Finishing Nipper Renewal

Finishing Nipper Renewal, single-blade nippers from Mineshima

Finishing nippers with a single cutting edge. Unlike ordinary double-edged nippers, only one blade cuts here, against a flat bearing face, so the cut is smooth and leaves no squashed white stub. This version follows on from the earlier model with a thinner and sharper blade that reaches into tight places as well. The blade is made of carbon steel, the handle of flexible elastomer, and a protective cap for the edge is included.

Use

• Separating a part from the sprue with a minimum of gate left behind.
• A clean cut on clear parts, where a white stub cannot be hidden.
• Shortening thin profiles and wire in small assemblies.
• The finishing cut after a rough snip with stronger nippers.

Work tips

First snip the part off the sprue with some margin using ordinary nippers and only then make the final cut with these; the thin blade will then last far longer. The manufacturer states use on plastic up to roughly three millimeters in diameter. Do not cut metal or photo-etched parts with them, as a single-edged blade chips on metal. After work, wipe the blade and fit the cap; the nippers will then stay sharp in storage.

Who they are for

• Builders of plastic kits who are bothered by white marks left by sprue gates.
• Modelers working with clear parts and small assemblies.
• Anyone who wants to cut down on sanding after snipping a part off.

The blade is very sharp. Work carefully, store the nippers with the cap fitted and keep them out of the reach of children.