Most of us take for granted the ability to pick up a pair of scissors and cut. But the fine-motor skills needed to use scissors are learned through practice, and often children need extra support while mastering this important skill. Adaptive scissors are designed with that in mind, requiring less strength to work and featuring important safety features. They help ensure that young children gain skill, strength, and confidence while they learn to cut. While many are made for small hands, you can also find scissors for adults who experience weakness in their hands or want to reduce hand fatigue. Adaptive scissors are also an ideal option for special needs users or those with physical impairments. To choose the best pair of adaptive scissors, peruse our roundup of favorites, below.
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School Smart Loop Scissors
These high-quality and long-lasting scissors are designed for use by both adults and children at least of kindergarten age. Measuring 8 inches long, they cut with just a gentle squeeze, then spring back open for the next snip. This reduces tension in hands and fingers while helping users cut with accuracy and confidence. The three-inch blades remain sharp and withstand heavy use while blunt tips provide safety—an especially important feature since these scissors stay open when not in use. Since it has a symmetrical design, this ergonomic tool rests comfortably in right and left hands.
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Singer ProSeries Spring Assist Scissors
Singer’s ProSeries is designed, well, for professionals, and each product in this line tends to be larger than the average tool—and therefore can deliver longer snips at a go, all the way to the tip. This pair measures 9 1/2 inches long, with sharp tempered stainless steel blades. The design borrows some structure from a pair of traditional scissors, featuring one looped handle designed for both right-handed and left-handed users. This provides a bit of the comfort of a classic tool while allowing for grip flexibility. The spring-loaded handles are also a bonus, as they help open the blades without any effort on your end.
ANOTHER GOOD OPTION
Peta Easy-Grip Push Down Table Top Scissor
This tool relies on a simple push-down action to snip. It features T-shaped handles with flat, pedal-like builds; rest one on your work surface, and press down on the other to cut. A spring between them will open the blades once you release, and you can continue snipping either by moving the scissors along your cutting line or moving your material toward the blades. These are sharp and made of stainless steel to ensure neat cuts every time. Consider purchasing an anti-slip mat to increase cutting stability.
EDUCATORS’ CHOICE
Essential Scissors Kit
This set of seven adaptive scissors is a smart purchase for educators who want to ensure they’re always prepared for students who need some cutting assistance. You get three kinds of scissors, plus one mini looped pair that’s perfect for smaller hands. The three larger types come in pairs for right- and left-handed users. One is a self-opening loop pair, one is a dual-control tool featuring four holes to provide greater guidance, and one resembles a standard pair of scissors but is spring-loaded to automatically open. The set even includes educational cards that provide tips to hone cutting skills.
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American Educational Products Mini Easi Grip Scissor
This 5.25-inch loop scissors, smartly designed from end to end, are a great pick for preschoolers. The blades cut with a light squeeze and spring open smoothly when released. They also feature rounded tips and a sturdy blade guard to keep little fingers safe. The easy-to-spot red handle has a textured grip to prevent the tool from slipping, helping to ensure precise cuts. Finally, these scissors work in either left or right hands. They are quite expensive compared to the competition but are a durable, solidly constructed option.