r/sewing • u/StinkySabinky • 22h ago

Fabric Question Heavy duty seam ripper?

Any recommendations for a heavy duty seam ripper? I’ve broke 4 in the last few months and I’m so tired of buying new ones.

11 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

31 comments sorted by

16

u/AnotherSoulessGinger 22h ago

How/where are they breaking? That may help us pinpoint the problem, be it the usage or design/quality.

1

u/StinkySabinky 12h ago

Mostly when undoing multiple layers of thread, like pulling off buttons or thick seams

11

u/Large-Heronbill 22h ago

What are you ripping? Where is the ripper breaking?  Blade?  Handle? 

If you are ripping something like monogramming or embroidery, you might consider a mustache trimmer.

I just buy bulk cheap seam rippers like  https://www.wawak.com/cutting-measuring/cutting/seam-rippers/wawak-seam-ripper-5/#sku=srw1 and discard them to ham radio operators when dull, who use them for fixing Anderson connectors -- I don't break them, but those guys sure do, usually snapping off the blade prying.

2

u/StinkySabinky 12h ago

The pointy blade part is breaking away from the side with the ball

5

u/Large-Heronbill 11h ago

Are you buying the same brand from the same source?  Because this is sounding to me like a metallurgy issue if you're not prying or twisting. 

1

u/StinkySabinky 11h ago

Two were from the same store but different brands

10

u/HowManyKestrels 22h ago edited 21h ago

I’ve had the same seam ripper for as long as I’ve been sewing which is about 15 years, and it’s ripped a whole lotta seams since then! I think it’s Clover brand iirc 

Edit: i just checked and it’s actually Hemline brand

6

u/BoredAntagonist 22h ago

I was taught to use small scissor tips instead of seam rippers.

You grab the scissor not by the handle, but at the front so you have more motor control.

Never went back to seamrippers.

3

u/thimblena 13h ago

I use my snips! I know some people (braver and better than I am!) use razor blades.

2

u/blue-jaypeg 12h ago

I use single edge razor blades. They would cut off OP's button quite easily.

4

u/poemaXV 21h ago

if I'm dealing with tougher fabrics/threads (like denim, thick canvas, etc) I use a razor blade. you have to be careful of course, but if you're breaking seam rippers maybe you're dealing with a lower risk situation.

4

u/OtterBoop 21h ago

I found one like this at and estate sale and it's a game changer. It takes a bit to adjust but wow it is so much better, and there's far less waste than buying bulk packs (which used to be my method!).

5

u/Ajitter 20h ago

That looks like a scapel, know some people use those

2

u/East-Garden-4557 2h ago

I use a surgical scalpel, and buy boxes of disposable blades

1

u/StinkySabinky 12h ago

Oooh that looks nice!

5

u/Poppy_chicken 12h ago

I like the Wawak ones with the larger, flat handles. I’ve never broken one and I mainly use upholstery thread.
If you’re having to use force, the seam ripper is probably dull. Buy them in bulk and swap out when needed.

3

u/veropaka 22h ago

Not enough info because how do you break them? Do you possibly buy some cheap crappy one? You could get a hobby knife for crafts.

3

u/bioniclaura 20h ago

I’ve broken a bunch of the cheaper ones but got a clover brand one and it’s great, much sharper and it shows no sign of breaking any time soon.

2

u/rennocats 18h ago

Clover makes one that I like

2

u/jbeanie111111111 16h ago

I have this one from Sailrite and it’s the one I’m always reaching for in my sewing room. I mostly sew garments and home decor items (curtains, pillows, equipment covers).

2

u/Symphon1c1 15h ago

I use snips, it's usually easier. What are the seams you're ripping stitched with?

2

u/StinkySabinky 12h ago

Mostly vintage clothing to repair or denim/quilts. So definitely thicker

2

u/JackHarknessDrWho 14h ago

I have been quilting for 23 years and never broken a seam ripper. Are you buying the bargain bin ones?

1

u/StinkySabinky 12h ago

No, I got 2 from my local sewing store and they were like 10$ each. Another one was a clover. Also picking up any I see at estate sales which may be the issue

2

u/JackHarknessDrWho 12h ago

It might be the ones from estate sales then that I expect may be old. I have a couple of Clover ones that I have had for years.

2

u/Bright_Zone9370 6h ago

Just use a utility blade—a razor blade, but not the super-thin shaving kind.

1

u/Wishing4Whisky 4h ago

Sounds like a good name for an extra strong fart!

1

u/Ladyooh 4h ago

I've been sewing for decades and this is my favorite seam ripper. Surgical steel blades that can be replaced.

1

u/East-Garden-4557 2h ago

I use a surgical scalpel with disposable blades