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.