Best tool for job

Texasbuddie · **on:** May 06, 2008, 12:44:36 AM

Our company is looking for a multi-tool that will be used primarily for cutting plastic wire ties. We have had too many knife injuries and thought a multi-tool might discourage the use of knives even though there are knife blades in the multi-tool. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

kent ct · **Reply #1 on:** May 06, 2008, 12:57:54 AM

A diagonal wire cutter plier would be the tool I would grab first, but if you want a multi then the wire cutter area of the plier should work well provided there is enough clearance for the front of the plier to get under the plastic.

Richard

parnass · **Reply #2 on:** May 06, 2008, 01:25:50 AM

Quote from: kent ct on May 06, 2008, 12:57:54 AM

A diagonal wire cutter plier would be the tool I would grab first, but if you want a multi then the wire cutter area of the plier should work well provided there is enough clearance for the front of the plier to get under the plastic.

I agree with Richard. Diagonal cutters are much better at accessing the plastic cable ties, especially where clearance is a problem.

hawkchucker · **Reply #3 on:** May 06, 2008, 01:26:12 AM

First. If the company is going the route of a MT over just a pair of pliers. And they are anything like the prizes that I work with. I would be going with a locking main blade. Plus on the tool issue is there a price limit? If you just want something functional I would go with the Lowes multitool It is just 15$ and can be returned if broken on lunch hour. The tool is actually a great little tool and works well. Even though it does not have a locking blade.

Plus the Cheap cost is a plus.

Rob · **Reply #4 on:** May 06, 2008, 02:12:40 AM

Hey this is funny I just installed a couple of security systems for a client and needed to clip a billion nylon ties. Being a multi-tool guy of course I pulled out my trusty Charge and went to work. But I'm embarrassed to say by the end of the few days I had reluctantly grabbed a small pair of dikes and used then since clearance was an issue and getting the whole head into the cut was sometimes challenging. So I guess it comes down to a multi could do the task but it definitely wasn't the best tool for it. If you for sure want to go the MT route you might wait until the Sog PowerCut] is on the market. Supposed to be out around July.

Leatherman123 · **Reply #5 on:** May 06, 2008, 02:18:31 AM

What about a LM Micra? Although the scissors aren't super tough they handle wire ties pretty well.. Or even a LM Kick.. It has very good wire cutters..

Roadie · **Reply #6 on:** May 06, 2008, 08:33:56 AM

http://www.gerbergear.com/product.php?model=1549

How about that? Gerber MP600 Cable Cutter, quick to deploy and only needs one hand so a lot easier than a butterfly tool

Smitty44 · **Reply #7 on:** May 08, 2008, 10:19:00 PM

If the company is going to pay for it,go for the LM TTi,and use the gut hook,even if it don't work well,you still get a great MT!!!

Biru · **Reply #8 on:** May 10, 2008, 04:10:36 AM

I think Roadie's spot on with the rec of the Multiplier. It's far from my favorite tool, but the tool has (or at least Gerber used to offer) 4 interchangeable pliers from diagonal cutters to needlenose and blunt pliers. The company could simply buy a group of 600s and get varied plier heads and give the most appropriate one to each technician. Also, if the pliers are to be the main-functioning tool, the 600s have fast-deploy pliers (theatre light and rigging guys around here used to love them for that). Also, the handle design makes it nearly impossible to have a knife blade close up on the user.

665ae · **Reply #9 on:** May 10, 2008, 07:01:16 AM

It all depends on the size of the ties... if they're small or thin enough, go with just about any rescue tool. The seat belt cutter will zip thru some of the smaller ties. The CrossCut could be an option too.

If they're the big ties, then a dedicated cutter like the Gerber is the way to go.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #10 on:** May 10, 2008, 08:34:39 AM

I agree- stick with a cutter based tool rather than a plier based tool if you cut lots of cable ties. Gerber makes a good one, as does SOG, and Bear Cutlery also makes set of shears, but I can't comment on them. Leatherman's Hybrid or Vista might also be a decent idea- those cutters will go through just about anything that will fit inside them, and the Hybrid's sheath allows you to carry the shears in an unfolded position for easy access.

Def