High Tensile Wire Cutting Test, Warning: Minor Tool Abuse

Mextreme · **Reply #30 on:** December 21, 2015, 11:38:10 AM

I heard the Gerber Suspension wire cutters are really good at booth stranded ans solid wire since they don´t have overlapping (scissors like) cutters that can jam, but one where edge meets edge in an anvil style more like dedicated cutter tools. Not owning the tool I have no idea but maybe someone can testify to that.

twiliter · **Reply #31 on:** December 21, 2015, 01:29:33 PM

Quote from: zoidberg on December 21, 2015, 08:47:25 AM

I should probably dig out the SwissTool and give that a try too.

Agree!

twiliter · **Reply #32 on:** December 21, 2015, 01:52:58 PM

A couple of workhorses that still get used, both 30+ years old, Klein lineman's pliers and Crescent (IIRC

) fence tool. The Klein's cutting edge is still factory and undamaged, but I have refiled the crosshatch on the pliers surface. The fence tool has done much barbed wire stringing and stretching, miles and miles, hammered staples, and anything else I could make it do, and still undamaged. Both have cut a LOT of wire, both HT and mild. The fence tool predates my first SAK, so probably my first actual multitool.

I probably won't risk using my Spirit for dedicated wire cutters.

bdAmmo · **Reply #33 on:** December 21, 2015, 05:42:38 PM

Quote from: twiliter on December 21, 2015, 01:29:33 PM

Quote from: zoidberg on December 21, 2015, 08:47:25 AM
I should probably dig out the SwissTool and give that a try too.

Agree!

ToolJoe · **Reply #34 on:** December 22, 2015, 05:03:34 PM

I need a pair of Kleins like that

Sea Monster · **Reply #35 on:** December 22, 2015, 09:44:23 PM

I've mentioned them before but these suckers are the cat's knees, the bees unmentionables, and the dog's pajamas when it comes to snipping wire

(it says 3.8mm Piano Wire inside the handle)

Cutting edge is centered though, so some applications Side Cutters are better.

Other brands do the same thing with different coloured handles

, so I am sure your local will have something similar.

I remember when I first joined this forum and my PST was nipping SS welding rod like a boss

Sea Monster · **Reply #36 on:** December 22, 2015, 09:56:58 PM

Quote

I characterize an MT primarily as a convenience item that saves me the time and effort of going to the toolbox - which may be miles away. But we have to know its limitations, which Mr. Z's test amply demonstrated. However, when we constrain ourselves to those limitations, an MT can save the day.

As Captain Jack Sparrow might put it - An MT makes things possible, but not necessarily probable

Or for table top gamers - access to a MT reduces the non-proficiency penalty from -4 to -2, but still does not confer the full benefit of dedicated tools or speSmurfpillsed training.

Now that I've engaged in a little cross-referential tautological (that means I repeat myself

) exposition, I'm off to make a coffee.

twiliter · **Reply #37 on:** December 22, 2015, 10:10:02 PM

Quote from: Sea Monster on December 22, 2015, 09:44:23 PM

I've mentioned them before but these suckers are the cat's knees, the bees unmentionables, and the dog's pajamas when it comes to snipping wire (it says 3.8mm Piano Wire inside the handle)

Cutting edge is centered though, so some applications Side Cutters are better.

Other brands do the same thing with different coloured handles , so I am sure your local will have something similar.

I remember when I first joined this forum and my PST was nipping SS welding rod like a boss

An excellent tool for chain, bolts, locks, etc. Mine rides in the truck box in case I get locked out of somewhere or other.

At 24" they are far from pocketable, but it beats hacking through stuff with the Spirit file.

Didn't realize they made such small versions!

Sea Monster · **Reply #38 on:** December 22, 2015, 10:28:20 PM

Quote

Didn't realize they made such small versions!

I got mine 5 years ago, but I've seen them in most places lately. It takes a little while for the design/idea to spread across all the competitors

("ratings" vary, some say 2mm or 3mm on the packet. Knipex ones advertise 5.2mm)

my work cutters are 42". Nothing is safe

twiliter · **Reply #39 on:** December 22, 2015, 11:49:13 PM

Quote from: Sea Monster on December 22, 2015, 10:28:20 PM

my work cutters are 42". Nothing is safe

Nice!

Luna Knife · **Reply #40 on:** December 23, 2015, 02:19:07 AM

This thread illustrates why a SAK plus a dedicated pair of inexpensive pocket pliers is the way to go.

zoidberg · **Reply #41 on:** December 23, 2015, 02:36:16 AM

I have just finished testing the SwissTool and Gerber.

Pics will be up soon.

zoidberg · **Reply #42 on:** December 23, 2015, 09:21:51 AM

Leatherman Surge, SOG Blacktip, Victorinox SwissTool and Gerber MP600.
Three cheap compound leverage tools: mini bolt cutters, wire cutters and combination pliers.
Cable ties, thin & thick wire, computer power cord, bike brake cable and high tensile fencing wire.

zoidberg · **Reply #43 on:** December 23, 2015, 09:23:49 AM

Please remember that this was all done for the fun of it.
To save some time and effort I'll only highlight the good or bad.
All tests were tried multiple times except for the high tensile wire test.