ZipSnip Heavy-Duty, Self-Sharpening, Cordless Cutter
A while back, I reviewed the SKIL Lithium Ion Power Cutter, which I liked then and still recommend now, and this tool is very similar. It cuts all kinds of materials without the aid of manual scissors. Obviously, it bears different colors than SKIL red, and the hook to hang the tool is a little easier to use. But the biggest difference in my opinion is the safety switch.
When I review these tools, I use the tools for a while first, then I read some user reviews online (if there are any) to see if people have encountered issues. One of my colleagues in the tool review biz, wrote a review on the ZipSnip, and I found it humorous that his biggest complaint, was what I thought was the biggest improvement over the SKIL version, and that is the functionality of the safety switch. I like the fact that safety is on the top and you can keep the tool running just by depressing the safety switch with your thumb (you can let go once the tool is running) while gripping the ON/OFF Switch on the bottom. To me it seemed easier to operate. To his point, he thought it might be too easy for children to operate, so you should just be aware of this if you have small children that tend to get into your tools.
The ZipSnip is a 3.6V rotary cutter which runs on an internal lithium-ion battery, meaning, you can’t remove the battery to charge it. The charger plugs directly into the tool itself. Ironically, mine arrived in one of the clamshell packages that it’s designed to cut, so I had to use the other brand to get the ZipSnip out of the package, but once I got it and the charger out of the testy plastic packaging, it took about 4 or 5 hours to charge. I didn’t put a clock on it. Since then, I’ve been testing it for several weeks and haven’t had to charge it yet.
Additional Features:
- Self-Sharpening Blade (although you can buy blade replacements if needed)
- Status indicator to tell you when the battery is fully charged. NOTE: Unlike the SKIL there is no fuel gauge on the ZipSnip, but I haven’t really used the one on the SKIL that often.
- Charge will hold for months
- Weighs about 1 pound
- 2 year limited warranty. NOTE: One complaint I read was that the battery pack is not covered under this warranty. That has always been a complaint of mine on these types of tools with internal batteries
So what does it cut?
Just about everything that will fit in the slot:
Cardboard:
Plastic Clamshell Packages:
Carpet:
I cut an entire 9×12 piece of carpet down into smaller squares to remove them out of a home. The battery lasted just fine, and it was plenty powerful to get the job done. What I did find that you had to find the “sweet spot” for where it liked to cut. If you don’t find that spot, then it seems to bind, but move the tool a bit and it gets right back on track.
Another difference between ZipSnip and SKIL is the red arrow on the ZipSnip which shows you where the blade is cutting. I found it easier to cut a straight line with the guide there. Not sure how important that is in most applications, but it might come in handy from time to time.
Final Thoughts:
According to the manufacturer it also cuts paper, vinyl, wire, cloth, PVC, and “other soft materials up to 6mm in thickness”. My favorite use is to get those plastic clamshells open, but it comes in handy for many other materials.
To check pricing or to purchase on Amazon.com: CLICK HERE