Selecting the Appropriate Shears

The word "shears" encompasses many different types of cutting or shearing implements. There are various types of shears for various types of purposes. Within these various types are various qualities from basic children's types, which are dull and have blunt ends, to high-end shears used in hair-cutting.

Types of shears

Types of shears include blade shears, kitchen shears, pinking shears, pruning shears and trauma shears. Blade shears are generally used for shearing animal hair. Kitchen shears are used to cut foods, from greens to bones. They are usually heavy duty and sharp. Pinking shears are used for sewing purposes, usually to cut fabric prior to stitching the garment or item. They have a zig-zag edge, which limits fraying of the fabric after it is stitched. There are various asymmetric styles available. Do not use true dressmaking pinking shears to cut paper, as it dulls the blades. There are many styles of this kind available for use in crafting. Pruning shears are used in gardening to cut branches, stems, leaves and flowers. Trauma shears are used by trauma personnel to quickly and safely remove clothing. They are small, sharp and have one blunt tip, while the other tip is sharp. Within these several groups of shears are typically different styles not mentioned here. Research your options determined by your desired end result before purchasing.

Choosing the kind for you

Determine the purpose for which you need to use your shears. It is important to choose the proper shear for its intended use. Injuries can occur if not choosing the proper shear, and you can save yourself time, effort and money in the long run by using the correct shear for the job.

There are many different kinds of shears available, depending on your needs. Remember that staying informed and using the right kind of shears for its intended use gets the job done right and keeps you safe.