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Post by katieanna on May 2, 2023 19:33:29 GMT
OK - I have, seemingly, TONS of metal dies; I've been cutting with them for years. I love using them in layouts, on cards, handmade books, etc.
But, lately, I've been having a terrible time with getting them apart when I first take them out of their packaging. I also didn't like the packaging when they were taped to a backing because I always had to clean the residue glue off the backs of them. But I realize now that I'd much rather clean the glue off than to snip those sharp, hard-to-get-to nubs off the dies. I often times end up bending my dies. I always straighten them as best as I can and, so far, it hasn't affected the cutting of the die - but STILL - the time I spend getting those things apart could be better spent actually cutting with the dies.
Does anyone else have this problem? Is there a secret to removing them? I use a jewelry flush cutter to get the dies apart, and it works fine for many of them. But if I get a set of layered dies that are linked together, the flush cutter is just too big to get in between the dies to cut off the nubs, and that's when I tend to bend the dies.
I appreciate your help, Peas!
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pantsonfire
Drama Llama
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy your life with those who you love.
Posts: 6,169 
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Post by pantsonfire on May 2, 2023 20:10:24 GMT
I use wire cutter my DJ gave me. I am able to angle it into tight spaces. I can take a photo of it if you'd like.
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Post by papersilly on May 2, 2023 20:23:10 GMT
a good pair of needle nose plyers are your best friend when it comes to these dies. they get into tight spaces, grab and twist easily, and are able to snap of any lingering nubs very easily.
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,434
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Post by scrapnnana on May 2, 2023 23:19:28 GMT
For the dies that are connected with tiny metal strips, I use the snipping tool that I bought from My Favorite Things. Yes, it is a pain, but if I like the dies, I will put up with it. I think you can find something similar in the jewelry making section in a craft store.
Some dies are stuck down with a rubbery glue, and they can be obnoxious, too. Once I have them separated, I put them on magnet sheets, so they are easier to take off and use.
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Post by 950nancy on May 3, 2023 0:38:38 GMT
I haven't had many problems with a tiny pliers. I also put mine on magnetic sheets after they are separated.
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Post by sdcraftchick on May 3, 2023 4:08:32 GMT
I have a wire snipper too (I think it's a We R Memory Keeper one, so probably not the best tool for this purpose) I usually get a good cut with the tool I have, but sometimes, it just doesn't work that well, and I don't want to cut myself (or have a friend cut themselves if they use that die.) So I bought a Dremel tool with the sanding disk. I'll do a bunch of dies together and it sands down the little bit of metal down (I wear eye protection because you never know if the metal can go flying...) It's annoying, but there are a lot of manufacturers that still sell the dies still attached to each other. But if they are already separated, then the tape does get annoying too. My favorite are the ones that have a little magnetic sheet behind them. Why can't they all do that?!! (I think Pinkfresh is a good example - but only if there are multiple dies? Otherwise they too use the double sided tape. But the magnetic sheet is the best - but probably would increase the cost of the dies.
Maybe I should buy a Scan and Cut haha. But I'm still debating.
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Post by hmp on May 3, 2023 4:54:56 GMT
A dremel tool!!! Don’t know why I never thought of that! I shred my hands to bits when I file down those sharp burrs by hand. Adding one to my shopping list.
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Post by judyc on May 3, 2023 13:08:50 GMT
Yes, I have a problem cutting the inexpensive ones from Amazon - it requires effort with several different cutting tools and sometimes bending back and forth. The glue has not been a problem. I recently moved most of my metal dies to magnetic sheets and plastic folders.
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Post by hop2 on May 3, 2023 18:37:46 GMT
I rarely buy dies that are not ( in my opinion ) finished. If there’s not a valid reason for the dies to remain attached then the dies coming attached are not *finished* do not ask me to pay $20-$30-$40 for your unfinished product.
If a small company like Cocoa& Reno can do it then the larger companies should really be doing it. It usually pisses me off enough that I don’t buy it. I’ll buy alphabets if they are attached because I don’t detach those. Or if there’s tiny pieces that could get lost and they aren’t attached in a bad place to leave them, then I’ll leave them. But more & more often now I just pass on buying what I consider an unfinished product.
That said, you need a flush cutter tool and a file. ( and no matter how close I try to cut and how much I file there’s still a burr left )
Try to find heavy duty flush cutters, I’ve bought 3 all recommended on some craft video or other and they all ended up with nicks in the blades. I use these solely to cut dies.
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Post by tampascrapper on May 4, 2023 2:01:01 GMT
I frequently have a hard time getting the dies apart. Sometimes it’s because the space in between is so small but also because I cannot find a pair of good wire cutters. I’ve bought 5 different ones so far and most of them have gotten nicks and dull edges almost immediately. Or just not cut at all.
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PaperAngel
Prolific Pea
Posts: 7,940
Jun 27, 2014 23:04:06 GMT
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Post by PaperAngel on May 4, 2023 4:28:55 GMT
Uncertain when it became the norm, but I find this industry practice unacceptable. Since my existing die inventory is adequate, my solution is not to purchase connected dies because I view them as incomplete/not ready for use.
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Post by artisticscrapper on May 7, 2023 0:45:04 GMT
I guess it might be cheaper for the companies to just have one plate made by their manufacturer. And it’s still annoying to have to cut metal apart even though I’ve been doing it for years. I really hate when they put the tiny dies inside the larger ones so you have to cut them and they’re usually hard to get to.
I did learn that if I cut close enough, and there’s that tiny sharp piece of metal, a few runs through my die cutting machine will smooth it out and render it harmless.
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Post by Basket1lady on May 7, 2023 5:23:32 GMT
I have the angled cutter and then I use a metal file on any remaining nubs. It’s just a few dollars at any hardware store, is the same size as a pencil, and stores just as easily. I once got a nasty cut from the burr and now make sure to check for rough edges.
I agree—the dies should come pre cut. I get that it’s easier to handle them when they are all attached, but it’s a PITA.
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Post by joblackford on May 7, 2023 17:07:17 GMT
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Why
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,172
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Post by Why on May 9, 2023 10:23:30 GMT
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Post by katieanna on Jun 5, 2023 12:54:18 GMT
I have a wire snipper too (I think it's a We R Memory Keeper one, so probably not the best tool for this purpose) I usually get a good cut with the tool I have, but sometimes, it just doesn't work that well, and I don't want to cut myself (or have a friend cut themselves if they use that die.) So I bought a Dremel tool with the sanding disk. I'll do a bunch of dies together and it sands down the little bit of metal down (I wear eye protection because you never know if the metal can go flying...) It's annoying, but there are a lot of manufacturers that still sell the dies still attached to each other. But if they are already separated, then the tape does get annoying too. My favorite are the ones that have a little magnetic sheet behind them. Why can't they all do that?!! (I think Pinkfresh is a good example - but only if there are multiple dies? Otherwise they too use the double sided tape. But the magnetic sheet is the best - but probably would increase the cost of the dies. Maybe I should buy a Scan and Cut haha. But I'm still debating. I wondered, too, why they don't package them w/a magnetic sheet behind them. It wouldn't have to be a really strong magnet, just enough to hold the dies in place. It shouldn't add that much to the cost of the dies. I dislike both the metal nubs and tape. |
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Post by katieanna on Jun 5, 2023 12:58:07 GMT
Yes, I have a problem cutting the inexpensive ones from Amazon - it requires effort with several different cutting tools and sometimes bending back and forth. The glue has not been a problem. I recently moved most of my metal dies to magnetic sheets and plastic folders. Yes, I store mine on magnetic sheets in plastic envelopes (from Amazon). The envelopes are stored in clear plastic containers that are used for food storage in refrigerators. |
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Post by katieanna on Jun 5, 2023 13:02:09 GMT
I rarely buy dies that are not ( in my opinion ) finished. If there’s not a valid reason for the dies to remain attached then the dies coming attached are not *finished* do not ask me to pay $20-$30-$40 for your unfinished product. If a small company like Cocoa& Reno can do it then the larger companies should really be doing it. It usually pisses me off enough that I don’t buy it. I’ll buy alphabets if they are attached because I don’t detach those. Or if there’s tiny pieces that could get lost and they aren’t attached in a bad place to leave them, then I’ll leave them. But more & more often now I just pass on buying what I consider an unfinished product. That said, you need a flush cutter tool and a file. ( and no matter how close I try to cut and how much I file there’s still a burr left ) Try to find heavy duty flush cutters, I’ve bought 3 all recommended on some craft video or other and they all ended up with nicks in the blades. I use these solely to cut dies. Hear, hear! I'm not sure that I've seen any dies that were not packaged together w/metal nubs or taped to their packaging. I'll have to check into Cocoa & Reno dies. |
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Post by hop2 on Jun 5, 2023 15:32:38 GMT
I rarely buy dies that are not ( in my opinion ) finished. If there’s not a valid reason for the dies to remain attached then the dies coming attached are not *finished* do not ask me to pay $20-$30-$40 for your unfinished product. If a small company like Cocoa& Reno can do it then the larger companies should really be doing it. It usually pisses me off enough that I don’t buy it. I’ll buy alphabets if they are attached because I don’t detach those. Or if there’s tiny pieces that could get lost and they aren’t attached in a bad place to leave them, then I’ll leave them. But more & more often now I just pass on buying what I consider an unfinished product. That said, you need a flush cutter tool and a file. ( and no matter how close I try to cut and how much I file there’s still a burr left ) Try to find heavy duty flush cutters, I’ve bought 3 all recommended on some craft video or other and they all ended up with nicks in the blades. I use these solely to cut dies. Hear, hear! I'm not sure that I've seen any dies that were not packaged together w/metal nubs or taped to their packaging. I'll have to check into Cocoa & Reno dies. I’m not sure if they still do but they used to come in a drawstring bag. Nice dies, good quality but it’s a monthly subscription without a skip option. Super nice customer service |
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cbscrapper
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,479
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Post by cbscrapper on Jun 6, 2023 1:08:32 GMT
I rarely buy dies that are not ( in my opinion ) finished. If there’s not a valid reason for the dies to remain attached then the dies coming attached are not *finished* do not ask me to pay $20-$30-$40 for your unfinished product. If a small company like Cocoa& Reno can do it then the larger companies should really be doing it. It usually pisses me off enough that I don’t buy it. I’ll buy alphabets if they are attached because I don’t detach those. Or if there’s tiny pieces that could get lost and they aren’t attached in a bad place to leave them, then I’ll leave them. But more & more often now I just pass on buying what I consider an unfinished product. That said, you need a flush cutter tool and a file. ( and no matter how close I try to cut and how much I file there’s still a burr left ) Try to find heavy duty flush cutters, I’ve bought 3 all recommended on some craft video or other and they all ended up with nicks in the blades. I use these solely to cut dies. Hear, hear! I'm not sure that I've seen any dies that were not packaged together w/metal nubs or taped to their packaging. I'll have to check into Cocoa & Reno dies. Pinkfresh Studio’s dies are separated and have a thin magnetic sheet. Love them! |
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,210
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on Jun 18, 2023 11:47:58 GMT
I have a lot of HA dies that needed to be cut apart and I found it to be pretty straight-forward. Then in the C&CD box there were a couple of sets of Lawn Fawn dies to separate -- those were pure evil! The little spiky things were thinner and sharper and at the same time, harder to remove cleanly. Only time I've ever cut myself separating dies. And I didn't care for them and never even finished the project! Although I may have hated them a little less had they been easier to work with.
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Post by cbet on Jun 19, 2023 15:54:19 GMT
Pinkfresh Studios, Gina K and Gina Marie Designs - these 3 companies all sell dies that are already cut apart. Gina Marie's are held down by the double-stick tape, but at around $10 for a nested set, I'm willing to put the work in to get them off the tape  Pinkfresh has theirs on magnets; Gina K's come loose in a small bag, but they include a magnet to store them on (and her magnets are super sturdy). |
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Pinkfresh has theirs on magnets; Gina K's come loose in a small bag, but they include a magnet to store them on (and her magnets are super sturdy).