Learned my lesson re: Cheap Tools

[dkan 168]

Bought a pair of cheapo flush side cutters, in the hope it will do for cutting open the jump rings on 14k WG charms for my charm bracelet project.

Big mistake.

It is so cheap that the jaws do not meet properly, and the flush side is rough to touch. And the noss is nearly 2mm wide, blunt or what!!!

No way am I going to let these near my gold charms, as I am not going to use solder to close them, just making them into ovals and hope for the best

Off to get a better pair from Bella's or Rio Grande. Another week of waiting before I can make my charm bracelet, ho hum

DK

 

[mausketeer]

Bought a pair of cheapo flush side cutters, in the hope it will do for cutting open the jump rings on 14k WG charms for my charm bracelet project.

Big mistake.

It is so cheap that the jaws do not meet properly, and the flush side is rough to touch. And the noss is nearly 2mm wide, blunt or what!!!

No way am I going to let these near my gold charms, as I am not going to use solder to close them, just making them into ovals and hope for the best

Off to get a better pair from Bella's or Rio Grande. Another week of waiting before I can make my charm bracelet, ho hum

DK

Oh, before you buy new ones go through several pairs and hold them up to the light to see how tight the jaws are to each other (if you can get them out of the packages or whatever easily - without upsetting the vendor!) Even in good quality tools it's a good idea (my dad taught me that! The most OCD guy I know!) It's amazing how different things are that are made the same way, in the same plant on the same day, etc etc.

- Jodie -

 

[dkan 168]

Oh, before you buy new ones go through several pairs and hold them up to the light to see how tight the jaws are to each other (if you can get them out of the packages or whatever easily - without upsetting the vendor!) Even in good quality tools it's a good idea (my dad taught me that! The most OCD guy I know!) It's amazing how different things are that are made the same way, in the same plant on the same day, etc etc.

- Jodie -

Thanks Jodie for the advice, however, that would not be possible as I am buying them via the Internet and not physically at a counter.

Therefore, I shall have to take a chance and hope for the best!

DK

 

[Sueki]

Thanks Jodie for the advice, however, that would not be possible as I am buying them via the Internet and not physically at a counter.

Therefore, I shall have to take a chance and hope for the best!

DK

In that case, it has to be Lindstrom.

 

[pattye]

In that case, it has to be Lindstrom.

AMEN!

Pattye

 

[Mervione]

Yes, Lindstr?m is absolutely great!

Well, maybe not the cutter, I can't say anything about those because I haven't tried them. But the RX round nose pliers they make are great. Makes it really easy to bend small curves, and they grip the metal so well. I feel warm and nice when thinking about them...

 

[dkan 168]

In that case, it has to be Lindstrom.

Thank you ladies, just bought a pair of Lindstrom from Rio Grande

DK

 

[knotty panda]

I'm not sure Lindstrom RX series is rated for 14KT. Lindstrom RXs are only rated for soft metals like silver and copper. What temper wire is it that you're cutting? Half-hard? Hard? Certainly not dead soft. Gauge? The RXs series is far too expensive to be ruined by using them on a wire they aren't intended for. Better check it out before you buy. Am I understanding you properly that you are then going to solder the same rings closed? RX series are bevel cutters, I believe, which will leave you very little contact points to solder.

 

[Nerida]

Lindstrom are wonderful, dkan..

 

[pearlescence]

I use ck electrical snips. indeed I use ck for all my pliers etc. I have two pliers which are at least 50 years old and which I use every day for nearly all my work. I don't use jewellery pliers at all

 

[pattye]

Wonder if ck are still available? It's great they have lasted so long.

 

[dkan 168]

I'm not sure Lindstrom RX series is rated for 14KT. Lindstrom RXs are only rated for soft metals like silver and copper. What temper wire is it that you're cutting? Half-hard? Hard? Certainly not dead soft. Gauge? The RXs series is far too expensive to be ruined by using them on a wire they aren't intended for. Better check it out before you buy. Am I understanding you properly that you are then going to solder the same rings closed? RX series are bevel cutters, I believe, which will leave you very little contact points to solder.

I am only cutting open the jump ring on some charms I bought from Bella's, and they are not particularly thick.

I would not know whether they are half hard or not.

I do not have the facility to perform soldering to close the rings, and shall chance it by closing them as much as possible using a jump ring closing pliers, and make the jump rings oval so that the joint will be on the side.

In future, I shall use them to cut 24 Gauge Half Hard wires, which I believe they should be able to cope.

DK

 

[dkan 168]

I use ck electrical snips. indeed I use ck for all my pliers etc. I have two pliers which are at least 50 years old and which I use every day for nearly all my work. I don't use jewellery pliers at all

I ruined mine by trying to cut a spring with them, the wire was over 1.5mm thick!!! Doh!!!

I believe they are still available

DK

 

[dkan 168]

Here you go

CK Cutter

I got mine as ex-shop display at a much reduced price a long time ago!

DK

 

[pattye]

DK,
Thanks for the link!