What is a utility knife and its main types?
A utility knife is a user-friendly and portable tool that has been helping people cut different types of materials without facing any difficulties. As many people have understood the benefits of owning a utility knife, utility knife production companies have started investing more in their research and development centers to develop the best designs with extended features that will satisfy their customers.
Some of the main types of utility knives that customers commonly prefer are manual utility knives, auto-retractable utility knives, and folding utility knives. People prefer these types because of the safety features that decrease the chances of a user injuring themselves during the cutting process.
Why you should use a utility knife for DIY projects
As the demand for utility knives has increased, and more types of utility knives are available for customers, many have noticed that these tools are useful for do-it-yourselfers. The main reason that people have started to use high-quality utility knives when doing DIY projects is because of the added features and improved designs.
A high-quality utility knife provides people with a better frame design, allowing them to have a firm grip over the tool when cutting surfaces; additionally, many of these tools include a lock feature. All of these combined, a high-quality utility knife is considered to be safer and user-friendly when used during DIY projects.
Tricks to use utility knives to help you get better at DIY projects
1- Use a short length for the blade to have more control
When using a utility knife, it is always important to remember that having as much control as possible over the tool is crucial to avoid injuries and harming oneself. In order to get the best grip over the tool, use the shortest blade lengths possible for a project. For example, if you are cutting a thin surface, it is recommended to use a short blade length; however, if you are cutting a thick surface, you will need to put the blade at a longer length.
So, try to minimize the blade length based on the DIY job to avoid injuries during the cutting process.
2- Always lock the blade in place
Another way to gain more control over the utility knife is to turn the lock feature on after you decide on the appropriate blade length for the job. Turning the lock feature will allow a user to put as much pressure on the tool without worrying about the blade or the tool slipping from their hand.
3- Cut the tip of the blade frequently to have a sharp blade
An important tip that many people do not take into consideration is to cut the tip of the blade frequently or replace the whole blade – this action is based on the type and how this feature functions in the utility knife. This is because whenever a utility knife is used constantly, the tip loses its sharpness, making cutting through some surfaces difficult for the user.
Thus, to ensure a smooth cutting process, cut or replace the tool’s blade.
Ways to incorporate utility knives in your DIY projects
1- Carpet removals
Many people have found using a high-quality utility knife useful when removing carpets. Carpet removal can be lengthy, and not using the right tools as a DIYer can cause stress. Thus, try purchasing the right type of utility knife whenever you decide to remove your home carpets.
2- Electrical work
A utility knife is also useful whenever electrical work is involved. People have often found it necessary to cut the tip of a wire to connect two wires to each other when dealing with electrical wires. Since cutting the tip of the wire can be tricky, many people have started incorporating a utility knife during this process, ensuring no damage to the wire.
Additionally, using a ceramic blade utility knife allows users peace of mind when dealing with electrical projects. That is because a ceramic blade does not transmit any energy, making it safer for the user not to get electrocuted.
3- Cutting complex designs out of different materials
Most DIYers tend to cut different types of designs out of different surfaces. The long blades in a utility knife give people the freedom to cut any shape and design they want for their DIY projects.
4- Cutting straight lines
Most DIY projects include cutting straight lines – either it is to create a design or to cut a surface in half. So, when trying to figure out what to use to cut straight lines, it is advised to use a utility knife.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, utility knives have become a trend in many spheres, and production companies have started introducing higher-quality utility knives to satisfy their customers.
If you are a DIYer, it is necessary to use a utility knife for many types of projects, as these tools are designed to make the cutting process easier while also decreasing the chances of you harming yourself.
