Standard Scissors

Simple machines help deliver a greater amount of force to make any job more efficient. Standard scissors are a type of simple machine. They come in an array of sizes and colors to help tackle any home or work task.

Considering the Use for Standard Scissors
There are six main types of scissors. Fabric scissors are made specifically to cut cloth. These thin clippers have sharp points for piercing material. Cutting paper can dull them, so it’s best to buy another pair for paper crafts. Nonstick designs have a special coating that snips tape and other sticky materials without gumming up the blades. These are ideal for wrapping gifts or mailing packages.

Heavy-duty scissors adjust to cut through all types of materials including everything from foam board to soft wood. For crafters, paper edgers and detail scissors cut shapes and move around corners easily for creating scrapbook pages and pieced papers. Fringe clippers are ideal for shredding small amounts of paper, which makes them ideal for use in financial offices.

Understanding the Different Options of Scissors
Aside from the different types, there are many options to consider when purchasing a pair of standard scissors. Left-handed designs are made specifically to ease the awkwardness and to alleviate pressure on left-handed individuals. Stainless steel blades are resistant to rust and corrosion, which increases the longevity of the tools. Titanium blades are the strongest, and they're made to cut through rigid metal and wood.

Comfort grip handles with soft grip holes reduce discomfort when cutting thick materials or when tackling large projects. Choose from short scissors that are 5 inches or less to cut string and other small items, or opt for long 7-inch and 8-inch blades that reduce time when cutting long lengths of fabric.

How Do You Sharpen Scissors?
Keep scissors sharp and effective by sharpening the blades when they start to dull. Fold a sheet of aluminum foil into a thick sheet and cut through the metal several times. You can also use sandpaper or steel wool, or even one of Staples scissor sharpeners. Test the blades and continue to use the medium until the blades reach the desired sharpness.

How Do You Remove Sticky Tape from Scissors?
Cutting packing tape and heavy-duty tape with standard scissors can cause a build-up of gum on the blades of the scissors. There are several ways to remove the stickiness. Soak a cloth in white vinegar and rub across the blade. You can also soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol, and wipe it along the blade until the glue from the tape breaks down. Dry the blades completely with a soft cloth to remove any excess.

How Do You Oil Standard Scissors?
Oiling scissor blades keep the scissors working smoothly. To keep standard scissors in top condition it’s best to wipe them after each use and oil them at least once a month. Apply a small drop of household machine oil or scissor oil on both sides of the blade where the screw is and where metal rubs metal. Open and close the blade several times to move the oil between the working parts. Wipe any excess oil off the scissors. Staples carries a wide variety of cutting supplies, including sewing scissors, kids scissors, and more.