Wiring, switches, tools, tips, tricks and more

[Rmc]

Sry typo above, but here's the style of flush cutters you want. Excelite makes an identical version that's about 10$ cheaper than the Klein tools brand but both are a very good quality snip for lighter duty cutting. You can get very smooth flush cuts to the zip tie ratchet box end.

[Rmc]

Here's what you don't want, and should never be used for wire ties. Just remember small job small tool, not needle nose pliers snip n call it done. At work nothing spits dgaf and amateur like sloppy trimming.

[PaulW]

Here's a tip: cut all zip ryes as flush as possible, they will make you bleed faster than you know. I realize its common sence but its pretty dang important point for an armature zip the guy.

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2 ways
My favorite that makes a pretty close cutoff:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/XURON-170-II-MI ... 337e9e6d83

Using plain old pliers works by twisting the tail off. Crude but works when the small cutters are not around. This was a tip from the Gears tv guy. I think its kinda awkward and low tech compared to the above cutter.

[Rmc]

The way the cutting edge of the snip is sharpened sets the flushness, double bevel sharpening creates the undesired result of an unflush cut, and as you guessed single bevel creates the desired result regardless of brand choice.

[Rmc]

Link no bueno Paul. I'm curious to see what it is. I'm always open to new suggestions.

[Rmc]

On that note, I have yet to see one of those hand operated tie tensioners with auto cut get flush.

[PaulW]

Link no bueno Paul. I'm curious to see what it is. I'm always open to new suggestions.

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Same thing you posted
http://www.ebay.com/itm/XURON-170-II-MI ... 337e9e6d83
My favorite is a Kline from Home Depot and the backup is the one from HF

[Rmc]

Ahh gotcha saw the link, those are great too. Just what the doctor ordered for intricate and flush cutting.

[PaulW]

Something new
Check this out
http://www.motobrain.net/

[philofab]

http://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/H-2 ... lsrc=aw.ds

[philofab]

Try again.

[SteveG]

I hardly ever solder since crimping is now state of the art. Crimping is fast and do not need heat shrink

I go back and forth between soldering and crimping depending on the application. I've switched most of my crimp connectors to uninsulated and use double-wall (sealing) heat-shrink tube. In my area, it doesn't take long for corrosion to start seeping up the wire insulation... I heat-shrink whether soldering or crimping.

If you waste your money on high tech connectors then you also have to have high tech crimpers. Be sure you want them when the low tech works fine with a little bit of dielectric grease.

Agreed on the high-dollar connectors! I have a couple totes full of old Ford harnesses and connectors that I use for various projects... good, sealed connectors that are essentially free.

[SteveG]

A couple more tools. The crimpers/cutters on the right are similar to some Steve posted... one of my most-used tools. The strippers also see a ton of use. Much more than the old school type.

uploadfromtaptalk1378270069853.jpg (61.32 KiB) Viewed 783 times

[SteveG]

8 wires into 1... not a crimp job. OE-quality heat-shrink with some serious glue that seals really well. Also note the little butane torch in the background... saves the trouble of grabbing an extension cord and heat gun.

uploadfromtaptalk1378270808157.jpg (56.35 KiB) Viewed 780 times

[toddz69]

Here's the flush-cutters I use:

http://www.stanleysupplyservices.com/li ... /p/401-462

Grabbed 'em from work - didn't realize they were so expensive! We use them on all our spaceflight hardware - if they're good enough for a gazillion $$ satellite, they're good for my Bronco.

And everyone uses T&B ty-raps to keep their wiring tidy, right?

Todd Z.

[SteveG]

There you go getting all fancy on us. We're country, man. We ain't no rocket surgeons!

Damn cool gear, though! I'm good with my $6 OSH mini side-cutters for trimming zip-ties for now. Ask me again after I cut the sh#% out myself on one....

[toddz69]

Damn cool gear, though! I'm good with my $6 OSH mini side-cutters for trimming zip-ties for now. Ask me again after I cut the sh#% out myself on one....

I'm just a country kid too . I call the cheapie cutters "flesh-cut" trimmers. For good reason..

Todd Z.

[SteveG]

I call the cheapie cutters "flesh-cut" trimmers. For good reason..

I'm sure my day is coming! Or, do I wise up and buy them before learning the hard way... you never know!

[Rmc]

Just leave em long why not... Reminds me of one of the greatest practice jokes of all time: get a big ass hand cuff type zip tie slide ever so gracefully under your buddies ride while he's distracted telling someone of his latest adventure and tie it tight and Untrimmed to his drive shaft. When he leaves and gets going he will stop many times to see what the hell that clicking sound is.

[Rmc]

I believe that would fall under the tricks category more so than the tips. Maybe both who knows?