Each home has a tool kit with basic tools that you can find in a prepared kit. There are usually hammers, screwdrivers, and pliers out there that are good for both large and small jobs. What should also be in the box is a multi-purpose utility knife. If you have the latter gadget in your toolbox, even some of your tools may no longer be necessary.
A multipurpose utility knife helps with a variety of cutting tasks and is widely used by crafters and craftsmen. It is sometimes referred to as a box cutter, box cutter, and / or stationary knife. This type of knife is used for scraping, piercing, and cutting material such as caulking or crafting. It can also be used to cut carpets, sheet metal, nylon tape, cables, and wood. Let's learn more about this cutting tool.
How to find a utility knife
Generally, utility knives have a simple handle that is flat and made of either metal, nylon, or plastic. A standard utility knife handle is approximately 4 inches long, although this length varies. There are smaller, palm-sized knives where the handle is only between 1 and 3 inches. Most utility knives have a blade that retracts into the handle when not in use. The handle also has a holder for storing spare blades for quick and easy changing. While retractable is the standard, there are pocket knives for carrying on a belt or in a pocket.
There are also some fixed blade options available. These come with a cap to cover the blade when not in use. However, fixed-blade fixed-blade fixed knives are more commonly used by hobbyists and craftsmen than by craftsmen or construction workers. Utility knives usually have double-sided blades to extend the life of the edge. When the first side gets dull, flip the blade over to use the sharper side. You can also choose between rounded and pointed blades. Pointed blades come in handy when you want to pierce the box or pouch you are cutting before cutting.
What Are Some Uses For Utility Knives?
Utility knives are all-purpose knives that are ideal for the household.
Cutting carpet
When you're ready to renovate your home, you can update your decor by replacing the carpeting. Removing carpets is not always easy. A utility knife can cut through the stiff back so you can remove or reuse it. If you are considering a utility knife for cutting carpets, you need to make sure that the blade will last long enough. Some knives have multiple blade positions so you can cut through the entire carpet. Make sure your blade has a long blade or multiple length options.
Remove sealant
Sometimes, to weatherproof your home, you need to remove old sealant from the windows. In the bathroom, you will need to apply new sealant around tubs and showers over time. Before doing this you will need to remove the old sealing ring. Use a utility knife along the seams of the old sealant to loosen the existing pieces. Once the seam is loose, you can grab it and pull it freely. When the area is free of old sealant and cleaned, you can apply the new sealant.
Handcraft
There are various trades in which you can use the handiness of a utility knife. A pocket knife or a hobby knife is required for more intricate details. However, a utility knife can still come in handy for larger cuts. For those who love to carve pumpkins, a utility knife can cut out the larger sections. Then you can use a smaller knife for detailed work. You can also use a utility knife to cut cardboard, vinyl, and even leather and make homemade crafts.
Carving wood
Wood carving is a hobby that is often overlooked. Getting started with carving in wood isn't as difficult as you can imagine. Using a utility knife can help you get started with learning. If you're just starting out, use a pattern you traced on the wood surface. Use the blade to make a stop cut around the design. Then use the utility knife to carve the pattern into the wood.
What to look for when choosing a knife
If you are looking to buy a high performance utility knife, there are a few things to consider. There are four main types of blades. Non-heat treated blades, as the name suggests, are not heat treated during manufacture. They are as strong and / or stiff as other options. Induction hardened blades are heat treated and tougher than their non-heat treated counterparts. Bimetal blades consist of two different pieces of metal that are fused into one strong blade. Bimetal blades tend to hold their edge. Ceramic blades are a great choice for those who work on electrical equipment. While all of these blades (including ceramic) can cut your skin, you can consider a finger-friendly blade to reduce the risk of serious cuts.
Utility knives are available in either retractable or fixed blades. With retractable knives, the edge pulls inwards for safer storage. You can choose between manual and automatic feeding knives. The manual option requires you to press the button to open and close the blade each time. Automatic utility knives retract the edge when you release the button or the blade loses contact with the surface. Fixed blades do not retract into the handle for safe storage. Instead, they come with a cap to cover the edge. Given the multitude of uses for a utility knife, your toolbox shouldn't be without it. It doesn't take long to find out how handy this tool can be for your daily needs.
