Recommend a good wire cutter

Klien is probably your best bet.

 

If your cutting music wire, not electrical wire, see if there's a hobby shop nearby. Music wire is used a lot in model airplanes and they should have a suitable cutter. Klein tools are good quality, but most are made for copper or aluminum electrical wire.

Here's a good set on Amazon.com
Xuron - Xuron - 2193 Music Wire Shear - 2193* https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WAPPSDW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_4k9PxbC7P2HZF

 

Knipex

 

I own a lot of klien tools, I love Knipex channel lock pliers but have never used any other products they offer.

If your looking for something a little cheaper, Channellock makes some good stuff also.

I'm not sure what music wire is but I've used the above products on steel fence as well as copper wire.

 

I'm really wondering how this is on topic, but I love a good tool discussion. Nothing quite like that one special tool that has some miniscule quality that puts it head and shoulders above its competition. For what you describe, you may need some of the ratcheting pliers. I haven't seen any lately, but the maintenance guys at my old job had them. Kinda like spring loaded channel locks at first, but once they were under a load they ratcheted an that multiplied the biting force. It worked really well for gripping rounded bolts and nuts as the teeth of the pliers would sink down into the grade 6 fasteners and hold them. I know they made the same thing in a pair of electricians pliers which had both cutters and crimps in the jaws.

 

Music wire is steel wire that is hardened. Somewhat difficult to cut with diagonal cutters. Usually cut with shears such as the ones I linked to in my earlier post. Music wire can also be cut with an abrasive wheel in a Drexel, but shears are quicker and cleaner.

 

I have a pair of Snap-On diagonal cutters that I use often for trimming springs and cutting music wire. They don't have a single nick in the cutting edges. For larger springs, I have a Starrett music wire cutting nipper. I'll post pictures of the tools tomorrow.

 

Go old stuff.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/252471459440?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_ref=http%253A%252F%252Frover.ebay.com%252Frover%252F1%252F711-117182-37290-0%252F2%253Fmtid%253D1588%2526kwid%253D1%2526crlp%253D53601919689_324272%2526itemid%253D252471459440%2526targetid%253D173539340649%2526rpc%253D0.04%2526rpc_upld_id%253D74326%2526device%253Dt%2526mpre%253Dhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.ebay.com%25252Fulk%25252Fitm%25252Flike%25252F252471459440%25253Flpid%25253D82%252526chn%25253Dps%2526adtype%253Dpla%2526googleloc%253D9023845%2526poi%253D9023850%2526campaignid%253D239125209%2526adgroupid%253D14978428809%2526rlsatarget%253Dpla-173539340649%2526gclid%253DCMSa1ue0s84CFQ6OaQod6cEFmw%2526srcrot%253D711-117182-37290-0%2526rvr_id%253D1074040955525&ul_noapp=true


I just use a Dremel cut-off wheel.

rc

 

+1 on the Dremel. That what I always used to cut wire for model airplane bits, anyway.

 

Good find RC

Here's a link to a 7" version that cuts up to .08" wire.... but it has a small chip out on the outside edge of the jaw blade. Parts can be bought for these.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-L-S-STARRETT-CO-Heavy-Duty-Music-Wire-Nipping-Pliers-No-1-7-inches/182233389870?_trksid=p2141725.c100337.m3725&_trkparms=aid%3D777000%26algo%3DABA.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20141212152338%26meid%3Dfd98bfca0b97446c84f156b200b0b7e4%26pid%3D100337%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26sd%3D252471459440


The new Starretts sell for $200-$300.


Bahco makes stuff for music wire too

These are what you'll find on manufacturing production floors today.

8" version that will do .1" music wire. New for $45

https://www.amazon.com/Bahco-527D-Cutting-Nippers-200Mm/dp/B0001IX8YQ

http://www.bahco.com/en/p/chrome-plated-end-cutting-pliers-piano-wire/ed-28-3e-01-5b-2c-b7-54-32-2e-c0-48-d4-16-ee-2a/



Or just a use a dremel

 

I tried cutting hardened wire (meter seal) with Gerber multi-tool once and with Klein wire strippers once. Left holes in the cutting edges. Klein linesman pliers and dykes work fine. Gerber replaced the tool...

 

I haven't cut music wire but have cut MOST every other kind of wire, cable, nail or screw with this "Irwin Industrial Tool VG1902413 8" Max Leverage Diagonal Cutting Pliers With Powerslot"

 

These should do the trick.

https://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-D2000-28-High-Leverage-Diagonal-Cutting/dp/B0000302WR/ref=pd_sim_469_5?_encoding=UTF

Cuts ACSR, screws, nails and most hardened wire
induction hardened cutting knives

 

I do a lot fishing wire cutting (SS and others -some hardened...) as part of my job (full time saltwater fishing guide, lure maker, fly tyer, etc). For my money you can't beat Snap On.... In this case the extra money is well worth it.

 

WOW nice guys, I seriously hope the OP has not been waiting since August to find those last two tidbits of knowledge, LOL.

 

I now use a Vice Grip 8" side cutter. Best I've found so far for the money for my uw use and wire cutting
Back in the 80s I did some deep sea fishing. We used a special pliers/cutter made for cutting and bending ss leader wire. I've still got a pair. Does a great job cutting tempered ss wire. Might check fishing store, west marine, etc.
Good luck

 

I loaned one of my aviation snips to a guy one day and he later told me he was cutting piano wire with them. NOT... use dremel with cutoff wheel. The av snips had nicks in BOTH cutters.
I learned to NOT LOAN TOOLS. That's why I now have three sets of craftsman tools (retired) and set of electronics tools.

A dremel tool is a nice addition for any hobby or job tool set.