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Tool Review: SP Air Reversible Flex Head Cut-Off Tool

June 15, 2018
The reviewer appreciated the pivoting head and reverse feature on this tool.

The SP Air Reversible Flex Head Cut-Off Tool, No. SP-7231R, offers a reversible feature and three-position flexible head designed to provide greater access in tight work places. The tool features a cushion grip handle, rear exhaust, safety throttle lever, built-in power regulator, graduated trigger, direct drive motor and metal guard. The tool cuts muffler clamps and hangers, sheet metal, radiator hose clamps, bumper bots and steel rods up to 3/4”.

The review

Using the right tool for the job can save technicians time and frustration. Brandon Steckler of Lykon Auto in Bristol, Pennsylvania, appreciated the versatility of the SP Air Reversible Flex Head Cut-Off Tool.

“Once the tool is assembled, it's a matter of slipping on a shield. The tool functions well and as designed,” Steckler says. “It allows for more versatile cutting because it can approach from an

offset angle.”

Steckler used this tool to complete exhaust repair and sheet-metal work, and appreciated the flexible head and reversible direction.

"I used it to cut through exhaust pipes accurately, and it cuts nicely [for this work]. We cut off some bolts that were damaged — we couldn't remove the nuts from the bolts,"

he says.

“The flexible joint in the tool allowed for easier access on difficult-to-reach angles,” Steckler notes. “That, coupled with the tool’s feature that allows the tool to be reverse in rotational-direction, makes it comfortable to use, as the grinding sparks are no longer thrown in your face — no matter how you're standing. This comes in particularly handy when using the tool to cut through

exhaust pipe.”

The Reversible Flex Head Cut-Off tool arrived packaged in a simple cardboard box with no accessories. Steckler says that setup required installing a safety shield.

Although there was an easy to understand manual included — with common sense warnings such as wearing glassess while operating the tool — Steckler found that the tool was self-explanatory.

In the past Steckler has used other cut-off tools, such as a standard die grinder. He points out that for him, this replaced a traditional cut-off tool.

“This version allows for a reversible head, as well as a pivoting head, to allow approaching from multiple angles,” Steckler says.

He notes that a little bit of latency is to be expected with a reversible cut-off tool versus a one-direction impact cut-off tool, but goes on to say that this factor does not negatively affect the quality of the job.

Overall, Steckler says the benefits of the flex-head make it a versatile,

useful tool.

“This is an excellent tool and is well designed,” he concludes.

About the Author

Stefanie Von Rueden | Assistant Editor - Vehicle Repair Group

Stefanie Von Rueden is assistant editor for the Vehicle Repair Group.

Von Rueden’s background includes professional writing and publishing. Previously, she worked in the Continuing Education department at UW-Whitewater. She has covered the vehicle maintenance and automotive aftermarket since 2016.

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