Looking For The Right Tool For Snipping Copper Rivets

[kayrunp]

I bought 7in end nippers from Home Depot for the task of cutting the copper rivets. My small hands just can't get it done with this tool. I figure its a crap tool and I don't have the power. What tool do I need?

Thanks!

[dirtclod]

The tool you have is what i have always used. If it's where can put the end of one handle on your bench and squeeze that will give you more power or you may find some with a longer handle and that would be easier for you i think. If you go looking again take a rivet with you and see if you can cut it before you buy.

[bruce johnson]

I use compound action end nippers. The ac tion makes them cut much easier. Osborne makes a decent enough smaller one but if you hunt old antigue stores look for a pair of Schollhorn-Bernard compound action end cutting nippers. I buy them for $5-10 when I see them. Rarely are they worn much.

[kayrunp]

Thanks Bruce and dirt clod! I found a pair of compound action end nippers on eBay and bought them, hopefully this will help me out.

[Dwight]

It'll cost you a 20 maybe more, . . . but a good pair of Klein lineman's pliers will chop them babies right now.

I used to do electrical work, . . . kept the tools, . . . you don't need to guess what I use.

You also may be using them wrong, . . . you need to get that rivet down as far into the cutting slot as you can. Your max pressure is down there.

The "ideal" tool is a pair of angled side cutters, . . . also made by Klein, . . . but unlike the pliers, you would only use them for rivets, . . . the pliers would have a few other uses, . . . side cutters, not so.

May God bless,

Dwight

Edited April 16, 2013 by Dwight

[Hillbilly tim]

+1 on the Klein lineman pliers

Bro Tim

[kayrunp]

Hi Bruce,

Did I get the wrong tool? It's too narrow of an opening for the rivet.

Hi Bruce,

Did I get the wrong tool? It's too narrow of an opening for the rivet.

[bruce johnson]

It looks like the right tool, just the wrong size if the jaws won't open enough the get the shank of the rivet between them.

[kayrunp]

it was the 6 inch pair.

[Trox]

Hi Bruce,

Did I get the wrong tool? It's too narrow of an opening for the rivet.

Hi Bruce,

Did I get the wrong tool? It's too narrow of an opening for the rivet.

Hi, take the pliers apart and remove some of their edges on the grind stone so it gets a bigger bite. (It looks like it possible to take apart). Be careful and keep it cool so it does not get blue and loose its tempered.

Tor

[tnawrot2]

I use cheap 16" hoof nippers, they are about $14.00 at Harbor Freight, Jeffers or kv supply.

[kayrunp]

I ended up getting some greenlee diagonal cutting pliers. My wee hands seem to be able to mange these and they are sharp and appear well made. Now onto getting a nice dome on these rivets. Thanks for your help!