6502.org

I build a lot of 6502 projects and utilize a flush cutter on my PCBs. However, I only ever seem to get a year to 2 out them before they wear enough that the jaws no longer align properly. I've used Crescent, Xcelite, Klein, Plato, cheap unbranded ebay items and none seem to be much better than the other (except for the cheap ebay junk). So, my questions are:
> Does anyone make a really good flush cutter that will last me more than a year or two?
> What do you guy's use?

My 6502 projects are worth a little quality so I'm willing to spend for the right tool.

My recommendation is to use quality tools made in USA or Germany. Other countries too...but I've only used tools from USA, Germany and China. The Chinese tools are crap.

Please...no flame war....just saying my experiences.

I've used these for about 2 years.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FZ ... UTF8&psc=1

Hakko and I *THINK* they are made in the USA (I will have egg on my face if they are made in China!).

Also, I keep a couple pairs of cheap Chinese crap cutters for when I want to cut something thick and I don't care if I mess up the blade. I use my Hakko for small cuts like thin wire, PCB traces, etc.

I've not tried the Hakko, but they look just like the construction of the Xcelite or Plato. They are an option I guess, but they are not that cheap in Canada (~$18) for a simple stamped jaw with riveted bearing. The price you guy's pay in the US is nice and would make it a no-brainer to try one out, but you add $12 shipping and they are the same as buying one up here.

I'm really looking for something top drawer. I might as well spend $50 and get something that can last 10-20 years or more.

Has anyone tried the Erem E622NB, Erem 576TX, Erem 884E or the Lindstrom 8141? I like the idea of hardened forged jaws or tungsten carbide over stamped.

I've used these with pretty good results. I've also used Xuron ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000IBSFAI/re ... B00KZSD1P8 ) and had pretty good luck with those but I don't remember where they're made. A lot of the lifespan on these depends on what you're cutting and how much you're cutting. Things like cutting IC leads, wire wrap pins, etc. are going to wear the edge down a lot quicker than just solder or soft copper wire.

Of course, you could always go the powered route too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlWL5CNsbFA

All I can say is that Lindstrom come up very prominently in searching, and are reassuringly expensive.

I've been using the older design of these since the late 90's
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lindstrom-7190 ... B0001P0DG0

I have been using this flush cutter for a number of years. It's not inexpensive, but as usual, you only get your money's worth.

What an excellent catch phrase! My previous favorite was "comfortably ignorant", but this one might be good enough to replace it.

Mike B.

Unfortunately it's a phrase borrowed from the advertising industry - but yes, it works well!
(Thinking about it, they might have borrowed it from somewhere else...)

I bought the same a couple of months ago.
https://thepihut.com/products/adafruit- ... ers-chp170

Very happy with then so far.

Dave

Heh ... thanks...

Because I want to buy something of quality and am willing to pay for it I'm ignorant? Of what?

I'm certainly aware that a resharpenable cutter with a hardened forged steel jaw and hardened steel pivot bearing is better for this purpose and more expensive than stamped riveted mild steel junk like the Hakko.

But thanks for the sentiment.

Thanks to those that made earnest suggestions.

For PCB traces I use a small drill bit in a pin vise. A couple of twists and the trace is cut.

I'm an old stick in the mud and continue to use my trusty X-Acto knife for trace-cutting.

I ended up getting the Erem 776E. Actually 5 of them.

I and 2 friends of mine bought them used off this bloke on eBay: https://www.ebay.ca/itm/EREM-776E-WIRE- ... xyXDhSkR0q. I kept 3 - I'm guessing that will be a lifetime supply.

All 5 of these are in like new condition. No idea where the guy gets them from or what they were used for before, but while there are some minor signs of handling, there are no signs of wear. Using them is a revelation - these things are pure flush cutter porn! One of the guys that bought one with me has a nearly new Hakko. No comparison. Sure, the Hakko cuts - for now, but it feels like the flimsy budget item it is. Just like the Crescent and the Plato.

These Erem's normally run about $75 or more each and my guess, from using mine extensively for the last couple of days, is that they are worth it. We got ours for under $6 a pop. Not half bad.