O.K., interconnect guys,

How many of you have ever tried to sharpen the cut blade for a 66 punch tool?

I've been doing a lot of data and tel cabling lately, and using 66 blocks for the tel. I've got 40-60 station cables on a typical backboard. The standard Harris 66 blade gets dull pretty quick. It's the Scotsman in me, I guess, I just hate to throw away a blade if it can be sharpened.

I'm trying a Harris "Eversharp" blade now, and it's lasting longer than the standard version.

Also, anyone ever tried the Ideal electric punch tool? It runs off of line power (120V). I'm thinking of trying one for the next really big job.

Thanks in advance,

Cliff

I have never tried to sharpen one, I suppose it could be done, if one was smart about it. Like with knives, it is wisest not to remove too much metal in creating an edge....

Truthfully, I have never had one dull enough not to work before I lost it.
I get lazy or rushed during work switching from 110 sometimes, and stick the blades in my pocket, instead of back in the tool, they end up in the laundry, and the wife squirrels them away somewhere. I loose more stuff that way.... There is probhably a pile of them stashed in the drawers next to dryer, I'm afaid to look.... I buy more tools that way...

I have seen the electric versions that do four or five pairs at a time. They look a little wieldy to use, but would certailnly cut down on fatigue. However that would be a hand wash, or dryclean only tool, not for me....

I have experienced the exact opposite with my regular Harris 66 and 110 blades, I have used the same one for about 3 years now and have not replaced it yet, I could not even guess how many cables I have punched down with them, there were times where I would go thru 300 cables a day for a couple of days in a row. I'm sure you can sharpen the blade if you need to and are methodical about it.
It could also depend on how you are storing your tool.

As for effeciency I have not tried one of those electric punch tools, but I have a 5 pair 110 tools that makes quick work out of a patch panel punching 10 wires at once instead of individually.
It can be seen here :
http://w3.com.tw/kh/tool/wire/315dr-big.jpg

I think the blades are actually made of carbide, and not steel. If that's the case, you can forget about sharpening them.

Never tried sharpening one, though I have seen ads for a new 110 blade with a replaceable cutter. I suppose they could make a similar 66 blade, if the demand were high enough.

Me? I find that I drop my punch so often on concrete floors that I end up replacing the blades before they are dull enough to be a problem.

Yup, dropping them is what kills them. Never tried it but try sharpening one with a sharpening stone. That's all it should take unless you destroyed it.

-Hal