What type of cutters were these?

[pauliolio]

Hi All,

When I worked for BT we were issued with some really good tools, one of which was a pair of what I would describe as 'cantilevered' diagonal cutters. All metal (no plastic hand grips), they were really comfortable, about 6" long, cut through anything, and lasted me 29 years - Then I lost them...

I've tried Googling for them using every term I can think of - No joy.

Does anyone know the correct name for this type of cutter please?

Many thanks.

 

[Marvo]

This type of thing?

Crescent 2 pc. Compound Action Pliers Set PSCA2SET

New Dewalt DWHT70275 Compound Action Diagonal Pliers | eBay

Just Google for 'compound action wire cutters'

 

[pauliolio]

Exactly that sort of thing

Compound action eh?

Many thanks Marvo

 

[Marvo]

Yup, compound action. I think these might be even closer to the BT type but if you're using them for electrical work then rather go for something similar that's got insulated handles.

Wind Plus Ltd | Pliers and Wire Cutters

 

[pauliolio]

Ooh... Now I'm not sure...

I'd just found these & thought 'Yes! They're the ones'
The pattern on the handles was the clincher - Having looked at your link though I'm not so sure.

I think they were longer than 5"

EDIT:

Many thanks Marvo, thanks to your help I now have all these to choose from

Now - Where's the 'Thanks' button..?

 

[Marvo]

I really can't remember the size, I did some contract work for BT indirectly through a West German supplier in the early days of digital comms we were converting the old 2280 systems to PCM. They gave me tool kits for all the guys and they had those side cutters in them but that was a fair few years ago.

 

[Wiresandthings]

From my days at BT, they were probably called something like 'cutters wire 2A' everything on the consumables list was worded like that, I've no idea what your were though sorry, have you tried ebay? Ive come across a few bits of BT kit on there!

 

[telectrix]

Yup, compound action. I think these might be even closer to the BT type but if you're using them for electrical work then rather go for something similar that's got insulated handles.

Wind Plus Ltd | Pliers and Wire Cutters

them's were what we used to be issued with , before the letters VDE were evenheard of. taught you to make sure it was dead before cutting, thst's a given. still had a few with holes blown in them though.

 

[pauliolio]

One of the funniest things I've ever seen - When I got my first van, clearing the last guy's junk out, I found a floorboard saw (circular blade with a wooden handle bolted to it turning in an A-frame) with a 2" bite blasted out of the blade.
Must've been a hell of a fuse on the circuit he cut through - Bet it woke him up