Recommend set of wire cutters in Canada - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: lordvader88
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2018, 04:39:57 am
content: I have a decent pair of electricians side cutters and pillar/cutters. Now I want a set of cutters for PCB leads/small wires.I don't want to but a cheapo set of soft steel ones off ebay, but I don't want a $100 set either. Any idea's ? I'm in Canada, but I don't think the local hardware stores like Canadian Tire or HomeDepot have sets for EE people.thanks

author: rbm
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2018, 06:18:54 am
content: Way back in the day, I bought a pair of Sandvik Lindstrom 8140 side cutters at Electrosonic. Those have been with me now for 30 years and they are still going strong. Best cutters I have ever used. They are strong, precise and durable. They can be had through Micro-tools in the US for relatively cheap. I'd highly recommend them.

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2018, 06:37:23 am
content: Digikey, Active Electronics, local construction suppliers, Amazon

author: shteii01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2018, 08:51:17 pm
content: https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-Peaks-MPN-100-Diagonal-Side-Flush-Cable-Cutter-Cutting-Copper-Wire-Shears-4in/153120365477?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649I got them. I like them.Keep an eye on the tension spring, it is not very stiff.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2018, 09:02:10 pm
content: I like the smallest 125mm side cutter from Knipex (70 06 125). These last a very long time (decades) unlike the typical electronics side cutters with sharp edges.

author: drussell
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2018, 09:22:21 pm
content: I often just use a small set of diagonals because I have many pairs and they're usually closeset (or the quintessential 40 year old Trim brand fingernail clippers for component leads when soldering PCBs) which are available from places like CT or Home Depot but there are better options available in a plethora of different styles, depending on exactly what you're doing.Where are you located, you may have somewhere like that around you if you want to be able to see what you're buying beforehand? If I was looking for a selection somewhere, to go to a store and see them in person before I bought something specific like that, I would go to something like my friendly neighborhood industrial electronics supplier where I usually grab such things locally.My local go-to for things like that, since they are only about 10 mins away from me, are these guys at B&E:https://www.be-electronics.com/category_s/2055.htmI might be able to save a dollar or two ordering something in but many times it is very nice to be able to just stop by the local shop and pick up exactly what you need right there from local stock, especially in the case of things like tools or trying to match up a replacement connector or switch or something.

author: shteii01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2018, 01:12:05 am
content: Quote from: nctnico on October 28, 2018, 09:02:10 pmI don't like the rounded cutting head. I like the tapered/triangular head for getting into tight spots.Also, the 1000V insulation makes them huge.

author: aandrew
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2018, 11:53:10 am
content: I've got a pair of Xcelite 175M cutters that I love. Seems to be an easy to obtain brand here in Ontario.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2018, 05:16:48 pm
content: Quote from: shteii01 on October 29, 2018, 01:12:05 amThe Knipex only needs a little bit of room at the tip to cut something in a tight spot. That is the nice thing about it: the jaws are very hard and difficult to damage. Regular side cutters get dull quickly especially at the tip.

author: rickmoll
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 02, 2018, 08:46:08 pm
content: For decent quality, but low price I've been impressed with the C.H.P. branded hand tools that Hakko sells.You can get the CHP-170 Micro Cutters for under $5 here in the US.Rick