Next step up from wire cutters??

[biscuit141]

So I have a couple pairs of wire cutters (dykes) and of course they do a great job cutting wire, softer copper wire or stranded wire, however what is the next step up in cutters? I have some heavier wire that I need to cut from time to time, steel wire like on a wire fence. I plan on getting fencing pliers which have a bypass type cutter for heavier gauge, however is there a dedicated type of cutter for heavier wire? Would I be looking at some type of cable cutter?

 

[blghalryape]

Cable cutter. Harbor Freight has one I use in the junkyard all the time for under $9.

I've cut through many car electrical harnesses with it.

 

[Holt]

Sounds like you need a pair of knipex mini bolt cutters for the fence wire. If you want to cut heavy duty wire you need some linesmans or heavy duty wire cutters. I would suggest you keep two separate cutters for what you are describing. Bolt cutters are not good for wire and copper wire cutters are not good for steel wire. This is just my opinion.

 

[biscuit141]

So are they bolt cutters or cable cutters? Or are they the same?

 

[Roots]

Cable cutter. Harbor Freight has one I use in the junkyard all the time for under $9.

I've cut through many car electrical harnesses with it.

Do NOT use a cable cutter on steel fence wire! Most will be seriously damaged, some are suitable for ACSR wire, but I wouldn't risk cutters of that value.

They make fence and concrete nippers for fence wires.

 

[srmofo]

Ive got a set of these and use them on everything from brake lines to hose clamps. They chomp through just about everything that they can get their jaws around. On larger stuff, I sometimes have to get 2 or 3 bites, but they still get the job done

http://www.wayfair.com/Knipex-Compa...PA49-OIU1049&gclid=CIb39O7yya8CFWeFQAodZDJnaA

IIRC I picked mine up for about $30 on AMazon

EDIT just found this...looks like sears might have them for $27
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=147244
YMMV
$34...throw the 10 off 30 coupon and thats a steal
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00929109000P?prdNo=5&blockNo=5&blockType=G5

 

[rockchucker]

There ya go...^ Those look real handy.



Cable Cutters are not meant for one large wire. They are meant for many small wires. They work great for cutting Electrical Harnesses for sure. Of course Cable. I have some Bypass Cutters that I use for cutting Stainless Steel Braided Fuel Hose for builds. They work great for the SSB too.

I would think that you would want something along the lines of a Bolt Cutter rather than Cable Cutters.

I use some of the Channel Lock Cutting Nipper Pliers...lol


http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000189GRO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have those and these...


http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LEBRYI/?tag=atomicindus08-20


They both work great. Unless you are toting them in your Tool Bags just get the larger size. The only issue I have come across is when cutting smaller chain it is hard to get the full link in the jaws. So you have to do it in 2 steps. One side then the other. The large ones will cut through Deck Screws and 16d Sinker/Galv Nails also. Takes quite a bit of force but it can be done.


Don't grind your teeth while cutting through something like a Deck Screw. When it slams home you will break your teeth!


Just my 2¢

 

[Sparkfarmer]

Sounds like you need 2 tools:
1. Cable cutters for all electrical/non-steel wire
2. Bolt cutters for steel and all the other tough stuff

For cable cutters I really like my channellocks, cheap, American, and they work great.

Cant comment on the bolt cutters but I am planning on picking up the Knipex ones when they go on clearance at Lowes up here in Canada.

Cheers

 

[biscuit141]

Ive got a set of these and use them on everything from brake lines to hose clamps. They chomp through just about everything that they can get their jaws around. On larger stuff, I sometimes have to get 2 or 3 bites, but they still get the job done

http://www.wayfair.com/Knipex-Compa...PA49-OIU1049&gclid=CIb39O7yya8CFWeFQAodZDJnaA

IIRC I picked mine up for about $30 on AMazon

EDIT just found this...looks like sears might have them for $27
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=147244
YMMV
$34...throw the 10 off 30 coupon and thats a steal
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00929109000P?prdNo=5&blockNo=5&blockType=G5

Where do I find the $10 off $30 coupon?

 

[djkeev]

You want these Klein 2000 series cutters. Dont get the "lesser" Kleins, only the hardened 2000 series. They do exactly what Klein says they will! I have a few pair, they cut hardened steel like butter without damage. My only mistake is I cut a live 110v line and burned a hole in a pair!

Yes, they cost a little more but are indeed worth it!

http://www.service.kleintools.com/T...rs PLIERS-DIAGONAL-HLDIAGCUT/Product/D2000-28


Dave

 

[ChrisF250]

Ive had good luck with the Crescent compound diagonal cutters for $15 from Home Depot. Cuts through framing nails very easily compared to some channelock diagonals I had.

 

[larry_g]

As others have said and hinted at, There are soft wire cutters made for the electrical trade that handles their needs. Bolt cutters are hardened and for cutting/snapping. Cable cutters are made for both electrical/copper and for hard steel cable. Hard wire cutters are just that, for cutting steel wire. Know what the tool is designed for and use it accordingly.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Outlawmws]

A picture is worth a thousand words:

In sort of ascending order; Dykes (2), cable cutters (works well for rubber hose also; and that pair are marked "do not use to cut steel"), Linemans's and at the bottom are some cutters designed for cutting steel wire; Channel lock No. 308, however these are apparently discontinued? You might find some NOS or you might find them on Amazon/Eprey.

The linemsan's can be used on soft steel but don't do well on hard steel.

EDIT: the Kline dykes (Blue handles, second from the top) are actually rated for heavier than copper:

Cuts ACSR, screws, nails and most hardened wire

 

[Bruce Lancaster]

Another thing to look out for is elderly military barbed wire cutters...these are usually very tough, made to cut various types of obstacle wire tougher than regular cow grade barbed wire. I think random fleamarket encounter is only way to gettem...