Knipex’s new Slim Knips does both zip-tie jobs most of us grab two tools for. It pulls a tie tight without cutting it, then trims the tail flush.
A blue slider between the handles makes the switch. Push it forward with the jaws open and the blades can’t close, so you can tension the tie. Pull it back to cut. With the handles closed, the same slider locks them shut for a pocket.
Price: $50.04
Where to Buy: Amazon
How does one cutter tighten a zip tie without cutting it?
The slider works as a closing limiter. Knipex says that’s what stops you from snipping the tail by accident while you re-tighten. Slide it back and the offset micro edges, hardened to about 56 HRC, shear the tail flush against the head.
Will it fit where your Super Knips won’t?
That’s the job it was built for. The asymmetric handles are slim enough to hold like a pen between finger and thumb, and the blades open wider than a Super Knips. It’s 6 inches long, weighs about 50 grams, and has a tether point for drop protection.
Keep it on soft material, though: stranded wire to 12 AWG and ties no wider than 1/4 inch.
Which Slim Knips should you buy?
The 78 03 150 here is polished INOX stainless and cuts solid copper to 1.3mm. The burnished tool-steel 78 61 150 is tougher and handles 1.6mm. Both come in sets with Knipex’s belt holster, which also sells alone as the 78 09 LE.
Price: $50.04
Where to Buy: Amazon
If you cut zip ties every day, this is the cutter that saves a tool change on every one.
