Gate Shears

[Painter1]

Would welcome suggestions on the best gate shears for cutting sprues and trimming lead.

My gate shears seem to get dull pretty quick.  How are you guys keeping them sharp

[andy1976]

I use Knipex. Have used the same pair for years and they're still sharp. I can't remember who to give the credit to but it was someone here on Takle under ground.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000X4OG4O/ref=pd_aw_sim_469_4?refRID=17RTG8RNZFVY3ES26AYY still sharp.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000X4OG4O/ref=pd_aw_sim_469_4?refRID=17RTG8RNZFVY3ES26AYY

[smalljaw]

My friend Apdriver told me about Xuron cutting shears and so I looked into them. The 2175 maxi shear is what the company told me to use after I emailed them to see which would be the best fit for what my use would be. The best way to keep them sharp is to avoid cutting the hook shank, that is what dulled my original gate shears. When you get your new ones don't throw the old ones away, save them for the times you get a little flash around the hook eye or on the bottom of a collar, you can run them around the hardened steel and not worry about dulling the new pair.

[Jig Man]

Mine came from Barlows.  After 10 years or so I dulled them and bought another pair.  Like smalljaw I kept the old pair to use in places that might dull the new ones.  I've had the new ones for over 5 years and they are still quite sharp.

[cadman]

I have (2) pairs of  170M Xcelite gate shears from LPO or Barlows and a brand new pair of 5" gate shears from Janns NetCraft. I have never dulled a pair of gate shears, but I have snapped the heads when cutting really hard lead. These were about 8 to 12 dollars each. I find that if you only use the gate shears for cutting lead they will last longer. Do not cut stainless wire with these. Also for trimming the sprues off of jigs made of harder lead, or bismuth, I now use side cutters.

 

BTW I know we use Knipex tools at work, and they are good tools.

Edited May 23, 2015 by cadman

[Apdriver]

I have some knipex tools and they are well made. When I was searching for a good gate cutter, I ran across the Xuron and since I really like their split ring plier, decided to give them a try. They are also well made and sharp. Like the other guys said, don't cut anything else but lead with your cutters and you'll get good service life. I've found Amazon has the best price on them.

[LimpNoodle]

I remove a lot of sprues.  In any given week I'll run 100 lbs minimum through my RCBS pot.  I've found that I can twist off the sprues on 99% of what I cast.  I use pure lead.  Once in a while I need to use gate cutters to remove what's left.  

 

I buy a five pack of Hakko cutters on Amazon for $22.  One of those cutters will last me till someone else uses them and cuts wire or hits a hook shank.

 

I'm casting everything from 1/16 jigs to 3 ounce sinkers.  

[Painter1]

I use Knipex. Have used the same pair for years and they're still sharp. I can't remember who to give the credit to but it was someone here on Takle under ground.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000X4OG4O/ref=pd_aw_sim_469_4?refRID=17RTG8RNZFVY3ES26AYY still sharp.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000X4OG4O/ref=pd_aw_sim_469_4?refRID=17RTG8RNZFVY3ES26AYY

Ordered a pair - thanks

[odinohi]

The ones I have are IMS. Not sure where to but them as I get mine from work. They come in straight and 90 * cut. Mine get a good workout. Only have had to replace them once because I couldn't find the right spring. I believe Sears has some similar

[andy1976]

Let us know how you like them.

[jcool3]

I remove a lot of sprues.  In any given week I'll run 100 lbs minimum through my RCBS pot.  I've found that I can twist off the sprues on 99% of what I cast.  I use pure lead.  Once in a while I need to use gate cutters to remove what's left.  

 

I buy a five pack of Hakko cutters on Amazon for $22.  One of those cutters will last me till someone else uses them and cuts wire or hits a hook shank.

 

I'm casting everything from 1/16 jigs to 3 ounce sinkers.  

I use my gate shear to clear the eyes after painting ... anything else work better?   Are those Hakko micro cutter,

hakko has several cutters listed?

[LimpNoodle]

I use my gate shear to clear the eyes after painting ... anything else work better?   Are those Hakko micro cutter,

hakko has several cutters listed?

 

They are the micro cutters.  Come five per pack for under $22.

 

Best thing to clean eyes I've found is either a Dremel with the correct sized drill bit or a cordless drill with the correct sized bit.  I've used both and you can do a lot of clogged eyes in a hurry with either one.

[BLT]

Are you unclogging before you all bake? Paint is still "brittle" then, and will smooth out the jagged edges while baking. I'm glad the drill bit works for you, but I don't think I am that steady anymore, I would nick the eye and create sharp edges for the line to cut on lol.

[LimpNoodle]

I guess it depends on the size of the hook.  With the 0 sized hooks they are much harder than a drill bit a low speed.

 

I try and clear eyes after I dip, doing so with a piece of wire, but some still get clogged after baking and that's where the drill comes in.