I do alterations and repairs for a clientele. Since there is such a diversity in repairs I do, I keep an END NIPPER in my sewing tool drawer. This tool is like a plier in the way it functions in the hands but the tapered claw on it allows me to pry the stops off zipper tapes easily to replace the pull. I can use the same tool to replace the zipper stops on the tape. The end nipper also gets under grommets and makes it so easy to clip them away and off the fabric.
In addition, I keep several other small hand tools in my sewing tool drawer –especially the smaller size you now see in the jewelry craft aisle. They are handy, clean, rust free when I need them!
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that sounds like something I should get. I will check it out when I go to the hardware store today.
An end nipper ? I want one. and where would I find one? I've never heard of one before. interesting !
A well-equipped hardware store or mass merchant like Lowe's, Home Depot, Menards should stock them.
How interesting about the nipper! I 'inherited' many small tools from my father and there is a nipper amongst them. I never knew what it was used for. I shall have to move it to my sewing equipment as I certainly never used it any sort of household repairs. Anyone know the original purpose? I love the feeling of 'a real tool' of guy stuff!
http://www.channellock.com/acb/stores/1/Nippers_C21.cfm
Here is a connection to the Cannel Lock Company's site. This illustrates end nippers. This hand tool is used in many industries for snipping and cutting. If you go into the information on the tool, you will find out more about it. When I worked at a leather cleaners, we used one of this brand to remove gripper snaps, snip off zipper teeth to enable us to shorten the length of zippers. It was SO much easier than prying with pliers! Handy for removing rivets, chewing up grommets, removing the shank from buttons. The one I keep in my personal sewing supply drawer is a very old, small one I purchased at a garage sale. I often wonder about the gentleman who used it before me in his job and am grateful that he took good care of it so I could have it!
Thanks for including a link with a picture! I was wondering what it looked like.
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