Best multi-tool for cutting wire?

M

mrd74

Joined
Dec 1, 2001
Messages
607
Looking to buy a multi-tool soon, but which one is best suited for cutting chain-link and barbed wire as that would be its main purpose to me.Is Leatherman up to the task or should I get the Sog Powerlock?:confused:
 
I'd go for the Gerber Legend or urban legend. The hard wire cutting area is replaceable which should keep the tool newer longer if that is mostly what you'll be using it for. All of the other tools and blades lock open and it has a nice no slip grip.

N2
 
Glockman! What's cool about a plain wire cutter? This is the G&G forum, man. Get with the program :p :p

Seriously, I've found the Leatherman Supertool cuts wire well but the handles murder your hand. The ST 200 may be better in that regard. I love my SwissTool but the wire cutters on it SUCK :barf: The Gerber looks like it has the best cutters but my limited experiance with it suggests that the handles are too thick and too widely spaced. YMMV!
 
For chain link and barbed wire you're going to need something a little more specialized.

Paul
 
For chain link and barbed wire, I would agree with Glockmann99. If you are going to cut alot of wire, a multi-tool will not be a very wise choice.

I usually use Wiss pliers, heavy wire cutters, or small bolt cutters. Your hands will get very tired very quickly using a multi-tool. They do not have enough length on the handle to give you leverage.

As far as cutters in multi-tools the Gerber wins. I have a Supertool, Supertool 200, Wave, Swisstool, SOG powerpliers, and the Legend. The Legend has a very good wire cutter, but it is a general purpose tool.

Daniel
 
I cut wire that probably falls between barbed wire and chain link every day. Sure, my LM ST200 cuts it. It also has indented cutters, and side to side play. The Leatherman is ok for convenience, and occasional cutting, but for frequent or heavy use, I go with Klein 9 1/4" side-cutting pliers. I've cut 16 penny nails in half with them many times without damage, and they'll outlast a hundred multitools. Think I paid $24 for them--see them online ~$18.
Klein also has a newer line, and if I were shopping for a new pair, would seriously consider the Journeyman 9-3/8" Side-Cutting Pliers.
 
Ditto on the Klein linesman pliers. I've got a pair of their D2000NETP pliers and I've cut chain link fencing before with them. There's no way a multi-tool can cut through that gauge wire effectively. The Kleins cut through like a twig snapping.

As far as smaller gauge wire, I found that the Leathermans are better wire cutters. I've a couple pairs of older Gerber tools whose wire cutter portion of that jaws have deformed slightly as a result of cutting wire. Though I haven't used them, looks like their Legend and Urban Legend tools have improved wire cutters with the replaceable carbide inserts...but still lack leverage to power thorough chain link.
 
I have not used them, but you can find reports of the carbide insertions chipping under heavy wire cutting.

It is probably not possible to find a multi-tool which makes a decent heavy wire cutter as it requires a different type of steel.

You would want the head to be carbon steel, and the wire cutters very hard to resist denting, and fairly robust to prevent snapping.

-Cliff
 
The Leatherman Crunch goes through wire very easily. It's a locking plier design, so the linkage acts as a force multiplier for this, uh, multi-plier.

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The little indentation in the cutting area keeps wire from slipping, too.

EDITED: Barbed wire and chain link fence might be beyond the capabilities of this tool.
 
Hi,

I would like to try the Gerber tool with the hard triangle cutters that can be turned 120 Degrees in case one side get damaged.

I tried cutting barbed wire twice with a leatherman tool, once the classic Leatherman tool and once with the Supertool.
I had to send both tools back to the importer to get it repaired because twice the cutting surface got damaged very badly.
Even with the "hard wire" semi circular cut-out in the Supertool it ruined the stainless steel cutter.

Since then I carry a Swisstool but don't use it to cut "hard" wire, for that I'd rather use a $3 carbon steel wire cutter made in China/Taiwan, it works better and I don't loose my tool for another 4-6 weeks getting it repaired.

Best Scouting wishes from Holland,

Bagheera
 
Side cutters by channel lock... Blue handles... 12 bucks at homedepot, lowes... etc

They'll cut most anything... but they arent ment to be a true "multitool"

I use em for everything!
 
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