170-II Series shears offer numerous ergonomic enhancements in a "popularly priced" tool. Principal among them is our effort reducing Micro-Shear® cutting action. Their shearing cut requires only about half the effort to cut a wire as that required by a conventional compression type cutter. They feature advanced ergonomic shape Xuro-Rubber™ grips, a glare eliminating black finish, light weight and our patented, life-time warranted, Light Touch™ return spring. Manufactured from high carbon steel, their Rockwell hardness is a durable 54-56C. They are optionally available with static control (AS) grips (170-IIAS.)