What’s Your Nipper Style? A Clinician’s Guide to Finding the Perfect Fit
Podiatrists and Foot Health Practitioners will always have their favourite nail nipper, or a favourite pattern they like to use. When newly qualified clinicians often ask, which nipper is best? The answer is easy – the one that suits you!
So, how do you narrow down the vast array of nippers on sale to one that suits you?
Key factors to consider:
Size – most are around 14cm, or 5 ½ inches in old money. Usually, the smaller the hand, the smaller the nipper.
Springs – a choice of leaf spring (single spring or double spring) or barrel spring. Barrel springs are rolled steel, usually found in the larger patterns such as cantilevers.
Cutting edge – looking from the side, a curved edge allows the nail nipper to ‘follow the line of the toenail’ which is slightly curved medial to lateral. A straight cutting edge gives the clinician the choice of knowing exactly where the cut will be.
Handle grip – patterns can be smooth, knurled or gripped.
Once you’ve decided on the size, the edge, the grip and which cutting edge you prefer, your choice is nearly at an end.
One final selection is the joint:
Screw joint – where screw is visible, holding the two halves of the nipper together at the joint.
Box joint – regarded as the stronger of joints, you won’t be able to see a screw but may make out where the small rivets fit.
Compound joints – as seen in cantilever nippers.
To view the Bailey Instruments range of nail nippers, visit:
Oh, and one more thing. A nail nipper will last longer if lubricated regularly. Consider using Premixslip, the only steam penetrable lubricant on the market.