Where can I get the compound-geared nippers by LS Starrett Company?
The precision cut nippers are made by the LS Starrett Company. Starrett number is cut nippers #1x-5 1/2 or cut nippers #1x – 7. (They used to have a model 235 which was slightly different but isn’t made anymore. The new version is number 233, which I personally don’t like as well.) The 5 1/2″ is the small and most often used. The 7″ are larger, heavier (makes your arm tired) and good for thicker unglazed ceramic and stone. The ‘x’ indicates carbide tipped edges. Before everyone runs out to buy them (very expensive US$200 to $250, depending on size), they aren’t great for everything. but what they’re good on – they’re FANTASTIC. The double-geared action makes unglazed porcelain cut like butter! Starrett doesn’t sell direct but can recommend distributors in your area. They are almost always special order items. After you get them, you’ll need to adjust the opening to slightly greater than the width than the tile you’re cutting by loosening the screws holding the jaws, moving them wider a
