Murrini Snipping Tools

The Chipper Nipper
Here is a little video of me using my favorite tool, the Chipper Nipper. I’ve had several people tell me recently they were a “game changer”, so that was good to hear. The Chipper Nipper end will dull over time, which is the downside to this tool, so eventually you’ll need to buy a new one. With that said, I haven't taken my original one out of circulation in my shop yet.

Everyone snips differently but for me, using my finger as a rest/guide against the nipper is key to getting the slice of murrini the exact size you are trying for. There is no wrong way to snip (it’s really what works best for you and with some practice you will certainly find your own technique), but you can start here and fine-tune it.

Demo of Chipper Nipper on a Fish Murrini:

Demo of the Chipper Nipper on a Triangle Shape:

Wheeled Nippers
Wheeled nippers work great, too and cut a very clean line. Leponitt makes a fantastic wheeled nipper in the lower price range. I also have the more expensive Breda wheeled nipper and both work like a charm on murrini with intricate shapes as well as round.

Wheeled Nipper on a Triangle Shape:

What I have found is between the Chipper Nipper and a good wheeled nipper, you’ll have no problems snipping any shape of murrini. You’ll soon find out which tool works best for which murrini.

Each piece of cane may feel different, too! As you know, some glass is going to feel stiffer than others and of course the thicker ones are a bit tougher to cut. But remember, even if little slivers come off or a little half piece...save those as they often work perfectly in compositions as well.

When you are ready with your tool, snip like you mean it! Don’t be timid - snip fast and hard. I like to take a little tub with a hand towel in it to snip into or something to catch it as it tends to shoot off the cane willy-nilly. Most often I put on an apron and shoot them into a little pit I create in my lap. There is no wrong way to catch them.