Looking for better end nippers

I found a pair of side cutters a year ago that have a compound linkage on one side (Princess Auto used to carry them), it makes cutting strings about 70% easier. Now I need new end nippers so I'm looking for something that cuts fret ends easier. I had issues with golfers elbow from cutting strings and frets a few years ago and I'd like to avoid getting that again.

Any suggestions?

John

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Permalink Reply by Paul Verticchio on April 21, 2012 at 10:07pm

OK. I'm confused.

Are we talking about fret pullers or fret end nippers?

The discussion doesn't seem to have continuity as to the type of tool.

Help?

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Permalink Reply by Hesh Breakstone on April 23, 2012 at 3:10pm

Paul I use my "nippers" to "nip" and to "pull" but since I have the newer Stew-Mac nippers will a shallower angle on the bevel they don't do as good a job of pulling or, more correctly lifting, frets as the 10 year old Stew-Mac nippers do. So I have to carry (I travel with my Loofiers... kit...) another tool that Stew-Mac sells just for lifting which are not billed as "nippers" which is a pain. I work with David Collins and he has the older pair that does it all and I have nipper envy.....

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Permalink Reply by John on April 24, 2012 at 9:56am

There are some great suggestions here. Thank you.

I will post a picture of the side cutters I was talking about when I get them, and a camera in the same room

Paul, I was asking specifically about nippers for flush cutting the ends of the frets.

For fret removal, I use a small pair of modified nippers for persuading frets out. They are ground flush on the outside and the inside bevel is filed to a gentler angle.

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Permalink Reply by Paul Verticchio on April 24, 2012 at 11:52am

Thanks John. (:

Here's a tip:

There is a style of cutters that is extremely similar (exact product?) to the Gen 1 SM end nippers that can be found at several "Farm & Home" type stores in the USA. They have the same red dipped handles, finishing pattern etc. They're usually about $15-$20 USD. Once ground flush, they're indistinguishable from the SM Gen 1 cutters.

I have been using mine for well over 17 years and they hold up great. They're still "good as new". Build and material quality are exceptional.

It may take a while to find them but it's worth the search.

Oh ya, Channel Lock makes a great "modifiable" set of end nippers too. Pricey but GREAT!

Best of luck guys (-: