Cutting metal keepers on a nato strap

I saw a post on the Rolex Forums from somebody who had cut off the second metal keeper of a nato strap (in addition to cutting off the extra 'under' bit of strap) and it piqued my interest. The guy suggested using Knipex cutting pliers, but a quick look online and they look a bit pricier than I'd like to pay for what is a potential bit of fun with a few cheap natos.

Has anybody done this and has any suggestions for (cheapish) cutting pliers? I assume a slim set is better to get into the gap, but am I looking for a specific type that are strong enough to cut the metal? I'd probably be using it more on thin keepers (like phoenix or other more 'traditional' natos have, but wouldn't necessarily rule out using it on ones with thicker metal either). And possibly would use them for cutting shoulderless springbars too, but I have some wire cutters that seem to be strong enough for that already.

Thanks in advance.

I used sidcutters before ,no problems.

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Originally Posted by Bonzodog

I used sidcutters before ,no problems.

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Any particular size or brand I should look for? Trying to look through Amazon and there's quite the range of mini-sized, normal-sized, wire cutters, etc. I confess I'm a bit lost with all the choices!

Ideally looking at as cheap as possible, which I appreciate might not mean the best quality, but it's more for a bit of fun experimentation than anything else so I'm not looking at buying professional grade kit!

Lindstrom for side cutters. I was issued with a pair in 1965, they are still going strong as are my Lindstrom pliers wiring no 81. Great quality tools.

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Originally Posted by Griswold

Lindstrom for side cutters. I was issued with a pair in 1965, they are still going strong as are my Lindstrom pliers wiring no 81. Great quality tools.

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Blooming heck, impressive!

Alternative suggestions - do you have a Dremel, or a junior hacksaw?

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Originally Posted by andy100

Any particular size or brand I should look for? Trying to look through Amazon and there's quite the range of mini-sized, normal-sized, wire cutters, etc. I confess I'm a bit lost with all the choices!

Ideally looking at as cheap as possible, which I appreciate might not mean the best quality, but it's more for a bit of fun experimentation than anything else so I'm not looking at buying professional grade kit!

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I use Wiah

As above......decent sidecutters, dremel with a cutting disc is excellent too. Just make sure you protect the strap if you're using a dremel.

If all else fails then a plasma cutter will do it np <joking oc!>

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Originally Posted by PhilipK

Alternative suggestions - do you have a Dremel, or a junior hacksaw?

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Unfortunately I don't have either (although I've always fancied a dremel, but feel I'd probably have to make up reasons to use it! I guess a hacksaw is probably the cheapest option but seems a bit more effort than just cutting with a pair of cutters.

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Originally Posted by Bonzodog

I use Wiah

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Thanks, I'll check them out too.

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Originally Posted by Mouse

As above......decent sidecutters, dremel with a cutting disc is excellent too. Just make sure you protect the strap if you're using a dremel.

If all else fails then a plasma cutter will do it np <joking oc!>

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Now there's an idea for something to look into buying. Not sure the missus would be terribly impressed though!

Probably sorted by now but I know that, at least on Zuludiver straps, the keepers are not solid. They are merely folded with the ends inside the canvas and can easily be pulled out with two fine nosed pliers. I would imagine that many others are the same.

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Originally Posted by TomGW

Probably sorted by now but I know that, at least on Zuludiver straps, the keepers are not solid. They are merely folded with the ends inside the canvas and can easily be pulled out with two fine nosed pliers. I would imagine that many others are the same.

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Yes I actually discovered this to be the same on a Cousins nato I'd bought to test the waters. And the zuludiver single pass I bought allows for the second 'loose' keeper to just be slid off of the end which was a bonus!

Don't do what my recent dental student did when attempting to cut a clasp off a partial denture...she didn't have the strength in one arm to cut it off using the Maun wire cutters....so she let go of the denture & used both hands....time seemed to stand still as my eyes went wide & a low pitched & an extended Noooooooo! emanated from my lips. A millisecond later the clasp gave way & the denture flew into the next cubicle. No common sense these youngsters.

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Originally Posted by trident-7

Don't do what my recent dental student did when attempting to cut a clasp off a partial denture...she didn't have the strength in one arm to cut it off using the Maun wire cutters....so she let go of the denture & used both hands....time seemed to stand still as my eyes went wide & a low pitched & an extended Noooooooo! emanated from my lips. A millisecond later the clasp gave way & the denture flew into the next cubicle. No common sense these youngsters.

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It makes my teeth ache just thinking about that! 😂

I've now bought my wife a dremel (long story) under the condition I can use it for any watch strap-related jobs that need doing.