When selecting a cutter, you must first determine the gauge and type of material that you will be cutting. Almost all manufacturers’ capacity ratings are based on copper. You may find that one cutter won’t meet all of your needs and using a cutter on material that it isn’t designed for can cause irreparable damage. When cutting hard, semi-hard or memory wire, you will need a specialty cutter like Xuron’s 2193/2193F or Lindstroms 8160W. The 2193 will cut steel wire up to 12 gauge and memory wire up to 18 gauge. The 2193F has an additional fixture attached to it that allows it to cut memory wire up to 14 gauge. Cutting soft metals such as fine silver, gold, gold-filled, sterling silver and copper: Your first decision to make might be what brand to buy. This is really where personal preference and budget come in to play. Your second decision may need to be style/length of handle, third being the type of cut and last being head type. Types of Cut: There are basically 3 types of cut: semi-flush, flush and super-flush. Manufacturers may use their own trade names for these types of cuts, but for simplistic reasons we will use these generic terms. Semi-Flush - Leaves a low profile cut result. A cutter with this type of cut will be able to handle heavier gauge material than the other two types and will hold its edge longer. It is the least popular of the 3 types. Flush - Cut result leaves a narrow and short peak along the “pinch” line, decreasing the surface area at the cut. This is the most popular cut of the three types and can normally cut heavier gauge material than super-flush and lighter gauge than the semi-flush. Super-Flush - The finest cut result available with the smoothest lead-end result. This is the second most popular of the three. Head Types: There are 3 basic types. Choose the strongest head that can still allow you access to the material to be cut.
the Super-Flush provides the lowest of the three. The head style is not limited to any one type of cut. For example an Oval head cutter can come in any of the three types of cut, but for maximum cutting capacity, an Oval head with a Semi-Flush cut will give you the highest cutting capacity. Brands: We carry two premium lines of jewelry pliers and cutters: Tronex and Lindstrom. Both are very comparable in quality. Xuron has a great midrange line of cutters, pliers and crimpers that are made in the USA. Tronex manufactures their tools in Fairfield, California. These are our popular, but you must find which brand and style fits your unique hands. Tronex makes a standard handle and a long handle. The long handle will give you more leverage, but adds just a little weight to the tool. Lindstrom tools are made in Spain. The more popular style for the Jewelry industry has been their RX series, but again, you have to find what handle fits your hand best. They offer 4 different styles of handles, although the working end is the same. If you don’t have the budget for the premium lines and want better than the entry level tools, Xuron is a great option. To find the best tool for you, there is nothing like trying it out in person to see and feel for yourself. There are many other good brands and styles out there. Use this publication as a starting point to help you make an educated decision. Wire Gauge Conversion Chart Gauge Inches
MM
Gauge Inches
MM
Oval Head: The most common shape combining strength and durability and evenly distributes cutting impact.
10
0.102
2.590
24
0.020
0.510
11
0.091
2.310
25
0.018
0.455
Tapered Head: The sides are shaped along diagonal lines; improved access where space is limited; and improved maneuverability with good tool life.
12
0.081
2.060
26
0.016
0.404
13
0.072
1.830
27
0.014
0.361
14
0.064
1.630
28
0.013
0.320
15
0.057
1.450
29
0.011
0.287
16
0.052
1.290
30
0.010
0.250
17
0.045
1.140
31
0.009
0.226
18
0.040
1.020
32
0.008
0.200
19
0.036
0.910
33
0.007
0.180
20
0.032
0.810
34
0.006
0.160
21
0.028
0.710
35
0.006
0.142
22
0.025
0.640
36
0.005
0.130
23
0.023
0.580
37
0.005
0.114
Tapered and Relieved Head: Tapered on both sides with underside cut away; minimal profile offers access to very limited spaces. When comparing equal sized cutting heads made from the same material, the Oval shaped head has the highest cutting capacity of the three basic styles of head. The Tapered head will have a lower cutting capacity then the Oval head and the Tapered & Relieved head has the lowest of the three. Comparing the cutting capacities of cut type, the Semi-Flush cut gives you the highest cutting capacity. The Flush cut will provide a lower cutting capacity than the Semi-Flush cut and
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