As I mentioned the other day, I kind of went on a tool shopping spree this week. This happens sometimes. Whenever I look for something specific, I find all these other tools I have been meaning to check out or listed as a must-have for an upcoming project.
One of the tools I glanced at but didn’t pull the trigger on is this Williams mini wire cutter, model 23541. It’s not quite a precision cutter meant for small electronics work, and it’s not quite as big as general purpose electrical cutters.
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The Williams mini cutter, at 5-1/2″ long, is sized a little smaller than compact wire strippers, and can handle wires up to 8 AWG in size. It can work with stranded and solid copper wire, as well as aluminum wire. The jaws are hardened and precision ground, and the handles are double-dipped for comfort.
According to Williams, the double-dipped handles have an air cushion pocket which helps reduce hand fatigue. I have a couple of Craftsman Klein-Kurve-style wire strippers (check out our wire strippers and combination electrical tools recommendations!), and their similarly double-dipped handles really are exceptionally comfortable and easy on the hands.
These cutters look to be great for smaller tasks, or for reaching into tight areas. They have nubs for a spring, but don’t seem to come with one.
Price: $11-20
Made in USA
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Buy Now(via Tools Delivered)
Although less expensive through Tools Delivered, be sure to check out their strict return policy.
There’s also a mini stripper (23542) and mini crimper (23543), and a set that includes all three mini tools (23080).
Buy Now(Crimper via Amazon)
Buy Now(3pc Mini Electrical Tool set via Amazon)
As a reminder, Williams is a Snap-on Industrial brand.
Stan
Williams still produces items in America? But also for that low of a price?
Thank you for this information Stuart! Definitely interested in those as I’ve been in situations where this type of tool really would be handy.
Stuart
A lot of Williams tools are still made in the USA. In some cases they have separate USA and imported lines of tools.
Stan
Stuart, I misread the name and thought you said Wilton.
Sorry about the confusion. I’ve purchased some USA made Willams items recently at Epstein’s so I can votch some of their products are still made here.
None the less, that is one neat tool. Considering the Snap-On affiliation, not that expensive either.
Noah
These are for sure rebadges from Stride/Imperial. I’ve seen this tool in many other colors. There is a matching mini crimper and mini stripper.
Stuart
Yep, as mentioned at the end of the posy there’s also s 3pc set with all mini electrical tools.
Jerry
Those things thar look to possibly be nubs for a spring, could they possibly be overtravel stops, to protect the cutting edges from dulling against each other?
Stuart
Hmm, that seems like a good possibility as well – great idea!
SteveR
I think Jerry pegged it; I was about to offer a similar comment.
Robert
Stuart,
I think that the nubs function as a stop to prevent complete closure of the grips and subsequent pinching. I could be wrong however, and frequently am!
Jim Felt
These all look exactly like a series of Sears Craftsmen mini tools I acquired a few years ago. Also Made in America. Now I know the source.
That said for my (medium size male) hands they’re just a tad too small. Oh well.