Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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What grade of aluminum for anodized hand shears?

I'm director of a company that has redesigned hand shears for shearing and have used aluminum in the last two prototypes; these were not anodized and blackening of the hand was a real problem; nylon reinforced plastic was tried but internal spring loading in time twisted this prototype out of shape. I am now looking at aluminum again as well as carbon steel and stainless both unfortunately are much more heavy. The moving action by the hand on the bottom handle of the shears means the fingers are constantly sliding across it creating the excessive wear that I've experienced in the early prototypes.
Anodizing looks to be one way of overcoming this but I need to find the right grade of aluminum, any advice?

Richard Watson
product designer - New Zealand
June 2, 2011

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June 3, 2011

Aluminum sounds like a very poor choice for scissors.
Anodize would help the handle but would probably cause a dulling of the cutting edge.
For just the handles, try a vinyl dip coating.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida

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Sorry I should have mentioned that the tool has changeable screw on blades made from D2 steel, what I have find out in the week or so are the likes of ADC12,10 and A380 should anodize well enough but tend to leave uneven colouring,this won't be problem as the handles will be painted be been sold.
The vinyl coating sounds interesting, I will look into it thanks

Richard Watson
- New Zealand
June 13, 2011