Looking for Good Wire Cutters/Pliers

I always have my trusty/rusty Gerber multitool with me, which has been able to cut through some pretty thick hooks that got stuck in my rigging (and thankfully not my fingers, etc) once in a while.  But I have been looking for a quality wirecutter/pliers to take out on the yak with me.  Most of what I have seen in the tackle shops have line/braid cutters, but they dont look to be strong enough to cut through a big hook.  Any reccomendations? 

Hi Al,

I carry a handheld pair of bolt cutters with me.  They are the size of normal pliers but have hardened jaws and the pivots to give you more leverage.  You can pick them up at harbor freight or most hardware stores.  Amazon also sells them.  They are great for cutting hook shanks and rings.  I carry them for just what you mentioned.  A hook in the rigging or stuck in me.  I keep them greased up to prevent rust. 

I have the harbor freight pair and they have held up well so far.  Channel lock makes a nice pair.

Matt

Ask any electrician what kind a side cutters(dikes) they use and 90% would say Klein's. I've had a pair that I've cut through romex staples with for years and they're still going strong.

Try the electrical section @ Homedept

+1 on Kleins.

I have the harbor freight bolt cutters now after putting one of my jig hooks through my finger. My neighborhad a pair thankfully.

Ask any electrician what kind a side cutters(dukes) they use and 90% would say Klein's. I've had a pair that I've cut through romex staples with for years and they're still going strong.

Try the electrical section @ Homedept

+1 from the telecom guy!

Ask any electrician what kind a side cutters(dukes) they use and 90% would say Klein's. I've had a pair that I've cut through romex staples with for years and they're still going strong.

Try the electrical section @ Homedept

+1 on Klein diagonal cutters.

Another Klein fan here.

Although I might take a look at a mini bolt cutter.

Walmart carries a pair of dykes for under $4.
They work great and if they go overboard, oh well. WallyWorld is only a mile from my house.

Here are the 8" wire cutters/bolt cutters I mentioned.  I put a lighter in the picture so you could judge the size:



I have used these for lure building, and spray them down and store them in a dry bag when on the kayak.  I saw a video where a guy was trolling for thresher sharks and got a lure in his face.  He had a hard time getting the hook cut with dikes, so I felt these were a good idea on the kayak.  I think Yakass also recommends the small bolt cutters.  They cut wire leaders, hooks, split rings, zip ties, line, and even rope very well.

These cost only 5.99 at harbor Freight, so replacement is pretty cheap if lost or rusted.  They got 5 star rating on Harbor freight, and 4 stars on Amazon.
http://www.harborfreight.com/8-inch-bolt-cutters-41146.html

Amazon has a good selection of better quality 8" bolt cutters if you are looking for a main brand.  I have been pleased with the harbor freight ones so far but may get an upgraded pair if or when these fail me.

These angled bolt cutters also look pretty nice:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005EXO8BK/ref=s9_simh_gw_p60_d0_g60_i5?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0H2PXTHBBKD42P09XW6D&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

Matt

AL if your still looking for some I can get you some linemen pliers from An Electrical wholesale house for around thirty five bucks!