Thought I would show a practical comparison between normal sidecutters and the "nail clipper" style that I posted about in the last thread. I forgot to mention how the cutting mechanism is fundamentally different. Sidecutters have a shearing effect, they are similar to scissors in that their cutting action is not done with two blades that are parallel for the entire cut. Imagine how scissors close down and cut paper. While conventional sidecutters aren't exactly the same, the same principle applies.

The nail clipper style provides an evenly distributed cut, there is no angle between the two blades it is perfectly parallel for the entirety of the cut. Think of how a snapping turtles jaws shut.

Here is an example. On the left you have the boar attached to the standard head, on the right a steed.

The boar was cut off with the nail clipper style precision cutters, and the steed with the conventional sidecutters.

You can see the precision cutters are more suited to detailed cuts and small pieces. That's what makes it great for conversions, cutting delicate pieces etc. note the string of plastic left between the boars feet. I wasn't exaggerating when I said these things cut down to the precision of a human hair.

Another quick tip for a tool some might find in handy: brass/steel spears. They work great for creating a pilot hole for drilling gun barrels. I used my hobby knife blade tip, and id center it and create the pilot hole that way. Had more than my fair share of close calls doing that. It goes against everything practical with regards to safety using razor sharp tools.

The other day I had one of my brass spears sitting there and was going to drill a barrel and I gave it a shot to see if I could use them instead of the hobby knife blade to create a pilot hole. It worked very well. Made a few handled ones with balsa wood and glue. One perpendicular like a corkscrew, and the other vertical, like a pen. Would recommend for those who drill barrels a lot.