I've had good luck with the little scissors made for eye surgery (shudder!), though I haven't tried using them on such a large project so you mkight get sore fingers after a while. You can get some nice ones from Fine Science Tools (www.finescience.com)and plaes like that. They look a bit like tweezers -- nice for fine work.

Dee Stubbs-Lee
Conservator,
The New Brunswick Museum
277 Douglas Avenue
Saint John, New Brunswick
Canada
E2K 1E5
telephone: (506) 643-2341
fax: (506) 643-2360
e-mail: [log in to unmask]


-----Original Message-----
From: Textile Conservators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf
Of Frisina, Ann
Sent: August 9, 2007 12:17 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Researching suitable thread nips


Hi everyone.

I am currently searching for thread nippers to assist in the removal of millions of machine monofilament zig zag stitches in no less than 21 silk battle flags.  These are large textiles which average around 80" x 80".  My question to everyone is twofold.  First, is their a specific thread nipper or scissor you have found comfortable for periods of extended use?  Second, were these scissors strong enough to endure extended use or did they need to be sharpened or replaced often? I am particularly interested in peoples experience with the Havel squeeze snips or something like that design.

I look forward to hearing everybody's response. Thank you for your time.

Ann Frisina
Textile Conservator
Minnesota Historical Society
345 Kellogg Blvd. W.
St. Paul, MN. 55102
 
651 297-5490