Flush Cutting Diagonal Pliers

Bobby,

Check out flush cutting diagonal pliers at Micro-Mark.  http://www.micromark.com/cutting-pliers-set-of-3,8086.html

These cutters are specially designed to cut copper and brass wire very close to a perpendicular surface.  They come in various sizes and cutter lengths.  For your purpose, you want very light duty with long slender pointed cutter blades.

Once you buy a pair, DON'T use them to cut anything else, particularly steel wire.  They will be ruined.

Morris

Flush cutters

Morris is exactly right.  Been using flush cutters for years.

You might also try cutting one leg to length so you only have to cut one side when installed and be able to place that leg where it is easier to cut.

Terry

Or?

Unless grabs interfere with something inside the shell, I just leave them.  Instead of cutting off a part that does get in the way, I usually bend the offending wire until it clears.  I haven't encountered many that required cutting, but you may be after a more tidy look.

Radio Shack

Sells flush cutting pliers also.  They might be handier to buy.

+ 1 on bend them

Like Rob said unless there are interfering bend them over.  They also seem to stay in place better when done this way

Steve

Thanks for the responses. I

Thanks for the responses. I was kind of worried about the grab irons shorting or arcing. I'll try the bending technique then go from there,