What are recommended flush cutters which will not dull or be damaged by modern steel lead components?
My existing flush cutters still cut most of the leads but the accumulated damage is more and more visible on the cutting surfaces.
My existing flush cutters still cut most of the leads but the accumulated damage is more and more visible on the cutting surfaces.
Are you sure you need flush cutters? They are fragile (even carbide). The best carbide cutters I have used were made by a company that now makes dental tools- ETM. Several others also make them but they are expensive. look for Lindstrom, Erem ($311!!!), Knipex ($150 @ Home Depot!),
Some resistors have had steel leads for 50 years. Its not new. A semiflush cutter works fine on those. Usually you need a flush cutter when workjing with really fragile stuff where the shock from a semiflush cut could cause a problem.
This search will show most of what is available.
I'm getting some of mine retipped (around $50 ea). After looking at the prices a very good investment.
Some resistors have had steel leads for 50 years. Its not new. A semiflush cutter works fine on those. Usually you need a flush cutter when workjing with really fragile stuff where the shock from a semiflush cut could cause a problem.
This search will show most of what is available.
I'm getting some of mine retipped (around $50 ea). After looking at the prices a very good investment.
Same here: in my view,and maybe I am too conservative, real flush equires a very sharp assymetric sharpening angle which is very tough on nippers, unless you are cutting copper.
Allowing for not-that-flush cut, leaving small stubs behind, is not a big deal and widens the field enormously.
That said, I have bought standard cut nippers,highest quality available,and have carefully ground them into almost flush cutters, main care is to NOT let hem overheat in the least, I go slooooowwwww and cool them frequently.
As usual,YMMV.
The main reason is not cost, but hurry, I can buy very good "normal" ones atthe corner hardware store, the real good Electronics type must be ordered and waited for.
Allowing for not-that-flush cut, leaving small stubs behind, is not a big deal and widens the field enormously.
That said, I have bought standard cut nippers,highest quality available,and have carefully ground them into almost flush cutters, main care is to NOT let hem overheat in the least, I go slooooowwwww and cool them frequently.
As usual,YMMV.
The main reason is not cost, but hurry, I can buy very good "normal" ones atthe corner hardware store, the real good Electronics type must be ordered and waited for.
I've bought a couple lots of used Erem cutters on ebay in the past. Something like 5 pairs for $50-60, which is an excellent deal is you don't mind used.
Swanstrom Tools. Fat wallet required....
https://swanstromtools.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Swanstrom-Tools-M-Series.pdf
https://swanstromtools.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Swanstrom-Tools-M-Series.pdf
Piano wire is a LOT harder than typical electronic component's steel leads and the gauges go down to 0.20mm dia so the cut will be clean.
These will last, don't cost the earth but are a little bulkier than some of the other more expensive options here.
https://www.stewmac.com/luthier-tools-and-supplies/types-of-tools/pliers-and-cutters/string-cutter/
Cheers
TCD
These will last, don't cost the earth but are a little bulkier than some of the other more expensive options here.
https://www.stewmac.com/luthier-tools-and-supplies/types-of-tools/pliers-and-cutters/string-cutter/
Cheers
TCD