Knipex CoBolt vs Center Cutters

[rick carpenter]

It's me again with another cutting tool question... but hey, I do demo work and every incremental advantage pays off. I bought the 10" hi lev dykes already, intending on getting the CoBolts later. Now it's that time. Looking at the 8" CoBolts and comparing them to the 10" hi lev center cutters (74 91 250) shows their cutting capabilities are practically the same, so why would I want one over the other? Do the CoBolts have more robust cutting edges? Ease of fitting securely in a tool pouch is a big consideration.

I'm likely to end up with one of these at the end of next month.

 

[Steve_P]

I have the knipex 10" cutters and the 8"? NWS Fantastico cutters require less force. Check them out, I love them

 

[Monte]

how about the new 10" KNIPEX CoBolt XL ?

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MTPjIdJ0t18" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[kctyphoon]

I have the 8"? Mini bolt cutters and they are pretty great. I have the 10" diagonals, and the 8", and the fantastico's. (Among others) Other people might feel differently, but unless you have a need to cut something very thin that's very hard, I'd pass on the fantastico cutters.. The narrow jaw opening is very limiting. I've cut small chain with the mini Knipex bolt cutters without issue.
Everything I own from Knipex has been its money's worth.

That said, if you ALSO want something cheap that can do some heavier stuff then the cobalts, the small 12" bolt cutters from HF are actually pretty good. I've used them at work to cut smaller strand that's used to hang phone cables and guy poles.. They are only $9 before any discounts.. HF also has a new 24" pair of bolt cutters that have a cable cutter incorporated below the joint of the bolt cutter head for $29. I'd imagine some choice in tools can come in very handy doing demo for a living, and for the price, if they get lost or broken - who cares.

12" HF bolt cutters - http://t.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/bolt-cutters/12-in-bolt-cutters-60677.html

24" HF combo bolt and cable cutters - http://t.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/bolt-cutters/24-inch-bolt-cable-wire-multicutter-96252.html

I don't have the 24", but the 12" set is a great deal for what it does IMO.

 

[Dingleburry]

I love my wiha bi-cut pliers by far. They are my go to for cutting tough stuff. And my abusing pliers. (Putting handles into my vise to cut stuff i cant with just my hands etc ) I take better care of my cobolts and knipex side cutters though! The bi cuts have held up well. They take not "alot" but a very noticable amount of LESS force then my 8 inch knipex cobolt.
My only complaint is: the button is kind of loose so when you grab them out of the tool box its half way between the two cutting modes. And basically lock closed. Have to push one way or the other. And sometimes have to move the handles to switch the button.
I really do love these things. Alot more then any knipex cutters.
Consider those maybe?
Id post a few pics of mine but they are at work. Im at home sippin a beer.
Happy cutting!

Short vid
Mine could cut paper like the vid when new. But not now.
I dont remember where they were made though. Im pretty sure not germany. Vietnam maybe?

 

[rick carpenter]

Thanks y'all. I'd seen the Bi-Cuts but had forgotten about them, and I saw the 10" CoBolt XLs and drooled over them. All online of course. But for the purpose of this question, I want to 'top out' with either the 8" CoBolts or the 10" Center Cuts. Accessibility is key when my arm is shoulder-deep into tornado rubble or snaked behind a cabinet/appliance that someone's gorilla brother-in-law over-secured. The 8CBs look small enough to get where I'd want, and based on my 10" dykes I can probably count on stabbing the 10CCs into where I want too. Another thing, when I'm all jammed up into a tight space or 50' into a 2' crawlspace and and it's just easier to finish with what you got than to pull out and try another approach, anything in my hand needs to be a hammer too (that's why I love my linesmans!). I don't think I'd be comfortable hammering with the Wihas.

The 8CBs might have more robust cutting edges but the 10CCs might make better hammers.