What Nail Clippers Should I Buy - Part 1

Podiatry Clipper Choice

What is one of the most important instruments to a Podiatrist? I’ll give you a clue – they’re used by podiatrists, day in, day out and will provide years of loyal service if you pick the right ones. It’s the humble nail clipper.

Often the most important question a Podiatrist will ask is, “What nail clipper should I buy?” – The correct answer can assist to make a podiatrist’s job a lot easier or create years of tears. It’s vital that the Podiatrist knows what style of clipper will suit their hands and work environment.

Read on to let us help you find the right nail clipper for you.

Single Action Podiatry Clippers vs Double Action Podiatry Clippers

The primary feature that differentiates Podiatry clippers is the hinge style. It’s important to know why, and when to use a particular style over another.

Double Action Podiatry clippers (clipper on the right in the image) provide additional leverage to cut through thick nails. They can be sturdier and are generally a expensive style of clipper, meaning you may have to budget slightly more to invest in this quality style of clipper. The additional hinge means a bit more care is required to maintain and care for your instruments; however this isn’t too much of a burden if you’re disciplined to lubricate your instruments regularly.

Single vs Double action clippers

Single action Podiatry clippers can provide an economic solution for your Podiatry instrument needs, as they have less moving parts (one main hinge instead of two – see left clipper in the image above). Some clinicians advise they feel like they have more control as their hand is closer to the nipper, and the overall profile of the clipper is reduced. Others advise they do not get enough leverage as compared to the double action clipper, for the same reason.

Podiatry clipper Size

All too often Podiatrists use a particular style and type of instrument for the wrong reasons.

  • “That is what the boss gave me when I started”
  • “I’ve always used this style since university”
  • “I didn’t know there were other options”

If you’re reading this post, you’re on the right track. Seeking education before you invest in a new set of Podiatry clippers, or any instrument for that matter, is important. As a tool you may use 20 times a day, a small bit of research can pay serious dividends! Just ask a Podiatrist who is using clippers that they aren’t too fond of… They’ll let you know!

Sizes generally range from 12.5cm up to 15cm in length for professional grade Podiatry Clippers. Your preference will depend on the size of your hand, desired control level, weigh and your preferred width/length (profile) of the clipper.

There aren’t any textbook rules around which size of clippers you should use, but you should expose yourself to different sizes and different styles before you buy clippers for yourself. Do the research, ask around and try different models. They are the most important instruments you’ll use for the next decade so choose wisely!

To help out with this process, we offer a free trial of our instruments. We understand the importance of investing in the right instruments and we’re so confident that you’ll love the LuxeMED range that we’ll send them to you to try – free. 

Ergonomics

Similar to the size of your instruments, the ergonomics are largely subjective. As long as you know what you are looking for after trying various clippers for yourself, you should be able to find the right clippers for you.

The obvious thing to consider is the shape of the cutting surface – concave or straight. This is simple enough, but have you considered the length of the cutting surface? How about the ‘bulkiness’ of the clipper head? Take notice of these things when you’re trying some new instruments. Really try to find out what you like, and don’t like, in a set of clippers. A small bit of conscious thought about your most used Podiatry instrument can save you plenty of pain down the track in your career!

LuxeMED podiatry Clipper

Often, the grip isn’t often given the consideration it deserves as the best grip goes unnoticed. During prolonged use, you’ll notice grips which aren’t suited well to your hands and clipper operation mechanics.

While an absence of a grip can make the clipper feel like it is slipping out of your hand and reduce your handling capabilities, an overly coarse grip can be uncomfortable to the skin of the Podiatrist.

Usually, as the coarseness of the grip increases, so does the control of the instrument, however comfort will be reduced. A balance of comfort and control needs to be achieved. 

Ultimately, every Podiatrist is different and YOU are the most important asset in your career. Therefore, it is important to try both Single Action Clippers AND Double Action Clippers (as a minimum)  to see which one suits you the most!