Mastering Model Building: Nippers

If you ever looked into building a plastic model nowadays, a pair of plastic nippers would more likely be the first set of specialised equipment you purchase, and if you are building a Bandai kit, it might as well be the only specialised equipment you will need for a while!

What Do Nippers Do?

Hobby nippers are specifically designed for cutting small plastic parts in scale model buildings. The jaws of hobby nippers typically have a thin, acute design that allows them to fit into confined spaces, such as the narrow gaps between plastic parts.

It is worth noting that despite the resemblance, electrical side cutters, on the other hand, are designed for cutting metal wire and other electrical components and tend to squeeze or pinch the material instead of “cutting” into it. The chunkier jaws with a less acute angle would wedge between the part and the sprue, and that is enough force to damage something like a Gundam’s V-fin or that little grab handle on a tank! For the same reason, please refrain from using your plastic nippers to cut metal, the thinner blades on plastic nippers will deform very easily—yes, even copper wire is enough to damage them!

Extra Note: please please please refrain from using a pair of scissors to cut the parts out, scissors cut with a shearing motion, and most of the time this will twist and deform the part easily to the point beyond repair!

Choosing Your First Pair of Nippers

In Hobbyco there are a few entry level nippers from Bandai, Godhand, and Mineshima, at a similar price point of around $25, and they are the ones our staff would point your way to. These entry nippers are more than sufficient for safely cutting out parts, for beginners, they are a great starting point and can help you get the hang of using nippers before making a larger investment.

If your budget is a bit more generous, investing in a higher-end nipper is definitely worth considering! Higher-end nippers typically offer several benefits over the beginner-level nippers.

1. Improved Precision: Beginner-level nippers typically have blades that are die-punched, meaning that the blades are cut from a flat sheet of metal using a press or stamping machine. Die-punched blades are typically made from a softer metal, not only this makes them more susceptible to wear and deformation over time, but it also means the cutting edge had to be made into a more obtuse angle

2. Increased Durability: Higher-end nippers are typically made with higher-quality materials and more robust construction, making them more durable and long-lasting. This means you'll have to replace your nippers less frequently, and you'll be able to use them for more projects over time. I personally have a pair of Tamiya 74035 sharp pointed nipper that is more than 10 years old and still strong, when you think about it, at $69.99, ten years, you can look at it as renting one for $6.99 a year!

3. Precise Blade Alignment: High-end nippers often feature precise blade alignment, which helps to ensure that the blades close together cleanly and cut through the material with minimal resistance. This also allows you to cut closer to the part, some nippers even allow you to cut flush with the part without any stress coloration, or damage! You will be amazed by the amount of effort and time you saved on cleaning up.

Types of Nippers: Single Edge Vs Double Edge

Single edged nippers have a blade design where one jaw has a cutting edge while the other jaw acts as an anvil. This allows for a cleaner cut with less crushing effect on the plastic, making them great for trimming and cleaning up nubs. The cutting edge on single edged nippers is generally thinner and more acute angled, making them sharper but more brittle compared to double edged nippers.

Double edged nippers, on the other hand, have blades with cutting edges on both jaws, which can be more efficient for cutting parts off the sprue. The blades on double edged nippers are typically thicker and less sharp, but more robust overall. Tip: If you have the luxury of investing in more than one pair of nippers, getting one each of the two types will give you the maximum amount of efficiency. However, if you can only have one pair, some high quality double edged nippers would be more practical due to their versatility.

Mastering Nippers for Model Building: How to Use Nippers Properly

Using nippers is relatively simple but requires some care to ensure a clean cut and prevent damaging or deforming the parts, don’t worry, you will get used to it very quickly. To use nippers, you simply position the jaws around the part and roughly 1mm away from it, squeeze the handles together, and off you go!

When using nippers, it is important to take precautions to avoid stress coloration (the annoying little white spots left after cutting the nubs) and damaging clear parts. Here are some tips to follow:
1. Avoid Excessive Force: When using nippers, it's important to apply just enough pressure to cut through the plastic. Excessive force can cause the plastic to bend or break, which can result in stress coloration or breakage of clear parts.
2. Keep them sharp: A dull pair of nippers can cause the plastic to crush instead of cutting, resulting in a rough edge. This can lead to stress coloration or breakage of clear parts. Keep an eye out for the cutting edges and replace them if they become dull. If you are not confident, cutting further away from the part is always a safe way to go!
3. Handle Clear Parts Carefully: Clear parts are often harder but also more brittle and delicate. When cutting clear parts, it's important to handle them carefully and support them while cutting to prevent them from cracking or crushing.
4. Use the Right Tools: Some plastic parts may be too delicate or complex to be cut with nippers. In these cases, it may be necessary to use other tools, such as a hobby knife.
5. It is always a good idea to cut away from the parts: If you are not sure, just move further out! You will be surprised by how much this extra 0.5mm will help!


With the ever-growing range of different brands and products on just “nippers” alone, I hope this little article will help you clear up a bit of the fog, now just grab your gears, and start building!