An eclectic blog about beads, beading and beyond



Thursday, February 3, 2011

Your favourite Fireline cutting tools




Its time to sharpen the cutters I use for my Fireline thread. I am using it lots in my beadwork at the moment and with two pairs of blunt cutters on hand I’ve been wondering what others use to cut their Fireline (or Proline) thread for their beadwork. Searching the Internet for advice on this drew several suggestions that ranged from nail clippers through craft scissors, Fiskars sewing scissors, pliers to Rapala line clippers (a brand of specialist fishing line scissors). Several sites suggested cheap children’s craft scissors. I am trying some of cheaper craft scissors quite successfully at present but wonder how long they will last.

Love to hear what you use and why.

6 comments:

BadBadBeads said...

I have been using heavy wire cutters, which can be a pill when you have to get in close, but they don't dull easily. I just got a thread cutting medallion and it goes through Fireline like butter but, again, not great for getting in close. Glad I have a thread burner.

Marsha Wiest-Hines said...

I had been using cheap children's fiskars, and I figure when they need replacing, it's a small matter. I recently purchased a pair of LAZER scissors at the fishing goods store where I buy fireline, presumably designed just for cutting the stuff. They work great, come with a nylon pouch for carrying them, and cost $5, not a bank breaking amount. Time will tell how long they will hold their edge. The adverts claim forever, but I am doubtful.

Joni said...

I've been using Fiskars childrens scissors to cut Fireline for over a year now. They work better than anything else I tried and at $1.99 ea. you can't beat it. I bought the bright green ones, so they are easy to spot when I need them.

Joni Webster

Unknown said...

I've tried fiskars dressmakers shears with no luck, blunt cutters chew up the end, cheap children's craft scissors work well but tend to come apart in a short time. I've been using one pair of Fiskars childrens scissors for over a year now and I get a clean cut every time if the fireline is held taut while cutting.
I would love to try a thread burner, but that will have to wait.

WTF Store said...

When I found my ordinary craft scissors were getting too dull to cut Fireline properly, I dug through my toolbox and found an old pair of sewing kit scissors. The tiny kind that comes with a roll or two of thread in a little box.

They are awesome! The difference in sharpness is like night and day, and I can get in really close with the tiny blades.

Glenda of Dax Designs said...

Thanks for the comments - lots of good advice and experience being shared. I appreciate it.

Dax Designs - now on Byhand.me Artisan Co-op