Single Blade Nipper

DSPIAE ST-C2, a single blade nipper

This is a tool, not a kit. The single blade nipper of the Chinese maker of modeling tools DSPIAE is intended for separating plastic parts from the sprue. Unlike ordinary nippers, which have both jaws ground to a wedge and squeeze the plastic from both sides, the single blade type has one jaw flat and the other sharp. The cut therefore runs right at the part and leaves a nub behind it that needs only a light sanding.

Use

• separating plastic parts from the sprue as close to the part as possible
• shortening sprue attachments before the final clean-up with a knife
• reworking plastic profiles and rods during your own modifications to a model
• work on small parts where there is no room for a knife

Who it is for

For modelers who build in injection-molded plastic and want the least possible clean-up work. There is one essential limitation, though: single blade nippers are a tool for plastic. Resin, metal wire and photo-etched parts should not be cut with them, as a hard material will chip the blade and the tool is then unusable. Get separate, coarser nippers for metal. The second rule is not to cut the sprue attachment right at the part in one go, but to cut farther from the part first and only then level off the remainder, because the pressure of the jaw can turn thin plastic white or deform it even without visible damage.

Keep the tool clean and protect the blade with its cap after use. Keep out of the reach of children, as the jaws are very sharp.