How to Break Box Cutter Blade
We’ve all been there. You’re reaching for that pesky box cutter blade that’s stuck deep in the corrugated cardboard and before you know it, WHACK! Your finger is throbbing, and there’s blood everywhere. In this article, we’ll show you how to break box cutter blade quickly and easily without any drama. So stay safe and avoid cutting yourself by following these simple tips.
We all know that box cutters are incredibly sharp. After all, that’s their purpose! But sometimes, we need to use them in situations where there’s not a lot of room to maneuver, like when we’re trying to open a package that’s been tightly sealed. In these cases, it’s easy to slice our fingers open on the blade accidentally. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t panic! You can do a few things to break the box cutter blade safely.
What Is a Box Cutter Blade?
A box cutter blade is a special type of blade designed to cut cardboard and other materials. The blade is usually made from high-carbon steel or stainless steel and has a sharpened edge that can be used to cut through cardboard, paper, plastic, and even metal.
There are many different box cutter blades available on the market, but they all share one common feature: they must be very sharp to be effective.
Blades are designed to be as sharp as possible to cut through thick materials easily. However, this also means that the blades are fragile and can break easily if they are not used correctly.
What Are the Causes of Box Cutter Blade Breaking?
There are many reasons why a box cutter blade may break. However, the most common causes include:
- Dull Blades – Over time, box cutter blades will become dull and need to be replaced. It is more likely to break if you try to use a dull blade.
- Wrong Size Blade – If you try to use a blade too big or too small for your box cutter, it is more likely to break.
- Improperly Sharpened Blades – They are more likely to break if you do not sharpen your blades properly.
- Cheap Blades – Cheap blades are more likely to break than higher quality Blades.
- Using the Wrong Blade Type – Some materials are more difficult to cut than others. If you try to use the wrong type of blade for the material you are cutting, it is more likely to break.
A Detailed Guide on How to Break Box Cutter Blade
Method 1: Use a Knife
If you’re trying to break the box cutter blade with just a knife, it will not work. The knife is not going to be hard enough to break the blade. However, if you’re using a knife and something else together, it’s possible to break the blade.
What You’ll Need:
- A knife
- Something hard (like a rock)
- A ruler
- A pen or marker
Step 1. Determine How You Will Hold the Box Cutter
There are two ways to hold the box cutter while breaking the blade. The first way is to hold the box cutter in your hand with the blade facing out. The second way is to hold the box cutter so that the blade faces you.
Step 2. Measure and Mark the Blade
Use a ruler to measure the blade. First, you’ll need to know how long the blade is to mark it. Once you know how long the blade is, use a pen or marker to mark the blade where you want to break it.
Step 3. Place the Box Cutter on a Hard Surface
Once you have the box cutter in your hand, you’ll need to find a hard surface to place the box cutter on. This could be a table, countertop, or even the ground.
Step 4: Apply Pressure to the Blade
Now that you have the box cutter on a hard surface, you’ll need to apply pressure to the blade to break it. If you’re holding the box cutter with the blade facing out, you’ll need to apply pressure to the back of the blade. If you have the box cutter with the blade facing towards you, you’ll need to apply pressure to the front of the blade.
Step 5: Break the Blade
Once you’ve applied enough pressure to the blade, it should break. If it doesn’t break, you’ll need to apply more pressure. Be careful not to cut yourself when breaking the blade.
Method 2: Use Pliers
Pliers are hand tools used to grip, pull, or twist an object. There are different types of pliers available, but you will need a pair of needle-nose pliers for this method.
What You’ll Need:
- Needle-nose pliers
Step 1. Figure Out Where to Insert the Pliers
The first step is to find a spot on the blade where you can insert the pliers. Look for an area that is not too thick and not too thin. You want to be able to grip the blade tightly without damaging it.
Step 2. Grip the Blade Tightly
Once you have found a good spot, grip the blade tightly with the needle-nose pliers. Make sure that your grip is strong and secure.
Step 3. Twist the Pliers
Once you have a good grip on the blade, twist the pliers in opposite directions. This will cause the blade to break apart.
Step 4. Remove the Broken Blade
Once the blade has broken, remove it from the handle. Be careful not to cut yourself on the sharp edges.
There you have it! Now you know how to break a box cutter blade using a pair of needle-nose pliers. This method is quick and easy, and it doesn’t require any special tools or skills. So give it a try the next time you need to replace a blade.
Method 3: Break It With Your Hands
If you’re in a bind and don’t have anything else to use, you can try breaking the box cutter blade with your hands. However, this is only recommended as a last resort since it’s very difficult to do and can be dangerous.
Step 1. Prepare Your Workspace
First, you’ll need to clear away any debris or clutter from your workspace. This will give you a clear area to work in and help prevent anything from getting in the way.
Step 2. Place the Blade horizontally on a Hard Surface
Next, take the box cutter blade and place it horizontally on a hard surface like a table or countertop. Make sure that the blade is positioned to point away from you.
Step 3. Apply Pressure to Both Sides of the Blade
Then, use both hands to apply pressure to both sides of the blade. You’ll need to use force to break the blade, so make sure you’re prepared.
Step 4. Bend the Blade Until It Breaks
Once you’ve applied enough pressure, the blade should snap in half. If it doesn’t break on the first try, keep trying until it does.
Step 5. Dispose of the Blade Properly
After the blade is broken, dispose of it properly to avoid injuring yourself or others. Never try to reuse a box cutter blade after it’s been broken.
Breaking a box cutter blade with your hands is not easy and dangerous. It’s essential to clear away any clutter from your workspace and make sure the blade is pointing away from you before you begin. Next, apply pressure to both sides of the blade and bend it until it snaps in half. Then, dispose of the blade properly to avoid injury.
Method 4: Use a Hammer
It is possible to break a box cutter blade with a hammer. You will need to use a lot of force, and it will take some time, but it can be done.
What You’ll Need:
- A hammer
- A challenging piece of metal (like a screwdriver or crowbar)
- Something to protect your hands (like gloves or a towel).
Step 1. Determine Where You Want to Break the Blade
First, you need to determine where you want to break it on the blade. It is essential to pick a spot that is not close to your hand, as you don’t want to risk injury.
Step 2. Place the Blade on the Anvil
Next, place the blade on the anvil (the challenging piece of metal). You want the blade to be perpendicular (at a 90-degree angle) to the anvil.
Step 3. Strike the Blade with the Hammer
Now, take your hammer and strike the blade as hard as possible. It will take a few blows to break through, so be patient and keep at it.
Step 4. Remove the Broken Blade
Once the blade is broken, you can remove it from the anvil. Be careful not to cut yourself on the sharp edges.
With patience and some brute force, you can break a box cutter blade with a hammer. Just make sure to do it in a safe place and be careful of the sharp edges.
Conclusion
The best way to break a blade is by using a vice. If you don’t have access to vice, try hitting the blade with a hammer. Be very careful when doing this as it can be dangerous. Finally, if you still have trouble breaking the blade, use some penetrating oil. We hope you find this article on how to break box cutter blade.
