I have a sticky little problem that I'm hoping some of you can help with.
My applique scissors: they're sticky. And not because of any gunk.
They are Gingher 6" knife edge applique scissors that were a gift. I've had them for 2 and 1/2 years and they are still "sticky". The snipping action doesn't glide easily and smoothly, and I end up using them less because my hand gets tired and whatever I'm snipping looks jagged/choppy instead of straight and even. I don't think it's a matter of hand strength; I can open a jar of pickles with no problem.
I thought they'd be broken in by now, if you know what I mean, but they're still tight.
I considered oiling the hinge or loosening it, but I'm not sure either wouldn't create more problems. Oil + fabric? I dunno.
Any thoughts on the best way to loosen or break in these tight snippers?
My applique scissors: they're sticky. And not because of any gunk.
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| Duck bill trimmers |
They are Gingher 6" knife edge applique scissors that were a gift. I've had them for 2 and 1/2 years and they are still "sticky". The snipping action doesn't glide easily and smoothly, and I end up using them less because my hand gets tired and whatever I'm snipping looks jagged/choppy instead of straight and even. I don't think it's a matter of hand strength; I can open a jar of pickles with no problem.
I thought they'd be broken in by now, if you know what I mean, but they're still tight.
I considered oiling the hinge or loosening it, but I'm not sure either wouldn't create more problems. Oil + fabric? I dunno.
Any thoughts on the best way to loosen or break in these tight snippers?
17 comments:
I'd take them to a professional. Do you have a cutlery store near you?
Oil the hinge, move the scissors around to help the oil work in. Then wipe the scissors down and cut into scrap fabric until you don't notice any oil come off on the fabric.
I watched a knife/scissors sharpening guy cut into an oiled rag as a way to lubricate scissors. Then he used a clean rag to make sure there wasn't excess oil.
Take them to the scissor people next to City Quilter. I bet they can fix them in no time.
I agree with those who said take them to a professional. I recently watched a Youtube of a man assembling scissors by hand. Most of the time was spent aligning the blades - so they 'sang' as he manipulated them. A good cutlery man can do this for you.
Before you mail them off, see that screw right in the middle, the one that's holding the two blades together? You might try delicately loosening it. If that doesn't work, by all means consult a professional. Anything you put out of balance by turning the screw, they'll fix for you.
My dear ol' Da is a barber, and he sent his cutting tools away for sharpening quite regularly. He also tweaks that tension screw when he feels anything a little bit "off."
WD40 sorts out most things!
I just bought these very scissors last week and they work flawlessly. The package does say to oil the hinge, so go ahead and do that, but it does sound as though you need professional help, lol, since mine are smooth right out of the package.
Turn the screw. I have sticky scissors and that did the trick.
I use sewing machine oil, I'm pretty sure the ginger brochure suggested it as regular maintenance. But really one drop and I never needed it again. However if they've been hanging this long, there could be some other problem, a burr on the blade or something.
Silicone spray might work and it's unlikely to gunk up or stain fabric once dry.
I bought a pair of Fiskars at Wal-Mart (I know, I know, but I just wanted an extra pair for when I couldn't find the others under piles of fabric) and they are so stiff that I can hardly use them. I contact Fiskars because they have plastic screw covers that I didn't want to pick out. They just dropped a new pair in the mail and I had a new set in a couple of weeks. I'd call Gingher customer service and ask what can be done.
Call customer service? Now that's just crazy talk! (So simple a solutions, I never thought of it!) ;-)
I have those scissors and they have the exact same problem! I think they're bad stock.
Hmm. Well, I'll let you know what works if I can get the problem sorted!
Grrrr. THat's not good. Was the ice cream truck guy able to fix them?
I'm not shy about adjusting the screw at the hinge at all. I also use sewing machine oil (and WD40 in a pinch) on the screw. I've also oiled the blades, opened and closed them a couple of times, and then wiped them down. Good luck!
Oh my goodness! I pass by Edwardia Drive at least once a week! Dear ol' Da send his shears to Norfolk, VA. But I don't think his were Ginghers ... great to know this. Thank you.
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