Thread: Flush Cutter Recommendations

So, I've been looking around... Sears, Ace, KMart and a couple random stores here and there and coming up with nothing. The majority of Sales Associates have almost no idea what I'm talking about and I think one guy wanted to ask if I was looking for toilet parts but just shrugged instead.

Any suggestions? I am looking for full flush cutters that could be used for removing pins/scales.

Thanks in advance for any info!

I've been using a pair that I bought from the jewelry making section at Hobby Lobby. Works well for me.

They have all kinds on amazon.com, but these are the ones I went with, and they are heavy duty; they'll cut stainless and anything else you put into em...mind your fingers!
http://www.amazon.com/FastCap-PLIERS...=flush+cutters

Sweet! Thanks! Got it ordered!

Someone else mentioned picking them up at a Music Store but that place was closed on the Sunday I was out looking. Just really tough to beat the Net for convenience and availability!

Honestly I buy them at Harbor Freight any more they are about $1.99 each and as with most tools any more are all made in China.. I buy 3 or 4 at a time look for the ones the the edges meet evenly...

I have used a few more expensive sets over the years and just haven't found any real difference if the edges meet evenly.. Watch the older Sheffield pins every set I have broken a set has been on those regardless of price

Yeah, Glen is right there; sometimes you just can't get those things under that pin or washer no matter what you do. You just gotta monkey with it a bit, but sometimes I still break ou the ol' dremel on occassion.

Great tip on Harbor Freight! We don't have one of those very close and I always forget about them but that is where I've gotten just ridiculously good deals on a bunch of things... You'd think that would stick in my head!>

I may have had some divine intervention last night. I was gearing up to try my Dremel and found that the Diamond Tip I got for it and the small drill bits were 1/8" and my Dremel didn't adjust that far... Must be 1/4" that I have and I don't have an adapter so just another thing to go grab. So, rather than doing a Tim Taylor (.. which usually gets me in a bit of trouble the first few times anyway..) I just played around and finally got the pin out cutting off the top and pushing through with a punch.

I need to make some sort of 'something' to rest a razor on that has a larger hole drilled underneath the pivot area and the lower wedge. I did something similar just on the corner of one of the drawers on my workbench and it was too tough to hold on there and use the punch/hammer gently enough to be effective. Other than that though, it was a great success! Light restore #2 coming along well and would have been easier if I had some better cutters.

Thanks tons for the info... My brain is on fire trying to assimilate and utilize all this information... And that is a good thing!

Michael's has flush cutters in ... but your man-card gets left at the checkout I am afraid. They have glittery handles lol.
Oh Glen, why couldn't I have seen this advice before they stole my man-card

I've also gotten some halfway decent Kobalt branded flush cutters in a big blister pack with other tools at Home Depot. The handles, of course, didn't stay on, so I drilled holes through the metal and made new (and more ergonomic!) handles using some polycaprolactone.

Another useful mod with flush cutters: sand the flat side to a mirror finish. Just like a peening hammer, the more polished the surface, the less it'll mark up whatever you're working on.

I also use the Harbor Freight flush cutters. Like Glen says, they're cheap. You can also buy from them online.

Prahston,

An observation on using flush cutters - I was de-pinning a French razor using a high quality brand of flush cutters - there was a snapping sound and the tip of one blade of the flush cutters left a dent in my safety glasses - turns out the pin was made of steel !!

Please always wear safety glasses when de-pinning and cover work with a cloth to protect yourself

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ