flush cutters vs angled cutters

[kolonelkadat]

this is probably a stupid question, but why are the flush cutters preferred over the angle cutters? ive never used or owned flush cutters but if there is a good reason that they are better, I will pick some up next time I go to the shop.

for reference,
angle cutters http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/72/Wire_cutter.png
flush cutters http://www.vetco.net/catalog/images/PLAT-10531.jpg

[hagster]

The flush cutters can get closer to the pcb and give a cleaner cut. The angled cutters are less easily damaged and can be used for heavier duty stuff.

[mikeselectricstuff]

You can't easily strip wires with bevel cutters - the angle pushes the blades apart.
Flush cutters give you more choice in length when cutting off wires from soldered joints.
Flush cutters are more useful for trimming bits of plastic, e.g. cutting unwanted pillars out pf project boxes.
The downside of flush cutters is the edge is more prone to damage as the angle is sharper.
 

[deth502]

if you just work with wiring, they are not better. dont bother with them.

if you are doing pcb work with through hole components where you have to clip leads (which im assuming you are, since youre here), just go buy a pair. theyre not that expensive, and once you try them, you will not know why you ever tried to work without them before.

[digsys]

These flush cutters from Jaycar are my favourite cutter - www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=TH1897
You can do fine / precision cuts on wire, pins etc etc and even heavier cuts. Everyone in the factory likes them.
I try not to buy much of their stuff, as it's pretty poor quality, but these I buy by the box !!

[deth502]

where you at? $12 +shipping sounds high to me, i you have a home depot around you, you can get a flush cutter and needle nose for $14

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Xcelite-4-in-Shear-Cutter-Plier-Set-2-Piece-S2KS5/100163974#

[robrenz]

Ultra flush and flush cutters leave an un deformed cut on the flush side. The non flush side will be deformed but that part is usually thrown away.  The flush cut wire will be burr free. The angle cutters leave a deformed cut on both sides of the cut. Another thing with angle cutters is the shock induced in the leads when they snap closed while cutting. It can cause damage in semiconductors. This phenomenon is greatly reduced with flush and ultra flush cutters.

[kolonelkadat]

okey dokey. how are the Hakko CHP-170 ones? for 5 bucks I cant go wrong can i?

[nanofrog]

okey dokey. how are the Hakko CHP-170 ones? for 5 bucks I cant go wrong can i?

They're not the best out there by any stretch of the imagination, but they'll certainly get you started.  Trick is with any electronics cutter, is not to abuse it (i.e. don't cut anything other than copper wire, or exceed the rated wire size).

[peter.mitchell]

I find it odd that it is hard to find flush cutters with the "size" of angled cutters, so i often buy angled cutters and then machine them to flush cut, they fit in the hand much better.