The Best Nail Clippers for Fingernails and Toenails
A nail clipper is the quickest route to well-kept nails – provided it is sharp and sits well in the hand. For toenails it may be sturdier than for fingernails. This guide shows which model suits which nails and how to recognise a good clipper.
How to recognise a good nail clipper
- Cleanly closing cutting edge. Hold the closed clipper up to the light. If you can see a gap, it crushes the nail instead of cutting it – that is where frayed edges and splintering corners come from.
- Hardened stainless steel. It stays sharp longer and can be cleaned hygienically.
- Lever length. The longer the lever, the less force you need. That is the decisive point with thick toenails and with reduced hand strength.
- Grippy surface. Ribbed or brushed levers do not slip, even with damp hands.
- Seating of the pivot rivet. If the lever wobbles sideways, the edges will run past each other over time.
Which nail clipper for which nails?
- Fingernails: smaller model with a slightly curved edge. The curve follows the shape of the nail, so fewer cuts are needed.
- Toenails: larger model with a straight edge. Toenails are cut straight across – this prevents ingrown nail corners.
- Thick, hard toenails: a strong toenail clipper with a wide edge and a long lever. If the force is not enough, a nail nipper with lever transmission is the better choice.
- Reduced hand strength: models with an extra-long handle. More leverage means noticeably less effort – and you reach the toes more easily without bending far down.
- On the go: compact clippers, often with a clipping catcher and an integrated file.
Our recommendations
- Nail clipper for finger and toenails – the all-rounder for daily care.
- Toenail clipper with a curved shape – strong, for toenails.
- Ribbed nail clipper – grippy and handy, even with damp hands.
Solingen-made tools we carry from Dreiturm, Niegeloh, DOVO and Erbe; the country of origin is stated in every product description.
Clipper, scissors or nipper?
- Nail clipper – the quickest and the easiest to use. After clipping there is often a sharp edge left, which a nail file smooths.
- Nail scissors – cut more precisely along the shape of the nail, but need several cuts and a steady hand.
- Nail nippers – the first choice for very thick, hard or ingrown nails. With lever transmission, almost no effort is needed.
A detailed comparison: Nail nipper or nail clipper?
Using it correctly
- Cut after showering. Softened nails splinter less.
- In small steps. Do not take the whole nail at once – the force is spread unevenly and the nail cracks.
- Toenails straight across. Leave the corners, do not round them off.
- File the edge afterwards instead of leaving it – otherwise it catches in socks and tears.
Care
- Wipe and dry the clipper after use; residual moisture in the joint causes rust spots.
- Occasionally put a drop of oil on the pivot rivet – the lever then runs more easily.
- Do not use it for anything else. Wire, cable ties and labels blunt the cutting edge.
Frequently asked questions
Clipper or scissors?
The clipper is quicker and easier, the scissors are more precise on the shape. For thick toenails a strong toenail clipper is ideal.
Is a nail clipper allowed in hand luggage?
As a rule yes – blades up to 6 cm are permitted, and nail clippers are well below that. Details in the guide Nail scissors in hand luggage.
Can a nail clipper be resharpened?
Unlike scissors and nippers, usually not worthwhile – the cutting edge is part of the frame. That is why it pays to choose a model with a hardened edge from the start.
More buying guides
- The best nail nipper – lever transmission, spring type and edge shape
- The best nail scissors – shapes and grinds compared
- The best toenail scissors – for thick nails and for seniors
- The best cuticle nipper – jaw width and use
- The best cuticle scissors – extra-fine, tower point or curved
- The best nail file – glass, sapphire, metal and ceramic
- End cutters – the particularly sharp nail nippers
- Cutting nails with reduced hand strength
Matching categories: Nail clippers, Nail scissors, Nail nippers, Nail files, For toenails