discussion Tamiya side cut replacement spring?

[Andy T]

I know it's a long shot but my son has broken the spring in his tamiya side cutters. Any ideas if replacements can be bought, and if so, where from?
Or is a case of him (or me more likely ) buying a new pair?

Thanks

 

[flyjoe180]

I don't believe replacement springs are available Andy. Can you replace it with a spring from something similar, eg a cheap side cutter? They shouldn't be too difficult to replace if you can find a suitable spring.

 

[Andy T]

Thanks for the reply.

I've managed a temporary fix using the longer part of the broken spring. At least it keeps him clipping for now.

I did have a good search around but couldn't find a Tamiya replacement, so like you suggest I'll be keeping my eye out for something similar to wedge in there

 

[Tim Marlow]

Does the broken spring stop the cutters being used Andy? If not, then surely opening and closing them by hand isn’t too much of a chore? Larger pliers and cutters don’t have springs after all.

 

[Stefee]

How about some springs from pens intertwined for more strength and cut to size?

 

[Andy T]

Hi Tim. They work fine without, but with him having slightly impeded fine motor skills (not that you'd know it from his painting) he finds the spring back helpful.

They're probably around 60% back to normal with my field repair which seems to be fine at the moment.

 

[Andy T]

Thanks for the suggestion, that's the kind of thing I'm looking out for.

 

[Tim Marlow]

Hi Tim. They work fine without, but with him having slightly impeded fine motor skills (not that you'd know it from his painting) he finds the spring back helpful.

They're probably around 60% back to normal with my field repair which seems to be fine at the moment.

Good stuff. Didn’t know about the motor skills thing, so poor comment on my part. Sorry. For springs, would something from the Tamiya radio controlled range help? Seem to be a lot of options there which might fit? Also, if you are after replacement snips, Sandvik 8160 type are pretty good, used them extensively before I got my DSPAIE type, and they have flat springs that may be more robust in use.

 

[Airborne01]

Have you actually contacted Tamiya, perhaps explaining everything you've highlighted in this post? I've never had a problem with their after-sales! If all else fails and the situation is untenable I'll send you my spare set (gratis). keep us updated mate,
Steve

 

[Andy T]

Good stuff. Didn’t know about the motor skills thing, so poor comment on my part. Sorry.

No problem at all Tim, you weren't to know.

The painting thing actually came from a physiotherapists suggestion, to help improve his coordination. Who knew it would grip him so much

 

[Andy T]

It happened quite late last night so I haven't had time to contact Tamiya, but that's a good shout, thanks

He seems to be battling on fine with these after the fix so I'll see how he goes.

 

[Tim Marlow]

No problem at all Tim, you weren't to know.

The painting thing actually came from a physiotherapists suggestion, to help improve his coordination. Who knew it would grip him so much

Glad it’s working for him . Had to do intensive hand therapy myself a couple of years ago after the RA meds failed on me wrecking my muscle tone. It’s surprisingly effective. I had exercises and used medical putty to rebuild my strength. I also took up guitar playing again to improve coordination…. Back to normal now, so I use the putty for masking….it’s exactly the same as silly/science putty