General Purpose Scissors

About General Purpose Scissors

General purpose scissors are essential cutting tools for tradespeople, office workers, and DIY enthusiasts, designed to handle a wide variety of materials including paper, card, fabric, plastic sheeting, and packaging. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range from leading manufacturers including ARS, Facom, Draper, and Faithfull, offering everything from compact mini craft scissors to heavy-duty industrial models capable of cutting Kevlar and aramid fibres.

Whether you need precision craft scissors for intricate template work or robust industrial-grade models for demanding workshop applications, this category features scissors with stainless steel blades for corrosion resistance, soft-grip handles for extended comfort, and reinforced construction for professional durability. From household scissor sets providing multiple sizes for different tasks to specialist Kevlar-rated models for cutting high-strength synthetic materials, MyToolShed offers reliable cutting solutions for every requirement.

Applications

General purpose scissors serve diverse users across professional and domestic settings:

• Electricians and sparkies - cutting cable sleeving, heat shrink tubing, and electrical tape
• Plumbers and heating engineers - trimming gaskets, cutting insulation materials, and preparing pipe lagging
• Carpenters and chippies - cutting templates, trimming edge banding, and preparing masking materials
• Decorators - cutting lining paper, trimming wallpaper edges, and preparing dust sheets
• Warehouse operatives - opening packaging, cutting strapping, and processing deliveries
• Office administrators - general paperwork, document preparation, and mail handling
• Craft professionals - detailed cutting work, template making, and precision trimming
• DIY enthusiasts - home improvement projects, craft activities, and general household tasks

Choosing The Right General Purpose Scissors

Blade Material: Stainless steel blades offer excellent durability and corrosion resistance for professional environments. For heavy-duty applications, hardened steel blades from brands like ARS and Facom maintain sharpness when cutting tougher materials. Kevlar-rated scissors feature specially hardened blades essential for aramid fibres and high-strength synthetics.

Handle Design: Soft-grip handles significantly reduce hand fatigue during frequent use throughout the working day. Consider ambidextrous designs for shared workspaces, and ensure handles accommodate your hand comfortably whilst wearing work gloves if applicable.

Size and Blade Length: Mini craft scissors (90-120mm) excel at intricate detailed work, standard models (150-200mm) handle everyday cutting tasks, whilst industrial scissors (200mm+) provide leverage for tougher materials and continuous professional use.

Professional vs Household: Professional tradespeople require robust construction that withstands daily site use, potential drops, and workshop environments. Household scissor sets from Draper offer good value and versatility for occasional domestic applications, whilst single professional models deliver superior longevity for demanding trade use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between household and industrial scissors?

Industrial scissors feature hardened steel blades, reinforced pivot mechanisms, and robust construction designed for continuous professional use. They handle tougher materials and withstand daily site work, whereas household scissors are intended for lighter, occasional cutting tasks with softer materials like paper and light fabrics.

Can general purpose scissors cut Kevlar or aramid fibres?

Standard general purpose scissors cannot effectively cut Kevlar or aramid fibres - you need specifically designed Kevlar-rated scissors with specially hardened blades. Models like the ARS 526-H Heavy Duty Industrial Kevlar Scissors available at MyToolShed.co.uk are engineered for these demanding materials. Using standard scissors on Kevlar will quickly damage the blades.

What blade length should I choose for general workshop use?

For most workshop applications, scissors with blade lengths between 150-200mm offer the best balance of manoeuvrability and cutting capacity, handling everything from cutting templates and packaging to trimming materials. Keep mini craft scissors for detailed work and larger industrial models for heavy-duty applications requiring extra leverage.