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I just received the Simon Says Stamp lunch box note dies. They come nested, with small metal pieces attaching them together that should be cut in order to use each die. I've tried several things to get into that small area but nothing works. I don't want to force it apart for fear of permanently bending these small dies.
Have you tried needle nosed pliers? Most needle nosed pliers have a cutting edge. I have also used an older pair of scissors (one's I don't use for paper any longer). Once you have one of the "connectors" cut you can usually bend it around until it comes loose from the other connector.
Thanks Lynn. Our needle nosed pliers were too big. I had tried old scissors, but after your reply I tried those again with more pressure. That worked! Thank you for the suggestion!
I was a little reluctant to recommend using scissors, only because the metal dies can sometimes nick or bend scissor blades...but if you are like me, I have a few OLD pair of scissors lying around because...well, who throws away scissors? We just buy new ones, right?
Most of the online stores that sell the thin dies that are joined also sell cutters and files to use when separating these dies. I bought some wire cutters with a more pointed blade that also angle down at the point. Sorry, not too good at describing but go to Elizabeth Designs to see what I mean but other companies sell these tools also. I actually went to Home Depot and bought mine. (Tried using my button nub (?) clippers but they got indentions in the blade.) Bought the file set at Ace Hardware from the 'jumble' table and a Multi set cost me $5.00.
P.S. Be careful because sometimes the little nubs fly off!
Love the new thin metal dies - so much easier to use and store. I'm too lazy to 'fire up' my Cricut just to cut 1 shape/image.
Lynn that made me laugh because you are so right! I never throw away scissors!
Crafter 4 Life thanks for the info. I did not know such tools were available and will be checking this out! I've played all day with this new set and love the simplicity of it. So quick and fun!
That was the first tool I tried, but after it made a nick in my blade, I ended up having to buy another one, and resorted to scissors. My shank remover was pretty "frugal" quality, however.
Quote:
Originally Posted by stamphappy1650
I use my button shank remover. It's thin and angled and you can get really close to the die.
I use small jewelry wire cutters but sometimes even those wont fit in between them so I used a cutting wheel on my Dremel. I like the idea of sanding the edges with a Dremel.
Hand to forehead...why didn't I think of that. That's an awesome idea. Sanding those edges would have saved me lots of puncture wounds...LOL
Quote:
Originally Posted by southgirl
I use small jewelry wire cutters but sometimes even those wont fit in between them so I used a cutting wheel on my Dremel. I like the idea of sanding the edges with a Dremel.
That was the first tool I tried, but after it made a nick in my blade, I ended up having to buy another one, and resorted to scissors. My shank remover was pretty "frugal" quality, however.
Oh that's too bad. I've cut some pretty heavy things with it and no nicks so far. My shank cutter is really old so it was probably made better back in day. :p
No doubt...everything was made better years ago. I have a 70 year old singer sewing machine that sews better than any machine I have bought since. I inherited it from my grandma who sewed on it for years and years. It's a treasure to me.
Quote:
Originally Posted by stamphappy1650
Oh that's too bad. I've cut some pretty heavy things with it and no nicks so far. My shank cutter is really old so it was probably made better back in day. :p
I bought a button shank remover to use for just that purpose but found it great for separating my dies. I got mine at Joannes with a coupon of course and it works great. :p
How to separate small dies?
