At first glance the Berkley TEC Hotwire line cutter, looked like a police taser with its wire tip and activation button on the grip. A clear plastic shield is fitted over the tip in order to protect it while not in use and you should heed the warning label that is clearly placed here – as this is one “Hot Tip.” Overall, the tool is small enough to stow in any anglers tackle box or holdall when not in use as it’s overall length is about 7 inches . The line cutter features an LED light, a replacement Tungsten tip, and has the TEC tool colors along with the ergonomic comfort grip Berkley calls SofTorx.
How It Works
The tool just heats a tungsten filament for you to cut line with, It beats using a lighter hands down because it cannot actually set fire to nylon and plastics but still has the effect of melting the braid filaments together and avoiding fraying. The same can't be said for braid scissors.
The Hotwire line cutter is very simple to use. Push the sliding button forward with your thumb and the Tungsten tip protrudes from the shielding, bringing the tip to a scorching 1200-degrees Fahrenheit, while you hold the button in place. The wire heats within a second or so and does its job perfectly. Because the tip is tiny, you can cut really tight to knots. The resulting 'blob' end is far less likely to slip through the knot in use.
Release the button and the hot tip is retracted into the protective clear shielding and automatically turns off. Because the tip is sheathed in its plastic shroud when not in use, it's protected from damage, although a spare tip is supplied and neatly stored in the battery compartment.
This Berkley TEC tool uses two AA batteries(not included) to power the Tungsten tip. In addition, the Hotwire comes with an LED light, powered by a separate CR-1216 battery, to assist while cutting line in the dark.
The HotWire Line Cutter is the ultimate cutting tool for monofilament, fluorocarbon, braided or fused line. The superhot tungsten tip instantly severs and fuses line close to the knot for clean, unfrayed ends and tight, secure knots.
