Xcelite 170M General Purpose Shearcutter, Diagonal, Flush Jaw, 5" Length, 3/4" Jaw length, Blue Grip

I purchased this same product about 4 years ago and the spring mechanism was great. After each snip, the jaws went back into an open position making it so much convenient to snip again.I now purchased this product again, twice, and both times the quality is unacceptable. I purchased from two different vendors and both times the product's spring mechanism doesn't work. Who is managing the Quality Control department at this company?! And this is made in the USA!Dear Company - you ruined this product. I'm finding another product that does what it's supposed to do.

I've used this model of cutter for over a decade and they have always served me well for electronic applications. They're great for cutting component leads, wires, and anything that's not particularly hard. If you try to clip a screw or nail you will destroy the cutting edge if not worse. Same goes for hard wire. They're especially good for cutting cable ties flush. If you've ever had an unevenly cut cable tie open up your hand or arm you'll understand how important that is. I have very large hands and I've never had my hand cramp from using them for extended periods. I've never had the spring mechanism break on one.

It wasn't worth returning because the RMA required that it arrive back at the seller within 7 days after the RMA was issued - so I have to pay premium to ensure that for a six dollar item? Not likely. So what' wrong with it? One - it's so poorly constructed that the hinge it too tight to allow the spring to activate to open the cutter. Second - the clipping blades are not actually flush! I bought this item on the strength of the reviews, but truth be told, this tool is junk. Save your money - look elsewhere for a flush cutter - I will be shortly.

For light duty work, these work well. My high school robotics team has used them for close cutting of wires and cable ties. The problem is that they break easily when used on bigger wire. We have broken three of these and will be buying more robust alternatives from now on.At home, I have two of these, one in the shop for light wire cutting only, and one for toenail clipping, for which they are excellent.

I like these much better than my old pinch cutters. These shear cutters require less force, so they are easier on my hands, and they don't leave a dangerously sharp edge on the wire I cut, as pinch cutters do.The handle is comfortable and is an attractive, bright, red color which makes it easier to find in a tool box.The one downside is that the cutting jaws do not have a closed position. This means if you are scrabbling for them in your tool box, you could cut yourself on them. They could also, over time, become dull from rubbing against other tools.Made in the USA.

If you work on electronic circuit boards, a set of flush cutters like these are invaluable for trimming leads. These would also be great for jewelry making and craft work as long as you don't try to cut steel wire or anything too hard. That will damage the blades. I just cut copper wire and component leads and these pliers hold up to that just fine. I've got a pair that's 6 years old and still sharp and still in great shape. The rivet on these is good too, my old pair has never worked loose.

We use these a lot at work to cut zip-ties. I was wondering what the difference between the 170M and 170M is. I found the following on their website: Heavy duty for IC pins, cables and harnesses (1178D, 1178M) Low Profile, general purpose cutter (170M, 170D, 175D) Flush cuts soft wire up to 14 AWG (1.6mm) (1178D, 1178M) Flush cuts soft wire up to 20AWG (0.8mm) (170M, 170D, 175D) Static dissipative black grips (170D, 175D, 1178D) Red grips (170M, 1178M) Maximum durability and operator safety (1178D, 1178M) Superior blade bypass shear cutting action (170M, 170D, 175D) Greatly reduced mechanical shock delivered to the work (170M, 170D, 175D) Especially hardened and plated (170D, 175D, 1178D) Safety clips (175D)

Good flush cutters. I prefer the heavy duty, but they were out of stock. These work great but with heavy use on wire and cable ties, eventually one side of the cutters will break off. Always wear safety glasses. Heavy duty will eventually break too, just takes longer. for the garage, these are awesome.