Product review, Bahco cable cutters

 Quick specs

    Make: Bahco

    Model: Cable Cutting/Stripping Pliers 2233D-240

    Type: Manual

Pros: Seriously capable of cutting large section cables with little effort, not too heavy, can fit easily in a regular toolbox.

Cons: The specs say anti corrosion treated, time will tell when working around boats, they are also quite expensive.

Wire cutters and strippers, a short guide, Bahco describe these as cutters and strippers, I have not tried stripping a cable with this tool or any other like it, I suspect it would work well with solid core cables for stripping, something we never use on a boat. I can however attest to their cable cutting ability, having just the other day put them through their first real test which, I am pleased to report they passed with flying colours, cutting through and 70mm2 (AWG 2/0) battery cable with absolutely no effort at all.

The curved blades cut rather than crush cables

I much prefer the curved shape of the cutting blades over the straight edge type, the curved type do not "crush" the end of the cable, instead leaving a nice straight cut.

This tool is available in a variety of lengths, the 240 in the model name denotes the length, I can´t imagine wanting a smaller pair for general use, maybe if you only use smaller section cables, then no need for the larger tool.

The handles have just a basic plastic coating, I was expecting them to not be comfortable for cutting a large section cable, I was wrong, not uncomfortable at all, the long handles and razor shade blades probably also helped. The tool has a thin side profile, making it very compact for fitting in a tool box or bag.

Conclusion

Overall, for it´s function I cannot fault this tool and would highly recommend it. I have a couple of other bits from Bahco also. One thing I did notice was the advertised price for this tool varies wildly from place to place, so be careful where you buy.

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