Cutting metal keepers on a nato strap

[andy100]

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.

[Bonzodog]

I used sidcutters before ,no problems.

[andy100]

I used sidcutters before ,no problems.

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!

[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.

[andy100]

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.

Blooming heck, impressive!

[PhilipK]

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

[Bonzodog]

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!

I use Wiah