Trunk splitter alternatives

[Stormwater]

So, I've only had small bonsai before. Trying my hand at something a little larger. Question to those fellow cheapskate bonsai dabblers. Have you figured out an alternative to buying expensive 75$ truck splitters or an alternate technique for splitting think branches? Thanks in advance for tips.

P.s. I realize the importance of the correct high quality tools.

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

A chisel can work.
Hardware store nail pliers have the same shape but they are fatter.
Flush cutters / branch splitters can be found on Ebay for 20-25 bucks - yes, they're chinese.. But the quality seems to be pretty OK for the price. And how often do you really use them?

My 20 dollar chinese tools are entering year 3 with almost no wear, apart from the wire cutter. But I found a snubnose wire cutter at the hardware store for 14 euros with a lifelong guarantee.

If sharpening a tool is 40 bucks a piece, you bet I'll just buy new tools when they're blunt.

 

[MrWunderful]

Look up “end nippers”

Channellock 358 8-Inch End Cutting Plier,Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004SBD8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_4ZMATV5C9D2FJ2CKWZJG

 

[Stormwater]

perfect! Thanks for the ideas. I found these for even cheaper. end cutter

I bet I could file them down to sharpen. I'll let you know how it goes. Will check out ebay as well.

 

[BobbyLane]

my go to

 

[BuckeyeOne]

M-D Building Products 49943 Compound Tile Nippers (PRO), Black, Yellow - Nippers And Snips - Amazon.com

 

[NOZZLE HEAD]

I have a pair cheap of “hoof trimmers” for horses. I think they were like 18 bucks.

Like anything for horses there are super expensive versions out there too. Horse people are even crazier than bonsai nuts.

 

[leatherback]

orse people are even crazier than bonsai nuts.

you tell me. I am married to one..