need advice on new diagonal cutters

[ryanhelton2000]

Im a satellite tech so I burn up even the best cutters relatively quickly, coax is actually steel not copper. I have a set of klein d228-7 in my belt for outdoor use. I just got them and simply hate everything about them. They wont strip 18g messenger or 10g copper solid without applying enough pressure to damage the wire. They aren't deep enough to easily cut dual mess. After only 1 week of use they are nearly completely rusted. The junk visegrip dikes I was issued out perform them.
I currently have knipex 70 06 160 vde in my indoor tool bag and love them. I want to replace them both because I dont need voltage protection "most of the time" and want to preserve those and will most likely get as similar a pair to those as I can. I dont need to cut dual wire indoors so that wont be a problem. For the tool belt though they are simply to short of a cut for dual messenger coax.
Anyone know how to determine the length of cut from knipex part numbers or know where to go to find measurements?
I really dont want anything any larger than 8". They need to have at least a 1" cut preferably up to 1 1/8" Need to be highly rust resistant and have some type of comfort grip. Finally need to be sharp enough to strip wire but tough enough for 18g steel. Price isn't a factor if they last forever but if steel will kill them in a year they have to be reasonable. I know that's a tough combo to fill so please keep recommendations to tools you have used or just know a ton about. Thanks in advance you guys have never failed me.

 

[woody 73]

Just the thing you need it is sharp, water proof, under 8", will go through just about anything (not sure about heavy metal),1" cut, highly rust resistant, able to last you for years, not to expensive to buy but expensive to take care of,and best of all nobody will steal them from you!

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q...720E287CF660C8119F58815ADA983&selectedIndex=0

 

[sberry]

I just bought 8 inch dykes from Lowes just to see what was what. Night and day difference between them and worn old Kliens. They were half the price of Channelocks at 9$. It was for duplication at the time for a job, I don't expect the same service and without thinking picked them up and cut a drywall or deck screw. Still fine. At that pric they don't have to last a lifetime but might consider them a consumable,,, throw a pair at yourself at Christmas.

As for strippers,,, So far the Ideal T is about as good as anything but I been down this road too. Sometimes within the same model one works and the other doesn't. I got a Klien I should toss, they really are not sized right and were not since new which becomes mor obvious when you do direct comparison.

 

[ryanhelton2000]

Just the thing you need it is sharp, water proof, under 8", will go through just about anything (not sure about heavy metal),1" cut, highly rust resistant, able to last you for years, not to expensive to buy but expensive to take care of,and best of all nobody will steal them from you!

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q...720E287CF660C8119F58815ADA983&selectedIndex=0

Nice had some, never got a chance to get to get tired of them the Oscar killed them

 

[ryanhelton2000]

I just bought 8 inch dykes from Lowes just to see what was what. Night and day difference between them and worn old Kliens. They were half the price of Channelocks at 9$. It was for duplication at the time for a job, I don't expect the same service and without thinking picked them up and cut a drywall or deck screw. Still fine. At that pric they don't have to last a lifetime but might consider them a consumable,,, throw a pair at yourself at Christmas.

As for strippers,,, So far the Ideal T is about as good as anything but I been down this road too. Sometimes within the same model one works and the other doesn't. I got a Klien I should toss, they really are not sized right and were not since new which becomes mor obvious when you do direct comparison.

Dont need another tool in the belt, its heavy enough believe me. Time is money as well so I dont switch tools if I dont have to. Im needing cutters that are sharp enough to strip via rotate pull. The type of dikes with cutouts wont work either because they wont make a clean cut across a 1" wide dual messenger cable.

 

[Wizzard]

I have some older (~7 years old) Craftsman USA ~7" with comfort grip that have more than impressed me and are still work fantastic...and I have abused them regularly. The grip is red & black color...don't think they make them anymore. But I'd look at Cman USA simply based on my experience with those.

 

[ryanhelton2000]

I have some older (~7 years old) Craftsman USA ~7" with comfort grip that have more than impressed me and are still work fantastic...and I have abused them regularly. The grip is red & black color...don't think they make them anymore. But I'd look at Cman USA simply based on my experience with those.

Just found a NOS set but they are $75 I can almost get two sets of Knipex for that but Im going to keep on the lookout for them Thanx

 

[zkling]

Snap on 388's have the longer blades, but not sure how well they will tolerate constant steel cutting. They have a prety sharp profile grind to them.

Knipex mini bolt cutters will easily handle the steel portions, but not sure on the blade length
and have a very dull profile grind. I can't imagine stripping wire with them.

Knipex high leverage probably have the blade strength, length, and sharpness; but the overall length is greater than 8" IIRC.

Realize that a sharp edge and ability to cut steel are going to fight one another. To keep cutting steel a blunt edge like a bolt cutter is used.

 

[Wizzard]

Just found a NOS set but they are $75 I can almost get two sets of Knipex for that but Im going to keep on the lookout for them Thanx

Wow! Mine were only ~$17 off the shelf at Sears. Yea...not worth that way over inflated price. FYI you can check Sears' website for 'hot buys' on KNipex cutters. But funny thing is their website pricing is completely different than in store pricing, it never reflects in-store pricing. For example the Knipex 10" pliers wrench were on hot-by on the website for $46 w/option to pick-up in store...in store they were $52. Sears also offers an in-store 20% military discount on non-sale tools (5% if on sale) if you have military in the family...makes the Knipex cutters a good deal.

 

[jcfields]

.

 

[ryanhelton2000]

I used Channellock 338s when I did cable. They cut through satellite dual RG-6 fine. They also did a good job with our aerial messenger cable (which uses a steel messenger wire since it's for supporting the cable on hooks and such and not copper for grounding like your cable). The only thing that really gave them trouble was aerial RG-11, but I simply made two cuts instead of one (one for the cable and one for the messenger wire).

They'll get surface rust for sure, but nothing that inhibits their operation.

Id rather they be chromed or well coated but surface rust Ill deal with. I see the Channelocks are still American made thats a bonus.
Sat cable is all steel even the messenger. The only time we use copper is #10 solid for grounding and copper core rg6 for Broadband because its 24 volts and voltage drop affects the tria

 

[ryanhelton2000]

Snap on 388's have the longer blades, but not sure how well they will tolerate constant steel cutting. They have a prety sharp profile grind to them.

Knipex mini bolt cutters will easily handle the steel portions, but not sure on the blade length
and have a very dull profile grind. I can't imagine stripping wire with them.

Knipex high leverage probably have the blade strength, length, and sharpness; but the overall length is greater than 8" IIRC.

Realize that a sharp edge and ability to cut steel are going to fight one another. To keep cutting steel a blunt edge like a bolt cutter is used.

All the high lev knipex info I can find says 7/8 length or I wouldnt have this problem I love my knipex stuff Im sure there is a pair out there somewhere for me just havent found them. Im low on funds right now or Id pick up a set of 74-06-180 or 200s just to see if they cut any deeper. Im not a huge snappy fan but Im digging the 388BCP. Alot! Other than chrome it looks exactly what Im after if I can find out the hardness specs and bevel.

 

[kctyphoon]

Crescent Compound Action Pliers set.

this is what ive been using at work, and i cut ALOT of coax services out that are adandoned or no longer being used when they are "in the way". metal ties, services with steel messangers on them, p-clamps, ground wires, you name it.. these things cut.. so far, these are BY FAR the best cutters ive found, and they are cheap now too.. not only are they lightweight, the handles are spring loaded, and the jaws open REALLY wide. there is a detent that stops them at a normal width so you can just pump them open and closed, but you can physically pull the handles apart, past the detent to open them fully.. belive it or not, you can buy BOTH of these as a set for like $18 from sears. ill post a link.. im on my second set, been using them a few years now.. the spring finally gave out on the first ones i had, (they still work fine, just lost the spring action, and thats a HUGE advantage for me so i just bought a new set), but they get used and abused everyday, sometimes left out in the rain too if somebody uses my truck and forgets them.. seriously - its the best $18 youll ever spend, and im in a line gang almost 15 yrs now. i just TODAY bought the Milwaukee lineman pliers and 8" cutters just to try out.. but ive tried MANY before, and so far these Crescents have beaten all others..




http://local.sears.com/Crescent-pc-...929316000P?st=1143&sid=IDx20141117x00001xlpla

 

[ryanhelton2000]

I actually looked at the apex version a few years ago but they got fairly bad reviews and I passed. That was before I was on here though so they were customer reviews probably from people cutting nails with them. Must be a local add link didnt work sears online has just the cutters for 15 before shipping. For that price Ill pick up a pair payday just to try out.

 

[SantaAna12]

Wouldnt 9's like KC said be best?

That is what I used to use when I was just cutting. If I was terminating, then I did two cuts: one with 9s on the messenger, and one with group cutters which leaves a round end which is better into the barrel.

 

[1950mercury]

Knipex are the best

 

[Brownsfan]

I use these for coax cable. And other wire as it will do both. http://www.kleintools.com/catalog/cable-tools/coaxial-cable-cutter-ccs
I use these for just about everything else. http://www.kleintools.com/catalog/h...cutting-pliers-angled-head-heavy-duty-cutting
I do auto electrical installs and do home AV as well. So these 2 cover most things.

 

[jvitez]

How about these NWS:

http://www.german-hand-tools.com/nws-wire-cutter2.html

ITEM # 043-69-210 is what I was thinking, half way down the page in the middle.

 

[kctyphoon]

just to be clear - i mainly use the diagonals for cutting... the lineman pliers really just get used to tighten tie wraps, or some other stuff - but for 80% of my cutting, i use the diagonals..

and for further clarity - im not claiming that they are "superior" in quality to Klien lineman pliers or knipex. im saying that "I" find they work better for me.. the compound cutting is a big help, and theh spring laoded handles are GREAT, esp in the winter with gloves.. i dont have to hold any part of the inside of the handles to make them work - whick ALSO makes it easier to cut things, cause now im able to use the full force of my hand to cut, instead of just a thumb and 2 fingers, - and then having to reset my hand for something hard.. my hand is able to stay in one postion.. in other words, i dont have to do this:

 

[ryanhelton2000]

How about these NWS:

http://www.german-hand-tools.com/nws-wire-cutter2.html

ITEM # 043-69-210 is what I was thinking, half way down the page in the middle.

Those are for copper, but I think we have a winner.

 

[Champo]

The fantastico doesn't open as wide as 'normal' side cutters.

I honestly would use high leverage nws side cutters. They're induction hardened to 62 hrc, I doubt coax would be any trouble.

 

[Rarified27]

Not sure if my thoughts will help you out.

I'm a music teacher and we "restring" our 1.5 octave chimes twice a year with 1/8" steel cable that holds each individual chime (18 total, so 36 cuts) to the frame. Link so you know what I'm referring to: (http://www.steveweissmusic.com/product/32512/symphonic-chimes)

We've been using a pair of Klein D2000-48's for this since at least 2007 and they've got minimal wear, not to mention the other things we're cutting through on a daily basis like zip ties, woodwind instrument springs, XLR and 1/4" instrument cables, etc.

I'm holding the Klein's up to the light in my office right now and there is nothing getting through except in one small spot where I used it as a nail puller and chipped the blade.

For reference, these tools are outside for hours at a time 3-4 times a week as we rehearse in parking lots year round. There is minimal rust on the Klein's and we've used them in rain, snow, blah blah.

Another teacher has some Channellock 338's that make a "snappier" cut, probably because of the blade/anvil design, but that's here nor there.

 

[ryanhelton2000]

I used to be a Klein fan but my last couple purchases have been regrets. I still use some of their cheapo electronic testers because I crawl around in the mud and work from heights in the rain. So if one gets lost under a house, zaps out or falls 40 feet because Ive lost feeling in my fingers from -10 degree weather; it's a few bucks at home depot and I'm back in business if I don't already have its replacement in the van.
Blade bevel is important here as SantaAna12 pointed out. A misshapen conductor affects signal flow and can even be hard to insert if squashed badly enough.

 

[ryanhelton2000]

Keep the suggestions coming guys. Friday is payday and my next day off to finalize my short list and place orders is Sunday.

 

[kctyphoon]

i found the first pair of compound crescents i bought, burried in a truck today.. i shoulda taken a picture of how bad these things look. beaten, rusty, filthy, yet they still work and after all the abuse only have one or 2 nicks in the jaws..

 

[jetdawg]

These look pretty great http://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=group_detail&parentID=1371&groupID=1432

I believe you can cut coax per my catalog.

 

[LUKE221]

I have my eye on a pair of Snap on 388CF cutters

 

[jeffmoss26]

I'd go with Channellock diagonals.

 

[spongerich]

I gave a friend a pair of Greenlee linesman pliers and he likes them quite a bit. Good grips and they seem to be holding up well under regular use. (Until he arcs them out on a live wire, which is just a matter of time). Their 8" diagonals are under $30

 

[shawhite]

I personally use kleins everyday in my bucket. The trick is to get the 2000 series for cutting hardened wire. My kleins see their share of abuse and I've never had a pair rust on me.

 

[LordPsychon]

I'd go with Channellock diagonals.

I would concur, these seem to cut almost anything. They can still dull over time if you're not careful but they're really easy to sharpen/hone back into shape.

 

[exmaxima1]

The new compound leverage Vise Grips:

http://www.toolsofthetrade.net/hand...p-max-leverage-diagonal-cutting-pliers_o.aspx

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N3VSPF0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[SantaAna12]

I used channellock 8" digonals and Klein 9" linemens for many years.

The cutting power in regards to #6 or the heavier gauge cable messenger is squarely in Kleins favor.

Are we talking about the same tools?

 

[kctyphoon]

if you can go on the sears website, change your zip code to 11234.. it'll be in brooklyn. you can buy both the crescent coumpound action pliers and cutters i suggested for $17.44 as a set.
out of 8 reviews, 6 are five stars, 1 is four stars.


or you can buy just the cutters online from HD for $15
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Crescent...clid=CJ2Atebq6sQCFYQkgQodZAkAAg&gclsrc=aw.ds/

 

[ryanhelton2000]

Sorry for the disappearance, unexpectedly lost a weeks work and ended up owing 1600 on top of that so no new tools for a bit. Ill get back on this soon unless of course I move on to better things.

 

[the_nelson]

I do a lot of work with RG6, 58, 59, and 60. I prefer cable shears and these knipex ones are my favorite.

Knipex 95 22 165
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EXOXT2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

For strippers, I have been using rack-a-tiers crocs strippers. Best handles I've found and they strip very clean from 22 up to 10. Even have a handy 12-2 romex stripper if you need it. Have 2 pairs of full size and a pair of the juniors.

http://m.rack-a-tiers.com/product/32/Crocs-Needle-Nose-Wire-Strippers

 

[kctyphoon]

well you dont have to worry about buying cutters to try out, cause i bought a bunch of different sets myself, just out of curiousity.. SO - i bought milwaukee's lineman pliers, and all 3 diagonal cutters (the first gen style) used them two days, and the cutters drove me crazy having no tip.. they already got retired to the truck as backups or lender tools. the newest style lineman pliers and cutters from Milwaukee look very promising though, i just couldnt bring myself to buy them yet since i spent so much money on the old Milwaukee stuff (i bought almost every hand tool they have for home, and the extras for work)

then i bought an new leather lineman tool pouch from Klein that will hold 4 tools, and right now its stuffed with Knipex lineman pliers, 10" alligator pliers, and the 10" cutters.. the cutters work REALLY well cutting thick copper ground wires on the poles, but the long handles are annoying me a little - so i bought the 8" handle set, and those will be here tomorrow..

so i got an itch at Home Depot earlier, and left with the crescent piviot pro lineman and diagonal cutters, and will give them their shot tomorrow...

i gotta be honest here - im so use to using the spring loaded compound cutting crescents that my hand is cramping having to hold these pliers and cutters in a way that i can open and close them one handed - even though some of these are definately of much higher quality, i have a funny feeling that when its all said and done, ill be going back to the cheap crescents... i even bought a new set of them - $24 in sears for the set of pliers and cutters, that i WILL NOT even take out of the package yet until im done playing with all of these other ones.. im hoping the 8" Knipex is gonna be a game changer since i laid out the money for 3 of the best hand tools you can buy - but im not confindent they will be "good enough" to make me switch permantely from the compound crescents..

the piviot pros have some big shoes to fill - big day for them tomorrow.. lol

 

[kctyphoon]

dont know if the OP is still reading - but i found something you might be interested in, hanging on a wall at the last HD i was in.. Klein cutters specifically made for cutting coax (copper and steel) but still gives you a shear "like" cutter combo head.. was only $24.. might be the answer you are looking for.



model number is vdv900-096

heres the link to the Klein website giving some details..

http://www.kleintools.com/catalog/cable-tools/coaxial-cable-cutter-ccs

 

[ryanhelton2000]

Those would be great if I only cut single cable. Selecting a pair has been tough for that reason, most cutters with jaws deep enough for dual mess have really long handles making them a pain in the *** to use and just have in the belt.

 

[maico]

The KNIPEX TwinForce is available in a return spring version