What do you use to cut strings?

Chrisk-K · #1 03-23-2011, 04:34 AM

I have an ancient guitar string cutter. It's a struggle to cut the A & E strings. I looked at some cable cutters at Lowes and they looked like an overkill. I also looked at wire cutters but wasn't sure if they would cut thick strings.

So, what tool do you use?

Rockmusician · #2 03-23-2011, 04:36 AM

I use a pair of heavy duty wire cutters.

eee · #3 03-23-2011, 04:36 AM

Charlie Sheen!

Seriously, just some wire cutters.

lenosgood · #4 03-23-2011, 04:38 AM

A set of dykes (side cutters) works good. I had no problem snipping through the E string of the set of stainless flats I recently got... nice clean cut.

Jim C · #5 03-23-2011, 04:42 AM

Lineman's pliers
* The wide flat edge allows you to bend the string to at least 90 degrees to form a smooth, solid, crease to prevent un-ravel
* The big heavy duty blade cuts cleanly and seems to slightly crimp the cut end even though it is such a clean cut

Chrisk-K · #6 03-23-2011, 06:03 AM

I didn't know that a plier can cut the E string. I have no clue when it comes to tools. I could buy a $30 heavy duty cable cutter but would prefer a smaller one.

Swin · #7 03-23-2011, 06:11 AM

These are the best cable cutters around, they are professional cutters used by bicycle mechanics all over the world and cut from all sides for no mess. Goes through E's like butter.

Made by Park Tool USA

Maz · #8 03-23-2011, 06:19 AM

$9 for a decent quality string winder with a built in cutter on Ebay

I use one of these myself and it works great.

mmbongo · #9 03-23-2011, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrisk-K

I didn't know that a plier can cut the E string. I have no clue when it comes to tools. I could buy a $30 heavy duty cable cutter but would prefer a smaller one.

Keep in mind that larger strings are usually only half the size where you cut them than the main part of the string. They have to taper down so they can wrap around the tuner. So when you cut an E string, it's basically like cutting a D string. Any basic set of $5 side cutter pliers work fine.

**SamanthaCay** · #10 03-23-2011, 07:02 AM

My roommate is jaws so…

On a serious note, I have several pairs of cutters lying around and I usually go for whatever is close by.
Although I have some cutters that are too small and/or not intended for that purpose so I leave those alone.
Any decent pair of wire cutters should do the job and last for years.
I would say aim for the ten dollar price range for a good medium sized cutter with a 4-6” handle and you should be fine.

Double Agent · #11 03-23-2011, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maz

$9 for a decent quality string winder with a built in cutter on Ebay

I use one of these myself and it works great.

+1...this is what I use. Works great for me too.

Molochnik · #12 03-23-2011, 07:33 AM

I've got the Planet Waves winder/cutter combo. It cut through a set of Pro Steels I recently put on, but they feel like they're gonna break with regular use. Not saying they will, but they *feel* like it.

I'm on-board with the $10 lineman's pliers recommendation, or dikes/wire cutters at the very least.

Chrisk-K · #13 03-23-2011, 08:27 AM

So, I don't need anything special. No wonder my string cutter is ancient. I bought it in the early 80's

gjbassist · #14 03-23-2011, 08:31 AM

You don't need anything fancy. I use the cutting part of a pair of needle nose pliers. Works just fine.

bassmeknik · #15 03-23-2011, 08:36 AM

Seriously I have used a basic cheap set of side cutters (wire cutters, dykes, etc...) for 35 years and can cut a .135 with some hand strength required, If you play bass you probably have the strength just get a good pair and spend about $15 to $20 large handles make it easier.

Phalex · #16 03-23-2011, 08:46 AM

I use a set of dykes that came with the tools I was issued in EET school.

THORRR · #17 03-23-2011, 08:58 AM

I have always used a pair of dykes (side cutters) or medium wire cutters but here's a little trick that'll help prevent a dead string after you cut it:

Before you cut: Pinch the string diagonally 2 or 3 times near where you plan to cut using the dykes. (this crimps the wrapping to the core nice & tight & prevents slippage after you cut)

Make your right angle bend where the string needs to bend on the tuning machines.

THEN make your cut
AND
MAKE IT DIAGONAL - not square

That last diagonal cut also helps crimp the wrap to the core one more place.

Your strings will now be less inclined to go dead due to a slipped wrap.

I've done it this way for 40 years and have never had a dead new string. In fact my strings rarely if ever go dead at all.

Use this same technique on guitar strings too. It works -

Rock on -

darkstorm · #18 03-24-2011, 07:07 PM

Good qaulity heavy duty wire cutters.

Mekanamom · #19 03-27-2011, 09:35 AM

I keep a Winchester multi-tool in my gig bag.

Winchester® Multi-Tool (22-41473) - Multi-Purpose Tools - Ace Hardware

The wire cutter works just fine for strings, and the rest of it has come in handy as well.

thlayli · #20 03-27-2011, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swin

These are the best cable cutters around, they are professional cutters used by bicycle mechanics all over the world and cut from all sides for no mess. Goes through E's like butter.

Made by Park Tool USA

LOL, I was actually going to post this. I bought mine, surprisingly enough, to work on my bikes (I'm a BMX/flatland guy), and then I ended up using it more for guitar and bass strings than for the bikes (because I'm only running a front brake and it stays dialed).