Xuron Tools

Reviewed By John Noack, #23017
Our contact at Xuron was kind enough to send several of the latest cutting and bending tools from this well-known hobby manufacturer.  I'll discuss each of them briefly here, but first, some general comments: Every Xuron tool comes packaged in a sealed vinyl pouch that protects and displays the product.  These are not flimsy knock off tools you sometimes see advertised online or in discount hardware stores; properly maintained, these will last for years.  A little WD-40 on the cutting surfaces and hinges goes a long way (but not if you're cutting parts to subsequently be bonded or painted).

That being said, here's a rundown on the latest stuff:

410T High Precision Shear (Sprue Cutter):
This tool features a long tapered head designed to get into tight corners and snip a part from the sprue with minimal stubs.  These feature the "bypass" action; the two cutting surfaces don't meet in the middle but slide past each other, creating a more uniform cut.  Like all the other tools shown here, rubber grips make for much more comfortable and controlled use.

Next up, we have Xuron's 450BN Bent Nose Pliers.  My photography isn't up to par here; you really can't see the fact that the tips of the jaws bend down at about a 30 degree angle, meaning you can get into tighter spots with just the tip of the tool.  These are claimed to be able to pick up a human hair; I'd suggest testing it on yourself rather than asking your significant other to be the test subject.  Again, a very nicely made tool with smooth action and light spring action, meaning you spend more time manipulating and less time squeezing.

But wait, there's more!  If you like the bent nose pliers, how about the same tool after a nose job?  The straight ones have similar features, but if you're maneuvering in a tight spot, you can get the tool further into the work.  For example, trying to add that last piece of radiator hose to your plumbed hot rod engine.

I also got a very handy bottle.  This 2 oz capacity plastic squeeze bottle can be had with various diameter dispensing tips - this one happens to have a 0.020" ID tip.  Need to put a small amount of decal setting solution in a tight spot?  Perfect.  Want to flush out your airbrush tip with solvent, or dispense a really small drop of CA accelerator?  Bingo.  I would NOT recommend the use of these bottles to dispense any kind of adhesive, you'll have a heck of a time removing dried residue from the tip. I use mine to dispense a very controlled amount of retarding agent into acrylic paint.

All of these products and more are available at well stocked hobby and craft stores.  If you can't find one in your area, go to their website (www.xuron.com) and click on "Sales Info".

Information, images, and all other items placed electronically on this site are the intellectual property of IPMS/USA ®.