SCISSORS AND SHEARS FOR TEXTILE APPLICATIONS

INDUSTRIAL GRADE Scissors and shears for industrial applications are traditionally produced from high-carbon steel by the hot-hammer forge process. When correctly heat treated and tempered, industrial strength cutlery holds its edge, is easy to sharpen and provides long cutting life. Cryogenic hardening (ice tempering), produces even greater wear resistance.

CUTTUNG EDGE DURABILITY Blade hardness is measured on the Rockwell C scale. The higher the Rockwell number, the harder the steel. Harder steel tends to hold an edge longer, while softer steel is easier to sharpen. Most blade steels range from 55 to 61 C scale. A hardness of 56 or less results in a blade edge that tends to wear rather quickly, requiring frequent sharpening. Blades with a hardness of 60 or above last the longest.

RUST PROTECTION Hot forged carbon steel scissors and shears are traditionally plated with nickel and/or chromium to resist rust and discoloration. To enhance cutting edge life, hard chromium is applied to shears intended for high stress applications, increasing rust protection as well.

LIGHTWEIGHT MODELS Recent manufacturing improvements in blades stamped from rust-resistant stainless steel, have resulted in scissors and shears that perform as well as equivalent hot-forged models. For reducing fatigue, lightweight scissors and shears are preferable to traditional solid steel models and because they resist corrosion, are the choice for wet processing applications. Clauss, Fiskars, Kai and Kretzer-Finny offer a large variety with comfortable, high-impact synthetic handles.

CONTINUIOUS DUTY Industrial scissors or shears, regardless of size or weight, that tolerate repeated cutting with little or no interruption.

TEXTILE SCISSORS are are usually no longer than 6" (15 cm) with both finger rings the same size. For trimming cloth or cutting fibers, yarns and stitches. Choose the size and pattern appropriate to the application.

TEXTILE SHEARS have one large ring for fingers and a smaller one for the thumb. Often referred to as trimmers, shears are intended for cutting multiple plies of cloth, heavy, dense fabrics and carpet. Heavy duty or heavyweight shears weigh at least ten ounces (300 g), with a length of 10" (25 cm) or longer. Their coarse, wide blades prevent the tips from spreading apart when cutting thick, dense materials.

SHANK DESIGN Bent shanks keep the shears handle and blades level with the work surface for greater control, especially when cutting a pattern. For all other applications, straight shank models are satisfactory and often cost less than equivalent bent shank shears.

HIGH LEVERAGE MODELS This pattern has longer shanks and shorter blades than traditional models of the same overall length, a feature that reduces the amount of manual pressure required to cut. For greater efficiency and less fatigue, select high leverage models with knife edge blades.

KNIFE EDGES Regular cutting blade edges are ground to a slight angle and should be used for all ordinary cutting. Blades ground to an acute angle as on knives, are more efficient and require less pressure to cut. Knife edge blades are especially suited to cutting dense tow band, highly twisted or plied yarns, multiple plies of cloth, carpet, cordage, heavy braid, webbing, belting, thick fabrics, laminates and impregnated materials.

Important. An acute bevel means less steel at the edge, hence knife edges tend to dull faster than regular edge blades. Frequent sharpening may be required.

SAFETY Pointed blade tips are necessary for cutting stitches, ripping seams and precise cutting, otherwise blunted or fully rounded blade tips are recommended to avoid accidental injury.

HIGH STRESS MODELS For cutting very strong polymers (Kevlar®, Spectra®), unusually abrasive mineral fibers (Fiberglas®), composites, or heavy, dense, laminated and impregnated fabrics. Traditional carbon and lightweight stainless steel scissors and shears with high Rockwell hardness are available.

SERRATIONS Corrugations are cut into integral blade edges to provide a firm grip on materials such as polyester and Kevlar® that tend to slip away when cut. Cutting blade edges may be serrated as well.

ERGONOMICS AND REPETITIVE STRESS INJURY To reduce the risk of neuromuscular dysfunction of the hand and wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome, digital neuritis, tendonitis) that might result from repeated cutting, consider using self-opening shears, such as Fiskars Softouch® models or shears with knife edge blades, especially lightweight and/or high leverage models. Learning to cut with both hands and routinely switching from one to the other, is highly recommended.
Regardless of ergonomics, it is essential that blades be kept sharp. Proper maintenance is most important.

MAINTENANCE For maximum efficiency and longer life, avoid cutting different materials with the same pair of scissors or shears. Keep one pair for synthetics and another for natural materials.

A drop or two of sewing machine or gun oil on the pivot screw and blades assures smoother action and longer cutting life.

Keep cutlery away from moisture. Steam, humidity and perspiration can cause corrosion.

Do not use water for cleaning scissors or shears. Wipe them with a soft, oily cloth after use. This extends their life by removing lint and fibers that adhere to the blades as well as protectung them against corrosion.

When scissors or shears are not in use, store them properly to protect them from moisture, damage and dirt. For rust protection, apply a coat of oil.

Blade life is affected by heat treating and tempering. These hardening processes provide inherent strength, edge retention and sharpening potential. Incorrect sharpening technique and/or aggressive grinding can result in loss of temper. Repeatedly grinding such "soft" blades will not make them any sharper.

Proper maintenance results in longer lasting blades. Please contact us for recommended sharpening equipment or take advantage of our professional sharpening service. All work is performed on our premises by skilled personnel and is unconditionally guaranteed.

Restoration of worn serrated blade edges should be done by trained personnel using proper equipment.

Reduce costs! Eberly reconditioned scissors or shears can be recycled several times, resulting in substantial savings. Click on the link below for details.

EBERLY SCISSORS and SHEARS RECONDITIONING SERVICE

TIPS

Use scissors and shears with care. Avoid injury by choosing blunted safety tip models when points are not needed.

Always use the correct model for the job. An inappropriate model could result in damaged or distorted blades.

Cut heavy or dense materials near the pivot, not near the blade tips. When scissors no longer cut completely through the material, do not force them. Have them sharpened and adjusted.

Scissors and shears should be serviced by trained personnel as incorrect sharpening could result in blades that do not cut properly.

Avoid harsh treatment. Dropping scissors on a hard surface can cause serious damage if the blades are open or force them out of alignment making them useless. Use a holster to carry and protect them in the workroom.

John A. Eberly, Inc.
Textile and Sewing Scissors and Shears
Professional Cutlery
Industrial Tools and Supplies
Box 8047 Syracuse NY 13217
Tel 800-532-3759 or 315-449-3034
Fax 315-449-1800