[Elecraft] Better flush-cutters than Xcelite?

[Tom Hammond]

Dave, et al:

At 03:04 PM 1/23/04, DAVE HEALY wrote:
>I bought a pair of Xcelite MS54-3J flush cutters to build my K2.
>
>Before I even finished the RF board, the tips of the cutters were 
>distorted (like I cut #00 with it) and I had to cut further down the neck 
>and couldn't snip with the tips anymore.

I can't IMAGINE why this would have happened. Those cutter should have cut 
just about anything that you'd have encountered in that kit without 
question. And certainly without damage.

>So, I bought another pair for the KPA100, which I'm working on now.
>
>This brand new pair hasn't been peened properly.  With pressure applied 
>during a cut, the mating jaws move off axis perhaps .030".  It cuts, but 
>sloppily.

Some cutters are specifically designed so the cutters DON'T meet! It's more 
of a scissor action, but at a very fine level. I believe the 170-style 
cutters are like that. If the blades don't actually MEET, but just miss, 
they don't beat against each other and dull themselves.

>Isn't there a better flush-cutter out there?

Sure is... several in fact. Here are a couple:

   Xcelite 170M    c. $5
   Hakko/CHP 170   c. $5

Do a GOOGLE search for:  "XCELITE" & "170M"  and for  "CHP" & "170" and 
you'll find a bunch of vendors.

BOTH of these cutters are made from STAMPED steel stock. Not nearly as 
'finished' as those you bought, but they work very well and mine have 
lasted well, too.

These are what I've been using for the past 6-8 years. I replace them about 
every 3-4 years or when one of my daughters (or their boy friend du jour) 
tries to cut copperweld or stainless wire with them! It's the BIG NOTCH in 
the blade that tells me it's time the get a new pair out of the supply closet.

73,

Tom Hammond     N0SS