| Product Name | Key Features |
|---|---|
 | – Spring-loaded, self-opening mechanism – Ergonomic handles for comfortable grip – Stainless steel blades with serrated edges – Wide finger contact area for ease of use – Safety lock feature for secure storage |
 | – Arthritis Foundation® Ease-of-Use Commendation – Softgrip® handle for added comfort – Spring-loaded mechanism for reduced effort – Stainless-steel blades with precision-ground edge – Designed for both right-handers and left-handers |
 | – Lightweight and easy-squeeze design – Loop handle for improved grip – Stainless steel blades for sharp, clean cuts – Rounded tips for easier maneuverability |
 | – Titanium bonded blades for durability and corrosion resistance – Safe and comfortable for arthritis sufferers – Micro-tip for precision cutting – Suitable for cutting finer materials |
 | – Non-stick blade coating – Large, comfortable handles – Titanium-fused blades for long-lasting sharpness – Suitable for cutting fabrics, crafts, and card stocks – Designed for both left-handed and right-handed use |
Are you tired of struggling with painful, aching hands when using traditional scissors?
People with arthritis understand the discomfort and difficulty of trying to cut paper, fabric, or even food items with scissors that trigger pain with every squeeze.
You don’t have to suffer anymore! The good news is that there are scissors specifically designed for arthritic hands that can significantly ease the cutting process and reduce the strain on your fingers, hands, and wrists.
In this article, we will explore the top 5 best scissors for arthritic hands, making your everyday tasks and hobbies smooth and pain-free.
Best Scissors for Arthritic Hands
Here are the top 5 best scissors for arthritis that get the job done with less pain:
With these spring-loaded, self-opening scissors, the user’s hand can exert strength and control without extra pain or pressure. The wide finger contact area will be easier to grip for the elderly or anyone who has arthritis or swollen fingers, for that matter.
Its easy handling makes it perfect for those with weak grips or poor hand control. The ergonomic handles provide a more comfortable grip, and the lightweight scissors require only a gentle squeeze to cut through the edges of your hand, which is a nice way to get the grip to work properly.
Upon cutting, the spring between the handles keeps the scissors open. There is even a safety lock that keeps them shut when not in use and keeps them from being used incorrectly.
You get a strong stainless steel blade with slightly-serrated edges with this pair, and they have a wide variety of uses from crafts and sewing to general cutting to use in the kitchen when you need a good pair of kitchen shears.
You’ll need to take some care with the spring to ensure it doesn’t get broken or bent- especially while not being used. use the safety lock to keep it hidden. While these blades are rust-resistant, they still need proper cleaning, drying, and storage in the kitchen.
Fiskars No.8 Premier Easy Action Bent Scissors have earned the Arthritis Foundation® Ease-of-Use Commendation for their easy operation. The Easy Action Scissors allow arthritis patients and older people with limited hand strength to cut without strain.
It has a Softgrip® handle, ergonomically designed to provide added comfort, and is designed for both right-handers and left-handers.
The spring-loaded mechanism opens the blades after each cut and drastically reduces the effort required for cutting. The stainless-steel blades have a precision-ground edge and stay sharp longer, making them ideal for cutting fabric.
They are a bit bulky compared to others, and the lock may be a bit hard for some people to slide. Other than that, it is a great product.
PETA’s Easi-Grip Loop Handle Scissors are designed with lightweight handles and an easy-squeeze feature for users with limited hand strength.
Seniors, the elderly, or other people suffering from arthritis who are unable to use conventional scissors due to swollen or painful joints can benefit from these scissors since the loop handle allows for a more snug grip.
The blades are tough, made from stainless steel for cleaner cuts, and the rounded tips allow for easier maneuverability, making them more comfortable to use.
Despite their pros, these pair feel a bit flimsy, and it does take some practice and effort to get used to using them. Once you get the hang of it, they will be more than up for the task.
4. Westcott 5 inch Straight Titanium Bonded Craft Scissors with Micro-Tip
These Westcott scissors feature titanium bonded blades that resist corrosion and are lightweight enough to cut through any material, making it a great choice for the arthritic or elderly craftsperson.
They have been designed to be safe and comfortable, even for those with severe arthritis.
Finer materials can be cut more easily, so you do not have to worry about precision. The micro-tip enhances the cut’s precision and allows for small cuts that might otherwise be difficult with longer scissors.
The scissor has one drawback in addition to its many advantages: the finger pads wear out and keep falling out after prolonged use.
Scotch Precision Ultra Edge Non-Stick Scissors feature a non-stick blade and are easy to use with a smooth cutting action designed to meet the needs of arthritic hands or elderly users.
These scissors feature large, comfortable handles and titanium-fused blades that are sure to remain sharp beyond 100,000 cuts, and they can be used for cutting fabrics, crafts, and card stocks.
They are also designed for left-handed and right-handed use. These scissors are known for their toughness and sharpness, as they can cut through multiple layers of fabric without breaking. Also, they are convenient for cutting hair or threading fishing lines.
On the negative side, it seems that they tend to loosen very quickly, so it is recommended to tighten them regularly. Also, even non-stick blades should be cleaned and maintained properly.
What Types of Arthritis Scissors Are There?
Arthritis scissors are specially designed for people with arthritis and often feature ergonomic handle designs. These handles help reduce hand and thumb pressure, which is the most common place that arthritis pain occurs.
An ergonomic design also eliminates twisting or awkward wrist movements, which can cause pain for some people with arthritis or other conditions.
In today’s marketplace, arthritis scissors come in several varieties. Still, they all have one thing in common: an ergonomic handle that helps reduce fatigue and discomfort in the hands and wrists.
What is an “Ergonomically Designed” Scissor?
The term describes scissors with a handle shaped and contoured differently from the blades, allowing you to hold the scissors comfortably. With a properly designed ergonomic grip, serrated scissors can reduce pain and fatigue associated with commonly painful grip areas.
What Features Make Some Scissors Easier for People with Arthritis?
Ergonomic designs typically have several features that make them easier to use. The most common are:
Curved Handled Scissors
This scissor design puts the blades in the right position in the hand, allowing easy grip and control of the blades.
Some people feel that these arthritis scissors also reduce pain by eliminating twisting or awkward wrist movements, which can cause pain for some people with arthritis or other conditions. They still move naturally in your hand.
Large Handled Scissors
If your hands are swollen or you have limited dexterity, it may be easier to use large-handled scissors specially designed for people with arthritis.
The blades are positioned closer to the handle, making them easier to grab and maneuver. They also take less energy because they require less tension in the hand grip area.
Scissors With Comfort Grip Handles
If you have limited dexterity in your hands, consider a scissor with a comfortable grip handle. These types of handles are designed to help reduce the strain on the thumb and wrist muscles.
They are designed to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand when you hold them, giving you more control, precision, and ease of use.
Spring-Loaded Scissors
These scissors have a spring near the scissor joint that does half the work for you. After you give a squeeze to engage the blades, the spring pushes the handle back open once you release some of the pressure.
That’s why these are also commonly called self-opening scissors. Other designs use loops or straps to accomplish the same effect.
Choosing Scissors for Special Situations
If you use scissors for very specific purposes besides general cutting, you may need other features or types of scissors. The following are examples of common situations where people with arthritis need to use the right pair of scissors to reduce their arthritic hand pain.
Scissors for Arthritic Thumbs
Most scissors have a separate “thumb hole” into which you place your thumb. You then have to use the thumb to squeeze the blades together to make the cutting motion.
This stress and pressure on the base of the thumb can cause significant pain for people with arthritis in their thumb and hand joints.
So, the best scissors for arthritic thumbs are scissors that don’t engage the thumbs to work. The Friskars Easy Action Scissors or these Self-Opening Scissors are a great choice for this because the fingers and palm perform the cutting motion – the thumb isn’t engaged at all.
Sewing Scissors for Arthritis
The most common hand tool used by a seamstress or dressmaker is a pair of scissors. Often, a person who does a lot of sewing will have special scissors for snipping thread, cutting fabric, and detail work.
People who sew and have arthritis have many of the same complaints of pain in the same joints as others. So, they, too, need scissors that are easier to operate and squeeze without putting unnecessary pressure on the joints.
For cutting fabric, these self-opening scissors from Arthritis Supplies are one of the best scissors for arthritic hands. You can easily use these for trimming thread and general cutting as well.
If you’d also like to have a smaller pair for more detailed cutting, give the Easi-Grip Loop Scissors a try.
Kitchen Scissors for Arthritic Hands
Using scissors over knives in the kitchen can make quick work of mincing herbs, chopping small vegetables, and cubing chicken. A major concern is having scissors that you can keep clean and are easier to use.
I recommend the Peta Self-Opening Kitchen Shears for kitchen use because they are spring-loaded and don’t engage the thumbs or individual joints. Plus, they are easy to clean with a quick rinse and wipe down without any nooks or crannies for food to become lodged.
Alternatives for Those Who Cannot Use Scissors At All
Understanding that some elderly individuals may find it difficult to use scissors altogether due to arthritis, there are alternative cutting tools that can help make daily tasks and hobbies more manageable.
Let’s explore some effective scissor replacements that can be used to cut various materials and reduce frustration.
Rotary Cutters
Rotary cutters are a fantastic alternative to scissors, especially for those who have difficulty or pain when using normal cutting tools. These devices feature a circular blade attached to a handle, allowing users to easily cut through materials by pushing the cutter in a straight or curved line.
Many rotary cutters come with ergonomic handles or pressure-reducing designs, making them a comfortable option for elderly individuals or those with arthritis. These cutters are particularly helpful for cutting fabrics and paper, as well as for crafting and sewing activities.
Paper Trimmers
For precise, straight cuts, consider using a paper trimmer as a scissor substitute. Paper trimmers are designed with a straight-edge blade attached to a stable base, which allows users to accurately and easily cut materials by sliding the blade along the marked cutting line.
Many paper trimmers come with built-in measuring guides and grids, making them an ideal tool for creating clean and accurate cuts. This tool is perfect for cutting paper, cardstock, photos, and thin cardboard with minimal effort and strain on the hands.
Ultrasonic Cutters
For more advanced cutting needs, ultrasonic cutters can efficiently replace the use of scissors for individuals who struggle with arthritis. Utilizing high-frequency vibrations, ultrasonic cutters can easily cut through various materials, including plastic, fabric, rubber, and more.
With the simple press of a button, this technology reduces the need for manual squeezing and is an excellent option for detailed and precision cutting tasks.
Adaptive Crafting Tools
For seniors and people with arthritic hands who enjoy crafting, several adaptive crafting tools are available to substitute for traditional scissors. One option is the use of craft punches, which enable users to create shapes and designs in materials like paper and thin cardboard.
With a simple press or squeeze, these devices eliminate the need for fine motor skills and hand strength that standard scissors require. Another option is the use of die-cutting machines, which allow users to cut intricate designs without the need for manual cutting.
By integrating these scissor alternatives into your daily activities, elderly individuals or arthritis sufferers can continue to engage in their hobbies and tasks with greater ease and comfort.
Wrapping Up
I hope this guide helped you search for the best scissors for people with arthritis due to the many choices out there. Do not settle for just any set of scissors, but choose ones designed to help you carry out even the smaller tasks of your daily life with ease.
As long as you select the right scissors for your situation, you can rely on them to provide you with less painful results.
You may not be able to completely eliminate arthritis pain, but these arthritis-friendly scissors will help you go about your daily routine and hobbies without any interruptions!
