Lifting Rotary Cutter Blades

I got a good deal on rotary cutter replacement blades from Jo-Ann's by buying the multi-pack of five.  The blades come in the same kind of packaging as a single blade and are stacked with a thin film of oil in between.

I am squeamish handling these blades as it is when replacing them on my cutter but when I was presented with the challenge of separating 5 of them, I had to think outside the box.

I had the bright idea to try the magnetic wand I use for getting my canning lids out of the boiling water as a tool for picking up the razor sharp blades.

While the magnet did indeed 'stick' to the blade, I was unable to pick up one blade at a time - the whole stack of 5 lifted up.  The oil film acts like sticky glue, keeping them suctioned together!  I carefully got a tool out of my organizer to pry apart the blades and once they were individual the magnet worked like a charm to lift it up and onto the handle.

I think this is a great way to avoid handling the sharp metal and I've moved the magnet from my canning stuff to my quilting stuff!  Another free, re-purposed gadget!

Comments

[Pamela L.]

GREAT idea Angie! One of those 'hit yourself on the side of the head, why didn't I think of that?' Now if you can just come up with a way to keep the blades sharp! Thanks, great post as always,
Pam

[Kim]

This sides like a great idea. I'll have to look for this little gadget - I have never seen one of these before. Don't you love it when you find another use for a handy widget?