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Review: Tronex Carbide Cutters

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The shattered jaw
Model number is clearly seen

Category: Tool Review

I am a demanding user who values quality items that are backed with good customer service. I make my own tools so I have a different perspective than the average consumer. Designs are called out for what they are whether good, bad, or indifferent. Trademarks and copyrights are the intellectual property of their respective owners and used herein for reference, educational, and informational purposes.

Chainmail and jewelry use pliers and cutters of many descriptions. Stories about broken pliers and cutters aren't limited to budget brands. Budget or bling, you shouldn't encounter a patronizing attitude when you call them for service. I experienced both in a matter of seconds from Tronex. They suck.

You would think that a set of memory wire cutters with carbide tips would be durable and strong. Apparently not, as I learned the hard way on my $200+ cutters. A piece of plastic should be easy pickins for something designed to cut through adamantite. When half of the cutting head disappeared into the parking lot after cutting a plastic ziptie, I was stunned. For real...this just happened...from plastic?!

I was going to call the company. And did. And that's the end of story. Customer service is suffering. Instead of the kindness and concern experienced with Xuron or Lindstrom - both of which were so apologetic as to send free pliers for my inconvenience - I met asshole-itis at Tronex. I felt like I was mentally tortured after the call ended. They weren't standing behind their product in any way, shape, or form. Not even a "Send it back so we can look at it."

The kicker is that I bought two. The other sits in its box, unused. What's going to happen? Do I smash and return them with the other pair as a protest against their products and shitty customer service? I'm only a part-time chain maker so it's best to cut my losses, never buy their shit products again, and resort to childish blogs.

DO NOT BUY! The good tool reviews are planted, lol. A company like this should have zero service complaints given their prices and reputation. Numerous bad reviews say the opposite. Every company will make bad stuff at some point so fix it and move on. Sometimes the customer is right.

RATINGS (0=bad to 10=good, YES/NO, N/A, or text; hover over topic for specific information)

Item being reviewed: Tronex carbide cutters ▼
Q: What's this all about anyway?

A: Specialty cutters that were custome made for a specific application, just not cutting zip ties.
Manufacturer: Tronex ▼
Who makes this and what is their history? A: They make pliers and cutters of every type.
Retail price: $200+ ▼
What is the manufacturer's suggested retail price? Supplied by the manufacturer, discounts are unlikely since these are fully custom.
Appearance: 9 ▼
Q: Simply, how does it look? While subjective, does it have clean lines, professional appearance, etc.?

A: These look like the real deal.
Packaging: 5 ▼
Q: Is it thrown into a box or packed like a new smartphone?

A: Just a cheap, branded cardboard box. I mean, it is, like, $200+, hello?
Initial set-up time: N/A ▼
Q: After removing contents from box, how long before it can be used?

A: These take no time to be ready.
"Plug and play": N/A ▼
QQ: Is everything included or do you need to purchase additional equipment, supplies, or parts?

A: The limit screw is adjusted from the factory.
Additional costs or equipment: N/A ▼
Q: Not included with the purchase, what else is required and how much does it cost?

A: This requires nothing.
Set-up time for each use: N/A ▼
Q: From being stored properly and completely, is it grab-and-go or much more involved?

A: This takes no time except removing the packaging, tip protector, and maybe wiping the oil from it.
Storage provisions: 3 ▼
Q: What or how is the equipment stored when not in use as provided by the manufacturer?

A: For something this expensive, the flimsy cardboard box is unacceptable.
Storage time: N/A ▼
Q: How long soea it take to store it safely and completely, cleaned and lubed, liquids drained, etc.?

A: It's best to wipe clean and apply oil to prevent rusting.
Ongoing costs: low ▼
Q: What is the cost of using the equipment: replacement parts from wear-and-tear, expendables, supplies, etc.?

A: Eventually they might need servicing under heavy use.
Maintenance: Little ▼
Q: What is expected to keep the tool working properly: periodic maintenance, lubing, etc.?

A: Wipe them down with an oil-soaked rag, perhaps a drop of lube on the pivot, and keep an eye on the tightness.
Usability: 10 ▼
Q: Is it complicated to use?

A: These are cutters and require no skill or special knowledge. You would think.
Functionality: 0 ▼
Q: How well does it do its job?

A: These failed the first cut. I was expecting at least a 9.
Robustness: 0 ▼
Q: How well-constructed or flimsy is it?

A: These should been a 10.
Value: 0 ▼
Q: Based on price, performance, and function, is it worth it?

A: These are $200+ cutters that didn't work at all!
Adjustability: 10 ▼
Q: Can it be easily modified to accommodate different situations?

A: These have a set screw to adjust the jaw closing distance which is as much as can be expected on this type of design.
Meeting expectations: 0 ▼
Q: Does it work as well as others say or the manufacturer claims?

A: I have many Tronex pliers and cutters so I was rooting for these.
Innovation: 8 ▼
Q: How ingenious or clever is the design or concept?

A: I have numerous carbide cutters of all sizes and they are normally the bomb.
Results: 0 ▼
Q: What is the quality of the finished product or process? Anything below 6 - realistically, an 8 - is not decent quality.

A: UGH!
Timeliness: N/A ▼
Q: How do the results compare to the amount of time it took?

A: These would cut just as fast as any other plier in their desired material.
Skill level: low ▼
Q: What mechanical aptitudes or skills does one need to use it?

A: This is one of the basic tools.
Documentation: 2 ▼
Q: Does it have detailed instructions, whether written (which it should no matter what) or on-line?

A: These had only the cursory catalog on-line. At least give something with a set this precious.
Customer service: -1 ▼
Q: How quickly do they respond, can you speak with someone on the phone, are their answers satisfactory?

A: Yes, a negative one for their dismissive attitude. Instead of being met with an apology, it was accusations and insinuations. They can go pound sand.
Comparative: N/A ▼
Q: How does this compare to similar machines within its price range?

A: Way too much money compared to similar types of cutters.
Recommendation: 0 ▼
Q: My personal assessment of the device - basically, would I buy it knowing what I learned about it?

A: There are less expensive carbide cutters out there and they have performed flawlessly.

Final thoughts: Beautiful look, beautiful design, all the bells and whistles...except not standing behind their most expensive cutters. Every company will eventually make a defective product but it's how they deal with it that matters most. Breaking on the first cut on a material that is rated far below the capacity is completely unacceptable. I can't recommend Tronex unless they make good on it. I will send the pliers back even though the customer service person said that nothing would be done. This will be updated upon the conclusion.

Posted by M: June 1, 2020

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