Best tool for cutting(removing) stainless steel cable ties.

[rsgaz]

Hi all,

Just to be clear, this is not for cutting off the excess when installing stainless ties, I already have the Partex tool for that. I mean removing them at a later date, and not damaging the existing cables.

Aviation snips are no good, you can't get the jaws in far enough to where it will cut, they just fold/kink the tie between the blades, like children's plastic scissors trying to cut decent paper!

Anybody got or know of a wonder tool which is perfect for this?

Googling it is near impossible, all you find is tools for tensioning and cutting off the excess, or tools made of stainless, instead of for cutting stainless.

Cheers

Gaz

 

[GBDamo]

Trusty 4" angle grinder, I'm like a surgeon with it.

 

[James]

a plasma cutter will go through them like a knife through butter.

cables will look like a plumber has taken a blow torch to them though!!

alternatively, a new pair of side cutters will normally snip them fine, some types are easier to cut "flat" like a plastic tie, others are easier to cut when cut with thin edge of tie is met by the cutter, better if they are under tension.

alternatively there are some nice shears, like aviation snips that are much smaller and perfect for cutting thin sheet, just cant remember who makes them. will have a look on google in a bit.

 

[DefyG]

Have used a good pair of ‘tin snips’ Before with no problem!
Mini grinder like a dremel would do it with good degree of control too!

 

[PEG]

Bahco 160 to 230mm hard wire side cutters,they are perfect for this,and have a slide spring,if needed. 2101G-160 is one version...

I know for certain they can do this,as they have done,for me,for the last 40 years

 

[DefyG]

Didn't realise their correct name but mine are 'aviation' tin snips.
I suppose it really depends upon the size of the cables as a cable tie around some large cables gives more access for snips than around a bunch of much smaller (T&E)! cables!

 

[Strima]

A decent set of precision side cutters would work.

Something along the lines of: View: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Precision-Compact-Professional-Hardened-ENGINEER/dp/B001D7TE2E/ref=asc_df_B001D7TE2E/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=231905005622&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2712165785206894818&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046203&hvtargid=pla-299518822499&th=1

 

[GrantT]

Hilti disc cutter with a 1mm blade, I use mine for everything awesome at terminating SWA cables and cutting everything else.

 

[Dustydazzler]

Small bolt cutters

 

[Brando]

Hi all,

Just to be clear, this is not for cutting off the excess when installing stainless ties, I already have the Partex tool for that. I mean removing them at a later date, and not damaging the existing cables.

Aviation snips are no good, you can't get the jaws in far enough to where it will cut, they just fold/kink the tie between the blades, like children's plastic scissors trying to cut decent paper!

Anybody got or know of a wonder tool which is perfect for this?

Googling it is near impossible, all you find is tools for tensioning and cutting off the excess, or tools made of stainless, instead of for cutting stainless.

Cheers

Gaz

They should be banned the amount of cuts iv had from them and before anyone says , iv got the proper tool to tension and cut

 

[Mike Johnson]

Have a look for Shimano cable cutters they cut through anything, had mine for about fifteen years and still work as wall as when they where new.

 

[Dustydazzler]

They should be banned the amount of cuts iv had from them and before anyone says , iv got the proper tool to tension and cut

they are absolutely lethal if you accidentally run your hand or arm up against the trimmed end

 

[moose]

Cut the main head of the metal tie. as it contains the structure and the pressure will pass.

the slow way use your cutters nibble a bit at a time.
And do it slowly

 

[edexlab]

Never tried it but would a hand nibbler do it?
They have hardened blades and would probably cut thin stainless ties
Also quite a cheap tool

 

[Micktw68]

Aircraft tin snips.