Side cutter durability

[bnem]

I'd like to get an idea of how long the cutting edge of side cutters last for most people.

I bought some NWS Fantastico side cutters a couple years ago. I'm not in the trades, and with the arrival of my 2 kids my projects are far and few between. As a result the Fantasticos haven't been heavily used. However, in the past projects I have used them I ended up cutting some nails, which I think were only 8d common. After maybe a half dozen or so the blade was noticeably dulled. Just for comparison I took my old pair of Mastercraft (Chinese Crappytire special up here in Canuck land), and while they cut like s***, the blade was perfectly fine.

Since NWS has a 5 year warranty I figured I would give them a shot. I tried an NWS contact I was given for warranty claims and they just outright ignored me. I also tried several other NWS contacts and had the same result.

So my questions are, how quickly do you notice the cutting edges dull on your side cutters? And, is this what you would expect from this caliber of tool?

I love the leverage and overall quality of the Fantasticos, but if they dull that quickly, cost that much and the warranty is worthless, then what's the point. I'm sure there are far cheaper Chinese imports around that could easily be warrantied for life.

 

[ssdave]

I have the opportunity to cut a lot of hardened piano wire. I tried a lot of cutters, and the only ones that I have had hold up are Snap-on. I'm attaching pictures of 3 sets of cutters. First picture is new set I've had about a year and a half, has cut 600 to 800 pieces of hard wire. Still looks and acts new. Second picture is 1946 pair of Snap-on, I've used it for over 10 years, has cut thousands of hard piano wire. Was wearing, so bought the new ones. The last pictures are my blue handle (hard wire) Kleins, which dulled with cutting maybe 20 or 30 pieces. I used Kleins for years for electrical work and rebar tie wire, was impressed with them till I tried them on the piano wire.

So, my answer is that with the right tool, cutters should last close to forever, even in extremely hard service. The two brands that I would expect to perform to that level are Knipex and Snap-on. There may be others, but I haven't found them yet. I've tried a lot, and many have been quite well respected brands.

 

[kwoswalt99]

My vintage Kraeuter pair held up cutting a bunch of piano wire. Some other pairs not so much.

 

[wiens80]

I use mine to cut some pretty hard things, like #10 screws. I have Knipex and Klein. They are dull compared to new, but seem to cut just as well as I remember. Well designed pliers seem to have the leverage needed to cut verses a cheaper brand. So even when they appear dull they are still able to cut well.


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[L.Cheapo]

Laugh if you want, but when I was a teenager in the mid 1990s I bought the 4 piece USA made Craftsman pliers set on sale for $19.99. It had the needle nose, slip joint, arc joint, and side cutters. I worked as a mechanic for 6 of the years since then. I just used them yesterday. Having a lifetime warranty, I never paid much attention to how I used/abused them. But I was just thinking as I held them in my hand yesterday, they just might be the best $5 I've ever spent--still the original pair, no damage to speak of in the jaws. I was amazed.

 

[170-3tree]

I have a large and small set of craftsman side cutters. Both are dull, I use the small ones as grabbers more than anything. My other sets are large and medium blue point. Not sure what they'll do. I don't use pliers of any kind as much as it seems most do, but they work better than the craftsman ones ever did, whether or not they'll last is up to whatever happens. I'm about to begin a long transition into higher end, matching stuff across the board, but pliers will likely be knipex and snappy when they come up for replacement.

 

[oldldh]

If cost is a factor...(Isn't it always???)

Tekton #34025 11 inch 30 Degree Offset High Leverage Cutting Pliers are available from Amazon for $17.38...

I've had mine about a year, cutting everything I've put between the jaws...

And...

So far, so good...

 

[crackit]

I think any decent pair will last cutting copper wire, but whenever I need to cut steel I reach for my Snap-on. Knipex are said to be good, but I've never tried them.

 

[kctyphoon]

I use my knipex diagonals heavily and I can't a bad word about them. That said - I dont cut nails with them, I'd use the knipex mini bolt cutters instead.

 

[KnurledNut]

I had to cut some steel wire shelving quickly. 1/4 thick.
This was beyond the capability of hand pressure. Better suited for a hacksaw.
I put my well used Knipex 10" diagonals on the floor with the wire in the jaws...
And slammed my foot down on the pliers.
Expecting total destruction of a great pair of pliers, they were unharmed and made the cut.
This abuse continued through MANY cuts.
Their was NO damage to the cutting edge or pliers.
I continue to be impressed with Knipex products and service.

 

[zendriver]

For the two years I've owned them, I've had very good results with a harbor freight pro models, realizing that they're really not designed to cut everything, just because it will fit between the jaws.


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[brooksdr]

I agree with ssdave 87CF Snap-on's are a good pair of cutters. I have 2 pairs and like them. I also have a small pair of Craftsman (Western Forge) that I only use in tight spots and they have been holding up good.

 

[rlitman]

Laugh if you want, but when I was a teenager in the mid 1990s I bought the 4 piece USA made Craftsman pliers set on sale for $19.99. It had the needle nose, slip joint, arc joint, and side cutters. I worked as a mechanic for 6 of the years since then. I just used them yesterday. Having a lifetime warranty, I never paid much attention to how I used/abused them. But I was just thinking as I held them in my hand yesterday, they just might be the best $5 I've ever spent--still the original pair, no damage to speak of in the jaws. I was amazed.

Not laughing. Many of those WF made tools are excellent. I really love the duckbills from that series.

I have the opportunity to cut a lot of hardened piano wire. I tried a lot of cutters, and the only ones that I have had hold up are Snap-on. I'm attaching pictures of 3 sets of cutters. First picture is new set I've had about a year and a half, has cut 600 to 800 pieces of hard wire. Still looks and acts new. Second picture is 1946 pair of Snap-on, I've used it for over 10 years, has cut thousands of hard piano wire. Was wearing, so bought the new ones. The last pictures are my blue handle (hard wire) Kleins, which dulled with cutting maybe 20 or 30 pieces. I used Kleins for years for electrical work and rebar tie wire, was impressed with them till I tried them on the piano wire.

So, my answer is that with the right tool, cutters should last close to forever, even in extremely hard service. The two brands that I would expect to perform to that level are Knipex and Snap-on. There may be others, but I haven't found them yet. I've tried a lot, and many have been quite well respected brands.

Klein uses blue handles on both the heavy-duty cutting (rated to cut steel), and standard pliers. Blue is not an indication of whether or not they're rated for ACSR, and ACSR is not piano wire anyway, so even on the best Kleins, they're not rated for the same cutting as a Knipex.

Just look at these for comparison:
http://www.kleintools.com/catalog/high-leverage-heavy-duty-cutting/9-heavy-duty-side-cutting-pliers
http://www.kleintools.com/catalog/standard-side-cutters/9-side-cutting-pliers-new-england-nose


You won't hear me saying bad things about Snap On pliers.

 

[metaldad]

i dont think id try cutting a nail with a ****. A) you'll ruin the tool, B) you will not cut flush and leave a headless spike that will bite you. seems it would be less trouble either to yank or sink it
i dont think id abuse a set of linesmens either for that

 

[Brownsfan]

Not laughing. Many of those WF made tools are excellent. I really love the duckbills from that series.



Klein uses blue handles on both the heavy-duty cutting (rated to cut steel), and standard pliers. Blue is not an indication of whether or not they're rated for ACSR, and ACSR is not piano wire anyway, so even on the best Kleins, they're not rated for the same cutting as a Knipex.

Just look at these for comparison:
http://www.kleintools.com/catalog/high-leverage-heavy-duty-cutting/9-heavy-duty-side-cutting-pliers
http://www.kleintools.com/catalog/standard-side-cutters/9-side-cutting-pliers-new-england-nose


You won't hear me saying bad things about Snap On pliers.

Yep. You have to look for the 2000 series Klein pliers. I have a couple sets and they have lasted through some torture.

 

[rlitman]

Yep. You have to look for the 2000 series Klein pliers. I have a couple sets and they have lasted through some torture.

Agreed. Though to be fair, ssdave's that I was commenting about do look a lot like the D2000-9NE that I too own. Mine look like new, but I have not used them to cut steel.

 

[sberry]

Nails not so bad, without thinking about it I grabbed up a pair and cut a screw, ruined them the other day.

 

[rlitman]

Nails not so bad, without thinking about it I grabbed up a pair and cut a screw, ruined them the other day.

I know what you mean. Drywall screws especially can be seriously hard.

 

[bnem]

i dont think id try cutting a nail with a ****. A) you'll ruin the tool, B) you will not cut flush and leave a headless spike that will bite you. seems it would be less trouble either to yank or sink it
i dont think id abuse a set of linesmens either for that

I can't see why that would be the case. The nail I was cutting was within the capabilities of the tool according to the manufacturer.

Based on everyone else's experiences, it seems to me like the NWS cutters just don't live up to the hype.

I was considering the Knipex TwinForce, but they're a lot more than I'd like to pay. The Fantasticos were pretty expensive to begin with and the TwinForce are twice as expensive. I'm still considering switching to Knipex though, as at least they regional support whom I've met.

 

[bcradio]

I use my knipex diagonals heavily and I can't a bad word about them. That said - I dont cut nails with them, I'd use the knipex mini bolt cutters instead.

This is the route to go for cutting hard stuff

 

[larry_g]

Some years back I was having problems and went researching wire cutters. I discovered that there are cutters for cutting copper wire and 'hard wire' cutters for cutting steel, and other metals. I'd suggest that if your cutting more than copper wire with your side cutters that you investigate what your cutter is rated for. Just saying.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[ecotec]

Some years back I was having problems and went researching wire cutters. I discovered that there are cutters for cutting copper wire and 'hard wire' cutters for cutting steel, and other metals. I'd suggest that if your cutting more than copper wire with your side cutters that you investigate what your cutter is rated for. Just saying.

lg
no neat sig line

At $30 a pop, I have to agree.

The D-2000 Klein diagonals and Linesman's are, pretty much, perfect pliers. They are great in both durability and ergonomics. I do not like the journeyman style puffy grips, though. I prefer the thin dipped grips.

 

[M6erfan]

I use my knipex diagonals heavily and I can't a bad word about them. That said - I dont cut nails with them, I'd use the knipex mini bolt cutters instead.

+1

 

[monkeyspanners]

So my questions are, how quickly do you notice the cutting edges dull on your side cutters? And, is this what you would expect from this caliber of tool?

Had some NWS VDE cutters for what must have been over ten years, used most days for service and install work on refrigeration and ac equipment. They had dulled over time but were still serviceable, in the end the joint wore out and the cutting edges didn't line up well. They were only ever used on copper electrical wire and cables.

 

[DSLTRK]

Had some NWS VDE cutters for what must have been over ten years, used most days for service and install work on refrigeration and ac equipment. They had dulled over time but were still serviceable, in the end the joint wore out and the cutting edges didn't line up well. They were only ever used on copper electrical wire and cables.

I'd have to agree the germans make a great **** plier. Any pliers with induction hardened cutting edges are going to be robust.

I find that both newer Klein and snap on pliers have excellent cutting edges, but the pivot is loose and that throws the jaws out of alignment. And this is new out of the package.

When you have a pair that have a tight pin, they both work excellent.

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[ssdave]

Agreed. Though to be fair, ssdave's that I was commenting about do look a lot like the D2000-9NE that I too own. Mine look like new, but I have not used them to cut steel.

My Kleins are the steel rated ones. I had to pay about $10 extra for that feature when I bought them; but that's been about 12 years ago. They are used mostly for copper (and pulling slugs out of electrical panels) but when I tried them on the piano wire, they immediately became blunted. So, I still like Klein, but use my Klein tools only for electrical; they all reside in my electrical tool belt permanently.

 

[ttpete]

There are specialized pliers for cutting hardened music wire:

https://www.pianoteksupply.com/assets/pdf/tools/wirecutters.pdf

 

[T45]

OP twinforce are likely more money than a co-bolt cutter and a 74 series diagonal combined. the latter two may make a better investment, if you need to abuse stuff. just something to think about, also zoro 30pc sales comin up in black friday.

 

[ken w.]

I've used the same pair of Snap On's for 25 years without any problems. I've used them on steel cotter pins , axle boot straps and most anything on a vehicle. They may be a bit dull now , but I have no complaints.

 

[rick carpenter]

In my volunteer demo work, anything in hand is a multi-tool and -- very importantly -- any tools someone might borrow need to be cheap enough to replace if (sometimes a >50% probability) they get lost. So my "best" may not be your "best". For these reasons, I use Channellock linesmans, Crescent high leverage dikes, and no-name end cutters on my belt as possible loaners. I recently bought a pair of Knipex dikes, and I'll probably get some CoBolts in the near future too. They'll be in my belt, but only for me to use.

I have electrical tools including cutters but they're only for electric.

 

[zer0cell]

Cutting screws, especially coated deck screws is a very bad idea with normal cutters, of any brand in my opinion... they do some real damage to the cutting end. I use one of those screw removal kits which cost about $10-$15 whenever one of those needs to be taken out, or a sawzall if need be.

I don't cut much piano wire but if I was going to regularly, I would buy pliers specifically for that purpose, but for now I use the knipex cobolt cutters which I also use for cutting galvanized framing nails and other harder wire on occasion rather than exposing my diagonal cutters to that.

For trim nails or smaller uncoated nails, copper wire and similar, both the klein 2000 series, knipex and channellock have all held up without issue. I know some of these may be able to cut harder material but personally I'd rather use them for electrical/trim work and save the heavier cutting knipex bolt cutters.

 

[Roberts210]

I've used a pair of Channellock 148-14, 14" Heavy Duty End Nippers for many years. I've cut a million nails with them, also piano wire, screws, etc. Never had a problem. They also come in 7.5 inch and 10 inch lengths. And they are MADE IN THE U.S.

 

[bnem]

I guess when people say cutting something like a nail with dykes will damage them, are speaking from experience. I see no reason why that should be the case for Fantasticos given that they're designed (though apparently not built) for cutting thicker and/or harder material. In any case, NWS customer service has proved to be appalling so I'll be moving on from them. I'll get myself some nice Knipex dykes and cobolts, as some have suggested.

Thanks everyone.

 

[Hammell]

I was gifted a set of no name Chinese plier set as a kid, 16 yrs old. I wore the needle nose out, upgraded to snap on talons, awesome!! The set also came with two sets of linesman, short and long. I thru out the long linesman as it would bind so bad. I still have the short. and the side cutters. It would take tremendous force to cut any wire or zap strap. I bought a pair of channelock side cutters and they were much much better, much less force to cut. However, with heavy use I chipped the blades. I replaced one thru warranty, then a year later replaced the second thru warrenty. I too am ready to upgrade yet again. Snap on 87CF or ?

 

[crackit]

I use my Snap-on 87CF all the time to cut steel (though not piano wire or hardened steel). I really like these cutters.