Buying Guide – which instrument is right for you?

Nail nippers, nail scissors, or barrel spring nippers? The answer depends on four questions. Work your way through them from top to bottom - the right category will be at the end.

Question 1: Fingernails or toenails?

This is the most important distinction. Fingernails are thin and flexible, toenails are significantly harder and thicker.

• Fingernails → scissors are sufficient. Continue to Question 2.
• Toenails → nippers are usually the better choice. Continue to Question 3.

Question 2: Fingernails – what exactly are you cutting?

• Just the nails → Fingernail scissors
• Also the cuticles → Cuticle scissors or more precisely: Cuticle nippers
• Both with one instrument → Combination scissors in Nail scissors
• Prefer to clip rather than cut → Nail clippers

Note: Cuticles are usually pushed back, not cut. Why, can be found in the Cuticle Guide.

Question 3: Toenails – how hard are they?

• Normal → Toenail scissors or Nail nippers
• Hard and thickened → Compound-action nippers – the lever does the work
• Very thick or ingrown → Barrel spring nippers
• Ingrown at the corner → Corner nippers and Ingrown toenail lifters

Question 4: Who is cutting – and are there any special considerations?

• You yourself, with little hand strength → Nippers with compound action. Also, the Guide for declining hand strength.
• You are cutting for someone else → also Nippers with compound action, longer handles facilitate the grip.
• Diabetes or circulatory problems → Safety nippers with rounded tips. Please read our Advice on foot care for diabetes beforehand.
• A baby or toddler → Baby nail scissors with rounded tips. Instructions: Cutting baby nails.
• You are left-handed → Scissors for left-handers. Why this makes a real difference: read here.
• You work professionally on feet → Podology instruments. For equipment: Calculate initial equipment.

Are you looking for a solution, not just a single instrument?

• Foot care sets – coordinated instruments in a package
• Manicure and pedicure cases – also as a gift
• Small cases for travel and handbags

Three things that matter for every instrument

• Screw instead of rivet. Only screwed instruments can be adjusted and re-sharpened.
• Hardened stainless steel. Nickel-plated goods are cheaper but cannot be re-sharpened. The difference in the material guide.
• Origin. The name Solingen is legally protected – what that means.

Which brand?

We carry Dreiturm, Erbe Solingen, RUCK, Niegeloh, DOVO, Zwilling, and Excellent. Which one is suitable for what can be found in the brand comparison.

Still unsure?

Write to us at info@nagelzange.de – preferably with a photo of your nails or your current instrument. We will tell you what fits.