Handheld/hydraulic wire cutters that can deal to 12mm 1x19 wire

[Robbie.g]

As the title suggests, i'm looking for a recommendation for a bit of kit to cut wire up to 12mm (1/2 inch) 1x19. i have falco cutters but these are a mission even for 10mm (3/8"), well for my slight 120lb's, (scrawny pom) anyway. 12mm (1/2 inch) wire or more, for me is cut with an angle grinder, but i would prefer to cut it with cutters, as i think the heat generated by grinding could affect the properties. Any one got any recomendations.

[Brian Duff]

depends what your cutting for, but an angle grinder is my preffered way, if your quick about it, and use a super thin cutoff wheel, heat is not a problem.
Be sure to remove the burrs from the ends of the strands after cutting. Also, use work blankets when on board boats, so your carbon dust doesn't get everywhere. I am also of the OPINION that having a square end on the cable makes a difference when assembling mechanical terminals, which all push on the strand ends to set the cone, so they would push the longer ones more than the shorter on a pinch cut cable.


Real fast that way, and a lot cheaper than the hydraulic cutters>>>> http://www.toolup.com/Greenlee/HK520.html for cable cutting.

these are what has been in every rig shop i've worked at (except mine !)

[Robbie.g]

i think your dead-on with the square end for the machanical terminals, much neater. As for the grinder issue, marinas here don't let you use a grinder, for the reasons you point out, so terminating stays on the boat is a hassel.. Thanks for the link that is exactly what i'm looking for; and as they seem popular in your neck of the woods, that is enough of an endorsment for me.
Thanks again