"Carl." > wrote in message >...
> "Don K" > wrote in message
> ...
> > "Alan Horowitz" > wrote in message
> > om...
> > > how to sharpen the mini dike cutters and nipper cutters used in
> > > electrical & electronic work?
> > >
> > > They're too small to handle with jigs, and the blades don't even open
> > > very widely. Yet, their utility is directly proportional to how
> > > recently they've been sharpened/honed.
> >
> >
> > Unlike scissors, the effectiveness of these cutters require a mashing
> > action between two wedges that are perfectly parallel and precisely
> > aligned with each other. If there are gaps, nicks, or misalignment
> > they will not cut cleanly and you might as well throw them away.
> >
> > I've never known anyone to sharpen them. Removing material will
> > only make the gaps bigger. I don't think they can be sharpened.
>
> I suppose it's possible to sharpen the beveled portion, but do it so the tip
> gets sharpened more and the very back end not at all, thus making a flush
> closure, just with the handles squeezing a little more. That would be a
> real PITA though and depending on the tool you might not have much room to
> work with. I vote for toss it and get another.
>
>
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Sharpening them is often an experiment in futility. Give it a try and
then pitch them. Occasionally it works with a Dremel and a small wheel
or carbide tool. And I have a diamond stick that helps a little. In
some you have to remove material in the crotch, for lack of the proper
term, so the tool will close tightly. If you are using the tool for
your livelihood, buy a new quality piece.