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Trying to cut down some plastic evergreen fronds that have the plastic coated wire stems. Impossible! What do i need to buy? I used my husband's Dikes (that is what he said they are) and I still have problems cutting through. I am only talking about 1/4 " diameter- nothing big

I use heavy duty wire cutters...the kind from a hardware store. Granted, some stems are a bear to cut requiring that you bend and cut or twist, bend and cut. Some stems have groves in them which is a good place to penetrate with the wire cutters. Be sure the wire cutters are sharp and experiment with inserting the stems to see where on the cutters is the best for cutting. The rest is pure pressure in some cases where the stems are super thick requiring a lot of patience.

Wire cutter tools can vary as how easy they are to use. I have a really old pair that cut wire easy and clean, another newer/larger pair that take several tries.

I think the absolute easiest to use (on any metals or wires) are the metal aviation type of shears for cutting sheet metal. A bit more expensive, but can be used for so many things.

I was the head of the floral department of a major craft chain and have also freelanced for many years. I have always had success with heavy duty wire cutters sold in home centers or hardware stores vs the type often found in craft stores.

BTW, old or rusty wire cutters can become too dull.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Froo Froo,

I did fresh and artificial floral work in the 80's part time. Like others have mentioned you need a good pair of heavy duty wire cutters, makes the job a lot easier.

It's nice to have a pair in your toolbox anyway.