FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

Q：What are the common specifications of utility knife blades？

A：The standard specifications for utility knife blades include 9mm, 12.5mm, 18mm, and 25mm. The dimensions vary, with common sizes as follows:

  • Small (S, A): Blade width is 9mm, thickness is 0.38mm.
  • Medium (M): Blade width is 12.5mm, thickness is 0.45mm.
  • Large (L): Blade width is 18mm, thickness is 0.5mm.
  • Extra Large (H): Blade width is 25mm, thickness is 0.7mm.

Q：What are the commonly used materials for utility knife blades?

A：The common materials for utility knife blades include high carbon steel, alloy steel, ceramic, and carbon tool steel.

  • High Carbon Steel: This material has high hardness, excellent wear resistance, and strong corrosion resistance, making it less prone to rust and extending its lifespan. Blades made from high carbon steel are very sharp and provide smooth cutting. However, they can feel heavy and may lead to fatigue with prolonged use. In China, utility knives typically use 60# steel, classified as high carbon steel with a carbon content of about 0.6%. Generally, the higher the carbon content, the greater the hardness achieved through heat treatment, especially when finely sharpened.
  • Alloy Steel: This material features high hardness and strength, with good wear and corrosion resistance, suitable for cutting various materials. Alloy steel blades also possess high hardness and are less likely to deform or break, making them convenient for use.
  • Ceramic: Ceramic blades have high hardness, sharpness, and durability, and they are resistant to rust, making them suitable for cutting multiple materials. However, the drawback of ceramic utility knives is their brittleness, which makes them prone to chipping or breaking.
  • Carbon Tool Steel: This material offers high hardness, red hardness, excellent wear resistance, and appropriate toughness. Blades made from carbon tool steel maintain high hardness and wear resistance while also meeting strength and toughness requirements, making them a preferred choice for office use.
 

Each material has its own characteristics, and users can choose the appropriate utility knife based on specific needs and preferences. For frequent cutting of various materials, high carbon or alloy steel with high hardness and wear resistance is advisable. For safety concerns, ceramic materials that are rust-resistant and have a high safety factor are ideal. If toughness and strength are a priority, carbon tool steel is the best choice.

Q：What are the common sizes and specifications of utility knives?

A：The common sizes and specifications for utility knives include 9mm, 18mm, 22mm, and 25mm. These sizes cater to different usage needs, with 9mm and 18mm being the most commonly used. The specifications not only refer to the blade length but also include blade thickness, which typically ranges from 0.4mm, 0.5mm, to 0.6mm.

Additionally, utility knives come in various materials and designs, including high carbon steel, alloy steel, and ceramic, as well as foldable and retractable designs to meet different user preferences. For example, premium utility knives usually feature blade lengths of 18cm and 9cm, with thickness options of 0.4mm, 0.5mm, and 0.6mm. These size and specification options are designed to provide better cutting efficiency and safety while considering portability and durability.

Q：What are the commonly used materials for utility knives?

A：The common materials used for utility knives mainly include high-carbon steel, alloy steel, ceramics, alloys, ABS plastic, resin, and others.  

High-carbon steel utility knives have blades with high hardness, good wear resistance, strong corrosion resistance, and are not easily prone to rust, offering a long service life. However, they feel heavier in hand, and prolonged use can lead to fatigue.  

Alloy steel utility knives also feature blades with high hardness and wear resistance, and they are not easily deformed or broken, making them convenient to use.  

Ceramic utility knives use ceramic blades that are highly durable, sharp, and resistant to rust, making them suitable for cutting various materials. The downside is that ceramic blades are more brittle and can break more easily.  

Alloy utility knives have knife bodies made of alloy, which provides a good texture and a heavier feel, reducing the chances of slipping during use.  

Plastic utility knives have plastic bodies, making them lightweight and portable. However, the downside is that plastic bodies are more prone to damage and have a shorter lifespan.  

Resin utility knives have bodies made of resin, providing a smooth feel, ease of portability, and safety with anti-slip features. They are suitable for light-duty tasks such as opening packages.  

The choice of material for a utility knife depends on the user’s needs and preferences. High-carbon steel and alloy steel utility knives are suitable for applications requiring high hardness and wear resistance, while ceramic utility knives are ideal for specific situations demanding extreme durability. Plastic and resin utility knives are lighter and more suitable for daily carrying and casual use.

Q：What are the commonly used materials for tape measures?

A：The common materials used for measuring tapes include plastic, steel, PVC plastic, and fiberglass.
 
Plastic: The outer casing of measuring tapes is typically made from new ABS plastic, which has a glossy texture and is resistant to drops, wear, and deformation.
Steel: The tape portion of steel measuring tapes is usually made of steel, such as the 50# high-grade steel strip with a thickness of 0.10 mm (10 microns), ensuring the durability and accuracy of the tape.
PVC plastic: Fiberglass measuring tapes, often referred to as cloth tapes, are commonly made from PVC plastic and fiberglass. This material is flexible and elastic, preventing the tape from stretching during use, making it suitable for measuring soft or irregular objects.
Fiberglass: When combined with PVC plastic, fiberglass enhances the durability of the material and prevents it from stretching during use, commonly used in fiberglass measuring tapes.
 
The choice of materials ensures that measuring tapes are durable, accurate, and suitable for different usage scenarios.

Q：What are the commonly used sizes of tape measures?

A：Common sizes for measuring tapes include, but are not limited to, 1 meter, 1.5 meters, 2 meters, 3 meters, 3.5 meters, 5 meters, 7.5 meters, 10 meters, 20 meters, 30 meters, 50 meters, and 100 meters. These sizes cater to various needs, ranging from household use to professional measurement tasks.

Measuring tapes are typically made from materials such as PVC plastic and fiberglass. The addition of fiberglass prevents the tape from stretching during use, ensuring measurement accuracy. Most measuring tapes have dual scales—one side marked in centimeters and the other in inches or local units, like the Chinese “cun,” to accommodate different regions’ measurement systems. For instance, one side may display 150 centimeters, while the other shows 60 inches, making the tape more practical and convenient.

In addition to the common types, there are special variants like steel measuring tapes and cloth measuring tapes (fiberglass), which differ in material and use but follow similar size standards to meet diverse measurement needs.

Q：How often should I oil my garden shears?

A：To keep your garden shears in good working condition, it’s recommended to oil them regularly. The frequency depends on how often you use them, but here are some general guidelines:

  1. For Regular Use (weekly or monthly): If you use your garden shears frequently, oil them every 1-2 weeks to keep the blades sharp, prevent rust, and ensure smooth operation. Lightly oiling after each use can also help.

  2. For Occasional Use (seasonal or yearly): If you use them less often, oiling them at the start of the season and after long periods of storage is ideal. Once or twice a year should suffice.

How to oil your garden shears:

  • Clean the blades thoroughly before applying oil.
  • Use a light machine oil, such as 3-in-1 oil or motor oil, and apply a small amount to the pivot points and along the blades.
  • Wipe off any excess to avoid attracting dirt.

Proper oiling will keep the shears functional, reduce wear, and prevent rusting, especially when stored in damp conditions.

Q：What should I pay attention to when using a laser level?

A：When using a laser level, there are several key factors to ensure accurate results and safe operation:

1. Proper Calibration

  • Ensure the laser level is calibrated before use to avoid inaccurate readings. Many models offer self-leveling, but you may still need to check the level periodically.

2. Surface Stability

  • The surface where the laser level is placed should be stable and level. If the base is uneven, it can cause the laser line to shift, leading to incorrect measurements.

3. Avoid Direct Light

  • Laser levels work best in dim or dark conditions. Bright ambient light can make the laser line hard to see, especially outdoors. Consider using a laser target plate to improve visibility in bright environments.

4. Correct Placement

  • Place the laser level at an appropriate distance from your work area. Ensure it’s positioned on a flat, stable surface to project a straight and accurate line.

5. Safety Precautions

  • Never point the laser directly into anyone’s eyes. Laser beams can cause eye damage, so be cautious and use the safety goggles provided (if applicable) to protect your vision.

6. Check for Obstacles

  • Ensure there are no obstacles between the laser level and the target. Even a slight obstruction can disrupt the laser line and lead to errors.

7. Battery Life

  • Always check the battery life before use. Low batteries can affect the laser’s visibility and accuracy. Some models include indicators that signal when the battery is low.

8. Use the Right Mode

  • Many laser levels come with different modes, such as horizontal, vertical, or cross-line settings. Ensure you’re using the correct mode for your project to get accurate results.

9. Environmental Conditions

  • Avoid using the laser level in extreme temperatures, humidity, or wet conditions unless it is specifically designed for such environments. These factors can interfere with the laser’s functionality.

10. Maintenance

  • After use, clean the lens and ensure the device is stored in a safe place. Regular maintenance ensures the laser level continues to function properly over time.

By following these tips, you can maximize the accuracy and longevity of your laser level while ensuring safe operation.

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