Daily Wire Tip Aug. 30: Flush Cutters vs. Side Cutters

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
August 30, 2010

Question:

What is the difference between a side cutter and a flush cutter? When would you use each if there is a difference?

-Judith in Alexandria, Virginia

Answer:

The term "flush" means level or straight and on the same plane, so flush cutters cut a wire level.

Xuron Flush Cutters

Side cutters, or angle cutters, cut on an angle, meaning the wire edge will be cut to one side.

The choice of use is totally up to you, the wire jewelry maker. For example, if you are cutting jump rings, a flush cutter will allow the jump ring to be closed on a level plane, whereas when using an angle cutter to make jump rings, you would need to cut both ends of the jump ring at opposite angles to make it fit together smoothly. This is also known as "double cutting."

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Filed under:Daily Wire Jewelry Tips‚ Jewelry Tool Tips

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