Warning: Not Exciting!...I need new wire cutters

[turdadactyl]

Anybody have wire cutters they like that cut close, don't get dinged up cutting normal wire leads, etc.?  Mine are old and big.

[EBK]

This is what I use.  Cheap, yet quite nice.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000IBSFAI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_Ywc.BbH8VET2W

And, who says wire cutting isn't exciting?
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/WireDilemma

[digi2t]

I have a couple of close cutting mini flush cutters, but this is one tool in my box that's indispensable when it come to cutting leads in tight quarters...



It's called a Glascow Rongeur (bone nibbler). It's a surgical tool. The beauty of it is that it's able to cut close and clean at the tip. That means that I can reach right into a tight nestle of components to nip off a lead. The cut lead stays between the the jaws until I pull out and open them up again. Brilliant!

I won't say where I got mine from, but no, it wasn't anything they left inside of me from the heart surgery. Also available on Ebay.

[ElectricDruid]

I've got a pair of these that I bought once upon a time - I think I needed a few extra dollars to get free shipping or something.

Good quality and cut nice and tight. Definitely worth $5. They have an EU store too now.

https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Tools/Flush-Cutter-C-H-P-CHP-170-/IF317-039-1

T.

[turdadactyl]

I've got a pair of these that I bought once upon a time - I think I needed a few extra dollars to get free shipping or something.

Good quality and cut nice and tight. Definitely worth $5. They have an EU store too now.

https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Tools/Flush-Cutter-C-H-P-CHP-170-/IF317-039-1

T.

I was looking at these.  Looks like they may be the same.

https://www.amazon.com/Hakko-CHP-170-Micro-Cutter/dp/B076M3ZHBV/

[turdadactyl]

You'd think for $5 I'd just buy the damn things and try 'em. 

[EBK]

Hmm...  Mine are the 170-II model.  I now wonder if that "II" just means "two more dollars".   

[Rob Strand]

I like this type for general use.  They can cut close to the board.   They are quite cheap and work well  (provided you don't try cutting steel wire or something crazy like that.)
https://www.newark.com/productimages/standard/en_US/96Y9867-40.jpg?01AD=3QNpbelEaFgHeCYdr3czc7ogXArM6vcMNj2JN0_F1iCYSinerbwFNzg&01RI=35448392A74345D&01NA=na

I also have these which are somewhat more expensive, better quality, but at the end of the day I like the previous style.
https://www.markkinointiuikkanen.fi/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Lindstr%C3%B6m-8140-380008140.jpg

[thermionix]

steel wire or something crazy like

component leads?

[njkmonty]

these are great  i buy 5-10 every 2-5 years , when they go a little dull , i then use those ones for guitar strings or more aggressive cutting, and use a fresh pair for pcb components

[italianguy63]

LOL--  I am still using a small pair of diagonal cutters I got about 30 years ago.  The plastic handles have fallen off...  I may get a new pair eventually.  I like that bone-nibbler thingy.  That would be handy in some instances!

MC

[deadastronaut]

i have the blue version of those above..... 2 quid.  evilbay.

nice flush cutting.

[highwater]

Four words: NOT Craftsman diagonal cutters.

steel wire or something crazy like

component leads?

I have two pair of the Craftsman cutters. One has done full-on tin-snip duty. The other had only done component leads and wire... until I realised they weren't in any better shape than the first pair.

Those bone-snips sound good... I wonder if there's a medical-supply store around here.

[italianguy63]

Yeah my diagonals are a smallish pair.. no markings on them/blue rubber handles.  They came from an electronics supplier... maybe JAMECO?  I'm amazed they still aren't dull after 30 years.

The handles have since disintegrated.  Now just bare metal.  I may need to break down and purchase a new set.

MC

[bloxstompboxes]

Yeah my diagonals are a smallish pair.. no markings on them/blue rubber handles.  They came from an electronics supplier... maybe JAMECO?  I'm amazed they still aren't dull after 30 years.

The handles have since disintegrated.  Now just bare metal.  I may need to break down and purchase a new set.

MC

Or some of this which is more expensive than several of the suggestions already listed above.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Plasti-Dip-14-5-fl-oz-Black-Dip-Coating/3543512?cm_mmc=SCE_PLA-_-Paint-_-SprayPaint-_-3543512:Plasti_Dip&CAWELAID=&kpid=3543512&CAGPSPN=pla&store_code=2851&k_clickID=go_625682584_51891096229_253516332370_pla-294505072980_c_9013188&gclid=Cj0KCQiA8_PfBRC3ARIsAOzJ2uqslJ9z4bUB8fgihgoR8GQ-j1K5ISPNGPldyRkfFxP2UWreJcAFEY8aAjcGEALw_wcB

[stallik]

Been well pleased with these though I only paid £7 for mine a year ago
https://www.cromwell.co.uk/shop/hand-tools/electronics-and-miniature/precision-electronic-shears-127mm/f/6190
I like the little extra blade thing that holds on to the clipping. Saves them ending up hidden somewhere in the enclosure

[Rob Strand]

component leads?

LOL! Yeah that didn't come out right. I meant cutting steel wire in general.  Some steel wires will stuff those cutters on the first snip. 

[stallik]

Yeah. How long do any of these snips last if used on guitar strings!

[EBK]

Yeah. How long do any of these snips last if used on guitar strings!

I bet you could make it through one complete string change, if you cut each string in a different spot on the cutter blades.   

[Rob Strand]

I bet you could make it through one complete string change, if you cut each string in a different spot on the cutter blades.

One company I worked at the boss was cutting some hardened steel rods.   He made three snips or so then threw them in the bin.  I think we lost three pairs in one day.