Re: Researching suitable thread nips

[Dee Stubbs-Lee <Dee.Stubbs-Lee@xxxxxxxxxx>]

I've had good luck with the little scissors made for eye surgery (shudder!), though I haven't tried using them on such a large project so you mkight get sore fingers after a while. You can get some nice ones from Fine Science Tools (www.finescience.com)and plaes like that. They look a bit like tweezers -- nice for fine work.

Dee Stubbs-Lee

Conservator,

The New Brunswick Museum

277 Douglas Avenue

Saint John, New Brunswick

Canada

E2K 1E5

telephone: (506) 643-2341

fax: (506) 643-2360

e-mail: Dee.Stubbs-Lee@xxxxxxxxxx

-----Original Message-----
From: Textile Conservators [mailto:TEXCONS@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Joan Kiplinger
Sent: August 9, 2007 1:33 PM
To: TEXCONS@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: Researching suitable thread nips

Ann -- I have the Havel all stainless steel ripper which comes with 5 replaceable blades. While it may not be nipper scissors, this ripper just glides flawlessly along without tiring the wrist. My project was not quite as detailed as yours but it was an endless length of finely hemmed drapery swag  sheers. I thought I might celebrate two birthdays before ever reaching the end of the tunnel. LOL

Regards,
Joan

Hi everyone.

I am currently searching for thread nippers to assist in the removal of millions of machine monofilament zig zag stitches in no less than 21 silk battle flags.  These are large textiles which average around 80" x 80".  My question to everyone is twofold.  First, is their a specific thread nipper or scissor you have found comfortable for periods of extended use?  Second, were these scissors strong enough to endure extended use or did they need to be sharpened or replaced often? I am particularly interested in peoples experience with the Havel squeeze snips or something like that design.

I look forward to hearing everybody's response. Thank you for your time.

Ann Frisina
Textile Conservator
Minnesota Historical Society
345 Kellogg Blvd. W.
St. Paul, MN. 55102

651 297-5490