5 Safety Tips to Follow When Using a Box Cutter

There's no faster or more efficient way to open boxes than by using a box cutter. Also known as a utility knife, it's a handheld tool with a replaceable and retractable razor blade. You can use it to cut through tape that's holding a box together. When using a box cutter, though, you should follow these five safety tips to lower your risk of injury.

#1) Wear Cut-Resistant Gloves

Cut-resistant gloves are an essential form of personal protective equipment (PPE) when using a box cutter. As previously mentioned, box cutters have a blade. Some of them have a single-bladed blade, whereas others have a double-sided blade. Regardless, if you accidentally press or run the blade against your hand, you may sustain a laceration. Cut-resistant gloves will protect you from lacerations such as this by shielding your hands from the box cutter's blade.

#2) Replace Rusty Blades

Before using a box cutter, take a moment to inspect the blade for signs of rust. Most box cutters use traditional single- or double-sided blades that are made of steel. Steel is an alloy of iron. And like all iron alloys, it can rust. Rusted blades, unfortunately, don't offer clean cuts. As the blade begins to rust, it will degrade. Therefore, you should replace your box cutter's blade if it's rusty.

#3) Don't Extend Your Thumb

A common mistake workers make when using a box cutter is extending their thumb. With your thumb extended over the box cutter, you'll have a stronger grip that gives you more cutting leverage. The problem, however, is that your thumb will be close to the blade. For obvious reasons, you should keep all your fingers -- including your thumbs -- away from the blade.

#4) Perform Angled Cuts

Avoid making perpendicular cuts with the box cutter. Instead, perform angled cuts. More specifically, you should cut an angle away from your body. Start by placing the box cutter on the box at the section that's closest to your body. With the box cutter angled, you can then push it away from your body. Performing angled cuts away from your body will lower your risk of injury.

#5) Retract Blade After Using

When you are finished using the box cutter, you should retract the blade so that it no longer exposed. All box cutters have a retractable blade. Retracting the blade will essentially pull it back inside of the box cutter so that it's concealed and no longer exposed.