Author Topic: Good Side Cutters For Small Electronics Work (Read 29525 times)

SgtRock · « **on:** October 24, 2011, 01:57:22 am »

Greetings EEVBees:

--I need your advice. I keep ruining small side cutters, the ones you use to make flush cuts on PCBs. I ruined a pair of cheap Radios Hack cutters, no surprise there. But then, I ruined a perfectly good pair of 170M Xcelite cutters, which I really liked.

--What can I buy that I will have the hardest time destroying?

"They say an ill workman never had good tools." Jonathan Swift

Best Regards
Clear Ether

Conrad Hoffman · « **Reply #1 on:** October 24, 2011, 02:05:33 am »

First, how are you ruining them? If you cut anything but copper and small soft steel leads, that's the end of 'em. They aren't designed for anything harder. You can get special piano wire cutters, but they come a bit dearer and are usually too big. Next, don't buy full flush cutter. They're an idiotic idea because the edge is guaranteed to be damaged with anything other than soft copper. Buy semi-flush cutters and the durability will go up ten-fold.

IanB · « **Reply #2 on:** October 24, 2011, 02:23:00 am »

How long is it taking you to ruin your cutters? If you check the data sheet for most good brands of cutter the working life is estimated as X number of cuts. As Conrad pointed out, X is lower for flush cutters and higher for semi-flush cutters. However, X is finite and if you use your cutters a lot they will simply wear out and need replacing after a time no matter how you look after them.

SgtRock · « **Reply #3 on:** October 24, 2011, 03:16:50 am »

Dear Conrad Hoffman and IanB:

--Thanks for the advice fellows. Please forgive my ignorance. I do use my cutters quite a bit, so you have made me feel much better. I just ordered a pair of new Kobalt 4.5 inch side cutters for 6$ shipping included. They still have one left if anyone is interested. See below link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360395043792

"He was born ignorant, and has been losing ground ever since." Fred Allen

Best Regards
Clear Ether

slipjointed · « **Reply #4 on:** October 24, 2011, 04:23:59 am »

Lindstrom RX are the best I've ever used... normally they're insanely expensive, but this seller has a great deal on some semi-flush cutters. FYI I've tried most of the "boutique" brands of electronics pliers and cutters. These are special... the normal Lindstrom lines are very nice, but the RX series are their own animal.

It's hard to explain just how great these cutters are until you hold them in your hand. They normally go for $50-60 a pair and higher, but this seller accepted my offer of $12. I loved them so much that I now own four different pairs.

The coolest thing about the lindstroms is that the spring tension/grip width is adjustable. The spring also has a non-linear compression curve, so it really feels unique in use, but in a really good way.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lindstrom-Pliers-RX-8150-Micro-Bevel-Jewelry-cutters-/320773647311?pt=BI_Electrical_Equipment_Tools&hash=item4aaf996bcf

SgtRock · « **Reply #5 on:** October 24, 2011, 04:59:07 am »

Dear Slipjointed:

--Good tip. Thanks. I just bought an ordinary pair of Kobalt side cutters, but I will be buying one or more of the Lindstroms as soon as my taxes are paid.

"Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one." Albert Einstein

Best Regards
Clear Ether

IanB · « **Reply #6 on:** October 24, 2011, 05:19:13 am »

I picked up some Hakko brand side cutters for a very reasonable price and I like them a lot. They are like these ones, but I found them in Fry's: http://www.scubatools.com/p-433-hakko-side-cut-5.aspx

slipjointed · « **Reply #7 on:** October 24, 2011, 06:19:37 am »

Quote from: SgtRock on October 24, 2011, 04:59:07 am

Dear Slipjointed:

--Good tip. Thanks. I just bought an ordinary pair of Kobalt side cutters, but I will be buying one or more of the Lindstroms as soon as my taxes are paid.

"Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one." Albert Einstein

Best Regards
Clear Ether

The Kobalt's weren't a mistake... I keep a "standard" set as well as my fancy Lindstroms. The Lindstroms actually have very hard cutting edges and so are durable, but I could bear putting a nick in the edge of a normal pair much more easily.

I usually only use the Lindstroms on a known quantity, so as to not damage the edges prematurely. That, and I NEVER let anyone borrow them.

I added pictures to tease you until I get paid again.

To add some commentary to the pictures, these pliers are very large (for electronics pliers), don't let the pictures fool you. My hands are a bit on the big side. That is a good thing though, because that makes them very comfortable.

The front of the grips has "wings" molded in where your index finger and thumb rest on the handles, so you still get a wide, controlled grip, even when you need to pinch grip the front of the pliers, or twist them slightly in your hand.

The handles are FRP overmolded with thermoplastic rubber, so they are very light, very strong, and very grippy. You can see the three adjustments for spring tension inside the handle, the spring pops out and repositions very easily.

The vast majority of the RX series have adjustable joints, so as they wear you can tighten them back up.

Quote from: IanB on October 24, 2011, 05:19:13 am

I picked up some Hakko brand side cutters for a very reasonable price and I like them a lot. They are like these ones, but I found them in Fry's: http://www.scubatools.com/p-433-hakko-side-cut-5.aspx

Those Hakkos are superb cutters for the money. As you were discussing above, flush cutters wear out much faster, so I picked up the Lindstroms in semi-flush as my fancy pair, and I have a set of Hakko full flush for when I need true flush cutters. I picked them up from tequipment for really cheap, back when they were blowing out a bunch of Hakko stuff.

The are cheap, well made, and hold up very well. If I hadn't found the Lindstroms listed on ebay for crazy cheap, it's pretty damned hard to argue against the Hakkos.

dfnr2 · « **Reply #8 on:** October 29, 2011, 11:20:05 pm »

Quote from: slipjointed on October 24, 2011, 04:23:59 am

Lindstrom RX are the best I've ever used... normally they're insanely expensive, but this seller has a great deal on some semi-flush cutters. FYI I've tried most of the "boutique" brands of electronics pliers and cutters. These are special... the normal Lindstrom lines are very nice, but the RX series are their own animal.

It's hard to explain just how great these cutters are until you hold them in your hand. They normally go for $50-60 a pair and higher, but this seller accepted my offer of $12. I loved them so much that I now own four different pairs.

The coolest thing about the lindstroms is that the spring tension/grip width is adjustable. The spring also has a non-linear compression curve, so it really feels unique in use, but in a really good way.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lindstrom-Pliers-RX-8150-Micro-Bevel-Jewelry-cutters-/320773647311?pt=BI_Electrical_Equipment_Tools&hash=item4aaf996bcf

Thanks for the lead! After I read your post, I bought a couple of these. I just received them, and they are excellent quality--each one like new, no nicks, no abuse. I'm amazed that there are still some left.

SgtRock · « **Reply #9 on:** October 29, 2011, 11:37:17 pm »

Greetings EEVBees:

--I still intend to buy some used Lindstroms on eBay, when the budget will allow. For now, I am very pleased with the $6.00 Kobalt Nickel Chrome Steel semi-flush cutters I got on eBay. Thanks to all for the tips and advice.

"Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one." Albert Einstein

Best Regards
Clear Ether

Jason Long · « **Reply #10 on:** May 19, 2012, 02:15:11 am »

I know this is an old thread but I figured that some might like to know that there are a couple of eBay sellers selling Lindstrom, Swanstrom and Erem cutters for crazy low prices.

If your in the market, now is a great time to check out eBay. Just an FYI.

free_electron · « **Reply #11 on:** May 19, 2012, 06:03:34 am »

Lindstrom ( the yellow series ) are the absolute best !
they use special carbon steel that is so hard that , if you drop it on concrete floor , and it lands on its tip there is a change that pieces crack off...

i once broke one by trying to cut a wire that was too thick ... the cutting tip just shattered ...

if treated right , these thing are indestructible. og , and oyu can actually take them apart and re-grind them ! lindstrom actually sends a special tool holder and grinding machine for these ...

nanofrog · « **Reply #12 on:** May 19, 2012, 06:39:17 am »

Quote from: free_electron on May 19, 2012, 06:03:34 am

Lindstrom ( the yellow series ) are the absolute best !
they use special carbon steel that is so hard that , if you drop it on concrete floor , and it lands on its tip there is a change that pieces crack off...

i once broke one by trying to cut a wire that was too thick ... the cutting tip just shattered ...

if treated right , these thing are indestructible. og , and oyu can actually take them apart and re-grind them ! lindstrom actually sends a special tool holder and grinding machine for these ...

Are yours made in Sweden or Spain?

JuKu · « **Reply #13 on:** May 19, 2012, 07:32:18 am »

Another vote for Lindstrom, and yes, you need several. The fine tip ones are not good for thick wires, connector leads etc, you'll just ruin them.

And while talking about fine cutters: Do you know anybody making cutters fine enough to go between pins of a 0.5mm pitch IC to cut one pin? Such a thing would probably not cut anything else, but I would still get one, pretty much no matter the cost. And no, you can't grind the tips of a Lindsrom that small.

Psi · « **Reply #14 on:** May 19, 2012, 07:46:11 am »

Yes Lindstrom are very good.

bingo600 · « **Reply #15 on:** May 19, 2012, 07:59:19 am »

I have always liked EREM
http://www.amazon.com/Erem-Magic-Sense-Cutter-Length/dp/B004V9AW18
http://il.rsdelivers.com/product/erem/622-nb/relieved-head-flush-side-cutter/4205748.aspx

They cost $$ , and react to a floordrop like said above (tip breaks off)

.
I have 2 of them , and the oldest is 22 years old. It still cuts through a sheet of paper cleanly and without pressing hard.

I might have a look at the Lindströms , but can recommend EREM also.

/Bingo

G7PSK · « **Reply #16 on:** May 19, 2012, 08:31:46 am »

Bahco make very good cutters what you need is ones labeled piano wire as that is what they will cut without any harm coming to them. If used on copper or pcb material the will last forever.

mikeselectricstuff · « **Reply #17 on:** May 19, 2012, 09:09:52 am »

Over the years I've had a few Lindstrom 8148s that were rather badly ground - some from ebay , but one from RS.
I also find that over time and mild abuse the joint gets slightly loose, which severely affects their ability to cut fine wires.
I've recently got a CK 3766DEF which I quite like, but is very slightly less than full flush, which is fine for most applications but not as good for stripping fine wire as the Lindstroms.

amspire · « **Reply #18 on:** May 19, 2012, 11:05:01 am »

Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on May 19, 2012, 09:09:52 am

Over the years I've had a few Lindstrom 8148s that were rather badly ground - some from ebay , but one from RS.
I also find that over time and mild abuse the joint gets slightly loose, which severely affects their ability to cut fine wires.

Sorry to hear you have had problems. I have had a Lindstrom 8150 which is a micro-bevel instead of an ultra flush cutter, and it is still perfect after 30 years of use. The microbevel can usually be substituted for an ultra-flush cutter in most cases but it is much tougher. The bevel is only something like 0.1mm, but that makes all the difference.

Rated at 0.3mm - 1.6mm copper, even though it easily handles 0.1mm wire like the 8048. Also rated for 0.4mm spring steel. Joint has never loosened even after lots of hard use.

Richard.

free_electron · « **Reply #19 on:** May 19, 2012, 02:33:17 pm »

Sweden. And you need the ones with yellow handles. I have seen and ised the blue and the rex series, they are not as good as the original.

My oldest is more than 20 years old ... I got them in 1990..
I got some younger in 2000 ..

At that time lindstrom was still lindstrom. They were bought by sandvik in 2003 i believe.
Up till then they only had the yellow series .. They made a living from 4 products.

Jason Long · « **Reply #20 on:** May 19, 2012, 03:35:20 pm »

Quote from: bingo600 on May 19, 2012, 07:59:19 am

I have always liked EREM
http://www.amazon.com/Erem-Magic-Sense-Cutter-Length/dp/B004V9AW18
http://il.rsdelivers.com/product/erem/622-nb/relieved-head-flush-side-cutter/4205748.aspx

They cost $$ , and react to a floordrop like said above (tip breaks off) .
I have 2 of them , and the oldest is 22 years old. It still cuts through a sheet of paper cleanly and without pressing hard.

I might have a look at the Lindströms , but can recommend EREM also.

/Bingo

I'll also give the nod to Erem...
I went ahead and picked up a few of the Lindstrom RX8150s ($15 each)
A few of the Swanstroms S510 & S610 ($3 to$7 each) and
2 pair of Erems, 595T ($24) & 595N ($7)
... Haven't picked up any off the yellow handled Lindstroms at this point. So I can't comment on them.

ALL of them appear to be excellent cutters and all have features that differentiate them from the others.

The Lindstrom RX cutters are insanely comfortable and if I had to spend a full day doing thousands of repetitive cuts these would be my 1st choice.

The Swanstroms have a set screw that you can use to limit the blade travel and keep the blades from slamming together when cutting. The double leaf springs are a little inconsistent and can make for a strange closing action.

The standout of the bunch is the Erem 595T. They have tungsten carbide blades rated to cut thin steel and the "MagicSense" internal spring is pure porn! Compared to the others, they look like child's toys (they are small w baby blue handles), but a closer look shows that they are pure Swiss quality!

nanofrog · « **Reply #21 on:** May 19, 2012, 04:14:46 pm »

Quote from: free_electron on May 19, 2012, 02:33:17 pm

Sweden. And you need the ones with yellow handles. I have seen and used the blue and the Rx series, they are not as good as the original.

My oldest is more than 20 years old ... I got them in 1990..
I got some younger in 2000 ..

At that time lindstrom was still lindstrom. They were bought by sandvik in 2003 i believe.
Up till then they only had the yellow series .. They made a living from 4 products.

Thanks.

Unfortunately, they're now made in Spain rather than Sweden, and have switched from a box joint to a lap joint held together with a screw and press-in nut. Snap-On (SNA) is their current owner).

I think I'll give a used pair a shot from eBay for evaluation, and see how it goes (same for Erem, which last I had access to, where still very good, but the most expensive).

nanofrog · « **Reply #22 on:** May 19, 2012, 06:11:21 pm »

Quote from: JuKu on May 19, 2012, 07:32:18 am

Do you know anybody making cutters fine enough to go between pins of a 0.5mm pitch IC to cut one pin?

Digging around their catalog, it seems the Erem 670EP is made specifically for this (they even make a smaller one; 670EPF for .25mm pitch, though it's not available in North America). Found some UK sources though (~53 & ~63 GBP ex VAT respectively).

Hope this helps.

Jason Long · « **Reply #23 on:** May 19, 2012, 07:42:31 pm »

If anyone's interested, I just ran across this on eBay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-PAIR-EREM-776E-CUTTERS-CRAFTS-JEWELRY-ELECTRICAL-/280884127824?pt=BI_Electrical_Equipment_Tools&hash=item4165ffa850#ht_450wt_75

Having 10 of the same cutter makes absolutely on sense at all but 10 for $45.00 + $6.25 shipping breaks out to $5.13 each! I'm finding it hard to not pull the trigger on this deal.

If anyone is interested in splitting this deal, shoot me a message. If you want the whole lot without splitting it, jump on it quick and save me pain of thinking about it... Also, feel free to let me buy one of them from you.

free_electron · « **Reply #24 on:** May 19, 2012, 08:30:39 pm »

careful with the Lindstroms.
Any comments made are based on themodels that I persally own :

http://www.lindstromtools.com/tools_cutters_80_assort.htm

I have the following :

Model 80 ( obsolete )
Model 8141
Model 8211
Model 8160

i cannot comment on any other models. I stick to the yellow series as this is what started lindstrom. The others are most certainly NOT lindstrom designs but were 'absorbed' from other companies when they were under Sandvik control. Up till the acquisition there was only the yellow series ( 80 series ).

i have one of the 'white series' normal pliers ( not cutters ) and they are 'flimsy'. i don't like those..

nanofrog · « **Reply #25 on:** May 19, 2012, 08:48:36 pm »

Quote from: free_electron on May 19, 2012, 08:30:39 pm

careful with the Lindstroms.
Any comments made are based on themodels that I persally own :

http://www.lindstromtools.com/tools_cutters_80_assort.htm

I have the following :

Model 80 ( obsolete )
Model 8141
Model 8211
Model 8160

i cannot comment on any other models. I stick to the yellow series as this is what started lindstrom. The others are most certainly NOT lindstrom designs but were 'absorbed' from other companies when they were under Sandvik control. Up till the acquisition there was only the yellow series ( 80 series ).

i have one of the 'white series' normal pliers ( not cutters ) and they are 'flimsy'. i don't like those..

After watching a video on youtube, I got the impression the Yellow and RX series only differed by the handles that were attached.

free_electron · « **Reply #26 on:** May 19, 2012, 09:18:24 pm »

i honestly don't know ... so i stick to the yellow series..

robrenz · « **Reply #27 on:** May 19, 2012, 09:35:39 pm »

I have pair of the RX ergo blue handle style. They are very high quality and very comfortable.

Jason Long · « **Reply #28 on:** May 19, 2012, 09:43:53 pm »

This is copied from Lindstroms website in reference to the 80 series cutters (the yellow handled ones)

Quote

Lindstrom 80-Series cutters

Tried and true performance for the traditional user

Surpassed only by our own Lindstrom Rx range, the Lindstrom 80-Series remains the top choice for the traditional user. This range of cutters offers unsurpassed cutting capacity covering a wide range of wire dimensions and types.
The technology that truly "started it all".

http://www.lindstromtools.com/tools_cutters_80.htm

If Lindstrom makes both and plainly states that one is better than the other, I'm prepared to take their word for it.

That's not to say the older "Swiss made" versions aren't better than the current "Make in Spain" versions... I have no clue.

NekoBrinch · « **Reply #29 on:** March 20, 2023, 09:58:45 am »

"Swiss made"

jonpaul · « **Reply #30 on:** March 20, 2023, 11:08:37 am »

You get what you pay for: Since 1960s I have found:

Best: Swedish Lindstrom (calibrated to Cu wire dia in mm!)
Swiss EREM
Old US Plato

OK: US
Xelite
Channelok

WORST: Anything from China

Jon

Psi · « **Reply #31 on:** March 20, 2023, 12:22:29 pm »

Lindstroms are amazingly good, but one word of warning.
I feel like there is either 2 factories making them and one is much better than the other,
OR
There are fake Lindstroms being sold, sometimes at reputable places.

Because I have seen really awesome quality Lindstroms (I have 2 yellow cutters and 3 white pliers)
but I have also seen some "nothing special" quality Lindstroms, usually the blue ones, but yellow too.

So i dunno what to make of it.

jonpaul · « **Reply #32 on:** March 20, 2023, 01:24:57 pm »

My Lindstroms are the very old white, "Made in Sweden" and at least from 1971..1975 period.

No doubt other versions and colors exist and that the Chinese are illegally knocking them off.

The genuine ones are very distinctive, look at the handle plastic cover details, text and box joint for spotting knockoffs.

The originals cost $40...80 each!

Jon

Karel · « **Reply #33 on:** March 20, 2023, 02:19:50 pm »

My favorite side-cutter is the CK Tools T3780F

https://cktools-superstore.co.uk/CK-Precision-Side-Cutter-Full-Flush-Cut-110mm-T3780F

For some delicate work I use the oblique-cutter CK Tools T3786F

https://cktools-superstore.co.uk/epages/eshop841008.sf/en_GB/?ObjectID=20007915

unknownparticle · « **Reply #34 on:** March 20, 2023, 07:50:39 pm »

Lindstrom if you have the budget, Knipex if you need more affordable.

Gyro · « **Reply #35 on:** March 20, 2023, 08:13:45 pm »

More and more components seem to be coming with increasingly tough steel leads these days. It may be that the days if fully flush, as opposed to micro bevel, are over for anything other than very fine work.

It's worth keeping an economical pair of cutters with carbide inserts around to remove the temptation to use your fine cutters inappropriately.

unknownparticle · « **Reply #36 on:** March 20, 2023, 08:48:42 pm »

Steel leads??!! Really? Have you tested with a magnet?

Gyro · « **Reply #37 on:** March 20, 2023, 09:15:46 pm »

Oh yes. Try a magnet on the average through hole resistor (or the lead offcuts on your bench).

P.S. Also try a selection of signal diodes, TO92 transistors etc. You don't notice the effort as much but the pressure is concentrated on a smaller area of cutting edge.

Infraviolet · « **Reply #38 on:** March 20, 2023, 09:58:01 pm »

Post #36, yes I've found steel leads on parts too. And I have seen them magnetically attracted. I've ound this with LEDs and header pins, including headers bought from official component suppliers, not just "off-brand" chinese ones.

EPAIII · « **Reply #39 on:** March 21, 2023, 06:11:40 am »

I have a 50 year old pair of Xcelites that I have sharpened several times. Had to tighten the pivot too.

Then I tried some of the brand X, sheet metal style and they were OK, but didn't last.

So I bought three Klines of that style and they are going great. I like them. Probably not as good as the expensive ones with carbide inserts but I'm a hobbyist, not a production company. And they cut flush, not semi-flush. IIRC, they were around $8 USD each about five years ago.

jonpaul · « **Reply #40 on:** March 21, 2023, 04:24:17 pm »

I was very lucky to have accumulated a collection of small electronic tools, diagonal cutters, pliers, since 1970.

From work, Ham radio flea markets, street sales, silent key estates....

Some were 1950s, my Grandfather's!!!

Favorites....
Erem Switzerland
Lindstrom Sweden
Plato, USA

Your thoughts appreciated!

Jon

nvmR · « **Reply #41 on:** March 21, 2023, 06:04:21 pm »

I'm in the same boat as jonpaul, very happy to have been handed down a bunch of hand tools, including side cutters.
Could you guys recommend what to do when the original rubber sleeves fall apart? I tried scouring ali for rubber sleeves, but nothing appropriate.
They seem to prefer I buy new ones

unknownparticle · « **Reply #42 on:** March 21, 2023, 06:42:47 pm »

Heat shrink, or silicone rubber tube?

nvmR · « **Reply #43 on:** March 21, 2023, 06:44:49 pm »

Thanks, I'm looking for that rubber tube that is closed on one side.

unknownparticle · « **Reply #44 on:** March 21, 2023, 06:56:15 pm »

Quote from: Gyro on March 20, 2023, 09:15:46 pm

Oh yes. Try a magnet on the average through hole resistor (or the lead offcuts on your bench).

P.S. Also try a selection of signal diodes, TO92 transistors etc. You don't notice the effort as much but the pressure is concentrated on a smaller area of cutting edge.

Moses sandals, it's true!!!

Just tested a load of random components, Vishay and Nichicon caps, diodes, chips, trannies, resistors, more are steel than copper! I am astonished! So it must be tinned or tin plated steel? I'm guessing this must be due to the high price of copper?
This must have been going on for a long time because I also tested some NOS caps and resistors from around the 80's and some of those were steel too!! Oooooh, I feel dirty!! It's like my hobby has been corrupted by the cheap and nasty brigade!

unknownparticle · « **Reply #45 on:** March 21, 2023, 06:58:03 pm »

Quote from: nvmR on March 21, 2023, 06:44:49 pm

Thanks, I'm looking for that rubber tube that is closed on one side.

You mean like a D shape? You might find a D shaped silicone rubber extrusion.

tooki · « **Reply #46 on:** March 21, 2023, 07:28:36 pm »

Quote from: NekoBrinch on March 20, 2023, 09:58:45 am

"Swiss made"

Back when I was living in USA, you can’t imagine how many times I heard “Oh, you used to live in Switzerland? How’s your Swedish?” (To which I often replied “very poor, since I’ve never been to Sweden and the only Swedish I know is from the IKEA catalog.”

)

At least in Spanish I can understand mixing up the two: Switzerland is Suiza and Sweden is Suecia. But in English the only thing in common is starting with “Sw” and containing an E, N and D elsewhere in the name…

A related pet peeve that I see a lot over here from foreigners, especially in writing, is referring to the country as “Swiss” (as a noun) instead of “Switzerland”, for example “I’ll text you when I get back to Swiss.”

m k · « **Reply #47 on:** March 22, 2023, 10:50:41 am »

jonpaul's topmost white from lower picture.
Its buddy is missing, angled one of the same series.
And of course bigger ones for bigger things.
Not available any more I guess.

Maybe angled flat nose next.

Dentist's mirror can also be quite practical if you must peek.

tom66 · « **Reply #48 on:** March 22, 2023, 10:58:26 am »

I use the dark blue sidecutters in Jonpaul's picture, or a good clone of them. They work great, and still good after 3-4 years of moderate usage. I don't think I paid more than about £5-10 for them either.

jonpaul · « **Reply #49 on:** March 22, 2023, 11:55:29 am »

Rebonjour a tous....My pliers/cutters photos are e small tools for precision electronic work, I have no shown the large sizes for electrical/power

1. White LINDSTROM :

diagonal cutters #3601 read " 0.2...1.2 mm copper wire"
1970s were before the Chinese fake wire with steel core.

Small end cutter is 3507

pliers: 890/7890 long needle nose
870/7893 small needle nose

2. Tool Handles : Used to be a thick plastic dip for exactly insulation and repairing tool handle grips. Large shrink tube or thin walled clear tubing may work.

3. You get what you pay for. A high quality tool will cost 2..4x the Chinese knockoff.

4. EREM Swiss (from Switzerland!) green handle, just a notch below the Lindstrom.

5. Plato 170 shears: : Dark blue side cutters a classic. Have several,
Plato specialized in production tooling, like solder pots, desolder, rework.
Light blue Xcelite #170M is very similar but not a good.

___________
A good tool lasts a lifetime....tips...
NEVER loan a tool
Never misuse a tool
Clean corrosion and lube joint as needed.
Keep valuable tools (like Lindstrom!) in a secure or locked toolbox.

Just the memoires of an old retire EE!

Jon

Bud · « **Reply #50 on:** March 22, 2023, 01:56:10 pm »

Quote from: nvmR on March 21, 2023, 06:44:49 pm

Thanks, I'm looking for that rubber tube that is closed on one side.

You could try dipping in Plasti Dip. But for the price and effort you'd probably just buy a new ones.

nvmR · « **Reply #51 on:** March 22, 2023, 03:02:45 pm »

I agree with the pricing side, but it is an issue of sentiment

Can't part with the tools, but always buying more.

I will try the plastidip idea, do you think it will a rugged + thick enough layer?

tooki · « **Reply #52 on:** March 22, 2023, 03:50:26 pm »

What about the grip tape sold for tennis rackets? I’d think it’d make a lovely grip.

Heck, the manufacturer might even sell replacement grips, if the original grips were the slide-on type.

nvmR · « **Reply #53 on:** March 22, 2023, 09:28:36 pm »

Also an interesting idea, thanks!
The manufacturer, is...how would I put it... out of business. Old soviet hand tools don't have a motherland anymore.

Bud · « **Reply #54 on:** March 22, 2023, 09:57:07 pm »

Quote from: nvmR on March 22, 2023, 03:02:45 pm

I agree with the pricing side, but it is an issue of sentiment
Can't part with the tools, but always buying more.

I will try the plastidip idea, do you think it will a rugged + thick enough layer?

For electronic sidecutters would probably suffice, for pliers where force is involved might not.

BillyO · « **Reply #55 on:** March 23, 2023, 02:26:58 am »

Lindstrom and Erem (owned by Weller now) are the best. It's really hard to decide between them. They are not cheap, but I have had a pair of Erem flush cutters since 1980 and they still perform. Back then we had the Lindstrom cutters at work which got treated badly. They didn't care.

I ended up with the Erem by way of advise from our chief engineer at the time.

A few years back I found a lot of 5 Erem 777e's for $50 from a jewelry school that had gone out of business. I jumped on the deal like a hungry tiger. I've given 2 away, but with my original and the 3 I have left from that purchase I have enough to last my family for generations ... well, a longish time.

Shay · « **Reply #56 on:** March 23, 2023, 10:17:34 pm »

I have schmitz flush cutters. They're really good, probably lasting for a few years. Not too expensive. Made from top quality steel.
https://www.schmitz-pliers.com/collections/small

TERRA Operative · « **Reply #57 on:** March 24, 2023, 11:58:37 am »

I use the Japanese Engineer brand NZ-05 cutters.

https://www.engineertools-jp.com/nz0305

They are very precise and very good quality. I only use them on plastic and copper etc and they last me years at a time.
They are easily my favourite and most used cutters by far.


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Author Topic: Good Side Cutters For Small Electronics Work (Read 29525 times)

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