Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Engineering Techniques and Materials. => Topic started by: sinjon on November 05, 2007, 01:59:07 pm

Title: Cutting piano wire
Post by: sinjon on November 05, 2007, 01:59:07 pm

Is there way of cutting piano wire without 'nicking' my pliers or Gilbow tin snips?
Or is it just a question of buying a really good pair of side cutting pliers.

Colin

Title: Re: Cutting piano wire
Post by: FullLeatherJacket on November 05, 2007, 02:56:32 pm

I have a pair of Maun Industries' side-cutters which are sold to snip those steel pins that surgeons fit into broken bones. Had 'em for years with no trace of a nick in the edge. Google Maun Industries and see what you can find - maybe Squires sell them? Anything thicker than 14SWG is a job for bolt-croppers or a diamond cutting wheel / saw blade.
FLJ

Title: Re: Cutting piano wire
Post by: wingertaz on November 05, 2007, 03:12:26 pm

Hi,
    I use carbon cut off wheels in my mini drill. Carefull though they are very brittle. I break more than i wear out. :(

Title: Re: Cutting piano wire
Post by: Stavros on November 05, 2007, 06:10:08 pm

Search E bay for a pair of SNAP ON side cutters these will cut anything and when they don't just contact Snap On cos they guaranteed for life

Stavros

Title: Re: Cutting piano wire
Post by: Bryan Young on November 05, 2007, 06:34:34 pm

I have this little gizmo that is basically a pair of pliers with 2 holes in the arms. One hole above the pivot bolt and the other below.
The holes are never "quite right" but they chop piano wire dead easy. The chopping does leave a little "hook" on the cut end, but this is removed in a couple of seconds with a small sanding disc. I'm pretty sure that most model shops will sell them ( pretty cheap), but the "Hobbies" magazine still has them (I think). A good buy.

Title: Re: Cutting piano wire
Post by: BobF on November 06, 2007, 07:01:46 pm

Hi sinjon,

I use a cold cheisel against a small anvil for thicker wire, then bend it with pliers and it snaps in two.

Or a mini cutting disc.

Bob

Title: Re: Cutting piano wire
Post by: sinjon on November 07, 2007, 08:37:33 am

Spoilt for choice!

Thanks guys

Colin

Title: Re: Cutting piano wire
Post by: Bee on November 17, 2007, 12:08:11 am

No one mentioned junior hacksaw. The blades are harder than full size hacksaw so will cut almost anything. For the thin stuff drill a suitable hole through a bit of wood , insert wire, cut through both.

Title: Re: Cutting piano wire
Post by: SimonO on November 17, 2007, 04:55:35 pm

Get a cheap lighter, warm up the area you want to cut let it cool and it will cut without damage, You just have to temper it a little more. Or nick it with a file edge and it will break.

Simon