I’m looking to get a pair of good-quality flush cutters for electronics.
Previously, I’ve used the Knipex Electronics Super Knips (Model: 78 13 125).
However, I’m getting some Ideal-Tek tweezers, and I noticed they also have some wire cutters as well and am looking to try them out.
I assume I’m looking for “full-flush”, if I’m going be cutting wire/component leads.
Actually, no, most of the time.
I own some near-full-flush cutters from Erem, and they are great for certain things (like when you need to leave an absolutely smooth surface, which is almost never). So why wouldn’t you want full-flush as your everyday cutters? 1. They require a little bit more force to operate. 2. They’re more expensive. 3. They are MUCH more delicate. (It’s way easier to ruin the edge on them. One unexpected or accidental cut onto steel wire, or on too-thick copper leads, and the edge is done for. Unless you drop big bucks on carbide, which is great, but delicate in other ways as thm_w said.) I certainly do not recommend using full-flush cutters as your everyday cutters.
Is there something you don’t like about the Super Knips? (I just wish they had a fatter grip, which is why I prefer Knipex’s other cutters.)
I’d probably get something like ES5140 (semi flush), or Knipex 79 02 120 ESD (also semi flush) as everyday cutters.
Also, this is just what I use for small solid wire and component leads. For stranded wire, I use wire shears instead, which cut the wire without smushing it. This is much better when dressing wires for crimping or for tinning and fitting into tight holes. I find it a bit perplexing that most electronics folks and electricians seem to smush their way through wires and cables with dull diagonal cutters, rather than use shears, which cut far cleaner and require far less effort.
I have some cheap pair at home, at work I have the Knipex 95 12 160 StepCut shears, which work really well and cut through fat cables like butter, but I wish that they had a spring to open on their own. Unfortunately the StepCut models don’t exist with an opening spring option. So for smaller wires where StepCut has no effect, I’d recommend the 95 12 165 (which have an opening spring) or similar, which I may pick up at some point.
Also, an unsolicited recommendation: the Knipex 34 42 130 ESD precision flat nose pliers, because this version has laser-etched serrations that provide just a tiny bit of grip, yet don’t damage surfaces the way ordinary serrated jaws do. I got one of these at work recently and they’re fantastic.