Retractable Utility Knife: A Tool for Home Improvement

A tool that should be in everyone’s toolbox is a utility knife. This knife has many uses around the house that are not limited to contracting or home improvement type projects. They are handy for everyday chores and craft projects.

To mitigate some of the safety concerns you may have, you should invest in an auto-retractable utility knife. These knives either use pressure or a button to keep the blade extended. Once the button is released, the blade retracts back into the handle. The same safety precautions should be taken when using an auto-retractable knife as with a fixed-blade or manual-retract knife, but there is a lower risk of accidental cuts with a blade that retracts automatically.

Retractable utility knives are a staple of any home toolbox. There are many uses for the do-it-yourselfer when it comes to home repairs. Screen repair and caulk removal are just a few examples of how useful these tools can be.

Screen Repair

Screens on doors and windows eventually begin to wear out. If you have kids or pets, there is a greater chance that the nylon mesh will develop holes a lot sooner than you’d expect. Replacing the screen doesn’t require a brand new door or window, nor does it need a high-priced contractor.

There are kits available at your local home improvement store that come with almost everything you need to fix the problem yourself. Once the new screen is pulled into place, use your retractable utility knife to cut the excess off and work the new spline into the existing channel.

Caulk Removal

Occasionally, caulking around your sinks and windows needs to be replaced. Over time, the caulk becomes brittle and doesn’t perform its function well anymore. Before you can put the new caulk in its place, you must first remove the old.

For this, you need a thin instrument such as a utility knife blade. To loosen, run the blade along the caulking’s edge. Once it’s loose, pull up the old calk to remove it. You can now put new caulk in its place.

Retractable utility knives can also be used for craft projects. While these larger blades are not ideal for intricate cuts, they can easily make long straight cuts in crafting materials. They are perfect for preparation work in cutting larger pieces down to a more manageable size.

Cardstock

Crafters use cardstock to make cards and in scrapbooking. Cutting the standard 12-by-12-inch sheet sizes down to a more manageable size needs something more than just a small craft knife. Smaller blade knives are best reserved for delicate shape cutting.

While there are cutters on the market specifically designed for cutting paper, they can be large and unwieldy. An auto-retractable utility knife works quickly to cut the pages to the correct size without taking up a lot of space.

Leather

Leather crafters will tell you that having the right knife is essential to the creative process. A utility knife is a handy tool as it can make long cuts easily in the leather. These knives’ design allows them to slice through tough layers of material.

Using the retractable blade instead of a rotary cutter, you have more control over making the cut. Rotaries can make long cuts. However, rotary blades don’t work well if the long line needs a curve in the middle. The rotary blade doesn’t have the same maneuverability to make the cut curves as a utility knife does.

Not everyone has hobbies that require the use of a knife. Some people shouldn’t attempt to make home repairs either. However, that doesn’t mean that there shouldn’t be a retractable utility knife available for other everyday chores.

Plastic Containers

Hard plastic blister packages have become the bane of consumers’ existence since their inception in the 70s. These shells hold anything from handheld video games to scissors and medication. You can see the products you’ve purchased, but you can’t get at them with your bare hands.

To open these containers, you need some form of cutting tool. A retractable utility knife gives you an additional layer of safety when using it. Once your hand releases the button (either on purpose or if you slip), the blade returns inside the housing. It also offers you better control of your cut. When using scissors, you may not clearly see where the blade is going and could potentially damage the product inside the package.

Gardening

Gardening is an excellent way to get out of the house, get some fresh air, and some sunlight. A utility knife might not be on the top of your go-to gardening tools, but it can come in handy.

It’s great to have something close by to open large bags of soil or fertilizer. Knives are also helpful when cutting twine for tie-offs and for harvesting vegetables or flowers.

Using a utility knife with a ceramic blade can help prevent the edge from rusting due to repeated outdoor use. Gardening knives will get wet, which can wear the blade out fast.

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Whether you’re doing repair work around the house, crafting your day away, or just have some household chores to deal with, a retractable utility knife is a versatile tool. When considering your options, remember to pick one that is easy to use and is ergonomically designed.

Published in: Home advice | Author: Maria