(Part 2) Best side-cutting pliers according to redditors

Pliers: Knipex or NWS

Screwdrivers: Wera, Wiha, or Felo

Power tools: Milwaukee

Bags: Veto Pro or CLC

If you want a set:
Knipex 989825US 7-Piece Insulated Commercial Tool Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000X4KPY4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Lnn1xb81KWJ72

If you're crazy:
KNIPEX 98 99 14 48 Piece 1,000V Insulated Universal Tool Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EXPZ3K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Jpn1xbM5GTD86

Some Klein pliers are designated "heavy duty cutting" models. They have hardened cutting faces and a slightly different placement of the hinge for more leverage.

Here are a couple pairs in the Klein Journeyman line:

http://smile.amazon.com/Klein-J2000-9NE-High-Leverage-Side-Cutting-Pliers-Heavy-Duty/dp/B0000BYDNE

http://smile.amazon.com/Klein-J2000-48-Journeyman-Diagonal-Cutting/dp/B0006M6Y8O

And the same tools in the standard line without the fancier hand grips:

http://smile.amazon.com/Klein-D2000-9NE-High-Leverage-Side-Cutting-Pliers-Heavy-Duty/dp/B0031ERRNU

http://smile.amazon.com/Klein-D2000-48-High-Leverage-Diagonal-Cutting-Pliers-Angled/dp/B0000302WZ

Howdy! I just got my printer today so this is fresh in my mind. I watched a lot of videos to understand what I needed and how to get everything set up. I would recommend checking out the 3DPrintFarm YouTube channel. There's a lot of great info in there. Here's a list of everything I picked up along with links to Amazon for the items I got off there. Hope it helps!

• Cutting Mat
  
  
• Microfiber Cloth for cleaning vat
  
  
• Activated Charcoal Mat to combine with printed bracket for better ventilation
  
  
• Link to bracket
  
  
• Paper Filter with Metal Mesh (Paint Strainer)
  
  
• Nitrile Gloves
  
  
• Funnel
  
  
• Metal Scraper
  
  
• Xacto Knife
  
  
• Sprayway Glass Cleaner
  
  
• Glasses Wipes to wipe bottom of vat
  
  
• Pickle Strainer
  
  
• Rubber Squeegees
  
  
• Sandpaper
  
  
• Precision pliers
  
  
• UV lamp for curing
  
  
• Toothbrush to clean prints in alcohol

If you're able to hold out and order online, these Knipex are hands down the best I've ever used. They are also available in a non-insulated version. First time I cut a nail, I hurt my fingers because I squeezed like I used to with my Kleins.

The super basic kit:

Go to a hardware store and buy needlenose pliers and some steel wire and start making rings! You will need a mandrel to wrap coils on, and something to cut the coils apart. I would suggest a long 1/4" bolt and some diagonal cutters. You can also use a hacksaw to cut coils apart. Or, if you aren't up to cutting steel wire, get some copper, aluminum, or brass wire, since they are softer and easier to cut and form.

As someone working through this but a few years ahead of you, I'll pass along the list of stuff I've bought and/or wish to buy...

Hand Tools

1. You say you have screwdrivers, but ifs worthwhile to have a full complement of them. You might consider getting a hand tool set like this one. Also, diagonals. Can't stress that enough. Eventually, you might upgrade a lot of these, but it'll get you started.
   
   
2. Ratcheting wrenches, along these lines. Conventional wrenches are functional, but these are much more so.
   
   
3. Ratcheting hex key set. In fact, this one looks good. If you have any Ikea furniture in your future, these will be worth their weight in guld.
   
   
4. Maybe a vise. That particular vice is mid-priced, but you can find well-reviewed vises at just about any price point.
   
   
5. A good range of sand paper grits: 80, 100, 120, 150, 180. You might also pick up a sanding sponge.
   
   Power Tools
   
   
6. A Dremel
   
   
7. Maybe an electric circular saw or a jigsaw. I really don't know which I'd prioritize, but you should probably have at least one of them.
   
   
8. If there's money left over in your budget, I'd suggest a random orbit sander.
   
   
9. A drill press
   
   Also, there are fluids to consider
   
   
10. Simple Green
    
    
11. Penetrating oil
    
    
12. Wood Glue
    
    
13. Mineral Spirits
    
    
14. Linseed Oil
    
    Of these, I'd focus on the hand tools, fluids, and the Dremel. You can always ask someone to buy you a saw for Christmas. If you have these things on hand, there probably won't be a job come along that you can't handle at some basic level. I'm assuming you don't need yard grooming tools, because that's an entirely different list.

I got a set of the 9.5” Knipex linesman’s with crimper and fishtape puller about a month ago. I LOVE Knipex cobra pliers (have 7”, 10”, 12”, and 16”). I’m a big fan of Knipex. However, for linesman’s I honestly don’t think the Knipex are as good as Kleins. They don’t feel as substantial when using them under torsion or the way we like to use linesman’s (to beat things into submission). I would get the Kleins with crimper and fishtape puller if I was you. Klein built their name on linesman’s and to me they are the best.

These are the ones I wish I purchased instead of the Knipex:

Side Cutter Linemans Pliers with Tape Pulling and Wire Crimping, High Leverage, 9-Inch Klein
Tools J2000-9NECRTP https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0026TFRQ0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xWobBb58P5A99

Sometimes a "compounding" hinge.

​

https://www.amazon.com/Apex-Tool-Group-PS5429C-Diagonal/dp/B000TDDP6E

​

At least that's what I'd call high leverage. Or something with reallly long handles.

You would be better off making your own. I've found that a lot of the sets are cheap.

Here's my take on it.

1.Cable tester:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d
/B000P1OA1O?cache=6447edf9df8336c37ffb445471642e6b&pi=SY200_QL40&qid=1412645606&sr=8-1#ref=mp_s_a_1_1

Simple cat5 tester, cheap and works decently.

2. Cable stripper:

Here I've given two options, one is a spinning stripper made for things like taking the jacket off cat5, the second is a more of an electrical stripper for a bunch of gauges of wire with cutters at the back side. If your comfortable with it you can use the cutters to strip just about anything.

2.a http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0099DIV4G?cache=6447edf9df8336c37ffb445471642e6b&pi=SY200_QL40&qid=1412645735&sr=8-1#ref=mp_s_a_1_1

2.b. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00080DPNQ?cache=6447edf9df8336c37ffb445471642e6b&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&qid=1412645735&sr=8-12#ref=mp_s_a_1_12

3.punchdown tool :
If your in a spot where you get to do punchdowns it's nice to have, they are cheap and work well,

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000KMFDZ0?cache=6447edf9df8336c37ffb445471642e6b&pi=SX200_QL40&qid=1412646040&sr=8-1#ref=mp_s_a_1_1

4. Cat 5 ends:
Always keep plenty of these, a bag of them is cheap and you will be glad you have them.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003M5BIII?cache=6447edf9df8336c37ffb445471642e6b&pi=SY200_QL40&qid=1412646222&sr=8-1#ref=mp_s_a_1_1

5: crimper:

Never underestimate a good crimper. I have had no luck with the cutting portion of them but that's why I have other tools.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0000AZK4G?cache=6447edf9df8336c37ffb445471642e6b&pi=SX200_QL40&qid=1412646393&sr=8-2#ref=mp_s_a_1_2

6. #2 philps head.
I like ratcheting screw drivers with multiple heads but this is easily the most used screwdriver in my set.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000NNK9MS?cache=6447edf9df8336c37ffb445471642e6b&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&qid=1412646575&sr=8-5#ref=mp_s_a_1_5

The flat head out of this set is also nice, depending on your bag keep them all handy.


Everything beyond this point is optional or situational.

8. Power supply tester: if you do any sort of computer repair these are very handy to hold on to.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001MKCALY?cache=6447edf9df8336c37ffb445471642e6b&pi=SY200_QL40&qid=1412646902&sr=8-3#ref=mp_s_a_1_3

9. Tweaker: good for laptop repair or if you deal with any sort of building controllers/ low voltage electrical.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0058I6VNE?cache=6447edf9df8336c37ffb445471642e6b&pi=SX200_QL40&qid=1412647026&sr=8-1#ref=mp_s_a_1_1

I also have a similar sized Philips head screw driver but I use it much less frequently.

10. Electrical tape: some people say it's for those who mess up doing electrical, I call it insurance.

11. Linemans: I use mine to crimp chicklets mostly but they come in handy a lot. I couldn't find the exact ones I use b

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000A0S4XK?cache=6447edf9df8336c37ffb445471642e6b&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&qid=1412647275&sr=8-4#ref=mp_s_a_1_4


12: a bag:
Personally, I use an old back pack. I find its a lot easier to carry that along with a box of cable. This is entirely preference.

Dikes will work fine, assuming they're a quality pair and have fairly long handles for good leverage.

Knipex Tools 13 82 8, 6 in 1 Electrical Installation Pliers with Comfort Grip Handle, Red and Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DEMW7V6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_oBY3Bb433BT0X

Wiha 56871 Electronic Stripping Pliers, 20-10 AWG https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EG0JEW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_uCY3BbJYSKEZB

https://www.kctoolco.com/stahlwille-6966-stripping-and-cutting-tool/

16g 5/16" is the perfect size to learn on. The stainless is fairly easy to work with if you have the right tool.

I received a tip from a user on here for these: https://www.amazon.com/Tools-VISE-GRIP-Pliers-Linemans-2078915/dp/B000JNNVUO/ref=sr_1_5?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1479237602&sr=1-5&keywords=irwin+vise+grip+lineman

And they're pretty awesome.

If you use those on anodized aluminum you'll kill the coating, so be sure to use pliers without teeth for that.

The machine cut rings from TRL are not a consistent color. I'd recommend getting the saw cut. little more money, but you'll end up with a better finished product.

you're probably going to spend hours and hours and hours working on something. don't waste your time with crappy materials.

stainless > galvy

bright anodized saw cut > machine cut

The only advantage to the machine cut aluminum i've found is that there is color where the cut is, but that color is not consistent ring-to-ring, so win some lose some i guess. having worked with both i won't buy the machine cut AA again.

good luck!

Get a bunch of the larger white zip ties, a pair of either side cutters/linesmens, a zip strapper and box cutter and you’ll be just fine.
Zip strapper (zip tie tensioner)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000289614/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdb_t1_BhgxDb1HWDME5
Linesmens for cutting the wire in it
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000A0S4XK/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdb_t1_nigxDbK855VGM
Zip ties for reattaching
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003NFO5S2/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_awdb_okgxDbCFEBVYV

Some tips from past experience:

• Remove the bolt from the stem clamp entirely
  
• If you're not too worried about scratching the bar a little, tilting the bar back and forth slowly may help work the clamp open slightly so that the bar will slide freely
  
• Loosen the top bolt on the stem and let it drop all the way down to get more slack in the cables.
  
• Depending on the length of the cables & width of the bar, you may also need to shift the levers & shifters on one side towards the center to have room to move the bar over enough to slide them off on the other side. (If the new bars are wider / taller, this may also be needed)
  
• With the cable routed through the stem, you may need to detach the front brake cable
  
• Before putting the new bar in, I've found it helps to use a pair of chain pliers to bend the opening a little larger (if you loosened the clamp with the method above, this may not be needed):
  
  • https://www.amazon.com/Chain-Pliers-Malleable-Iron-Pack/dp/B0006MTTPY
    
    Not too bad as long as you don't have something like the older Shimano brake levers that required removing the entire brake line before exposing the screws that attached them to the bars.

No worries. Just so you know, all you need to pin are:

Pin vice. $7.99

Box of paperclips. $0.88

Wire cutter. $1.65


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075B4CXBM/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdb_t1_3LrSBbZ7T340F

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0188DHO40/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdb_t1_5NrSBbNB751WF

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003U6P1XC/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdb_t1_SPrSBbXWFEXTG

Total cost... eleven bucks, and now you can drill your barrels, plus you get nice clippers to desprue your statues!

Heck, screwdriver sets are cheap too. I'm not even sure why you would go directly to a Swiss Army Knife. Those things have scissors and wine bottle openers. Fine if you're having a picnic at the base of the alps with a big titty Swiss Miss. If you have money for a swiss army knife $50 Leatherman tool, then you had money for a massive list of tools including:

• $21 Screwdriver set
  
• $18 Plier set with Diagonal cutters.
  
• $9 Actual Tweezers, for, I don't know... Eyebrows or sadistic nose hair torture. Or just don't buy these and use the money on tax
  
  Or if you really have to "hammer it in there." Then spend the money on a hammer and hit yourself with it.

Welcome to the trade! I’ve got 31 years under my tool belt, and still love it.

Knipex 09 08 240 SBA 9.5-Inch Insulated Ultra-High Leverage Lineman's Pliers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EXNVZ4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_fq-5CbD4BE9RW

They sure aren’t cheap, but the cost might make you double check the wires are dead before you cut them. I’ve had these for years, they still operate like a dream.

These

Or

These

Or even

These

Currently these are the tools I use... Mostly Klein. I've been using these for a few years now with minimal issues...

Crimper

Punch Down

Side Cutters

Scissors

Stripper

Lan Tracer / Tester

They say you can use a regular crimper. Not sure if the one you linked to does ratcheting but it should work. This is one of their cutters: https://smile.amazon.com/Platinum-Tools-10531C-Cutting-Pliers/dp/B002PI4BV4/

>Just replacing outlets, switches etc.

Buy once, cry once

https://www.amazon.com/989825US-7-Piece-Insulated-Screwdriver-Commercial/dp/B000X4KPY4

One of these does the trick.

I am weighing getting a full channel lock vs knippex pliers set. Granted knippex has some tools like the cobras that channel lock does not and vise versa. But for the pliers that are equivalent the knippex is twice the price. Here is an example.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000X4OFUE/ref=pd_aw_sims_3?pi=SL500_SS115&simLd=1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00004SBDD/ref=pd_aw_sims_3?pi=SS115&simLd=1

Is the knippex twice as good? Is it worth the money?

These are the specific model I bought:

Knipex 09 02 240 SBA 9.5-Inch Ultra-High Leverage Lineman's Pliers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000X4OF40/

I grew up using "nines" to cut them - basically 9" side cutting pliers and never had an issue with 'em.

I like the side cutters better more than end cutters, but that's probably just the nearly 40 years of momentum using a tool. If they're inexpensive enough, get a couple of kinds; there's a use case for end-cut and side-cut.

Example of a pair of nines (mine look almost identical, but I paid like $10 for 'em at a hardware store)

http://www.amazon.com/Klein-D213-9NE-9-Inch-Leverage-Cutting/dp/B0000302W6

Knipex for Lineman's pliers: (with or without crimper). Their grip and cutting edge are significantly better than any other brand I've tried.

Wera for screwdrivers: I recommend the XXL 3 set. For sale here.

I still like Klein for strippers. I use the Kurve everyday and the Katapult for wire with thick insulation like PV wire.

Fluke for your meter. Most people recommend the T5 for basic stuff, but the 323 has a proper clamp and removable leads for the same price.

Knipex Cobras for your channel lock style pliers. These are absurdly good and have saved my ass a couple times.

I also recommend buying a Knipex Pliers Wrench. I own a 7-inch and a 10-inch pair and they're way better than a traditional adjustable wrench.

Stanley newest Leverlock tape measures are just as good as Milwaukee's tape and less bulky for half the price.

Milwaukee's Fastback series are the best utility knives by a pretty wide margin. I use the compact one, but that's a matter a preference.

I would take a look at something like this. http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/combo-kits/2498-24

I've never needed a sawzall, I just use a drywall saw though I don't think I'd turn one down if it was offered.

I do have and use the drill and impact driver and I love them. They are small enough to fit into most places and I'm happy with the battery life.

Crescent PRO Series Diagonal Compound Action Pliers Bought an older version of this really early on and would re-buy it in an instant. It's spring loaded and can be locked closed.

DEWALT DW2583 Heavy-Duty 65-Piece MAC Container Accessory Set
Picked up one of these about a year ago and liked it so much I've made sure not to lose any of the parts.

Edit: Utility Knife Super easy and fast to replace blades and can hold several replacement blades in the handle.

One last note is that buying a cheap tool will not save you money, buy good tools, you will take care of them and will enjoy using them. It's easy to think that your saving the company $$ but that extra 30, 40, or 50 dollars is pennies a month over the life of the tools.

For 16g 1/4, I use Irwin linemans ( http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000JNNVUO?cache=d92fc65fd0178e75b996cd0a5b53f3a3&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&qid=1409252729&sr=8-6#ref=mp_s_a_1_6)

I've filed the teeth down, but they give fantastic grip on rings because of the short/stubby jaws. Remember that gripping force increases with bulldog, short nose pliers. Better grip = easier on hands, especially for a novice.

The reason that bent nose are so popular over needlenose is partially due to the fact that you can grab the ring in the bentnose closer to the pivotpoint on the pliers, thus more grip. (the other reason is that you have a more angled grip). I prefer the snubbies because the grip is even better.

For anodized rings, where you sacrifice grip to avoid damaging the coating, either the parallel flats someone linked below or something similar with no teeth at all.

For smaller ring sizes under 18g, Xuron snubnose.

I don't think scissors will cut it i would use a box cutter or something like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0733NRF2C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Pq7UDb9SQA6WF but be careful

Remember to ALWAYS cut your zip ties with the right tool.

Something like this.

Otherwise you will go to the special hell.

These definitely work. Or if you have a pair of dykes, they work very well. As a homeowner/hobbyist, you will likely get more use out of them as well. Just gently pinch the staple and roll forward and it's out. Goes very quick, but you will still continue to stub your toe on the "one" leftover for several days.

may not be worth the cost but ive seen these before https://www.amazon.com/Westinghouse-7-Chain-Pliers/dp/B0006MTTPY

Get a set of electrical cutters like this. https://www.amazon.com/Pliers-Electrical-Cutters-Cutting-Diagonal/dp/B0188DHO40/ref=lp_553322_1_18?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1574295193&sr=1-18

Dead simple with those, just snip each branch off right at the model.

Knipex makes a multi for 14 and 12 stripper with metal sheath cutter. Probably better than diagonals.

Knipex Tools 13 82 8

The tool seems to be rather suited for commercial level electrical work. Except it’s missing a 10ga for the stripping.

Yes the platinum tools one is fantastic, buy that one.

Their tiny little side cutters are quite good too, if tiny scissors don't suit you. https://www.amazon.com/Platinum-Tools-10531C-Cutting-Pliers/dp/B002PI4BV4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1540491444&sr=8-3&keywords=Platinum-Tools-10531C

​

This is what Im trying to decide.

I owned these http://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-9-in-High-Leverage-Side-Cutting-Pliers-with-Crimping-Die-D213-9NECRSEN/100352060 and these http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-9-in-High-Leverage-Lineman-s-Pliers-with-Crimper-48-22-6100/205652185

Both went to shit pretty quickly.

Now Im debating between these 3
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0026TFRQ0/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N3VSYB0/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

https://www.amazon.com/09-12-240-SBA-Ultra-High/dp/B01MRXM321/ref=sr_1_19?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1496796845&sr=1-19&keywords=knipex%2Bpliers&th=1

I can't understand why people say "it's just for home you don't need to pay for knipex ". Personally when I buy a tool I want it to perform and last as long as possible. I have owned several pairs of Klein and channelock pliers, Klein used to be top notch. Not anymore channelock has definitely seems to have improved fit and finish lately. But nothing tops my knipex linesman pliers. So if you want to buy a pair that you will love using, and will last buy the knipex. Here is the pair I have

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000X4OF40/ref=pd_aw_sbs_469_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=S7K93WZPXE5JKWVEH618&dpPl=1&dpID=51x4Y0Tn8WL

Electricians daily toolkit:



Klein Pliers

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000BYDNE?ie=UTF8&tag=vrefid-20&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B0000BYDNE&linkCode=xm2


Klein 11in1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015SBILG?ie=UTF8&tag=vrefid-20&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B0015SBILG&linkCode=xm2

Dude, a dyke is a tool. Do research.