Calcutta Pliers - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

WESTPORTMAFIA · 10-07-2008, 12:11 AM

Quick question. Has anyone bought or used the Calcutta 7.5 inch aluminum pliers? They say they cut mono or single strand wire. How are they cutting braid? They don't seem bad for the price.

5 String Bass · 10-07-2008, 01:30 AM

I haven't tried them, but for the record, my eagle claw laser titanium whatever finished pliers with the side cut, SUCK. I cut one hook and that side cutter piece bent. useless....

BigBo · 10-07-2008, 06:22 AM

I have, and use them. Pretty decent pliers for the money. They do cut braid fairly easy. The only slight complaint I had was that the thumb screw and nut that join the two halves has a tendency to loosen. That was easily remedied by applying a dab of blue Locktite (the removable type) to the threads. Problem solved.
These are two seasons old. The cutters are easy to replace too.

WESTPORTMAFIA · 10-07-2008, 04:08 PM

Thanks Bigbo. I'm writing my letter to Santa now.

5/0 · 10-07-2008, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WESTPORTMAFIA

Thanks Bigbo. I'm writing my letter to Santa now.

Those pliers should come in handy with them schoolies

Bob

Finatic · 10-07-2008, 08:24 PM

The Calcutta's are super pliers, except I had to shim the cutter on one side a hair to be able to cut braid. Other than that, they seem to be a lot of bang for the buck.

WESTPORTMAFIA · 10-08-2008, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5/0

Those pliers should come in handy with them schoolies

Bob

Are you speaking of the 25 inch cow that took you 15 minutes to pull in at the ditch?

piemma · 10-09-2008, 06:46 AM

IMO Manley pliers are still the best bet. For about $30 you get a pliers with a side cutter that cut hooks, braid, wire and anything else you want. Plus you have a good set of pliers. As long as you spray them with WD-40 occasionally, they will last forever. I have a pair I have been carrying for 25 years.

5/0 · 10-09-2008, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WESTPORTMAFIA

Are you speaking of the 25 inch cow that took you 15 minutes to pull in at the ditch?

Yeah those pliers would of made it easyer to pull the hook out of its butt

Bronko · 10-09-2008, 04:32 PM

Was this the fish you were telling me about?

We gonna get at it next week?

maddog2020 · 10-09-2008, 08:33 PM

Another vote for Manley Super Pliers (6.5") side cutters! I can cut VMC 5/0 - 4X with my weak hand. I can't do that with any other pair of cutters.

Mine are black teflon coated and red handles - they are rusted up, but I wipe some oil on them now and then.

I have an old pair of small Sargent side cutters which are stainless I have used in freshwater for over 30 yrs. Better quality than Manleys IMHO. I've never looked into finding them in bigger sizes.

I have a pair of fancy Accurates and I never use them. Impulse buys are a bad thing.

RIROCKHOUND · 10-10-2008, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by piemma

IMO Manley pliers are still the best bet. For about $30 you get a pliers with a side cutter that cut hooks, braid, wire and anything else you want. Plus you have a good set of pliers. As long as you spray them with WD-40 occasionally, they will last forever. I have a pair I have been carrying for 25 years.

Especially when you have to cut a hook off, alone with a bluefish and your finger attached....

ridler72 · 10-11-2008, 09:49 PM

I bought the Calcutta's at West Marine. No corrosion problem other then the leash, not a biggy, but after cutting 30-50lb mono/flouro over a week it loosened up and the cutters never lined up after that. Too much play. Poor design. Wasn't interested in tightening screws or nuts, new for a week. Instead of one hand cutting, it turned into two hand cutting just to line the cutters up. Brought back to West Marine for my 110 dollars back. Found a better value in the X Tools Floating Pliers for 14 bucks that cuts braid and mono, so far holding up with no rust or serious wear and didn't break the bank.