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Item being reviewed: Tronex carbide cutters
What's this all about anyway?
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Manufacturer: Tronex
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Retail price: $200+
Supplied by the manufacturer, discounts are likely to be found
with some searching.
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Appearance: 9
Simply, how does it look. It is somewhat subjective but clean lines,
professional appearance, etc. These look like the real deal.
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Packaging: 5
Is it thrown into a box or packed like a new smartphone?
Just a cheap, branded cardboard box. I mean, it is, like, $200+, hello?
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Initial set-up time: N/A
After removing contents from box, how long before the first use?
These take no time to be ready.
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"Plug and play": N/A
Is everything included or do you need to purchase additional
equipment, supplies, or parts? The limit screw is adjusted from the factory.
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Additional costs or equipment: N/A
Not included with the purchase, what else will lighten your wallet.
This requires nothing.
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Set-up time for each use: N/A
From being stored properly and completely, is it grab-and-go or
much more involved. This takes no time except removing the packaging, tip protector,
and maybe wiping the oil from it.
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Storage provisions: 3
Factory provisions to store equipment when not in use. For
something this expensive, the flimsy cardboard box is unacceptable.
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Storage time: N/A
Time it takes to store it safely and completely, cleaned and
lubed, liquids drained, and ready to go. It's best to wipe clean and apply oil to prevent rusting.
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Ongoing costs: low
Replacement parts from wear-and-tear, expendables, supplies, etc.
Eventually they might need servicing under heavy use.
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Maintenance: Little
What is expected to keep the tool working properly: periodic
maintenance, lubing, etc.? Wipe them down with an oil-soaked rag, perhaps a drop
of lube on the pivot, and keep an eye on the tightness.
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Usability: 10
Is it a pain in the ass or complicated to use? These are cutters
and require no skill or special knowledge. You would think.
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Functionality: 0
How well does it do its job? These failed the first cut.
I was expecting at least a 9.
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Robustness: 0
Durability, how well-constructed or flimsy it is.
These should been a 10.
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Value: 0
Based on the price-vs-performance-vs-function, is it worth it?
These are $200+ cutters that didn't work at all!
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Adjustability: 10
Can it be easily modified to accommodate different situations?
These have a set screw to adjust the jaw closing distance which is as much as can be expected
on this type of design.
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Meeting expectations: 0
Does it work as well as others say or the manufacturer claims?
I have many Tronex pliers and cutters so I was rooting for these.
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Innovation: 8
The ingenuity of the design or concept. I have numerous carbide cutters
of all sizes and they are normally the bomb.
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Results: 0
What is the quality of the finished product or process?
Anything below 6 - realistically, an 8 - is not jewelry quality. It did cut the plastic
but failed on the first cut.
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Timeliness: N/A
How do the results compare to the amount of time it took?
These would cut just as fast as any other plier in their desired material.
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Skill level: low
What mechanical aptitude or skills does one need to set it up and use
it. This is one of the basic tools.
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Documentation: 2
Does it have detailed instructions, whether written (which it should
no matter what) or on-line? These had only the cursory catalog on-line.
At least give something with a set this precious.
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Customer service: -1
How quickly they respond, can you speak with someone on the phone,
are their answers satisfactory? 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.
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Comparative: 3
If other machines or tools are available within the general price
range that do the same thing, how does this compare? Way too much money compared to similar
types of cutters.
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Recommendation: 0
My personal assessment of the device - basically, would I buy it
again knowing what I learned about it? There are less expensive carbide cutters out there
and they have performed flawlessly.