Tell me more ×
Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 2 down vote favorite

What is a child-safe (for a 10 year old) tool to cut cardboard (~1/4" thick, from a typical cardboard box)?

EDIT: I'd like the child (who is fairly responsible) to be able to use this independently for a lot of cutting. I don't feel comfortable with leaving her with a box cutter (also her 8 yo sister might then get access to it). Also I don't find box cutters to be terribly easy to use when making precise cuts.

I found three:

share|improve this question
1  
Not to be that guy, but I don't see the problem with using a box cutter or exacto knife so long as you're supervising. I definitely handled an exacto knife at that age, with my mother hovering all-too-uncomfortably close over my shoulder. – Aarthi Sep 20 '11 at 13:31
How many kids, and how much cutting is going to be happening? – The Evil Greebo Sep 20 '11 at 13:31
Over on Parenting the OP indicates that it's a single child, his daughter, and that there will likely be a lot of cutting long-term, as she's pretty "crafty" and likes to build things. – Aarthi Sep 20 '11 at 14:02
1  
Re-open. Teaching children how to use tools safely is one of the biggest improvements to your home an lifestyle you can make. – Chris Cudmore Sep 20 '11 at 18:29

closed as off topic by Niall C., ChrisF♦ Sep 20 '11 at 14:12

Questions on Home Improvement Stack Exchange are expected to relate to home improvement within the scope defined in the FAQ. Consider editing the question or leaving comments for improvement if you believe the question can be reworded to fit within the scope. Read more about closed questions here.

1 Answer

up vote 4 down vote accepted

[Please see the revised and expanded version of this answer at Parenting Stack Exchange.]

When I was the age to be cutting holes in cardboard boxes for fun, the tool I had was a serrated knife — I think it was sold as a very cheap steak knife. The blade was, basically as dull as a letter opener (and somewhat flexible), but the serrations made it quite effective at cutting cardboard like a saw, either neatly or roughly depending on the force applied. It did have an end pointy enough to require some care, but that was never a problem that I recall.

It also makes a great noise when cutting a large panel, especially the side of a box, as the cardboard vibrates.

I don't have any specific product recommendations as this was a few decades ago.

share|improve this answer
You can also get plastic serrated knives. – Chris Cudmore Sep 20 '11 at 18:28
I tried a plastic serrated knife and it didn't work very well, but a metal one might work well. – Clay Nichols Sep 27 '11 at 23:23

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.