I struggled a bit over the rating of this product. It works well, though it is a bit rough. And two points need to be clarified.
Off the top, these wire cutters by KF CPTEC work really well. I made some cuts through some common 14/3 electrical wire, and it was like cutting string with a box cutter! No problems. Little effort with the handles. They work really well.
As with some other comments, the case mine came in arrived damaged. Four internal posts were knocked off. That could have come when the product was first shipped, or with the delivery driver, or anywhere in-between. The case is nice, but it's not really necessary, for me. I am happy to simply place this cutter into a tool box drawer, along with different wrenches and pliers.
The handles are great. Bright orange plastic on the inside and a black, soft, grippy compound on the outside. A nice centre block that also has a lock for the handles. When engaged, it keeps the handles in a closed position.
The cutters are thick, heavy steel - almost 6.51mm (1/4") thick. One side is fixed into one handle, and the other cutter is linked to the handle that moves. Along the edge of the moving cutter, is a series of teeth, which is how the ratchet mechanism works. As you squeeze the handles together, this movable cutter blade, slowly closes.
When the handles are fully opened, the moving cutter blade can rotate 360 degrees without a problem. You can also use this feature to "snug up" the cutters to the wire size you are going to cut. No need to keep squeezing the handles together if the wire size is small. Just bring the cutter blades up to the wire, and in a few motions, the wire will be cut.
I am quite surprised that the blades are not sharp. Not in the least. I would not use a knife blade with this degree of sharpness! It's downright dull! But I don't think the blades need to be razor sharp. It's more the pressure that the tool brings to bear on the wire - not how sharp the blades are. But for me, the blades are far too dull. I will put a much better edge on them. At present, you have no worries about getting cut...!
Along the same line, I am also surprised that the finish of the steel on the cutters is not more polished. Yes, I know it's a tool, but I still like to see a well finished tool for my money. The rough finish takes away the look of a well crafter tool, and the little extra care at the end of production, is well worth the extra man-powered expense.
Bottom Line - A safe tool to use, due to the blades not being sharp. You are not going to get cut. The jaws easily cut through wire and even plastic trimmer cable. If you every have need to cut wire, this is a great tool for doing that! I would rate this tool as a 4.5 out of 5.
| Manufacturer | KF CPTEC |
|---|---|
| Place of Business | KF CPTEC |
| Part Number | KF-325AN |
| Product Dimensions | 26.9 x 10.49 x 0.1 cm; 644 g |
| Item model number | KF-325A |
| Colour | Orange,black |
| Material | High Carbon Steel |
| Handle Material | Polypropylene (PP) |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Item Weight | 644 g |
| Country of origin | China |
