpose for the cutters you're looking for ?

 

[Holt]

For a all around cutter a 8 in high leverage would be perfect. For me i have a pair of knipex 74 22 200. Best cutters i have ever used. Get comfort grip version

 

[wild cowboy]

The new Irwin's with the funny commercial below, that are made in Germany by NWS (same tool as NWS Fantasticos) are really the baddest dykes you can buy right now, at any price.

But tools leapfrog each other, next year Snap-On or Knipex or someone will have an answer for them.


<iframe width="500" height="323" src="http://www.ispot.tv/share/7ClW" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Manny2_0]

Hhmmmph

 

[T45]

Don't look for one cutter to do all jobs. You need one cutter for stranded wire, separate cutters for hard and soft solid wire, another for stranded cable (aircraft cable), etc.

What is the primary purpose for the cutters you're looking for ?

Need these guys to cut stainless steel safety wire, zip ties, staples, galvanized steel, and whatever needs-a-choppin...cleanly...My current ones they sqooooosh, then cut. . I have tools for soft copper and wire cable, they get brought out but only when needed. Lastly, I'd like a smaller-side form factor, below 180 if possible.

 

[wild cowboy]

link to 177's in commercial above - made in Germany - below 180!

www.amazon.com/Tools-VISE-GRIP-Max-Leverage-PowerSlot-1902412/dp/B00N3VSP1Y

 

[T45]

Cowboy, thanks for the link. Looks like they may even have a smaller version!!

http://toolguyd.com/irwin-nws-pliers/

Any downsides for general purpose use I wonder?

Editops 177 is smallest fantastico, the 160 is a just a regular ("high leverage")

 

[Scimmia]

Mainly that their jaws don't open as far as regular cutters.

 

[wild cowboy]

 

[Adam.C]

What is the difference between the various cutters? From what I can tell a fancy $50 cutter works like the next size up $30 cutter. The $30 cutters will do piano-wire etc. that the $15 diagonals are not rated for. The $15 cutters seem lighter, smaller and maybe have better clearances.

What is the best all around cutter?

I'm sure Channelocks/NWS etc have the same basic styles, but knipex website has lots of data on the meausrements etc. So, using knipex as an example, how do you rate the three series?


http://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=group_detail&parentID=1367&groupID=1478

Based solely on Knipex's own literature, the high leverage models above are the most capable. I own this set with the comfort grip handles and the Snap On version 47cf. The Snap On model is more comfortable, believe it or not, with its wide flat handles. They also appear better made than knipex. If I could only keep one pair it would be Snap On. I think they are better pliers and when I grr up the jaws, I can warranty them for a brand new pair.

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

I love my snap on cutters. I also have channellock, matco, knipex and klein. knipex are nice but aren't the best for comfort

 

[Kracin]

link to 177's in commercial above - made in Germany - below 180!

www.amazon.com/Tools-VISE-GRIP-Max-Leverage-PowerSlot-1902412/dp/B00N3VSP1Y

those look nice.

so do the wiha bicut pliers. but i don't see them for sale anywhere



personally for the really tough stuff i have knipex mini bolt cutters, they'll cut .035 mig weld tips in half with ease, those tips are thick as hell, bout 1/4" of copper.

and they have no issue with 1/8" hanging rod for our paint line (powder coat paint line) that are super hard.

everything else is just a standard high leverage sidecutter from channellock, i'd like to have a set of those nws though

 

[Steve_P]

NWS fantasticos are the best; they cut easier than my ~10" knipex

 

[T45]

personally for the really tough stuff i have knipex mini bolt cutters

I'm not averse to having a smaller, simpler model for everyday use, and then investing in a co-bolt for situations that warrant it.

 

[FMC1959]

link to 177's in commercial above - made in Germany - below 180!

www.amazon.com/Tools-VISE-GRIP-Max-Leverage-PowerSlot-1902412/dp/B00N3VSP1Y

If you like the Blue Irwin, the above Amazon link. If you prefer the NWS originals in red....
http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=71973&cat=1,43456,43400,71969

or

http://www.german-hand-tools.com/nws-wire-cutter.html

The latter is a GJ member who has good prices and a good reputation

 

[Monte]

 

[T45]

@ monte's picture says 1000 words

 

[T45]

edit: actually, if you zoom in, it shows that the Twin force is the 180, and all the others are 160 so its not really a fair picture ~~!!!

 

[T45]

That picture is great though at showing the performance of the other cutters. There is a big step up using the high-leverage vs the diagonals. And the x-cut is nice improvement, too but not the game changer like the bigger twin forces.

I'd like to see that tested against the 10 inch high leverage and the co-bolt tho

 

[90zcar]

I love my snap on dykes. I'll take a pic later. I had a pair of knipex ones and I just didn't like them. I have no reason why either. I traded them to my snap on dealer. It's a shame too because I love knipex for everythjng else.


Sent from my iPhone 5s using Tapatalk

 

[drew03cmc]

I have had Snap On, Channellock and Knipex. The pair I use is Knipex. The SO cutters were, IMO, weak and didn't offer the same performance as my 8" High Leverage Knipex.

 

[T45]

Anyone have opinions on Bahco pliers/cutters? I know they share some stock with snap on and lindstrom. Are their regular cutters like 2101G in a 160 any good?