# Manicures need tools, not gadgets **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 20, 2026, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manicures-need-tools-not-gadgets/1030266 "2026-05-20T23:18:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![mixdenny](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mixdenny/32/2962_2.png) [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2026, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manicures-need-tools-not-gadgets/1030266/1 "2026-05-20T23:18:53Z")
I discovered long ago that a simple diagonal wire cutter works so much better than any toe nail clipper it isn’t even close. Today I was idly smoothing a ragged fingernail with those cheap sandpaper sticks. They wear out in about a minute. You are left with nothing but a popsicle stick. So I grabbed a piece of 220 grit drywall sanding screen and it trims nails ridiculously fast and probably lasts forever. > **[Diagonal pliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diagonal_pliers#/media/File:Seitenschneider.JPG)** > > Diagonal pliers (also known as wire cutters or diagonal cutting pliers, or under many regional names) are pliers intended for the cutting of wire or small stock, rather than grabbing or turning. The plane defined by the cutting edges of the jaws intersects the joint rivet at an angle or "on a diagonal", giving pliers their name. > They are also adapted for use in inaccessible places. > Instead of using a shearing action as with scissors, diagonal pliers cut by indenting and wedging the wire apart. ... ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2026, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manicures-need-tools-not-gadgets/1030266/2 "2026-05-21T00:59:21Z")
A metal nail file intended for the purpose is far superior to drywall tools. And to the cheapo sand-sticks (read toys) sold at Walgreens. ---
**Author:** ![Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eyebrows_0f_doom/32/3119_2.png) [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eyebrows_0f_Doom)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2026, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manicures-need-tools-not-gadgets/1030266/3 "2026-05-21T05:37:09Z")
How thick are your nails that you need wire cutters and they wear out nail files!? ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2026, 5:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manicures-need-tools-not-gadgets/1030266/4 "2026-05-21T05:40:58Z")
> [@mixdenny](#): > > So I grabbed a piece of 220 grit drywall sanding screen and it trims nails ridiculously fast and probably lasts forever. You don’t have a Dremel? ---
**Author:** ![pjd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pjd/32/3009_2.png) [@pjd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pjd)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2026, 8:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manicures-need-tools-not-gadgets/1030266/5 "2026-05-21T08:19:13Z")
or teeth ? ---
**Author:** ![TRC4941](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trc4941/32/6792_2.png) [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2026, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manicures-need-tools-not-gadgets/1030266/6 "2026-05-21T13:59:21Z")
I use the same emery board for months. They do eventually wear out, but not for quite a while. I think I buy a new pack every couple of years. ---
**Author:** ![Bumbazine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bumbazine/32/362_2.png) [@Bumbazine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bumbazine)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2026, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manicures-need-tools-not-gadgets/1030266/7 "2026-05-21T17:34:03Z")
My toenails are like steel. A few years ago I ran across some manicurists nail clippers at a yard sale that look like small (about 5") diagonal cutters, except chromed. They’re my go-to tool for trimming toenails. Everybody should have something like that. ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2026, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manicures-need-tools-not-gadgets/1030266/8 "2026-05-21T22:19:52Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > You don’t have a Dremel? > [@pjd](#): > > or teeth ? I prefer a mitre saw. [![](https://i.ibb.co/SDH0ZKKG/IMG-2216.webp) ](https://i.ibb.co/SDH0ZKKG/IMG-2216.webp) ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2026, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manicures-need-tools-not-gadgets/1030266/9 "2026-05-21T22:24:03Z")
I think emery boards are one of those things that has a tremendous variation in quality. Good ones (which probably use real emery, among their other differences) last a long time, while the cheap ones (with just sand) wear out quickly. ---
**Author:** ![markn\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2026, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manicures-need-tools-not-gadgets/1030266/10 "2026-05-22T00:13:17Z")
My fingernails and toenails are pretty tough, but they are much easier to cut if I do so right after showering, when they are softened by the water. Regular lever-type nail clippers work fine. I don’t think I would like cutting them with diagonal cutters since the cutting edge is straight; it seems to me that it would be awkward and require many cuts to get the right shape. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2026, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manicures-need-tools-not-gadgets/1030266/11 "2026-05-22T00:42:35Z")
I bought some new nail clippers at the drug store recently, and they were crap, and didn’t work worth beans. I randomly picked up a cute nail clipper at a tourist shop in Japan and used it in the hotel and it was _so_ much better than the ones I’d bought recently. (And also better than my old ones, but not by so astounding a margin.) Anyway, nail clippers, probably like emery boards, which i don’t use, vary a lot in quality. I’ve also seen (may even own) a tool designed to clip nails that’s structurally a lot like diagonal wire cutters. It’s a lot less convenient than traditional nail clippers for my my nails, but I’ve seen some extremely thick horn-like nails that probably benefit from something like that. As for smoothing the edges… I usually use a tiny pocket knife (which is extremely sharp). But some of my nail clippers have a little metal file attached, and when i travel i use that. It works pretty well and seems to last forever. > [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > You don’t have a Dremel? My son sometimes has his nails done professionally. He gets a really hard nail polish that is UV cured. The manicurist uses a Dremel to remove any leftover from a previous visit before applying new nails. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2026, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manicures-need-tools-not-gadgets/1030266/12 "2026-05-22T00:56:08Z")
> **[Amazon.com : 4 PCS Diamond Deb Nail File Double Sided Fingernail Files Stainless...](https://www.amazon.com/Fingernail-Stainless-Manicure-Pedicure-Toenails/dp/B0FFT3J9K1)** > > Amazon.com : 4 PCS Diamond Deb Nail File Double Sided Fingernail Files Stainless Steel Nail Filer with Sharp Pointed Tip Metal Nail Files for Natural Nails Manicure Pedicure Toenails Tools for Salon Home : Beauty & Personal Care The Diamond Deb is the Rolls Royce of nail files. I have two that are over 30 years old (seriously\*) and are still usable. You won’t find them in a Walgreen’s or Target, but they do sell them at Sally’s Beauty Supply. * * * * * * \* Don’t ask me how I’ve managed not to lose them, because that is a mystery to me. ---
**Author:** ![mixdenny](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mixdenny/32/2962_2.png) [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2026, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manicures-need-tools-not-gadgets/1030266/13 "2026-05-22T16:30:14Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > they do sell them at Sally’s Beauty Supply. Oddly enough, that shop is just Sally Beauty Supply, no “s”. I guess Beauty Supply is Sally’s last name. ---
**Author:** ![mixdenny](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mixdenny/32/2962_2.png) [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2026, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manicures-need-tools-not-gadgets/1030266/14 "2026-05-22T16:37:33Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > I’ve also seen (may even own) a tool designed to clip nails that’s structurally a lot like diagonal wire cutters. Yes. The photo I linked to for the wire cutters showed a larger type. The one I use is a precision wire cutter. And to answer another poster, it is no problem to cut in a curve. Us sheet metal workers have been doing it all our lives. If you have thicker nails the tip of the wire cutters gets in there and can trim them off right up to the flesh. Finally, I guess I need to find better sanding sticks. The ones at Walmart are crap.I like those diamond versions. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2026, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manicures-need-tools-not-gadgets/1030266/15 "2026-05-22T17:09:41Z")
Yes, i think you’ll be happier with a permanent metal-based sanding tool. A well -made I’ve ought to last approximately forever, and work better than the cheapie ones, too. ---
**Author:** ![F.U.Shakespeare](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/aca169/32.png) [@F.U.Shakespeare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/F.U.Shakespeare)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2026, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manicures-need-tools-not-gadgets/1030266/16 "2026-05-22T17:41:08Z")
> [@markn\_1](#): > > My fingernails and toenails are pretty tough, but they are much easier to cut if I do so right after showering, when they are softened by the water. Regular lever-type nail clippers work fine. I don’t think I would like cutting them with diagonal cutters since the cutting edge is straight; it seems to me that it would be awkward and require many cuts to get the right shape. That’s a very good suggestion. For years, I’ve been shaving right after showering, for the same reason. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Hampshire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hampshire/32/4887_2.png) [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2026, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manicures-need-tools-not-gadgets/1030266/17 "2026-05-22T17:43:22Z")
Years ago our production floor had a change in procedure and pulled about 100 of these off the line. They were going to toss them so I took about a dozen home. They are perfect for cutting nails and I think I’m set for life. [Whoops, we couldn't find that.](https://www.grainger.com/product/32NF19?gucid=N:N:PS:Paid:GGL:CSM-) [2293:NMOY8C:20800606:APZ\_1&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad\_source=1&gad\_campaignid=22475795512&gclid=Cj0KCQjw\_b\_QBhCSARIsAP6hR4dvSA1nxiNXFTIFltZbaOiiRTEF2T1u43UEA2CSQZeOPWpsnXqzB0QaAqegEALw\_wcB](https://www.radwell.com/Buy/EXCELTA/EXCELTA/9243E?source=GoogleShopping&IgnoreRedirect=true&ItemSingleId=131733360&viewAll=true&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22938490014&gbraid=0AAAAADHiFo94WlXtfpmhE2iv1cHbt0fFB&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_b_QBhCSARIsAP6hR4eoFhdTxhEEIE-xhBtWbzpAlQ94Ke-ZIk67V-jA1BY9lUet6s62UUMaAgO2EALw_wcB) ---
**Author:** ![knavette57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/knavette57/32/3871_2.png) [@knavette57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/knavette57)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2026, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manicures-need-tools-not-gadgets/1030266/18 "2026-05-22T17:47:54Z")
Pool season is upon us, and after swimming, it is a good time to cut my toe nails! Otherwise, in the winter, I soak feet in a soap and lavender oil solution. My husband has always used wire cutters for his toe nails, though. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2026, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manicures-need-tools-not-gadgets/1030266/19 "2026-05-22T17:54:30Z")
I bought a cheap pack of [6 nail files on Amazon](https://a.co/d/05jLx54p) three years ago. They were a bit coarser than usual. I regularly use them as small metal rasps when I need one in tight spaces (in addition to fingernail filing). They’ve barely even worn down. > **[Amazon.com : Nail File (6 Pcs), Metal Nail Files for Natural Nails Made of...](https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Sapphire-Natural-Fingernails-Toenail/dp/B0BHMP3CNB)** > > Amazon.com : Nail File (6 Pcs), Metal Nail Files for Natural Nails Made of Stainless Steel with Sharp Pointed Tip Non Slip Handle, Double Sided Sapphire Grit Fingernails Filers Sword Brown : Beauty & Personal Care ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2026, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manicures-need-tools-not-gadgets/1030266/20 "2026-05-22T18:53:03Z")
Thanks for that correction. I hate it when I do that. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manicures-need-tools-not-gadgets/1030266.md?page=2)