Cutting Copper Rivet cutting tools

[kgg]

I have used a wide variety of tools for cutting copper rivets. Most of the time the cutting the #12's you can use just about anything however when cutting #9's I find you need much better cutters.

I use mostly what is call "End Cutting Pliers" or "End Nipping Pliers" in 8" or 10" length. They give me just about the right amount left above the burr. I have used and abused the cheap $20 China ones and the expensive ones made in Germany. None were what I would consider as good as the Japanese ones. Less effort which really doesn't matter much for one or two rivets but if you are doing a batch the hand starts to really hurt old hands.

I needed a new set of pliers and came across the Japanese Brand Tsunoda and said for badness will they cut #9 copper rivets. The Tsunoda cable cutter cut through the #9 shanks like a hot knife through butter so I order their 9" Tsunoda EN-210, End Cutting Pliers.

I did a unprofessional test of four styles of 8" cutters that I have on hand.

Here is a photo of how I rated them from best to worst and a photo of what I ordered. The difference between the Irwin "PowerSlot" and the Tsunoda PP-175TG, High-Leverage Linemans Pliers was so ever minor but I had to choose one.

Cost:

Tsunoda cable cutter are about $24 CAD

Irwin "PowerSlot" are about $40 CAD

Tsunoda PP-175TG, High-Leverage Linemans pliers are about $36 CAD

End Cutter (Canadian Tire Special) was about $40 CAD

Tsunoda EN-210 End Cutting Pliers are about $27 CAD

 

kgg

[dikman]

I have a slightly bigger pair of those cable cutters and they are vicious things! They will cut up to 3/4" copper cable with no effort.

[kgg]

2 hours ago, dikman said:

They will cut up to 3/4" copper cable with no effort.

Basically whatever you can stuff between the cutters it will cut.