Micro Pla Nipper E102

Mineshima Micro Pla Nipper E102

A modeling nipper from the Japanese brand Mineshima in micro format, with the word Pla in the name. The abbreviation Pla is common in Japanese modeling terminology and refers to plastic models. It therefore carries clear information about the material the tool is intended for, and at the same time about what you must not use it on.

Why the material matters so much with nippers

An edge intended for plastic tends to be ground to a very sharp angle, so that it leaves a smooth cut which then needs only minimal finishing. But it is exactly this thin edge that is sensitive to hard material. A single cut into a metal pin, a photo-etched part or a string will leave a notch in it that you will never get out again and that will then print itself into every further cut. For anyone who keeps to this division of work, fine nippers last for years.

Use

• Separating small plastic parts from the sprue.
• Shortening thin sprue gates on small parts and details.
• A finishing cut where the surface should be as clean as possible after clipping.
• Work with figures and small accessories in cramped places.

Work tips

The proven procedure is to cut in two steps. First separate the part from the sprue with a margin, and only then even the remains of the gate out tight against the part. A tight cut straight away compresses the plastic needlessly and a white mark appears at the cut that paint will not cover. Finish the remainder after clipping with a file or abrasive paper. Leave the edge clean after work and store the tool so that no other tool rubs against it.

Who the nippers are for

For modelers who want as little cleaning up as possible after clipping and who work with small parts. In a workshop it belongs beside more robust nippers, which you leave the thick sprue gates to.

The dimensions, the material and the hardness of the edge are stated on the packaging of the tool. The tool is a modeling nipper for plastic.