Tip for getting those plastic twist ties off Christmas toys

[dapookie09]

As a pediatric nurse, I discovered a great trick for getting those tricky little twist ties off toys. Regular scissors either won't cut or slide dangerously and who has the patience to untwist each one by hand?

The trick is special scissors called trauma shears (aka bandage scissors). They Are very sharp but have a rounded plastic tip that helps lift the material you're cutting. You want the kind with the colored plastic handles (more durable) not the all metal. they're available at any Scrubs store, medical supply shop, many drug stores an apparently also amazon:http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000FOOVM4/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

Except to pay $5-$10....but they're so worth it and last a long time!

Definitely keep them out of reach of children and make sure to pick up all the little bits of the cut ties.

 

[kelly1218]

I use nail clippers

 

[tink2dw]

I bought a pair Titanium sewing scissors they cut thru packaging like butter!!! And they were not to expensive!!

 

[pigletto]

But then I wouldn't have any reason to mutter under my breath and complain all Christmas morning. It's a tradition!

In all seriousness, thank you. I will look into this. It will save us hours of frustration!

 

[mrodgers]

You girls all single parents? Every male should have a pair of wire cutters out in the garage, thus every father should have a pair of wire cutters out in the garage. No need to purchase expensive scissors when a $1 pair of wire cutters does the trick.

 

[Sandy321]

You girls all single parents? Every male should have a pair of wire cutters out in the garage, thus every father should have a pair of wire cutters out in the garage. No need to purchase expensive scissors when a $1 pair of wire cutters does the trick.

THIS!

altho they arent the best in getting that plastic covering the item, but the plastic and the twist ties holding the item IN the packaging - wire cutters, small, have a nice comfy plastic cushion on the handle..

 

[MineMail]

OP, thanks for the suggestion. It's a good topic.

I use wire clippers with short, pointed tips. I've owned them since I was 16.

Before wrapping the gifts, my sister and BIL used to prep all the kids' toys for immediate use - they undid all the clasps, charge or install new batteries, set anything that needed setting. It did make Christmas less hectic and more fun. ("I need AA's!" "I.can't.get.this.off.the.cardboard.")

I once bought those little, tiny Goody claw clips for hairdos. They're about 1/3" in size and the girls would clip them into their hair around the crown of the head. Goody packaged them with little plastic ties or twist-ties. Every.single.one.had.to.be.removed.individually. I used the wire clippers but then sent Goody a note about 'excessive packaging.' I understand that they're trying to prevent the item from being damaged or ruined by thieves, but it shouldn't be that difficult to get them off the card. A plastic baggie would have sufficed.


In what universe are only men and single moms allowed to own wire cutters? I brought wire cutters to the marriage along with sparkplug gappers, a soldering iron and a rachet set.

 

[momto2inKC]

These packages just get handed over to the men in the family. They all have pocket knives so it's their job

 

[NotUrsula]

And don't forget the X-acto knife for the molded plastic packages, too. If I know for sure that the gift is one that will not need to be returned, I use the knife to cut around the plastic, leaving only a couple of intact points to hold it together. That way the minute a kid gives it a good pull, it comes apart.

 

[Fire14]

These packages just get handed over to the men in the family. They all have pocket knives so it's their job

So true dear ole dad has em out and ready each Bday or Xmas I'll bring bandage sissors to party as I only have 4 prs.

 

[tavettava]

We have a tool called Open It! And Enjoy It. It is awesome and cuts through anything.

 

[MomToOne]

You girls all single parents? Every male should have a pair of wire cutters out in the garage, thus every father should have a pair of wire cutters out in the garage. No need to purchase expensive scissors when a $1 pair of wire cutters does the trick.

Even some of us single female parents have wire cutters

Although I find my kitchen shears work just as well when I can't find the wire cutters

 

[willowsnn3]

I have a pair of kitchen shears from Pampered Chef that cuts thru the molded plastic & the twist ties. Had them for years. They have short rounded tip blades.

 

[MinnieForMe]

My husband wouldn't be without his wire cutters on Christmas morning!

 

[seashoreCM]

And don't forget the X-acto knife for the molded plastic packages, too. If I know for sure that the gift is one that will not need to be returned, I use the knife to cut around the plastic, leaving only a couple of intact points to hold it together. That way the minute a kid gives it a good pull, it comes apart.

The molded plastic package, including/especially one that is mostly cut with only a couple of intact points to hold it together, should not be given to a child. It can give nasty cuts.

As a pediatric nurse, I discovered a great trick for getting those tricky little twist ties off toys. Regular scissors either won't cut or slide dangerously and who has the patience to untwist each one by hand?

The trick is special scissors called trauma shears (aka bandage scissors). They Are very sharp but have a rounded plastic tip that helps lift the material you're cutting. You want the kind with the colored plastic handles (more durable) not the all metal. they're available at any Scrubs store, medical supply shop, many drug stores an apparently also amazon.

One should be bought specifically to use to cut twist ties. If you just take a trauma shears off the nearest surgical stand or take a nail clipper out of the nearest dresser drawer to use, you will put excessive wear and tear on it and it will soon cease to work well for its intended purpose. For example a nail clipper could become dull and somewhat harder to squeeze and then be likely to slip and leave you with a torn nail.

 

[dapookie09]

The molded plastic package, including/especially one that is mostly cut with only a couple of intact points to hold it together, should not be given to a child. It can give nasty cuts.


One should be bought specifically to use to cut twist ties. If you just take a trauma shears off the nearest surgical stand or take a nail clipper out of the nearest dresser drawer to use, you will put excessive wear and tear on it and it will soon cease to work well for its intended purpose. For example a nail clipper could become dull and somewhat harder to squeeze and then be likely to slip and leave you with a torn nail.

Good point, op! I definitely second that a pair of shears should be designated for just this job! The shears do a good job on the plastic packages also!Both the scissors and the cut package should be kept away from kiddos!