A reader recently bought a style of Tsunoda lead-catching cutting pliers that I didn’t know even existed.
Shown above at the flush cutting pliers in 6″ length. It can be used for trimming cable ties flush, or for cutting electronic component leads and fine wires.
Tsunoda says that the cutters can trim cable ties up to 9mm wide, and hold even ultra-fine wire down to 0.1mm thick.
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If you look closely, there are resin pads screwed down to the cutting edges, and that’s what gives the tool holding power.
Tsunoda sells these cutters in 5″ and 6″ sizes.
Other brands also have lead-catching cutters, such as this Knipex. I wrote about this a very long time ago – see Mini Electronic Cutters with Lead Catcher – and have since purchased a pair.
I like the way Knipex does things, although it has a reduced cutting depth that’s fine for cutting component leads and fine wires. In other words, the Tsunoda might have broader appeal in flush cutting applications, and the Knipex for cutting wires and the like.
My Knipex cutters have served me well.
These tools take two different approaches to tackle the same challenge – how to prevent pieces from flying around after a cut. Can you recommend any others?
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fred
Tsunoda make some rather specialized pliers. Their CVP-225 for wire conveyor belt maintenance – comes to mind.
Stuart
There seem to be a lot of brands making one-off tools like that. A reader asked for help finding a specific type of tool installation or fixture maintenance tool, and I found several copies of the same tool under different brands.
Sometimes if it’s worth making a couple, it’s worth adding to a product line.
Grip-on has (had?) “bunion relief” locking pliers for stretching out shoes. https://toolguyd.com/grip-on-bunion-relief-pliers/
fred
I inherited one that looks like this:
https://macphersonleather.com/product/ball-ring-stretcher/?v=395b9c6b39cb
but the cobbler who used it died over 75years ago – and mine has all the look of having been made by a blacksmith
Wayne R.
I’ve got a pair of an old Utica, I think, 6″ dikes where the inner hollow of the cutters is filled with a rubbery something. They work pretty well, but I’ve gotten the habit of catching the cutoffs…
Michael
If money is no object…
https://shop.snapon.com/categories/Cushion-Throat-Cutters/888709
Or just make your own with some RTV.
Jim
Honestly I thought the prices would be way worse than this.
S
Many of the Japanese tool brands are as unique as the culture.
It’s quite common for their brands to specialize in a couple different niche segments only, where American brands tend to do everything.
I had been made aware of tsunoda a few months ago, and deep dove into their product line then after discovering their ultra thin pliers.
Their zip tie cutters are definitely worth a look as well.
My philosophy in tools is that if any brand does one thing good, they’re worth a look at the rest of their lineup as well.
CMF
I bought the zip tie cutters, they had a discount and got them. They work very well.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H3QL9JF?ref=fed_asin_title&th=1
I remember seeing the lead catching cutters, didn’t understand what they were meant for till I read about them. They look nice (I like many of the Japanese branded tools) and almost bought them, then decided next time.
Stuart
(I got the 6″ version too, still testing it for review.)
TomD
I need these in nail clippers – even the “boxed” ones end up in nail clippings flying miles.
Stuart
Get better nail clippers – I like this one for fingernails https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000F35R00/?tag=toolguyd-20 It might also help to clip your nails right after you shower.
Wayne R.
I’ve had a pair of these for 10-12 years now, they’re still sharp as when new. And yes, out here in the semi-arid west, a lot of shrapnel.
Sean Flynn
https://www.muji.us/products/stainless-steel-nail-clippers-small-ogb73a4a
These collect the trimmings
CMF
I have many nail clippers, including a great pair of KAI clippers. My KAI and others I have had come with the plastic catcher like the Muji, but like another poster mentioned, many clippings shoot off into the air and not caught.
The KAI I have are excellent, and I also have 2 pairs of the Seiki that Stuart linked. One is somewhere in the size range on Stuart’s link. The other was a very big pair. I bought these about 10 years ago. I let my wife try the large ones, haven’t seen them since.
Mitherial
Odd to be recommending nail clippers on a tool site, but I bought a few pairs of Muji clippers a few years ago, and they are head and shoulders better than any others I have ever used–very solid build quality, and the integrated file/emory board is a much more functional surface than most clippers.
MattM
Seki Edge or Green Bell if you’re in Japan. Super high quality for any *cough cough* manicuring nobody on here is doing…
https://www.seki-edge.com/