Cutters

[TorqueRanger]

 I am sorr about this being such a noobish question but I need new cutter because my German made mini diagonal cutter are not small  enough for repair work  and just get in the way... My budget is about $20 bucks and are the ebay special any good or am I better off get something else ??



Thanks
Jay

[ve7xen]

I use these, and after going through most of what you can get for < $20 that's not garbage, they're my favourite. I have never tried the ultra fancy ones some guys swear by, but these feel nice in the hand and work very well.

http://www.digikey.ca/product-detail/en/STUSA%20-%20170/232-1025-ND/1739132

[SeanB]

Many clones of that around, and they can be good. Buy a few when you find one you like if they are cheap.

[tld]

I am sorr about this being such a noobish question but I need new cutter because my German made mini diagonal cutter are not small  enough for repair work  and just get in the way... My budget is about $20 bucks and are the ebay special any good or am I better off get something else ??

I took a chance and ordered these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/360494538912?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

They're within budget, and being German-made, you might find them locally?

(I haven't gotten them yet, so can't do a full review, but I've been happy with all things Wiha so far).

[TorqueRanger]

 I found a couple different ones that look like quality to me....
Plato 170-SD
Lindstrom Rx8150.  ( I really like this set)
EVEN 10501 niptec cutter TR5000

[cwalex]

Lindstrom Rx8150

These are the nicest cutters I have ever used but they are pretty pricey.

[TorqueRanger]

Lindstrom Rx8150

These are the nicest cutters I have ever used but they are pretty pricey.

I know but I would rather buy one good one than have several cheap ones that fall apart because by the time you buy 2 cheap ones ,you could have just  bought one good one...

[cwalex]

Lindstrom Rx8150

These are the nicest cutters I have ever used but they are pretty pricey.

I know but I would rather buy one good one than have several cheap ones that fall apart because by the time you buy 2 cheap ones ,you could have just  bought one good one...

I agree with you! I have a set at work and bought a set for home because I like them so much. I have several of the yellow handle ones too, I can't remember the model and they aren't as nice but they work really well. Only mentioned they are pricey as the OP wanted under $20.

[robrenz]

I have the cutters pictured in ve7xen's post above. they are very good and I use them for all my general work.
 
I also have Lindstroms and several Tronex cutters and pliers. IMO the Tronex are a higher quality cutter than the Lindstroms for approximately the same money. The higher quality cutters will have a wire size capability chart for each model of cutter. As the cutters get more delicate they will even have ratings for cutting at the very tip and separate ratings for cutting close to the pivot. If you want them to last always use the cutters for the intended range.  If you do very fine work the very small Tronex #5071 are a true thing of beauty. This is where the precision of the higher quality cutters really comes into play.
I repaired a digital readout that had #38 stranded wires that had to be cut and stripped. That is 7 strands of #46 wire (.0016" dia.) the diameter over the insulation is only .007" This was easily cut cleanly and stripped using these cutters under the microscope.  You can't do that with an inexpensive cutter.

Clockwise from top left: C.H.P., Tronex #7223, Tronex #5071, Lindstrom RX 8152


Closeup of tips

[Mechatrommer]

i recently bought Lindstrom EX 575E i thought it has unique design for smaller pitched components and also most people swear by the brand. the steel material is silver colored, bought direct from USA! but its been few weeks only it starts to rust at some spots, either its immitation or cannot adapt itself to my/our environment here. i doubt its an immitation since its direct from USA, not China. so i wonder why it cant adapt. anyway its good and its unique, lets see how it goes these few years. the normal design side cutter like above i can buy locally and hit the limit of my need now.



i've cut my first board with it, more comfy and the bit seems to take the leads easily. even if its rusty maybe it can be a good buy though if the bit stays sharp for many years.

[ElektroQuark]

Contact Lindstrom and tell about the issue. Let's see if the Name if at level with the Fame.

[robrenz]

Most high quality tool steels will rust, that is not an indication of the quality of the steel.  Making a cutter from even the best stainless steels would compromise the cutting edge life compared to the optimum tool steel that rusts. A light coating of anti corrosion lube or even just motor oil will prevent further oxidation.

I was not implying that Lindstrom cutters are not high quality. I just think the Tronex have a little edge on design and execution.

[Mechatrommer]

"Requested URL cannot be found"
http://www.lindstromtools.com/link/main_contacts.htm
i can feel that the remote possibility of their support to me is as remotely as i am to the USA, but..

anyway lindstrom didnt claim the chromium vanadium, the ebay seller (the tattooed guy) did, so i corrected my earlier post.
i agree 100% with Rob, for "us" that aesthetic matters very little, what matters is how it performs. its too early to judge but anyway i tried to give my experience as precise as i can since for somebody else this might matters. i even wont bother finding proper lube for it even though i have many back there but i remembered one guy here made a post in another thread swearing by cheapo brand since his lindstrom was not up for the job. i got this 575 mainly because its unique design. imho more specifically to ee rather than general purpose usage.

i also bought another cheapo general purpose side cutter about the same time as this 575, after the earlier one failed. in case i need to cut harder material, this cheapo is expendable

[ElektroQuark]

They are "high-chromium":

they say

[robrenz]

The Tronex site is very educational. A read of all the sections of the "cutting edge technology" tab will give you and idea of why I think these are extreme quality.  The "FAQ" tab also will answer a lot of things inferred in this thread.  The "products" tab will get you dizzy with all the possibilities.

I have no connection with Tronex other than being a very satisfied customer.

[flolic]

I have two, Knipex 78 03 125 ESD and some cheap Italian ones that looks the same as Hakko CHP-170.
I am satisfied with both of them, but they don't like any hard wire no matter of diameter.
For cutting copper wires and resistor legs they are ok.

[TorqueRanger]

I am such a dumbass!!!!!!

I didn't read that the  Lindstrom RX 8152 where almost $60 or more for brand new  and I can get used ones for $20...Well I am back to the $20 special instead since I don't have the money for that....


Sorry about the confusion..

Also has anyone tried these
Aven 10501 Niptec Cutter TR 5000, Semi-Flush, 12 AWG
http://www.ebay.com/itm/160727778187?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

[ElektroQuark]

The Tronex site is very educational. A read of all the sections of the "cutting edge technology" tab will give you and idea of why I think these are extreme quality.  The "FAQ" tab also will answer a lot of things inferred in this thread.  The "products" tab will get you dizzy with all the possibilities.

I have no connection with Tronex other than being a very satisfied customer.

Yep, it is indeed.
I thought the high chromium content make them somewhat "stainless steel" like.
Thank you for the link, robrenz.

[nanofrog]

I also have Lindstroms and several Tronex cutters and pliers. IMO the Tronex are a higher quality cutter than the Lindstroms for approximately the same money.

I have some Excelta's that are rebranded Tronex (Lindstrom and Erem as well), and I'd have to agree with your statement that the Tronex pairs have a better cutting edge than the Lindstrom's. I like the way the Erem's cut as well (equal to the Tronex based on what I own), but they don't fit my hands as well as either the Tronex or Lindstroms. So they don't get quite as high of marks as the Tronex. This likely has to do with the grips I chose though (went for the ergonomic handles rather than standard).

None of them are trash by a long shot, but given the cost, the Tronex do seem to have a better overall performance IMHO (really sharp and are comfortable to use).

i recently bought Lindstrom EX 575E i thought it has unique design for smaller pitched components and also most people swear by the brand. the steel material is silver colored, bought direct from USA! but its been few weeks only it starts to rust at some spots, either its imitation or cannot adapt itself to my/our environment here.

They're polished steel so there's no plating that can flake off and cause problems. Good electronics tools are usually made this way, including screwdrivers and tweezers. Lindstrom does a black oxide coating on some (white, yellow, and Rx handled cutters), just not the model you purchased.

Your pair appears to be made by Ideal-Tek (Swiss made would be your clue, as those Lindstrom actually produces themselves, are made in Spain and isn't marked on the tool, only the packaging). Ideal-Tek also supplies all of Lindstrom's tweezers.

Older Lindstrom's were made in Sweden, but were bought out by Sandvik who moved production to Spain, then Snap-On bought it from Sandvik. The newer ones aren't as good as the older Swedish made ones IMHO.

[Precisiontools]

Have a look at Schmitz

http://www.schmitz-zangen.de/?lang=engl

[kripton2035]

I have this Prokit one for a very long time and it is an unbeatable price...
http://www.elv.de/elektronikschneider-micro-fuer-kupferdraht-bis-1-6-mm.html

[robrenz]

Have a look at Schmitz
http://www.schmitz-zangen.

How much do the online shop prices go up after VAT etc.?  Those listed prices are approximately half of Tronex or Lindstrom in the US. From the information on thier site the quality appears to be at least equal or better.

[Mechatrommer]

The Tronex site is very educational.

the yellowish (tungsten) steel certainly looks very hard. i have one yellowish metal bar colored like that pretty much undestructable. probably will be my next buy

I can get used ones for $20...

be carefull or you'll end up spending more. check carefully the cutting bit in the ad. i saw used lindstroms (so much so for the name) during the 575 search. the bit chips everywhere leaving holes when closed together, pretty much the same as my failed cheapo, useless to my definition, even at $1 i wont buy it. lucky the seller provided the closed up pictures of it, so he knew what buyers are looking for. but for some others, be carefull.

i wikied on chromium it should be stainless, but probably needs some more mix formula for better resistant probably nickel, not sure not my arena.

[nanofrog]

Have a look at Schmitz
http://www.schmitz-zangen.

How much do the online shop prices go up after VAT etc.?  Those listed prices are approximately half of Tronex or Lindstrom in the US. From the information on thier site the quality appears to be at least equal or better.

Rob, I put an order in for pliers (sorry, didn't buy any cutters). When you go to type in your address, the VAT vanishes once you set the country to United States. Shipping is a flat rate of 19.90EUR (sent out via Deutche Post; not sure if it's air or sea though).

I only paid $117.49 for 4 pairs of pliers so far (haven't gotten them yet), and that includes currency conversion through PayPal (max of 2% fee for currency conversion if you set paypal to your checking acount; up to 3.9% IIRC via a credit card set on PayPal). Not sure of customs duties yet (no notice so far), but a friend of mine indicated that it would be no more than 12.5% of the subtotal (plier cost only). So it will still come out a lot cheaper than buying from Tronex, Lindstrom, or Erem.

As per a review, PrecisionTools has a blog where he reviewed an order of both pliers and cutters. So you might want to give that a read. It certainly helped me out on the pliers, as what I've been using suck (bought locally in a pinch), and opted to go for better cutters first.

Here's his blog. http://precisiontools.wordpress.com/

[robrenz]

Thanks for the info. Like I need to be tempted to buy more cutters or pliers

The Precisiontools reviews were very good info. He seems to be very objective and thorough

[nanofrog]

Thanks for the info. Like I need to be tempted to buy more cutters or pliers

The Precisiontools reviews were very good info. He seems to be very objective and thorough

Glad his blog helped.  I found it very useful myself, particularly the long-term testing. Had good initial impressions turn sour due to wearing out very quickly on enough occasions on supposed top quality tools, that I don't really trust reputations anymore. So information sources such as that are invaluable to me.

Regarding temptation for cutters and pliers, I look at it this way; they're wearable items, so buying spares is justified. 

[HLA-27b]

Thanks for the info. Like I need to be tempted to buy more cutters or pliers

The Precisiontools reviews were very good info. He seems to be very objective and thorough

The robrenz I know would take an old pair of cutters and braze in some carbide inserts to make them the most awesome cutters ever 

[TorqueRanger]

I can get used ones for $20...

be carefull or you'll end up spending more. check carefully the cutting bit in the ad. i saw used lindstroms (so much so for the name) during the 575 search. the bit chips everywhere leaving holes when closed together, pretty much the same as my failed cheapo, useless to my definition, even at $1 i wont buy it. lucky the seller provided the closed up pictures of it, so he knew what buyers are looking for. but for some others, be carefull.

i wikied on chromium it should be stainless, but probably needs some more mix formula for better resistant probably nickel, not sure not my arena.

I mainly do repair work and starting to build projects again .... But my  main concern is that I am going to tear up a good pair or cheap pair by using them on a wrong lead and that's why I kind of lean towards the Aven 10501 Niptec style because they just seem to be better built than the stamped steel kind but I might be wrong and if I am please let me know...
I don't plan on buying a used set but I plan on picking up a set of Aven 10501 Niptec Cutter TR 5000 and hakko cutters too just to see what I like better...

[nanofrog]

I mainly do repair work and starting to build projects again .... But my  main concern is that I am going to tear up a good pair or cheap pair by using them on a wrong lead and that's why I kind of lean towards the Aven 10501 Niptec style because they just seem to be better built than the stamped steel kind but I might be wrong and if I am please let me know...
I don't plan on buying a used set but I plan on picking up a set of Aven 10501 Niptec Cutter TR 5000 and hakko cutters too just to see what I like better...

Have you considered buying good quality ones used off of eBay?

I ask, as you can get some good deals. Picked up a pair of Swanstroms that way (S512E), they're larger/heavier than anything else I'm aware of/own based on capacity ratings, so I'd think they should be able to take more abuse. Best part is, if they do get broken, I won't be upset as I spent under $10 for them, including shipping.

Current eBay listings for Swanstrom: http://www.ebay.com/sch/Business-Industrial-/12576/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=swanstrom+cutter
Swanstrom catalog: http://www.swanstromtools.com/SwanstromCatalog.pdf

There are others too, including Erem and Lindstrom. Get a copy of the catalogs from their sites, and search eBay by the P/N's you're interested. Worth looking into IMHO. 

[grenert]

Swanstrom offers pretty reasonably priced servicing of their tools (and other brand as well) (but $75 minimum order, so you need to send quite a few).
http://swanstromtools.com/recon.htm

I really like the Swanstrom tools I have, but I have to admit I don't have a lot else to compare to (besides cheapo stuff).

[Precisiontools]

Thanks for the plug of my blog guys...just a little side note on Tronex second hand pliers, if your living in the 'States (or anywhere else if you can justify mailing them) they offer a re-sharpening service. I'm not sure what they charge but I am told they do a good job.

[TorqueRanger]

Is it worth buying quality one off ebay or just stick with the cheaper name brands like hakko or something

[SeanB]

Was looking today and the "Pro'sKit" are $5 retail by me. No name brand is $4.......

[nanofrog]

Swanstrom offers pretty reasonably priced servicing of their tools (and other brand as well) (but $75 minimum order, so you need to send quite a few).
http://swanstromtools.com/recon.htm

I really like the Swanstrom tools I have, but I have to admit I don't have a lot else to compare to (besides cheapo stuff).

Swanstrom makes good tools. Compared to others, they're similar to Tronex IMHO, but are a bit larger in size. So if you're working in a lot of tight spaces, they may not be the best choice. Handles are also very similar.

As per a reconditioning service, try locate a local source if possible (literally may operate out of a garage, but don't freak out, this type actually tends to produce the best quality work). They tend to be more willing to work with you for small quantities (individual to a few pieces) than a cutter manufacturer. Less hassle too IMHO, as you don't have to ship anything. If you can't however, there are independent reconditioning services that will recondition any brand of cutter.

Thanks for the plug of my blog guys...just a little side note on Tronex second hand pliers, if your living in the 'States (or anywhere else if you can justify mailing them) they offer a re-sharpening service. I'm not sure what they charge but I am told they do a good job.

You earned it.  Thanks for putting in the time to write it.

Is it worth buying quality one off ebay or just stick with the cheaper name brands like hakko or something

In my experience, Yes.

There seems to be a number of sellers that deal with cutters that have already been resharpened. So as long as the joint is good, you get a great pair of cutters for far less than new street prices. You won't find a full line, but you can get commonly used P/N's, such as Lindstrom 8130, 8140, 8150, and 8160, Swanstrom 51x (x is 0, 1, or 2; cutting edge of bevel, micro bevel, and full flush respectively), and 61x for example. Just buy from someone with a return policy just in case you get a bad pair (bad joint, nicked blades, whatever).

All of mine where purchased from eBay (both new and used). Most I spent was $30.00 USD, and was for a new-in-package Lindstrom Rx8130. I just had to be patient for those prices.

[Szewczykm]

Has anyone tried any of the "cuts the lead and bends it just right so it stays on the through-hole board" type cutters that you can recommend?

[Precisiontools]

Has anyone tried any of the "cuts the lead and bends it just right so it stays on the through-hole board" type cutters that you can recommend?

I have a set of CK branded versions of these - http://www.schmitz-zangen.de/produkte.php?art=1&p=6&lang=engl

They do the job they are intended to do but I haven't used them much.

[nanofrog]

I have a set of CK branded versions of these - http://www.schmitz-zangen.de/produkte.php?art=1&p=6&lang=engl

Unfortunately, they don't offer those in their online store, and a minimum order quantity of 6 will probably keep most away from buying them directly. It was the case with me on a few styles anyway. 

[Precisiontools]

If there is enough interest I would stock them...

[TorqueRanger]

LOL I found out today that the cutters I have been using are an older Knipex No 70 and are still in good shape ....

[quarks]

For fine electronic work I do like Lindström and Belzer and these are the ones (see picture 1) I daily use since the 80s (if I remember right; that is really an long time). Therefore I can highly recommend both brands.

For thicker material I use Knipex and highly recommend to go for the Piano wire capable ones, because they do not seem to wear out at all, compared to the many others I have managed to damage. And for cables I found it very helpfull to use special cable cutters. (see picture 2 left side)

[TorqueRanger]

Well I have an offer of used Swanstrom Oval Head Wire Cutters S510E Qty-2 for $21 bucks shipped but not sure if they are worth it ,what do you guys think???

[nanofrog]

Well I have an offer of used Swanstrom Oval Head Wire Cutters S510E Qty-2 for $21 bucks shipped but not sure if they are worth it ,what do you guys think???

Swanstrom makes good cutters, and the price is good.

You might want to consider starting with a couple of different sizes though, such as this 3pair assortment (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Variety-Swanstrom-Wire-Cutters-S510E-S512E-S610E-Qty-3-/321061768555?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ac0c5cd6b).

Also found an Erem 2422E, which is very good as well http://www.ebay.com/itm/Erem-2400-Full-Flush-Wire-Cutters-W-Ergonomic-Handles-Model-2422E-W-out-Box-/321047280404?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4abfe8bb14]([url]http://www.ebay.com/itm/Erem-2400-Full-Flush-Wire-Cutters-W-Ergonomic-Handles-Model-2422E-W-out-Box-/321047280404?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4abfe8bb14[/url]). Don't let "Full Flush" scare you, as it's the term they use for a micro bevel (Super Flush Cut = true flush).

I own a pair of Swanstrom 512E and Erem 2422. Either would be worth having at those prices IMHO (Swanstrom doesn't get bid heavily like Lindstrom when I got mine).