convex fingernail clippers?

June 24, 2005 10:09 PM

Consider the standard fingernail clipper: a lever squeezes together two concave edges. Imagine an inverted version -- it would look exactly like standard clippers, except the two curved blades would be convex, sticking out. (And with a little wider gap.) Is this tool available?

I'd find it quite useful in the shop as well as for personal grooming.

posted by Rash to Technology (12 answers total)

I agree, but I can't say I've ever seen one.
posted by Doohickie at 10:22 PM on June 24, 2005

I have one set with a straight edge -- neither concave or convex. I like it a lot more than the curved ones. Not sure where I found it from, I think it is a hand-me-down from someone else.
posted by clord at 10:47 PM on June 24, 2005

Convex apparently means a straight edge in the finger/toenail clipper industry.
posted by banished at 11:19 PM on June 24, 2005

If you're going to find this, I bet it will be a jewelry supply item.

This tool would fall under "end cutters" I guess, and might be available from a place like Rio Grande. If they are made, or have been made, they should know..
posted by Jack Karaoke at 12:15 AM on June 25, 2005

You wish to make a scalloped edge?
posted by sourwookie at 12:15 AM on June 25, 2005

I have clippers made by Trim that have a very slight convex curve. They are a large size that I only use on my big toe nails.
posted by 6550 at 1:00 AM on June 25, 2005

Yes! I have one of these! I don't know why it exists because it's hard to use for nail clipping, but if you reaaaaaaaaaaally want it, let me know by email and we'll see if we can work something out. I keep using it and it's always frustrating.

I got it in a grooming kit given to me as a gift, in Taipei, years ago, and unlike all my other useful nail clippers I am unable to lose it.
posted by tomble at 1:35 AM on June 25, 2005

How about a pair of snap ring pliers? I use them for working on bikes. Squeezing the handle forces the jaws apart, good for spreading stems to insert handlebars.
posted by fixedgear at 2:31 AM on June 25, 2005

Cuticle nippers or for the adventurous, tile nippers.
posted by 517 at 4:06 AM on June 25, 2005

...or for the really adventurous, G.E. Half Round Hoof Nippers.
posted by 517 at 4:16 AM on June 25, 2005

Here and here.

Better too big than too small
posted by IndigoJones at 7:19 AM on June 25, 2005

Response by poster: The Half-round Hoof Nippers remind me of the Rivet Cutters in my middle school's metal shop, but that tool's design seems to have evolved now into something more like a scissors. Anyway they're too ungainly, and don't have the necessary spring in the squeeze -- but those Tile Nippers seem to have that, may be just the ticket. Or the Cuticle Nippers.
(FYI: White dog's name, listening in the RCA Victor logo: Nipper)
posted by Rash at 1:15 PM on June 25, 2005