Milwaukee Armored Cable Cutter

As someone who frequently works with armored cables, I was eager to put the Milwaukee Armored Cable Cutter (model 48-22-6111) through its paces. This tool promises several convenient features, such as a self-adjusting armor clamp and a quick cut-depth switch, which I hoped would enhance my workflow and make cutting armored cables a smoother, more efficient process.

First Impressions

Upon unboxing, the Milwaukee cutter presents itself as a compact and solidly constructed tool. It has a zinc body, which feels both sturdy and lightweight. The tool includes a tether-ready lanyard hole and onboard storage for extra blades, which is a thoughtful addition for those who need to make quick blade changes on the job.

Key Features

• Self-adjusting Armor Clamp: One of the standout features is the self-adjusting armor clamp, designed to hold the cable securely while cutting. This should theoretically make the tool easy to use, even for those who may not have much experience with armored cables.
• Quick Cut-Depth Switch: Another useful feature is the quick cut-depth switch, which allows for swift adjustments between standard and reduced armored cable. This should make the tool versatile for different types of projects.
• Eliminates Burrs: The cutter is designed to eliminate burrs, which makes handling the cut cables safer.
• Suitable for Various Armored Cables: The tool claims to cut through MC, AC, BX, MCAP®, and Greenfield armor up to 3/8" diameter, making it versatile for various applications.

Performance

The first few cuts with the Milwaukee cutter were quite promising. The self-adjusting armor clamp worked as advertised, holding the cable firmly in place. The quick cut-depth switch was indeed handy, allowing me to switch between different cable types without much fuss. The tool did a commendable job of eliminating burrs, making the cut ends smoother and safer to handle.

However, as I continued to use the tool, some issues began to surface. On more than one occasion, the blade seemed to rub against the frame, creating a drag that made cutting difficult. This seemed to point to a design flaw where the alignment between the blade and the frame was not quite right. In addition, the hexagonal center hole of the blades did not align properly with the circular shaft, leading to the blade becoming misaligned during use.

Durability Concerns

Durability is a significant factor when it comes to tools, especially ones that will see frequent use on job sites. Unfortunately, the Milwaukee cutter fell short in this department. After a few uses, the bolt holding the cutting wheel sheared off, rendering the tool unusable. This happened while cutting standard 12/2 MC lite cable, which should not pose a problem for a tool designed for armored cable cutting. Additionally, the handle became loose and even fell off at one point, which was both inconvenient and frustrating.

Ease of Use

While the tool is relatively easy to handle and the onboard storage for extra blades is a nice touch, the actual performance and reliability issues overshadow these conveniences. The handle, which should ideally provide smooth operation, was difficult to turn due to poor alignment and excessive friction. This made the tool more of a hindrance than a help.

Overall Experience

My overall experience with the Milwaukee Armored Cable Cutter was a mixed bag. While it has some thoughtful features and initial performance was promising, the tool's durability and reliability left much to be desired. The issues with the blade alignment and the handle's stability significantly impacted its usability.

Recommendation

Based on my experience, I would not recommend the Milwaukee Armored Cable Cutter. While it has potential with its innovative features, the execution falls short. The design flaws and durability issues make it an unreliable choice for professionals who need a dependable tool for cutting armored cables. There are other options on the market that may offer better performance and longevity, and I would suggest exploring those alternatives instead.

The tool's potential is undeniable, but in its current state, it simply does not meet the standards required for consistent, reliable use on job sites. Until Milwaukee addresses these critical design and durability issues, I would advise looking elsewhere for your armored cable cutting needs.