I need a new pair of SHARP sidecutters!

[jeallen01]

Morning all

20 yrs ago I acquired a small and very sharp & long-lasting pair of RS sidecutters (with red handles FWIW) but now they are finally succumbing to 2 decades of hard use and misuse.

I've bought various pairs of cheap and not very sharp/accurate sidecutters over the years but they proved pretty much a waste of money - therefore anyone suggest a pair of really decent ones up to, say, around £30("ish") but I may have to go higher if needs be?

And, of course, they need to be reasonally available in the UK!

Thanks in advance.

 

[s-band]

Lindström precision tools. The oldest continuous manufacturer of handtools

We test 100% of our products at different phases of the manufacturing process to ensure the best possible performance for each tool and to achieve the level of performance recognized as true Lindström Precision Tools.

www.lindstromtools.com

RS/Farnell etc

 

[jeallen01]

Lindström precision tools. The oldest continuous manufacturer of handtools

We test 100% of our products at different phases of the manufacturing process to ensure the best possible performance for each tool and to achieve the level of performance recognized as true Lindström Precision Tools.

www.lindstromtools.com

RS/Farnell etc

Cheers & taking a look now - but there is such a wide range of them there!

 

[Llew]

At BT, I used Lindstrom cutters. The pair handed down to me from a retiring engineer had already seen much use, but was still precise enough for my cable and PC work. I wish I'd kept them when I signed off.
I have a tendency to lose small tools at home/workshop/garage, so i don't buy anything too expensive. Presently I'm using these nippers -

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Had them for several years, and still very sharp and precise.

 

[jeallen01]

Llew

Thanks for that lead - they look pretty good and the reviews are good.

Using that as a basis for further searches I came across quite a number of Knipex-branded cutters of various types, and they look pretty good as well.

Might end up buying a couple of pairs of different types as I'm always mislaying the existing ones!

 

[jeallen01]

Lindström precision tools. The oldest continuous manufacturer of handtools

We test 100% of our products at different phases of the manufacturing process to ensure the best possible performance for each tool and to achieve the level of performance recognized as true Lindström Precision Tools.

www.lindstromtools.com

RS/Farnell etc

FWIW. I found that RS don't appear to stock Lindstrom cutters ATM, and they are very expensive at Farnell - but available a LOT cheaper from other UK tool suppliers

 

[terryashbyash]

CPC Farnell always have a great tool selection.

 

[purplemarina]

i had a snap on side cutter for 35 plus years, replaced it with knipex which so far have been just as good.

 

[Terryl]

Take a look at this video, he may not evaluate something that you have a preference too, but he does a good job at it.

He has some other great video evaluations also.

 

[jeallen01]

CPC Farnell always have a great tool selection.

Thanks but I've already had a good look at what they (I buy from them quite regularly) have ATM, and that's either VERY expensive or cheap & cheerful - neither of which I want.

 

[jeallen01]

i had a snap on side cutter for 35 plus years, replaced it with knipex which so far have been just as good.

Cheers, that's a vote for them then

 

[Channel Hopper]

Currently I'm using these. A year so far, cutting through aerial lashings, nails, socket faceplate bolts and every RF cable under the sun.

Will buy another set when they finally go blunt.

 

[jeallen01]

Currently I'm using these. A year so far, cutting through aerial lashings, nails, socket faceplate bolts and every RF cable under the sun.

Will buy another set when they finally go blunt.

Can't see the actual type but I think I need something smaller - around 125mm long - for PCB & component leads rather than for larger cables and the sorts of items you mentioned (for which I already have a couple of pairs of "beefier" sidecutters)..

 

[Channel Hopper]

Can't see the actual type but I think I need something smaller - around 125mm long - for PCB & component leads rather than for larger cables and the sorts of items you mentioned (for which I already have a couple of pairs of "beefier" sidecutters)..

Once again for the hard of seeing.

 

[jeallen01]

Once again for the hard of seeing.

Ah, now I see, Maplins - Good Luck with getting the same again because the current Maplins UK website doesn't list sidecutters of ANY type or size at all

 

[s-band]

Electronic Components from Rapid - the Electronic Parts Specialist | Rapid Online
have Knipex, Lindstrom, CK, Bahco and many more brands

 

[Channel Hopper]

CK I have heard of for precision tools (via Reichelt)

I did not know Bahco made bench tools but if they are as good as their automotive kit ( spanners/sockets) then I would highly recommend them

 

[jeallen01]

... Presently I'm using these nippers -

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I ordered a pair of those from Amazon and they came today for "general purposes"- to be tried out over the weekend.

i had a snap on side cutter for 35 plus years, replaced it with knipex which so far have been just as good.

I've also ordered a pair of Knipex 78 03 125 as they should be better for cutting component leads very close to PCB's (etc.), and they should be here on Monday ("maybe", given the state of the post in this area ATM!).

So, I'll see how well things go from here and thanks for all the suggestions - regardless of whether I followed them or not

 

[RustySpoons]

I used to use CK Ecotronic ESD Side cutters, but have switched to Hakko CHP-170 which I find fantastic.
They seem to be widely available in the UK now from various sites, the flat faced pliers Hakko do are extremely useful too.

 

[Lazarus]

@RustySpoons long time, no see! Welcome back