Mini Precision cutters/pliers

[Monte]

I've seen these on edsyn's site, but haven't any clue as to how well they work.

Any experience with these?

Any insight from anyone would be appreciated. Thanks.

sorry no clue, i only wanted to post the link

another option might be:
http://www.ottofrei.com/store/home.php?cat=1145

The "Ergonomic" pliers (and others ?) might be from Schmitz.

These companies also offer german made micro pliers:

http://www.grobetusa.com/pliers_cutters/index.html

http://www.ishor.com/pliers.php


ps: some more infos here:
http://precisiontools.wordpress.com/category/tool-review/

 

[PrecisionTools]

That's sad to hear... right now my favorite pliers are the Lindstrom RX, but I have the ones with a lap joint and screw. They are made in Sweden I think?

Have they outsourced all pliers or just the box joint models?

I don't think they have out sourced box joint manufacturing. I know the 80 series (lap joint) is defiantly made in Spain now.

It appears that the Supreme Series of "pliers" (http://www.lindstromtools.com/tools_pliers.htm) are still box joint, while a lot of the "cutters" (http://www.lindstromtools.com/tools_cutters.htm) are lap joint. My guess is that the box joint models would still be manufactured in Sweden because the parent company (http://www.snaeurope.com/) still lists their manufacturing plants there.

The problem with the Supreme Series is that it has the old, hard, cruddy handles that they have been using for 30 years.

I think Snap-on might have ownership or and interest in SNA.

 

[PrecisionTools]

Just on a side note, my experience in electronics is; be wary of manufacturers who make pliers for the jewellers or crafter sectors. Even though they may be really well made, they tend to be about protecting the work piece. If their range doesn't have serrations on the snipe nose, then I would choose something else.

A pair of $5.00, Chinese forceps will be more use to you in electronics than an $80 set of box joint marvels from Germany. You have to be able to grip components for them to be useful.

 

[ricleh]

CK, Erem, Swedish made Lindstrom - best quality

Excelta from Italy, old Craftsman and Snapon made in France - excellent quality

 

[PrecisionTools]

Nice stuff there ricleh...

CK, Schmitz, Knipex, NWS, Tronex, Hozan

Most of my stuff, there are others out on "assignment"

 

[Nader]

I bought this nipper from the Boeing surplus outlet some years ago for just a few bucks. Only about 1 out of 10 in the bin weren't beat to hell (and they had multiple bins of these Swedish cutters). Probably used to wire up 737s and such. Being naive to tools, I didn't realize how good these are until now.

 

[nanofrog]

Yep, that was my vid.

Good video review. Thanks.

So far the holy grail for me has been Schmitz http://www.schmitz-zangen.de/ haven't done a write up on them yet, but its on the way.

I'll keep an eye out then.

Unfortunately, I haven't located a source here in the US (I did search, but if someone knows of one, it would be appreciated).

Lindstrom have been taken over buy a multinational and have given away manufacturing their pliers with a box joint...a deal breaker for me.

Looking around, it seems quite a few of the well known, top-tier electronics cutter/plier manufacturers have switched to lap joints held together with screws and press-in nuts (Erem, Swanstrom, Larsen, Knipex on some models, Tronex for example).

I'm not certain, but it seems since they've gone for harder metal, they have come up with a less expensive joint (trying to get performance up to a box joint, but cost levels closer to a traditional lap joint). Maybe I'm just crazy though.

Be aware that my NWS review was with their micro line model, they make larger ones that I haven't had the chance to try out yet.

I am aware, but thanks for the warning.

I'll dig a bit deeper into NWS's other lines, but I'm a tad nervous to order expensive pliers/cutters and end up disappointed (not to mention return shipping and restocking fees). Though I suspect it wouldn't be nearly as bad as it would be in Australia.

...Lindstrom RX.... They are made in Sweden I think?

According to All-Spec, the RX models they're selling are made in Spain (they have a COO in the technical details tab, similar to Grainger).

I'm hoping someone could elaborate on how much the newer Lindstrom models are vs. the previous Swedish made units. Based on the joint type maybe, or is there more to it?

Just on a side note, my experience in electronics is; be wary of manufacturers who make pliers for the jewelers or crafter sectors. Even though they may be really well made, they tend to be about protecting the work piece. If their range doesn't have serrations on the snipe nose, then I would choose something else.

A pair of $5.00, Chinese forceps will be more use to you in electronics than an $80 set of box joint marvels from Germany. You have to be able to grip components for them to be useful.

Both have their uses in electronics (smooth are good for lead bending when there's compliance involved), but at least one pair of serrated are needed, and likely used more often (depends on the user, but I grab serrated more than anything else).

And the Hemostats are brilliant for electronics work IMHO.

 

[Plasmatic]

Just on a side note, my experience in electronics is; be wary of manufacturers who make pliers for the jewellers or crafter sectors. Even though they may be really well made, they tend to be about protecting the work piece. If their range doesn't have serrations on the snipe nose, then I would choose something else.

A pair of $5.00, Chinese forceps will be more use to you in electronics than an $80 set of box joint marvels from Germany. You have to be able to grip components for them to be useful.

I prefer to keep both serrated and smooth on hand. I was always taught that when working with very thin wire the serrations will nick the wire and lead to increased risk of breakage. So I try to stick to smooth jaws for anything smaller than 24 AWG or so. Never done any formal testing on that, though.

I have a few pairs of the NWS "Classic Line" with 115mm OAL on order. I'll let the board know how they look once they get here!

 

[PrecisionTools]

I bought this nipper from the Boeing surplus outlet some years ago for just a few bucks. Only about 1 out of 10 in the bin weren't beat to hell (and they had multiple bins of these Swedish cutters). Probably used to wire up 737s and such. Being naive to tools, I didn't realize how good these are until now.

They are a good plier, clean 'em up, get them sharpened if they need it and pass them on to your kids when the time comes!

Good video review. Thanks.

No it wasnt, it was rubbish! I prefer the written blog, I'm not cut out to be a video blogger.

I'll keep an eye out then.

Unfortunately, I haven't located a source here in the US (I did search, but if someone knows of one, it would be appreciated).

I had to contact Schmitz direct. They were great to deal with but I had to international wire transfer which was painful. I need a German contact to buy them local, and let them make a cut with Paypal. Monte or Jens?

Looking around, it seems quite a few of the well known, top-tier electronics cutter/plier manufacturers have switched to lap joints held together with screws and press-in nuts (Erem, Swanstrom, Larsen, Knipex on some models, Tronex for example).

Its cheaper to make and the customer wont come back in 20 years to buy a new pair like me! The Tronix I have in particular, have been a let down, there is too much friction between the joints and they don't return correctly.

I'm not certain, but it seems since they've gone for harder metal, they have come up with a less expensive joint (trying to get performance up to a box joint, but cost levels closer to a traditional lap joint). Maybe I'm just crazy though.

My take on the Lindstrom situation is that box joint is made in Sweden while the lap joint pliers are made in countries where its cheaper to make them. My guess is that the clock is ticking on the box joint construction in Sweden. If they were going to keep them they would of upgraded the handle system.

I am aware, but thanks for the warning.

I'll dig a bit deeper into NWS's other lines, but I'm a tad nervous to order expensive pliers/cutters and end up disappointed (not to mention return shipping and restocking fees). Though I suspect it wouldn't be nearly as bad as it would be in Australia.


According to All-Spec, the RX models they're selling are made in Spain (they have a COO in the technical details tab, similar to Grainger).

I'm hoping someone could elaborate on how much the newer Lindstrom models are vs. the previous Swedish made units. Based on the joint type maybe, or is there more to it?


Both have their uses in electronics (smooth are good for lead bending when there's compliance involved), but at least one pair of serrated are needed, and likely used more often (depends on the user, but I grab serrated more than anything else).

For bending components for PCB assembly, I use one of these - http://au.element14.com/duratool/tp...ing-tool-tp9/dp/2022739?in_merch=New Products

And the Hemostats are brilliant for electronics work IMHO.

I prefer to keep both serrated and smooth on hand. I was always taught that when working with very thin wire the serrations will nick the wire and lead to increased risk of breakage. So I try to stick to smooth jaws for anything smaller than 24 AWG or so. Never done any formal testing on that, though.

See above for bending.

I have a few pairs of the NWS "Classic Line" with 115mm OAL on order. I'll let the board know how they look once they get here!

Cheers, that would be great!

 

[Plasmatic]

I like the look of that forming tool! How is the quality/durability? I'm not familiar with Duratool. Does anyone else make something like that that might be a little more available in the US?

 

[PrecisionTools]

I like the look of that forming tool! How is the quality/durability? I'm not familiar with Duratool. Does anyone else make something like that that might be a little more available in the US?

The quality is quite good. The only issue I had with mine is the 2 outside parts of the pistol grip warped inwards and made the trigger jam. I suspect this was because a **** I worked with left it on a window sill (Aussie sun!) and made the plastic warp. It was an easy fix. I would of formed hundreds of thousands of components with this tool - easy!

I'm not too sure of the relevance of it now with surface mount, I still use it but no where near as much as I used to.

As for availability in the States, try some US based electronics forums or Im sure Element14 (Farnell) would ship it to you. They are expensive though so I'm sure a bit of digging on the net would get it heaps cheaper than listed in my link.

 

[nanofrog]

No it wasn't, it was rubbish! I prefer the written blog, I'm not cut out to be a video blogger.

I liked it at least, and I've seen other blogs that capture a concept better than photos, such as demonstrating some particular point (such as seeing the movement of some mechanical device vs. still photos).

I had to contact Schmitz direct. They were great to deal with but I had to international wire transfer which was painful.

Ouch.

Are they that good they should warrant the additional effort to obtain that way?

Its cheaper to make and the customer wont come back in 20 years to buy a new pair like me! The Tronix I have in particular, have been a let down, there is too much friction between the joints and they don't return correctly.

Good to know about the Tronex. I've not had a pair to check out, but 4.5"/115mm is a bit too small for my hands anyway.

I can see MBA types drooling over repeat business through reduced designed lifespan though.

My take on the Lindstrom situation is that box joint is made in Sweden while the lap joint pliers are made in countries where its cheaper to make them. My guess is that the clock is ticking on the box joint construction in Sweden. If they were going to keep them they would of upgraded the handle system.

Unfortunately, your logic is quite reasonable.

Have you had access to the newer joint type on a Lindstrom or similar make to compare with older, well made box joints?

They're definitely trying to cut costs, but if it works as it should, it may not be a problem. But I'm concerned of course, that it's more than just moving to less expensive labor, and that there are compromises in the actual product that have reduced performance to a pile of **** relative to the selling price.

For bending components for PCB assembly, I use one of these ...

Given the reduction in through-hole use overall, plastic lead formers such as this make better sense for resistors (and diodes) IMHO, as SMD has definitely taken over.

What I'm after though, is for making U bends for axial components (used for mechanical shock reduction), and *possibly* some transistor lead benders (TO-220 and TO-223), along with a lead straightener for recycling parts or fixing ones that were bent to hell during desoldering for diagnostics. I usually just use smooth jaw snipe/needle nose, but there are times I would have dearly loved to have a pair for bending a particular transistor type.

Bit pricey, but no where near the types of machine benders that can be found here.

 

[Plasmatic]

Well, I have been using the NWS "Classic Line" electronics pliers for a couple months now, so here is a review. My impression of them so far is that they are decent, but not the end-all of electronics pliers by any stretch of the imagination. You can probably do better for the money if you hunt around to other brands.

I have been using the following 4 models (from left to right in the first photo):
-- Chain nose: 021C-72-115
-- Flat nose: 021A-72-115
-- Round nose: 021B-72-115
-- Pointed tip full-flush cutters: 022-OW-72-115

All of them have the shortest handles offered in the Classic Line (115mm overall length), which is perhaps a bit shorter than optimum but is ideal for fitting into the tool pouch I carry them in. Perhaps a nicer set of pliers to remain at my primary workbench is in order...

Both the chain nose and flat nose are only available with smooth jaws, which I don't mind very much, though has been a detriment on occasion. I would prefer to have both styles on hand, so I'll have to find a different manufacturer to try to get a nice serrated jaw chain nose.

Neither the chain nose nor flat nose close with the jaws parallel, with the flat nose wider than the chain nose as shown by pictures 2 and 3. This may in fact be something of a feature -- the chain nose closes parallel on the leads of a 1/4W through-hole resistor, the flat nose closes parallel on the thicker leads of a 1N4007 diode. So, for these two common thicknesses you have contact all along the jaws. This is useful both for gripping and for flattening out the leads for re-use.

The springs are sized proportionally to the body thickness, and not protruding as it sounds like they are on the Micro Line. The only major issue I've had with them is that the springs stop the round nose pliers from closing down at the tips/on to very small items (picture 4 shows moderate closing force, where the springs start to inhibit the motion). It is possible to compress the springs with extra force and bring the tips together, though, as shown in picture 5.

Note also from picture 5 that the surfaces of the round nose pliers also do not join parallel. This means that for sufficiently small leads (such as from a 1/4W resistor) there is a maximum radius with which you can conveniently make your bend, any further back and the pliers won't be gripping the part. This has been annoying at times.

The cutters join nicely at the front, but there is a very, very tiny gap at the back when closed, as shown in picture 6. They produce a very nice flush cut at the front of the cutter, and are plenty capable of launching the lead with enough force to poke your eye out if you are using sloppy technique... The cut at the back of the cutter is only so-so.

Overall, the finish and build quality are pretty good with nice micro polishing and solid box joints, with the exception of the chain nose. The first pair I received had to be warrantied because there was significant slop in the joint when using any sort of significant pressure -- the one piece would slide with respect to the other. The new pair has started to show this behavior ever so slightly after a couple months of use. Not sure what the deal with that is given that box joints are supposed to be the primo joint for pliers like this...

Overall, it seems like you could do better for the money, but they are acceptable at their job for me for the time being.

 

[Sick Puppy]

Just wondering if anyone has been tempted to get any of these.
the seller has had them on fleabay for a while now. anyone got any experience with them? i know NWS regular pliers/cutters are highly regarded.

good price too.

no association with seller


http://cgi.ebay.com/NWS-SOLIGEN-GER...ultDomain_0&hash=item27b9536134#ht_2234wt_907

http://cgi.ebay.com/NWS-SOLIGEN-GER...ultDomain_0&hash=item2a0ec99366#ht_2234wt_907

http://cgi.ebay.com/NWS-SOLIGEN-GER...ultDomain_0&hash=item27b9531530#ht_2234wt_907

I've been tempted to get these for a while - it's an NZ-based vendor...

 

[Jawn]

Old thread, I know (at least I didn't revive it). But I've been happy with a couple kinds of Xcelites. I have one set of the green handled ones similar to these: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WCPGZ0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

...and a set of the thicker orange handled ones like these:

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs..._mmc=shopping-_-googlebase-_-D25X-_-100163974

Both work well. Jaws on both are a bit small for cutting CAT6 or RG6 in one bite, but they'll do in a pinch. Great for smaller wire.

 

[nanofrog]

I've been tempted to get these for a while - it's an NZ-based vendor...

Hope you let us know how they go if you do.

I have one set of the green handled ones similar to these: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WCPGZ0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I've an older set from before the buy-out (Diamalloy). Still very sharp, but too small for my hands for long periods of use (rather awkward for me to control and uncomfortable).

But if they fit you and the current ones still have the same quality, they'd be quite a value IMHO.

...and a set of the thicker orange handled ones like these:

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs..._mmc=shopping-_-googlebase-_-D25X-_-100163974

Going by their appearance and sourced in the USA, I think those are actually made by Xuron (Xcelite tends to sell re-branded products rather than manufacture their own it seems).

 

[Jawn]

Going by their appearance and sourced in the USA, I think those are actually made by Xuron (Xcelite tends to sell re-branded products rather than manufacture their own it seems).

You are probably correct. I have a couple pair of Xurons (rail cutters for model railroading and shears for hard steel wire) that are very similar in construction.

 

[Steevo]

When you want "mini" or "micro", these guys have it all covered:
http://www.micromark.com/Pliers-Nippers-Cutters.html

 

[concealer404]

Weird this thread pops up. I just saw those Xcelites at HD today and was sorely tempted to buy them. I'm gearing up to do a bunch of ECU and PNP Patch Harness work, i'm going to go back and get those and probably a nice set of precision screwdrivers.

 

[cbracer]

With all those who normally post about how much they love USA made tools and buying only USA made stuff..... it seems like nobody is giving Tronex the love. Too small of a company or too expensive?

 

[nanofrog]

With all those who normally post about how much they love USA made tools and buying only USA made stuff..... it seems like nobody is giving Tronex the love. Too small of a company or too expensive?

According to PrecisionTools (post #49), quality is poor.

The Tronix I have in particular, have been a let down, there is too much friction between the joints and they don't return correctly.

 

[PrecisionTools]

First up I would like to thank Plasmatic for a great write up on the NWS Classic...interesting stuff.

And in regards to Tronix...If you guys from the US want to support your local manufacturing, then I say by all means have a look at Tronix. They are expensive, yes, but there is nothing wrong with the build quality, its just they do a few things different than the Euro stuff.

I have recently got on to a manufacturing company here that pretty much use them exclusively because they last better than most other brands that they have tried and looking at a pair that has been thrashed every day, year after year has given me a new appreciation for the brand.

I nearly have my review of Schmitz completed, so keep an eye out in the next week or so on my blog. Next in line will be the Tronex...I'm glad I made the effort to seek out some fans and long term users of that brand, it's made me re-think some of my old preconceptions.

 

[nanofrog]

And in regards to Tronix...If you guys from the US want to support your local manufacturing, then I say by all means have a look at Tronix. They are expensive, yes, but there is nothing wrong with the build quality, its just they do a few things different than the Euro stuff.

I've no problems with European made at all. Just junk tools, regardless of COO I have a problem with.

My concerns with most premium brands of tools of recent manufacture, has to do with cost-cutting. Which is why I was asking about the newer screw + press-in nut based Lap joint vs. older Box joint models, as they're showing up in multiple brands (seen them on Swanstrom, Lindstrom, Tronex, and Knipex products). And if there are issues, is it wide-spread (issue with the joint type), or just a specific brand (just not as well made as equivalent products from other makers).

Another thing for me, is the size. The handle length is too short on traditional sized pairs, and the newer ergonomic versions seem to be longer (will fit, based on holding a ruler across my palm).

Performance wise, my Diamalloy's are great (still sharp and cut well). They're just too small for my hands now (got them when I was still a kid ~30 years ago).

I picked up a used pair of Swanstrom cutters on eBay (S512E) for evaluation to save money to evaluate them, and see how they are after use/abuse. Overall, they're decent, particularly compared to Asian stuff I've gotten hold of. They also fit my hands.

My concern however, is with the joint. It has the same type as the newer Lindstroms (screw + press-in nut based lap joint), but it does have a little play in it that causes problems on occasion (doesn't cut very small gauge wire cleanly every time, as it leaves a spike still connecting the wire). Larger gauges within it's limits cut just fine.

It may also have to do with the profile (cutting edges don't appear to be full hone/profile, as there's a bit of a gap between the cutting edges as it approaches the joint), as I tend to use the center to nearer the joint when cutting wire, not the tips (only do that when cutting soldered part on a board). Cutting nearer the tip helps, but it feels wrong to me.

Not sure if this is the particular pair (they don't look horribly abused), or if new ones would be absent this issue. Price is similar to Lindstrom, but a bit less expensive IIRC (perhaps ~$5USD less per pair last I checked vs. similar Lindstrom models in the RX handles).

I did find out that they offer a full profile hone if ordered that way directly from them (was planning to purchase from All-spec.com), or they'll re-grind any pair if I send them in (just pay shipping on my end).

IF you're curious, the same family that started Diamond Tool & Caulk and sold it to Cooper Industries a couple of generations later, started Swanstrom afterwards post sale.

I nearly have my review of Schmitz completed, so keep an eye out in the next week or so on my blog. Next in line will be the Tronex...I'm glad I made the effort to seek out some fans and long term users of that brand, it's made me re-think some of my old preconceptions.

Thanks. I'm looking forward to this.

I just hope I don't like it too much, as it seems they'll be difficult to locate here.

 

[cbracer]

According to PrecisionTools (post #49), quality is poor.

​

That's one guys opinion. I bet if he sent them back they'd fix them. The company seems to be quite honest and has some excellent customer care. They don't look as pretty as the Wiha 327 series, which seems reasonable in terms of cost. Surprised no one here has mentioned them more.

If Schmitz makes the CK ones, then the pliers will be great but the cutters have a great chance of having small defects. I purchased 3 different cutters and all of them had some form of a defect. Only one effected performance to the point where it had to be sent back but the other two had small chips or was ground wrong in the handle pivot.

 

[JayL]

Xuron user here and I'm very happy with their products.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=xuron

 

[tradesmanschoice]

There is another swedish manufacturer of precision pliers: www.larsontools.se

available through www.edsyn.com

We also have a few of the swedish Larsson models available at bargain prices:-

http://www.tradesmanschoice.com/catalog/Roebuck/27-0531.html
http://www.tradesmanschoice.com/catalog/Roebuck/27-0525.html

They are branded Roebuck, but otherwise identical.

Mark.

 

[tradesmanschoice]

Could you elaborate on the reduction in quality?

I ask, as I've seen statements such as this before (without further elaboration), and haven't had access to more recent units to see for myself. And given their prices, seems a bit expensive to find out they're junk. My primary reason for asking, is that I'm interested in the RX handles (I use them very often, and for long periods of time).

In general the finish is not as good as it used to be. For example, smooth jaw pliers that used to meet perfectly now have gaps. The steel seems softer in cutting tests. The joints are now more bulky with the original box joints being replaced by screw joints. I think a "lack of attention to detail" sums it up best.

 

[tradesmanschoice]

For those that are interested, we still have some new old stock Lindstrom made in Sweden, 3 models linked below. Once gone they are gone forever as we can't get anymore.

http://www.tradesmanschoice.com/catalog/Lindstrom/7490.html
http://www.tradesmanschoice.com/catalog/Lindstrom/8211.html
http://www.tradesmanschoice.com/catalog/Lindstrom/8247.html

Cheers,
Mark.

 

[nanofrog]

That's one guys opinion. I bet if he sent them back they'd fix them. The company seems to be quite honest and has some excellent customer care. They don't look as pretty as the Wiha 327 series, which seems reasonable in terms of cost. Surprised no one here has mentioned them more.

I realize this.

After reading his blog though, it seems his reviews are rather comprehensive. YMMV, but I found them to be more informative than other sources I've been able to locate online without the obvious feel of contrivance (i.e. submitted by paid reviewers).

Just have the sense he's an independent tool nut, not paid to generate glowing reviews.

If Schmitz makes the CK ones, then the pliers will be great but the cutters have a great chance of having small defects. I purchased 3 different cutters and all of them had some form of a defect. Only one effected performance to the point where it had to be sent back but the other two had small chips or was ground wrong in the handle pivot.

Good to know. Hard to find CK it seems, and I've not been able to locate a Schmitz vendor for the US at all (apparently would require direct contact, and an overseas wire transfer or similar for payment arrangements).

More hassle than it's probably worth.

In general the finish is not as good as it used to be. For example, smooth jaw pliers that used to meet perfectly now have gaps. The steel seems softer in cutting tests. The joints are now more bulky with the original box joints being replaced by screw joints. I think a "lack of attention to detail" sums it up best.

In general for this type of joint, or specifically with the Lindstroms?

BTW, thanks for the links.

 

[cbracer]

Hard to find CK it seems,

Grainger just had most of their CK stock on deep discounts, likely no longer going to carry them. Amazon carries them in stock. I picked up a cutter and some pliers just because I didn't want to miss the sale, but likely going to put them up for sale in the classifieds here tonight since I'm not going to keep them. The pliers are really nice, and the cuter isn't too bad but not perfect. They were down to around $25 each so I'm going to try and sell the for what I paid. They are still brand new.

 

[nanofrog]

Grainger just had most of their CK stock on deep discounts, likely no longer going to carry them. Amazon carries them in stock. I picked up a cutter and some pliers just because I didn't want to miss the sale, but likely going to put them up for sale in the classifieds here tonight since I'm not going to keep them. The pliers are really nice, and the cuter isn't too bad but not perfect. They were down to around $25 each so I'm going to try and sell the for what I paid. They are still brand new.

Thanks.

Hadn't checked Grainger or Amazon. Seems I've had another Homer Simpson moment. Doh.

Not sure I'd ever buy a tool from Amazon again though, given a recent problem with a controlled cycle crimper set (Wiha 43190, left a review on Amazon over the mess).

For cutters and pliers, I've been looking primarily at All-spec.com as they carry the two brands I've been looking the closest at (also order from Allied, Mouser, Newark, and Digikey often). Usually a bit cheaper to do it this way, as I can include them in the same shipment with components (can be faster too, as some are close enough ground shipments make it here the next business day).

Don't know much about the Larssons beyond the marketing info in the catalog I downloaded (knew that Edsyn carries them), nor had access to Tronex before.

Past experience is with Diamalloy's (current set) and Xurons primarily, and have held older Lindstroms (yellow handles; owners watched them like hawks, and I can understand why...). They're just a bit small for me.

So I'm still wondering which direction to go, and really don't want to deal with returns if all possible (buy once and be done with it until I break them or wear them out).

 

[cbracer]

Not sure I'd ever buy a tool from Amazon again though,

For cutters and pliers, I've been looking primarily at All-spec.com

With Amazon if you want to return something you don't pay for return shipping. Makes returns much easier than other companies! My issue with All-spec is they never have anything in stock rather it's always ordered after you order it.

 

[caseyjw]

For me I will only use erem... sorry excelite fans those tools are complete junk.

 

[vintagefan]

I think Snap-on might have ownership or and interest in SNA.

I know this is an older post, but I've now seen the old style (supreme handle) Lindstrom pliers dressed in Snap-on red, last week when I was on the truck.

I can't find them on the site, but they're definitely Lindstroms.

For me I will only use erem... sorry excelite fans those tools are complete junk.

That's not entirely true, the USA made pliers are what I'd call middle-range, they do have some imported pliers that are junk though.

I won't touch Erem, because I'm not interested in giving a single dollar to Cooper tools.

 

[nanofrog]

With Amazon if you want to return something you don't pay for return shipping. Makes returns much easier than other companies! My issue with All-spec is they never have anything in stock rather it's always ordered after you order it.

In the case of Amazon, they sent me a used, defective tool that came in a plastic bag rather than the original packaging (no information stating it was even an open box type of purchase).

Logically, it seems they put a returned tool that was defective back on the shelf, and then I ended up with it rather than them send it back to Wiha for replacement (not sure if this was just the result of an employee <laziness or poor training>, or if they'd have lost money sending it in and tried to resell it instead).

You nailed All-spec on that one (why they're not my first choice for things I'm after), but they do sell items I can't get from others I deal with. At least I've gotten what I've ordered so far (no mix-up on P/N's).

I know this is an older post, but I've now seen the old style (supreme handle) Lindstrom pliers dressed in Snap-on red, last week when I was on the truck.

Snap-On bought out Lindstrom, so finding them with red handles isn't a surprise.

I won't touch Erem, because I'm not interested in giving a single dollar to Cooper tools.

The biggest issues I've seen lately with Cooper's various lines, is with Weller. Their soldering equipment has gone to **** in short order.

 

[Construct]

In the case of Amazon, they sent me a used, defective tool that came in a plastic bag rather than the original packaging (no information stating it was even an open box type of purchase).

Logically, it seems they put a returned tool that was defective back on the shelf, and then I ended up with it rather than them send it back to Wiha for replacement (not sure if this was just the result of an employee <laziness or poor training>, or if they'd have lost money sending it in and tried to resell it instead).

Did you buy from Amazon, or from a vendor who listed the tool through Amazon? I've bought plenty of tools through Amazon and never received anything other than a pristine OEM product. However, about 50% of the times I venture out and use one of the non-Amazon vendors listed on the Amazon product page I receive something in packaging like what you described.

 

[nanofrog]

Did you buy from Amazon, or from a vendor who listed the tool through Amazon? I've bought plenty of tools through Amazon and never received anything other than a pristine OEM product. However, about 50% of the times I venture out and use one of the non-Amazon vendors listed on the Amazon product page I receive something in packaging like what you described.

Directly from Amazon (they're an Authorized Dealer for Wiha, which is why I made sure it wasn't an independent seller using their site).

The free shipping was an added bonus as well, had it turned out to be a good tool.

 

[terabyte]

There's also a source for a set of three long-discontinued NOS Craftsman Professional miniature pliers which were made in France by Facom: http://hamilton-tool-supply.amazonwebstore.com/Craftsman-3-pc-precision-plier-set/M/B001ION8M4.htm The set (needle-nose serrated, angled wire cutter, end nipper) is only $18. They have far more in stock than the website suggests - I drove over there to pick them up instead of paying shipping from the website or from their Amazon storefront. They needed removal of the old oil/grease, and some new lube, but they're very well made. (As noted, the current versions of these, from China, are pure junk.)

thanks for the link. i just ordered 2 sets.

 

[Biomed]

So far the holy grail for me has been Schmitz http://www.schmitz-zangen.de/ haven't done a write up on them yet, but its on the way.

Based on some information from GJ I purchased some Pro America and Schmitz cutters/pliers. While the Pro America was certainly affordable I did not find them to be the greatest quality.

Today I received my Schmitz order. Very impressive and the price is not out of line. I received my order in 10-days and I was able to use my AMEX card via PayPal.

 

[neophyte]

Nice to know that the Schmitz pliers are nice. Someone linked to a set of cutters on Ebay that were made by Facom. I figured I'd post a better picture since the original Ebay listing is gone. They're very nicely made but expensive. it's the Facom 405.12c diagonal cutters. and the links to higher res images. http://www.flickr.com/photos/crutheni/8490164293/in/photostream http://www.flickr.com/photos/crutheni/8490163433/in/photostream/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/crutheni/8491259550/in/photostream/