Hi McD: I too thought the small shear break would be great and it did make a couple of cuts. But it would not consistantly cut and then it broke (it took a very large force on the foot long lever). After getting a second one I found that the blades are non contacting when it's open so proper adjustment is critical and nearlly impossible. For more on the 8" Mini Shear Break see: http://www.prc68.com/I/8MSB.shtml -- Have Fun, Brooke Clarke http://www.PRC68.com -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist