The Best Diagonal Cutters

[Gold]

I ordered these Knipex diagonal cutters. They are really nice. The best I've ever used. They cleanly go through the string in Mogami. The Xcelite and Wiha I have doesn't without a little effort. It also slices lacing twine and heat shrink well. I was using scissors for this stuff but I don't have to now. I hope they stay sharp for a while. At least they aren't to expensive.

http://chadstoolbox.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=654


I also bought this cable cutter which is really nice.
http://chadstoolbox.com/index.asp?PageAction=PRODSEARCH&txtSearch=9512165&btnSearch=GO&Page=1

The German hand tools are really nice. I love my Wiha screwdrivers, nut drivers, hex drivers. The System 6 blades are great. I think I may have an addiction.

 

[Nora]

I hope they stay sharp for a while. At least they aren't to expensive.

They're truly amazing. My first one lived very long (and sharp as hell!!) until I used it on something too thick and it just broke off... I can't remember what it was but it was a very lazy day and other tools where out of hand reach :

Couldn't live without it so I bought a new one

If used properly they'll probably last forever

I'm big knipex-fan, I also like their auto-stripper. like this but older http://toolmonger.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/knipexstrippers.jpg
It was a lot cheaper than facom but still in service, works great with belden/mogami etc




I know i know, they're just tools ... ;D

 

[rodabod]

Lindstrom are nice. That's what I use.

 

[Gold]

I also like their auto-stripper.

Does it work well on twisted pair with both stranded shields and foil shields bonded to the jacket?

I've tried a number of automatic strippers over the years and I haven't found one I liked. I remember a thread where someone said that you had to try a bunch out to find a good one. I don't have local shops where I can do that. I haven't tried the style above. I've tried http://chadstoolbox.com/index.asp?PageAction=PRODSEARCH&txtSearch=1242195&btnSearch=GO&Page=1
Not Knipex but Palladin and Xcelite. They never worked for me. I've gotten used to a razor blade and http://www.cooperhandtools.com/brands/CF_Files/model_detail.cfm?upc=037103483614

 

[Nora]

http://be.farnell.com/knipex/12-31-180/stripper-auto-insulating/dp/4131927
I have this one, paid 40eur but this particular one seems to be discontinued...

the 2.5mm works great for foil and stranded shield. Cuts off the foil shield on belden, leaves the shield on mogami and eurocable untouched, it doesn't nicely cut the foil shield on canare though.

The 6mm hole works great for most single pair microphone cable
1,5 and 2,5 qmm electrical wire works great too

only thing it doesn't do is the small signal conductors (+ and -)


make sure you get one with 2,5 and 6mm holes, most brands have several types of blades.

gr
arno

 

[sodderboy]

I have always used Kassoy cutters supplied to the jewelry industry.  They were like xcelite but lasted longer.  I build-out the handles with multipair tubing.
http://www.kassoy.com/ec/1/product.asp?idDept=513&idProduct=3894

I only use these for the big stuff:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00937304000P?keyword=handi-cut

Goes through baby blue gepco like buttuh, and anything else even easier.  You get a picture-perfect cross-section on Mogami or Canare.  They cut most any material.  Dangerous tool, but a must for installs.

I'll try a pair of those dykes on your recommendation.
Mike

 

[Gold]

I got the Knipex 12 12 06 which is like the one above. Oh man, I'm in love. It's by far the best stripper I've ever used. I actually bought the Knipex version of a Palladin. It worked better than any Palladin I've used but didn't work well with teflon even though it said it did. I was trying to save a few bucks. This thing is effortless and perfect every time. I love tools.

 

[kiira]

I have always used Kassoy cutters supplied to the jewelry industry.  They were like xcelite but lasted longer.  I build-out the handles with multipair tubing.

I make jewelry too and the Kassoy prices seem really decent compared to some other places I've tried.
Those chain nose pliers at your link (which I use) go for $30+ from another place.

Now if only they would carry  some nice cheap Kevlar "A" hose for my Smith AW1 aircraft handle. 

Kiira