Nail pliers or nail clippers?

Nail nippers or nail clippers?

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We help you decide between nail nippers, nail clippers or perhaps a pair of nail scissors.

Have you ever wondered whether nail nippers are the better choice than nail clippers or nail scissors?

We would like to give you a few pointers for choosing the right tool for your foot care.

First a brief summary for a quick decision:

Nail nippers - advantages and disadvantages

Feature	Nail nippers	Nail scissors	Nail clippers
Sturdiness	+++	+	++
Precision	+	+++	+
Risk of injury	Yes, except with nippers for diabetics	Yes	No
Suitable for toenails	+++	++	++
Suitable for fingernails	+	+++	++

Table: nail nippers, nail clippers and nail scissors compared

Advantages of nail nippers:

• Leverage: Nail nippers are built for cutting hard, thick nails. Their lever action increases the cutting force, so even very hard toenails are cut through without effort.
• Precision at corners and edges: The pointed jaws of nail nippers reach spots and corners that are hard to get at and cut them precisely. That is an advantage with ingrown nails or irregular nail shapes.
• Long service life: Nail nippers are usually built more sturdily than nail scissors and therefore last longer. High-quality models in surgical steel are particularly durable and corrosion-resistant.
• Versatility: Nail nippers can be used on fingernails as well as toenails. They suit people with nail fungus or diabetes particularly well, because they cut cleanly and precisely.

Disadvantages of nail nippers:

• Risk of injury: Used incorrectly, they can cause injuries, especially if the nippers are closed too forcefully or if the cuticle is caught.
• Higher risk with thin nails: With very thin or soft nails there is a risk that the nail splinters or tears if too much pressure is applied.
• More time-consuming: Cutting with nail nippers usually takes more time and care than with nail scissors, because every cut is made separately.
• Not suitable for every nail type: On very small or strongly curved nails it can be difficult to work precisely with nail nippers.