Hakko CHP-170 Micro Soft Wire Cutter, 1.5mm Stand-off, Flush Cut, 2.5mm Hardened Carbon Steel Construction, 21-Degree Angled Jaw, 8mm Jaw Le

• Flush-cut micro soft-wire cutter has 8mm long jaw with angled head for flush-cutting applications on up to 16 gauge (1.3mm) copper and soft wire
• 21-degree reverse angled cutting surface enables terminal wires to be cut, leaving a 1.5mm stand-off
• 2.5mm heat-treated carbon steel construction provides durability and long life
• Precision-ground holes and surfaces provide smooth movement, and spring returns tool to open position to reduce operator fatigue
• Dolphin-style nonslip hand grips with curved fore-edge provide comfort and control, and Parkerized surfaces prevent glare and increase corrosion resistance

The Hakko CHP 170 micro soft-wire cutter has an 8mm long jaw set at a 21-degree angle for flush-cutting terminal wires up to 16 gauge (1.3mm). The tool is constructed of 2.5mm heat-treated carbon steel that provides durability and long life. Precision-ground holes and surfaces provide smooth movement. Nonslip hand grips provide comfort and control, and a dolphin-style curved fore-edge protects hands from cutting surfaces. An internal spring returns the tool to the open position, reducing operator fatigue. Parkerized surfaces prevent glare and increase corrosion resistance.

American Hakko Products manufactures soldering and desoldering tools. The company, founded in 1984, is headquartered in Valencia, CA.

                                    

By Kenny Johnson

These cutters are excellent at the $5 price point. I purchased one to add to my at-home vaping tool kit, and a second pair for my electronics repair tool kit. After about a month of use, these are points to consider when purchasing this product. To help in deciding to purchase I have added photos for you to see the product up close.

Pros:
At $5 dollars, you can't beat the price.
The handles are non-slip rubber/plastic without being to sticky, doesn't attract dust or dirt.
The handles protect your palm when cutting, softening the feel when applying cutting pressure.
The blades are hard metal, and after a month show no nicking or bending. (see picture)
The blades are at enough of an angle to get close when cutting without blocking your view.
Warnings on handles reminds you to ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION and CUT WIRE MAX THICKNESS 1.3 mm
Spring back handles feel firm and just right for repeated cuts.

Cons:
Only for use on small, soft wires.
** Not designed for heavy duty or home electrical wiring.
I have seen some review stating the blades are uneven when handles are squeezed together (seems rare)

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By M. Seatono

I got these to cut & trim electronic part leads on a couple of IC circuit board projects. They work really well and cut hundreds of leads effortlessly.

The cutting edges are well machined and give you the control you need for working in tight spaces. I have large hands and the molded grips are comfortable. They're spring loaded which makes them easy to use, and I use a rubber band to keep them closed before putting them away (to protect the cutting edges, etc.) When working, I just leave them in easy reach. Solder, clip, repeat...

Sure, you can spend more on other pliers or for heavy duty work, like guitar strings or 12 gauge electrical wires, but these are perfect for electronic work.

By Troy J

For normal through-hole components, this tool will be all you need to trim things up when the soldering is done. Easily cuts through 18 AWG solid-core wire and solder blobs. An excellent tool.

By KD7EIR

What can I say? These are some handy little cutters. Snip through capacitor and resistor leads like butter. These came free with my Hakko FX-888 soldering station, but they are definitely worth buying on their own.

By Thruascope

This is the best by far when it comes to cutting those tough to reach RDA coil leads. I am telling you right now, you will get in there and eliminate all those terrible times where you snipped the wrong wire or your nail clippers fell apart in your hand. Come on, you want to chuck those clouds? Get this!

By paxfax

I have always wanted a pair of these...spring handle...flush cut...comfortable and substantial. They have a pretty wide range of cutting different gauges. They really give you a lot of confidence and hope I don't get to cocky and cut something stupid and ruin them. So far I have really enjoyed being able to flush cut a solder joint and get the shrink to go on smoothly. I would not hesitate to recommend these to anyone.

By JG

I have a Hakko 888 soldering station that I love and I decided to see if other Hakko-branded products meet the same standard. I find that these cutters do meet the standard. I was a little suspicious because the cutters are so inexpensive but I have been using them for awhile now and they work considerably better than 2 other pairs of flush cutters I own that were more expensive. They cut clean and close. The only thing I cannot swear to is longevity (don't know yet) but for this price and level of performance I would be happy to buy a new pair every year.

By James

these are great to use for cutting excess wire on your RDAs "Rebuildable dripping atomizer. Can cut the wire flush against positive and negative post and for the attys with a deep pan these cutters can get right in there to make flush cuts. Cuts through 22 gauge like butter

By Tommy B

I got these to make my own coils for vaping e juice and they have performed great! I haven't cut anything heavier than a 24 ga. NiChrome 80 wire but it has no trouble with that. Have also cut titanium and nickel wire with no problems. It took me a couple of coils to get used to the angle but now I can't use anything else. It allows you trim very close. I also use them to trim off excess cotton and I was a little surprised that the edge was sharp enough to snip it off close. This is the only special tool I use for my coils and the only one I can't go without. If you need some small nippers, these are definitely worth your consideration.

UPDATE: I have found one more use for these....Trimming hangnails! I'm amazed that these are sharp enough and have stayed so sharp after cutting all the wire that they will nip off the smallest piece of skin or nail!

By JWolfe

I have been using these cutters in jewelry making for 5 years. They cut copper and silver up to 16 gauge effortlessly. The flush cut is perfect for jump rings and preparing wire for soldering. You also can get into very tight places and snip with accuracy. The ergonomic handle fits well in my hand and the spring load relieves tension. I have bought other flush cutters, for 5 times the price of these, and they sit on my bench gathering dust. This is my 2nd purchase for this cutter. My "old' cutter will be used for non-jewelry wire. Looking forward to 5+ years of use from my NEW one! Highly recommend this product! Can't beat the price or the quality!