| Thousands of workers are injured each year using | | | | designs for better gripping. The handles on these |
| box cutters. To avoid injury or damage to inventory, | | | | knives generally unscrew or swivel open to permit |
| retail workers should use caution when opening | | | | blade changes. Many models provide extra blade |
| boxes and checking freight. Here is a quick guide to | | | | storage in the handle and some models have |
| safely when opening a carton with a box cutter. | | | | spring-loaded blades that automatically retract when |
| While working with freight and opening boxes, always | | | | the knife is released. |
| keep a box cutter with a sharp blade handy. Set the | | | | Fixed Blade Utility Knife |
| carton on a flat, steady surface. Examine the box to | | | | On these knives the blade locks between the halves |
| determine the thickness of the cardboard. Thin | | | | of the knife to provide more blade stability than |
| cartons require less pressure to cut. | | | | retractable models. The handle generally unscrews or |
| Caution should be taken not to damage the contents | | | | swivels open to permit blade changes. |
| with the box cutter. | | | | As with the retractable knives, the higher-end models |
| Place one hand on the box. Use the other hand to | | | | have rubber grips and ergonomic designs for better |
| firmly hold the box cutter. | | | | gripping but unlike the retractable models, the fixed |
| Begin cutting with the box cutter blade angled slightly | | | | blade knives accept larger or special-purpose blades |
| upward and away from the merchandise. Cut away | | | | that can't retract into the handle. |
| from your body and as close to the top of the box | | | | Snap Blade Knife |
| as possible. | | | | On these knives the blade sections snap off |
| Additional Tips: | | | | (generally between 8 and 13 per blade) without |
| With each cut, be sure that your body and clothing | | | | having to open the tool to change blades. They are |
| are not in the path of the box cutter and you should | | | | generally used for cutting light- and medium-duty |
| also heed the following points: | | | | materials such as wallpaper, rubber, vinyl and leather, |
| Always wear safety glasses when using utility | | | | or materials with adhesive backing that will stick to |
| knives. Blades can snap off unexpectedly. | | | | the blade and prevent sharp, accurate cutting. |
| Always use sharp blades. Dull blades are a safety | | | | Carpet Knife |
| hazard, requiring more force to make the cut, which | | | | Just like its name, the carpet knife is designed for |
| can lead to tool slippage. | | | | trimming and cutting carpet and other flooring |
| Always pull the knife toward you when cutting, | | | | materials. It's angular design provides easier access to |
| and make several passes when cutting thicker | | | | hard-to-reach places and many models feature |
| materials. | | | | retractable blades and blade storage in handle. |
| To prevent slippage, make sure blades are | | | | Precision Knife |
| seated properly in the knife. | | | | Popular with graphic artists and hobbyists this |
| Never leave a utility knife unattended, especially | | | | pencil-sized tool Is used for precision cutting of |
| with the blade exposed | | | | lightweight materials, such as paper or poster board. |
| You can choose from several different types of | | | | It is also know as a "hobby knife" or by its trade |
| utility knives including the following: | | | | mark name, X-Acto® knife. |
| Retractable Blade Utility Knife | | | | These knives feature ultra-sharp blades made from |
| This is a general-use tool designed to cut materials | | | | surgical steel and they come in a variety of sizes in |
| such as drywall, cardboard cartons, laminates and | | | | triangle and curved shapes and contain a built-in chuck |
| plastic. The blade retracts into body of knife for | | | | to hold and secure the blades. Some models feature |
| safer operation and storage. Some models have up | | | | blade storage in the handle. |
| to 3 different blade positions for different cutting | | | | So, choose the utility knife that is appropriate to |
| depths. | | | | your task, and above all, use it safely heeding the |
| Higher-end models have rubber grips and ergonomic | | | | tips that are contained in this article. |