What's your favourite string cutting tool?

[Steve Conner]

Title says it all really. Whatever guitar strings are made of, it seems hard enough to destroy regular wire cutters and cheap cutting pliers. I'm currently using a set of Park Tool cutters intended for bike brake cables, but the jaws are so big that it's hard to get a neat cut near the tuning peg. There must be some better tool that you pro guitar techs all know about.

[Tom Phillips]

...it's hard to get a neat cut near the tuning peg...

Steve,
For a final "cut" after stringing up I just bend the string back & forth until it breaks off neat. The remaining stub is much closer to the string wrap stack than I can cut. This gives a very clean final result with little chance of catching on anything or stabbing your finger later.
Tom

[rjb]

I use a pair of dykes I picked up at a flea market for a few bucks. Looks old, no markings. Really hard metal & sharp as a MF, just the right shape.
Sorry, I know this is not the answer you're seeking.

[Steve Conner]

Well, it may not have been "the" answer, but it motivated me to do some Google searching on diagonal cutters. Turns out Knipex make "High leverage" ones with hardened jaws specifically rated to cut piano wire.

Sounds like another excuse to buy tools

[JoeM]

My oldest brother used to own a plumbing supply co. Years ago he gave some diagonal cutters, I think made by Channelocks that I use. They still work great, can cut through the thickest low E no problem.

[big_teee]

I use some cheap Diagonals that came in a set from Harbor Freight.
I use EB Slinky strings, and they cut easy enough!

[rjb]

I use some cheap Diagonals that came in a set from Harbor Freight.
I use EB Slinky strings, and they cut easy enough!

You obviously need to go out and get some tougher strings!

[big_teee]

You obviously need to go out and get some tougher strings!

I've tried most of them, and it's Ernie Ball for me.
Plus I get them cheap from mojo.
T

[tedmich]

$250

kidding, I grind down end nippers into flush cutters and cut SS frets, strings, you name it with them

[pdf64]

Results
These seem really good, can't remember where I got them.
Pete

[frus]

Planet Waves winder/cutter like this one

[Dan T.]

Title says it all really. Whatever guitar strings are made of, it seems hard enough to destroy regular wire cutters and cheap cutting pliers. I'm currently using a set of Park Tool cutters intended for bike brake cables, but the jaws are so big that it's hard to get a neat cut near the tuning peg. There must be some better tool that you pro guitar techs all know about.

These.

[David Schwab]

I use a pair of dykes from OXO. They normally make kitchen utensils. They look like Dan T's picture, but with fatter black handles.

If they aren't handy I use a big pair of pliers that have a cutting part.

I have to be able to cut bass strings as well, so I need something sturdy.

[rjb]

I have to be able to cut bass strings as well, so I need something sturdy.

I just use my teeth.

[Steve Conner]

Thanks everyone! I ended up buying a pair of the Knipex high leverage dikes. They look very similar to the picture posted by Dan T, and they munch through a low E string like Michael Phelps through a crate of Super Noodles, or something.

[JoeM]

The one I have looks very much the same too. Now I just need to keep my wife from borrowing them! (She cuts wire for her gardening projects)

[tonequester]

tonequester here.

It gets old ruining tools. Ive never found regular cutters that stand up to the hardness of steel strings. You mention getting close to the tuning peg, so I take it you're talking about cutting the excess string off after installation of a new set. Believe it or not, gripping the string by hand, or if remnent is not long enough, by pliers, one can use a Dremel tool with a small common aluminum oxide grinding bit, it works well, and the special cutting disks work even better. One does need to take some care, but it works a lot smoother than you might think. Just a light touch is all that's needed. If one uses a cutting disk, use the fiber impregnated ones, not the shatter prone/easily broken kind.
Every set of cutters I've ever tried to cut strings with,have been quickly damaged, and became useless over time. Just a suggestion. Best Wishes Steve. tonequester.

[enkindler]

Wire cutters are designed and sold for cutting copper and aluminum, to be price competitive they use steel that is correct for that job. You can buy "Cable Shears" that will be rated for steel. I have some that were made for bike brake cables that work great on the bench but I just use the $3 harbor freight diag cutters in my guitar case.

[SonnyW]

Title says it all really. Whatever guitar strings are made of, it seems hard enough to destroy regular wire cutters and cheap cutting pliers. I'm currently using a set of Park Tool cutters intended for bike brake cables, but the jaws are so big that it's hard to get a neat cut near the tuning peg. There must be some better tool that you pro guitar techs all know about.

Found this post a little late probably, but here is what I have been using and they're great. No problems at all. I knew about these because my dad was a Jeweler. I have been using these for a year with setups most days and there's still not a nick on the blades yet.

Hard-Wire Cutter | National Jeweler's Supplies

[Wittgenstein]

I used to use a pair of Klein's linesman pliers, but I grew tired of stabbing my fingertips on the little sting that was left. Now I prefer to just wind all the excess wire / string into small loops. I think it looks cleaner / nicer and also prevents finger bruising. I can post a picture when I get home of my guitars.

[GregS]

I've just used a quality pair of wire cutters I purchased a long time ago at some hardware store. They cut through all strings including bass strings no problem with a neat cut. I've found the cutting edges on pliers and small wire cutters don't work well.

Greg

[Tom Phillips]

In case there is interest in the method I mentioned in post #2...

Self quoting from post #2 of this thread "For a final 'cut' after stringing up I just bend the string back & forth until it breaks off neat. The remaining stub is much closer to the string wrap stack than I can cut. This gives a very clean final result with little chance of catching on anything or stabbing your finger later."

Attached are a couple of photos illustrating the results obtained both cutting with a tool and the wiggle snap off method. The method works well for all six guitar strings. The resulting stub is captured under the string wrap and it doesn't even snag a polishing cloth. To look at it you may think that the string could come loose but all sizes do hold well. The steps of the stringing technique are:
1. String through hole
2. Bend end 90 degrees
3. Keep bending the string end around the tuner shaft and route it under itself
4. Pull the free end straight up perpendicular to the face of the head
3. Wind to capture the bent up end as winding stack goes down toward head
4. Take hold of the string end and wiggle it about until it breaks off.

Note: Don’t break off any of the strings until you are completely done, tuned up and satisfied with the overall setup. If this method has any downside it’s that you shouldn’t loosen the strings back up other than for normal tuning.

Regards,
Tom

[Wittgenstein]

I used to use a pair of Klein's linesman pliers, but I grew tired of stabbing my fingertips on the little sting that was left. Now I prefer to just wind all the excess wire / string into small loops. I think it looks cleaner / nicer and also prevents finger bruising. I can post a picture when I get home of my guitars.

Sorry for the bad phone pictures... I plan on buying a camera soon. Here is my acoustic and electric guitar with the strings uncut.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/43492441@N05/7918292228/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/43492441@N05/7918295278/

[David Schwab]

Sorry for the bad phone pictures... I plan on buying a camera soon. Here is my acoustic and electric guitar with the strings uncut.

guitar strings | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

guitar | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Why do you leave all that string on there? Sorry, but that looks ridiculous.

I cut mine off close to the tuner shaft and then bend it down. I never ever poke my fingers.



I can get them closer, but there's no need for it.

[rjb]

Why do you leave all that string on there? Sorry, but that looks ridiculous.

I find it adds a nice jangle-y effect....

I vaguely remember reading an interview with a bluegrass guy who broke strings at the bridge so often, he figured out a way to "fix" strings in the middle of a tune. He would leave extra string at the peghead like in the pic. When a string broke, he'd pull string from the tuner, tie a knot at the broken end, and wedge the knot into the bridge with a bridge pin. Or something like that.

[tonequester]

Hey David. Tonequester here. I'm with you on trimming the strings close, and bending them. I try to keep them from scratching the headstock. I've punctured fingers and thumb
before I began to do this. Your picture looks like it could be mine ! Have a great day/night . tonequester.

[JoeM]

I like Fender's Safe-T-Post keys or whatever they're called. You cut the string to length before stringing it, but there's no left over end to poke you.

[big_teee]

I like Fender's Safe-T-Post keys or whatever they're called. You cut the string to length before stringing it, but there's no left over end to poke you.

Is that the tuners, you stick the wire in the hole straight down, then turn?
I always thought that a neat idea.
T

[JoeM]

Is that the tuners, you stick the wire in the hole straight down, then turn?
I always thought that a neat idea.
T

Yep, those are the ones. There is no string end left sticking out.

[David Schwab]

I find it adds a nice jangle-y effect....

I vaguely remember reading an interview with a bluegrass guy who broke strings at the bridge so often, he figured out a way to "fix" strings in the middle of a tune. He would leave extra string at the peghead like in the pic. When a string broke, he'd pull string from the tuner, tie a knot at the broken end, and wedge the knot into the bridge with a bridge pin. Or something like that.

It used to be a popular thing to do with Floyd Rose bridges too. If you broke a string, you would unravel some more and re-secure it at the bridge.

[David Schwab]

Yep, those are the ones. There is no string end left sticking out.

Most bass tuners are like that too.

[Zer09]

I've never thought of strings as difficult to cut but then I've spent 30 years cutting stainless bicycle cables so I guess it's all realtive. I ruined plenty of cutters doing that. It certainly matters how hard the steel of the cutter is. Back in the 90's I bought a cheap (talking dollar store cheap) 3 piece set of pliars and snips because I wanted a pair of needlenose pliers for fishing. I've been using those cheap little snips for at least 15 years and use them to snip leads when working on amps. Never dulled but the steel is harder than any of the more expensive tools I own.

[Zer09]

I've never thought of strings as difficult to cut but then I've spent 30 years cutting stainless bicycle cables so I guess it's all relative. I ruined plenty of cutters doing that. It certainly matters how hard the steel of the cutter is. Back in the 90's I bought a cheap (talking dollar store cheap) 3 piece set of pliers and snips because I wanted a pair of needlenose pliers for fishing. I've been using those cheap little snips for at least 15 years and use them to snip leads when working on amps. Never dulled but the steel is harder than any of the more expensive tools I own.

[asatbluesboy]

Planet Waves here as well.

[Zer09]

QUOTE=Wittgenstein;273791]Sorry for the bad phone pictures... I plan on buying a camera soon. Here is my acoustic and electric guitar with the strings uncut.

guitar strings | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

guitar | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[/QUOTE]

Wittgenstein,
Apparently you are not alone:
[

That would be Robert Fripp