Side cutters - which to buy?

Do you have a problem? Here is the place to appeal for help
Post Reply
User avatar
andymctractor
Trainee Driver
Trainee Driver
Posts: 704
Joined: Fri Feb 01, 2013 12:03 am
Location: Suffolk, UK
Contact:

Side cutters - which to buy?

Post by andymctractor » Wed Mar 21, 2018 9:06 am

Hi, many moons ago I bought a pair of those rail cutting side cutters for OO and OO9 track. The positive thing about them for me was that the cutting surface was on the very edge of the jaws. I didn't heed the instructions and I used them for cutting other than OO rail which resulted in the cutting edge looking more like a bread knife with notches etc. What I'm looking for is a bit more robust. A set of cutters that will cut a hard wire, pin or even a brass ba bolt or similar but preferably with the cutting surface on the edge of the jaws. I know I could use a small hacksaw and follow up with a file but I'm after the easy life. :shock:

Any ideas?

:)
Regards
Andy McMahon

If it moves, salute it.  If it doesn't move, paint it. (RN sailors basic skills course 1968)

User avatar
Lonsdaler
Driver
Driver
Posts: 1226
Joined: Tue May 20, 2014 9:50 am
Location: North Yorkshire

Re: Side cutters - which to buy?

Post by Lonsdaler » Wed Mar 21, 2018 10:16 am

I'm not sure there is anything 'beefier' than Zuron track cutters other than proper wire cutters, which of course, don't have the cutting blade on the edge of the jaw.
The best alternative I have found is mini cutting discs for Dremel type tools.
Phil

Sporadic Garden Railer who's inconsistencies know no bounds

My Line - https://gardenrails.org/forum/viewtopic ... 41&t=11077

Jbs
Cleaner
Cleaner
Posts: 27
Joined: Sun Feb 21, 2016 11:34 am
Location: Harrogate, NorthYorkshire, UK

Re: Side cutters - which to buy?

Post by Jbs » Wed Mar 21, 2018 10:45 am

Zuron also make a set of cutters for hardened wire, including piano wire. I have a set and after seeing them in use, my wife asked me to buy her a set for some of the hard wire used in her jewellery making. I think I bought mine at a show from Squires or a similar stall, although I have seen them available since for mail order.

John
Regards,

John Smith

Harrogate

User avatar
markoteal
Trainee Driver
Trainee Driver
Posts: 763
Joined: Mon Apr 18, 2016 6:23 pm
Location: Yorkshire

Re: Side cutters - which to buy?

Post by markoteal » Wed Mar 21, 2018 10:06 pm

I'm a Dremel mini disk man (with some careful tidying up with a file)
Where did I put that uncoupler?

User avatar
tom_tom_go
Driver
Driver
Posts: 4824
Joined: Wed Feb 23, 2011 3:08 am
Location: Kent, UK
Contact:

Re: Side cutters - which to buy?

Post by tom_tom_go » Wed Mar 21, 2018 10:24 pm

When I want to cut bolts I use a metal hacksaw. I tightened a nut up to just before the place where I am going to cut and once I have made the cut I unscrew the nut and it threads the bolt clean again.

User avatar
markoteal
Trainee Driver
Trainee Driver
Posts: 763
Joined: Mon Apr 18, 2016 6:23 pm
Location: Yorkshire

Re: Side cutters - which to buy?

Post by markoteal » Thu Mar 22, 2018 7:55 pm

Good tip Tom - I like that one
Where did I put that uncoupler?

User avatar
andymctractor
Trainee Driver
Trainee Driver
Posts: 704
Joined: Fri Feb 01, 2013 12:03 am
Location: Suffolk, UK
Contact:

Re: Side cutters - which to buy?

Post by andymctractor » Sat Mar 24, 2018 5:35 pm

Hi all,
thanks for the list of ideas. I think I will be using the mini disc cutter followed up with a file. :D
Regards
Andy McMahon

If it moves, salute it.  If it doesn't move, paint it. (RN sailors basic skills course 1968)

Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest