Want to upgrade micro flush cutter and pick tools

[Jacobson]

I have a $3 version of both these from HF.

They are indispensible tools, and I can see them breaking eventually.

What's a step up that's a good value and not SO prices?

 

[M6erfan]

I have a $3 version of both these from HF.

They are indispensible tools, and I can see them breaking eventually.

What's a step up that's a good value and not SO prices?

Hakko & Ullman, both available on amazon

 

[firworks]

Xcelite and Xuron are also good for flush cutters. I want to say Xuron is even made in USA?

 

[lilcraigford]

Xcelite and Xuron are also good for flush cutters. I want to say Xuron is even made in USA?

Xuron is just 15-20 min south of where I live, located in Saco, ME.

 

[90zcar]

Haha I just bought the harbor freight ones today. We'll see how they do.
For a pick set id say snap on without a doubt



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[90zcar]

What is the problem with the hf flush cutters you have?
Just remember they are flush cutters and only that. U need to remember that


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[pi_guy]

I have exchanged SO electronic flush cutter 3 times this year.
They are used excessively 4 or 5 hundred cuts and you nick a blade and they start to get dull. Tye wraps are tough on the blades also. when I see daylight between the blades they get replaced
The HF which is a poorer version on the Xlite or eXacto one, but those with the narrow blade go out of alignment very quickly anyway.

 

[90zcar]

That right there^^^^

With the way the blades are designed and ground down to give you that "flush" cut, there is no material on the other side of the cutting surface making them very easy to get nicked or go dull. That's why your everyday pair of dykes are shaped the way they are.

You either do what pi-guy did and buy a $40-50 pair of snap-on ones so you can exchange them....or buy cheap ones knowing some day u will need to buy another pair.

Me personally don't find myself needing a dead on flush cut very often....so the hf ones should last me awhile.


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[quattroJoe]

My micro flush cutters are used daily, I like the CHP-170. About $5 on Amazon, I buy a few at a time so I have backups if I lose them.

As for picks, not sure if you're talking regular or mini, but I've tried several brands of mini picks and I love the Mayhew Mini Dominators. They've held up great, haven't had any handles loosen, and the black coating hasn't worn and doesn't corrode. Also used on a near daily basis.

 

[Jacobson]

The HF ones are fine. I only use my cutters to cut zip ties and hose clamps. I don't even use them for actual wire cutting. But, I think they might wear out quicker than other types of tools like a wrench, since blades are thin. I'll check out some options. Thanks. It's an important tool when you need it.

 

[scooternut]

Used these for at least ten years as a busy hobby guy where i cut tons of zip ties on bikes and mtorcycles and do a good bit of small wire work. They finally failed at the dumbest place.

These were shipped for about 12 but looks like i could've gotten them on Amazon for 8 (i couldn't remember brand).




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[Brownsfan]

For flush cutters the Crescent branded 2pc cutter/needle nose set sold at home depot for $13 is fantastic. I have them and use them daily. Pick set the Materforce branded Pratt Reed sold at Menards is the best band for the buck at $7. Certainly not bank breakers but great quality USA made and great prices
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Crescent-4-in-Shear-Cutter-Plier-Set-2-Piece-S2KS5N/206872615
http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...451312798-c-9158.htm?tid=-7748985403111138542

I use both everyday and have never broken either. I have lost more than a few though. I will also say I have the snap on pick set and the only thing better about them is the grips. They live in the shop box because I am too afraid to put them in the road tool set. Because I loose tools way more than I should. The business end of the Masterforce picks are very durable and I will loose them way before they would break

 

[bwringer]

Not sure where you are, but Fry's stocks the Hakko flush cutters and they're often on sale for $5 a pair.

As others have hinted, the key is to buy several pairs and have the fortitude to toss them when they get worn out or damaged.

If you dig through the bin at HF, you can usually find several pairs that are better than the others and work fine. Not worth the time when the Hakkos are only a few bucks more.

HF does sell dental style picks that are quite good and very cheap -- the larger ones with the plastic handles are pure junk, but the finer ones with stainless or aluminum handles are nice.

For the larger picks with handles, the MasterForce branded ones at Menards are very good, and inexpensive.

 

[90zcar]

On the left is a normal pair of snap on dikes I use for everything. Remember to use that style for every kind of cutting and only use the flush cutters for the times u need a flush cut

For mini picks I chose snap on because of warranty


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[outdoorspace]

Xuron semi-flush shears, worth the extra penny over Hakko. I have a bin full of Ullman picks, both gripped and double-ended, that have held up; they are the OEM to a lot of brands (Snap-On, Mac, Craftsman, SK, Malco, etc) and you can find them fairly cheap. Masterforce hooks and picks, rebadged Pratt-Read, are now my go-to whenever space permits.

 

[Jacobson]

I bought the Xuron for $9 and the Hakko for $5

 

[M6erfan]

I bought the Xuron for $9 and the Hakko for $5

Good on ya! Report back and let us know how you like 'em

 

[risc]

I like Xcelite but the Xuron looks nice. At under $10 consider them disposable if I wear them out prematurely it's a fair trade off for a light, easy to handle tool.

 

[yamaha0343]

My Klein flush cutters have been through hell and back and still work great. They were around $10.