Chloe Zhang
If your plastic cigar cutter is not working as well as it used to, it may be time for some maintenance. A cigar cutter can be sharpened, cleaned, or disassembled for restoration. If you're feeling ambitious, you can try disassembling your plastic cigar cutter to sharpen the blades, but it's important to note that not all cutters are meant to be disassembled. Cheap plastic cigar cutters, for example, are typically disposable and not designed to be taken apart. However, if you have access to the tiny screws that fasten the housing together and feel confident in your ability to put it back together, you can try disassembling your cutter to sharpen the blades.
How to Disassemble a Plastic Cigar Cutter
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Tools Required | Whetstone, correct disassembly tools, pliers (optional) |
| Recommended Action | Send to manufacturer for sharpening |
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What You'll Learn
Identify if your cutter can be disassembled
Not all cigar cutters can be disassembled. The cheap plastic ones, for instance, are usually disposable and not meant to be taken apart. If you have access to the tiny screws that fasten the housing together, however, you can try to disassemble your cutter.
One user on Fair Trade Tobacco describes their experience of disassembling a plastic cigar cutter: "Disassembly is just a matter of pulling it apart. I do this by hand but if you're careful you could use pliers but the plastic is brittle." They go on to explain that they wrapped 280-grit sandpaper around a straight stick with a diameter of about 12mm or 1/2 inch, and then sanded down the metal, only contacting the sandpaper with the blade in one direction.
Another user on the same forum describes their plastic cigar cutter as having "cavernous internal spaces within the plastic frames," which cause bits and chunks of dry tobacco to become jammed and well packed. They express fear of attempting to pull it apart, believing that it is assembled with glue.
If you are unsure whether your cutter can be disassembled, it may be worth contacting the manufacturer or retailer to ask for advice or instructions.
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Use the correct tools to take it apart
To disassemble a plastic cigar cutter, you will need the correct tools to take it apart. Not all cutters are meant to be disassembled, so you will need a cigar cutter that can be taken apart. If your cutter has tiny screws fastening the housing together, you can try to take it apart. Before you begin, make sure you have the confidence and patience to put the cutter back together.
To disassemble the cutter, you can try pulling it apart by hand. If the plastic is brittle, you may need to use pliers, but be careful not to apply too much force as you can easily break the plastic. If you can access the tiny screws holding the cutter together, you can try using a small screwdriver to unscrew them. Once the screws are removed, you should be able to carefully separate the housing and access the blades.
It is important to note that disassembling a plastic cigar cutter may void the warranty, so it is recommended to check if your cutter is still under warranty before attempting any repairs or disassembly. Additionally, always exercise caution when working with sharp objects like the blades of a cigar cutter.
Overall, while it is possible to disassemble a plastic cigar cutter, it may not be necessary for basic cleaning and maintenance. If your cutter is not functioning properly, consider cleaning it with a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol or sending it to the manufacturer for sharpening or replacement.
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Remove the blades
To remove the blades of a plastic cigar cutter, you will need to disassemble the cutter. Not all cutters can be taken apart, and the cheap plastic ones are usually disposable. If you can access the tiny screws that fasten the housing together, you can attempt to disassemble the cutter. Before you start, make sure you have the confidence and patience to put the cutter back together.
To disassemble the cutter, use the correct tools to unscrew the tiny screws that hold the housing together. Once the housing is open, you can access the blades. Remove the blades carefully, being mindful of their sharp edges. You can then proceed to sharpen the blades on a whetstone, just like you would with a knife.
If you are unable or unwilling to disassemble your plastic cigar cutter, you can try other methods to sharpen or clean it. Soaking the cutter in hot water for an hour can help loosen and remove built-up residue. For a more thorough cleaning, use rubbing alcohol and Q-tips to reach the nooks and corners of the cutter. If your cutter is made entirely of metal, you can spray it with non-chlorinated brake cleaner, but be sure to do this outdoors on a safe surface.
Another option is to send your cutter to the manufacturer or a local smoke shop for professional sharpening or replacement. Premium cigar accessory companies often provide a lifetime warranty on their products, so they may sharpen or replace the blades free of charge.
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Sharpen the blades
To sharpen the blades of your plastic cigar cutter, you will first need to disassemble it if possible. This will give you easier access to the blades. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to wipe the blades clean, ensuring they are free from any cigar residue.
Next, check for any signs of damage or dull spots. Look for small nicks or uneven edges that could cause uneven cuts. If the blades are bent, cracked, or chipped beyond repair, it may be time for a new cutter.
Now, you can begin sharpening the blades. You will need a sharpening tool, such as a sharpening stone, whetstone, fine-grit sandpaper, or a file. Place the blade on the sharpening stone at a 15-20 degree angle. Move the blade gently across the stone in a circular motion, applying light pressure. Repeat this process for the other side, ensuring both blades are sharpened evenly.
If you have a punch cutter with a circular blade, you can use a diamond sharpening stone to sharpen the blade. For V-cutters, focus on sharpening the edges of the V-shape, maintaining the angle of the V.
After sharpening, test the cutter to see if it's sharp enough. Try cutting a piece of paper or an old cigar to check the sharpness. If the cutter struggles or leaves jagged edges, it may need further sharpening.
Once the blades are sharp, lubricate them with a small amount of oil to reduce friction and ensure a smooth operation. Reassemble the cutter carefully if you disassembled it.
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Put the cutter back together
To put your plastic cigar cutter back together, you will need to first assess whether it was glued or fastened with tiny screws during the disassembly process. If it was glued, you will need to apply a suitable adhesive to the relevant areas and carefully hold the pieces together until the glue dries. If your cutter was fastened with tiny screws, you will need to use a screwdriver to secure the screws in place, ensuring that the housing is securely attached.
It is important to be gentle and patient during the reassembly process. Take note of how the pieces fit together during disassembly, as this will guide you in putting them back together correctly. Be cautious when handling the blades, as they are sharp and can cause injury.
If your cutter has multiple parts, start by assembling the main housing. Fit the pieces together securely, ensuring they are aligned correctly. Once the housing is assembled, you can move on to the blades.
When working with the blades, be extremely careful. Place each blade in its designated position, ensuring they are securely fastened and aligned properly. Be cautious not to cut yourself during this process.
Finally, attach any remaining components, such as the opening and closing mechanism, ensuring they are secure and functional. Test the cutter by opening and closing it a few times to ensure smooth operation. If your cutter has a locking mechanism, test it to ensure it is functioning correctly.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheap plastic cigar cutters are usually disposable and not meant to be disassembled. However, if you want to try to disassemble your plastic cigar cutter, you can try pulling it apart by hand, or carefully using pliers, as the plastic is brittle.
To disassemble a plastic cigar cutter, you will need the correct tools to take your cutter apart. You will also need a cigar cutter that can be taken apart – not all cutters are meant to be disassembled.
Once you have disassembled your plastic cigar cutter, you can try to sharpen the blades on a whetstone, like you would the blade of a knife. Make sure you have the confidence and patience to put the cutter back together, too.
