Rotary screw won't stay tight - help?
 

I've just started working on a flannel rag quilt, and while cutting the squares, the nut/screw on my Fiskars 45mm Comfort Loop Rotary Cutter keeps loosening. I managed to finish all my squares, but towards the end of the 130+ squares, I had to tighten the nut after every cut. Has anyone else had this issue, and if so, any suggested fixes? I've e-mailed Fiskars and received a message that someone will get back to me within five days, so in the meantime I thought I'd ask. Thanks!

Is the scew part plastic? Could part of the thread be damaged? Maybe wrap the screw with plumbers tape and put the nut back on? You may need to get a new cutter.

There is a fluid that opticians use to set screws on glasses tight. I do not know how it is called but my DH used to have a tiny little bottle a while ago. If you go to the optical department of your local Costco I am sure they would not mind putting a few drops on your rotary cutter screw. That is all it takes, a drop or two.

My blade wobbles but still cuts straight and the screw is tight. I have bought two other fiskars and I don't like them. This is the first one I bought about 1992 or 1993. I have cut out about 100 quilts, 10 or so biscuit quilts and 16 comforters with it. The new ones are just not the same. Some smart person decided to change them, I guess.

The screw and nut are metal. I'll give the plumber's tape a try - thanks :)

Yes, buy a new one! Make it an Olfa cutter, you'll be glad you did. :)
Fiskars = Chevy; Olfa = Cadillac ;)

Jan in VA

And I've heard that Olfa replaces parts (washer or screw) when necessary.

Fiskars will replace without any hassle. I had a problem with a rotary cutter and they sent me a brand new one.

It must be a fairly common issue for Fiskars. I called to complain about my stinky cutting mat and asked about my rotary cutter which had the same issue... they sent me a replacement one which I have to admit I have not opened. I no longer use Fiskars rotary cutters for fabric though. I use them for cutting paper which I don't do as often...
Give them a call and see if they'll take care of yours. It is a safety issue and they didn't even ask a single question about mine. They had me take a picture and email it to them and they replaced it quickly. I received it literally 2 days later.

**Great to know...Mine's doing the same thing.

I bought a Fiscars cutter in the early 90's and I still have it (couldn't afford Olfa back then). No problems with it, but have since gotten the Olfa ergonomic and there's a world of difference! I'd recommend the Olfa. BTW, the liquid referred to in the previous repliesis called Loc-Tite and can be purchased at any hardware store, just be sure you get the least permanent one so you can get the nut off to change blades.

Lock-tite is the liquid tightening 'stuff'.

Love my gingher, olfa would be my second choice

Wow - even with no receipt or anything?? Definitely worth a try. I recently bought a 5-pack of Fiskars replacement blades (1/2 price at Joann's :thumbup:), so I'd like to be able to use them. I noticed that several people are recommending Olfa, but I'm not sure that I could use the Fiskars blades on and Olfa (I've read conflicting answers to that on another thread).

A couple of things:
1. Once you Loctite your nut, you will not be able to remove it to change blades.
2. I finally got to try a Martelli cutter and it is just the greatest thing. It works well with my arthritic hands and the blades are super sharp.

It does sound as though you need a new washer. However, I have made nearly 500 quilts and am still using my original Olfa.

Better Yet~ Buy a Martelli, they have a screw that does not loosen as you cut. They are handed so they fit your hand. If you have a problem, they will make it good, I even had them replace a complete cutter for me because of a screw not being hardened and my using the wrong blade in it.
Fiskars-Chevy, Olfa - Cadillac?, Martelli-Hummer!!

No you cannot use the Fiskars blades on the Olfa, the Olfa's have a tri cutout in the center of the blade and are not interchangeagle with the Fiskars or Martelli cutters. The Fiskars could fit the Martelli, but they are a thinner blade and do not hold an edge like the Martelli blades.
I re-sharpen the blades and the Martelli blades hold up much better and you get more sharpenings from them.

I had the same problem with my Fiskars rotary cutter... and I just dealt with it for a while. Then I changed the blade, and I discovered the problem fixed when I, for experiementing's sake, put it back together the opposite way. It worked. I apparently had it in the wrong way for a few weeks!

I've been using Olfas and Fiskars for years.
I bought a Martelli several years ago and could not the hang of it. A friend recently showed me - and boy it's a great rotary cutter - easy on the wrist and the blade is the best I've ever used. I just bought more thru Amazon.
I also recently bought a Gingher, nice hand, cuts well, but not as good as the Martelli.

Plumber's tape generally does the trick.

I had the exact opposite problem. I couldn't get the screw to come loose. I called the company, they sent me a new one. It took a week or so, but I was thrilled. I have an older one for back up so didn't go without while waiting for a new one to come in the mail. Love those companies with great customer relations.

Rotary cutters
 

What is the best rotary cutter to get? I'm lefthanded .
It seems that I have to go over my fabric several times to cut it completely plus my blades get dule very fast compared to other people that I now.

There is a product called Lock Tite. It comes in a tube in the adhesive section of your local hardware/home improvement store. There are two types. One is temporary and the other is permanent. One is called Red and the other Blue. I don't remember which is which so read the package. It works great. I used it for a keychain I have that has a screw on knob to hold the keys and charms on that kept coming loose. That reminds me,,,need to buy a new one. I have to add a new granddaughter charm to my keychain. The last tube got lost in the move. With the temporary one once the nut is put on it will stay where you put it and you will need a pair of pliers to remove it. It will not tighten or loosen so make sure you have the nut tightened to the right pressure by testing the blade before the glue dries. You will have to reapply each time you change the blade. I haven't used the permanent one so I would assume that if used the nut will not be easy to take off for blade change.

There is a little thin bent metal washer between the screw and the nut. I lost mine and had the same problem. I would call Fiscars and see if they will give you a new one. I didn't call because I had another cutter, but I plan to do so.

I've had Olfa and I've had Fskars. Fiskars is my choice for easy on arthritic hands. Cuts just fine.

But all of mine have to be tightened every so often. I just do it.

Did you perhaps loose that little plastic washer that goes on before the screw when you last changed the blade. I have to be so careful to get everything back in the right order, or the screw WON'T stay tight.

I must admit that I don't like the Fiskers cutters, Olfa's are OK but I love the Westcott ones, it helps that I can get them so cheap on EBay. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lot-Of-6-O...#ht_791wt_1093

Their blades are terrific, they last longer than the Olfa Titanium ones and I do a lot of cutting! They are so comfy to use, for left or right handed users.

That was my first thought too!

i love it!!!!! Rol!

I cut a small piece of the self sticking bandage cut a small hole stuck it on the screw tightened it up its still tight.

Theres a little washer like dealy that goes under the screw, it isn't flat. Maybe you lost this when replacing your blade.(?)

Fiskars has a lifetime warranty and I have had to have 2 cutters replaced, no questions asked. I went to their website and got the contact information. http://www2.fiskers.com/CustomerService/Contact-Us The phone number and how to get the product replaced is all there. Good Luck Nancy

Yes! I have this problem, too, just not quite as often as you're having it. I assumed it's just part of using the rotary cutter. Mine is a 45 mm Fiskars, and was not that expensive. I keep thinking I'll buy a fancier one but I'm so used to this one that I never have.

I have this same problem. Don't know what it is.

Jan in VA - you got that right!

Do you have a lot of lint built up under the blade from the flannel? That may keep the nut from tightening.

There are several grades of Loc -Tite and the weakest one will allow you to get the nut iff the cutter. Each grade is a different color, so if you need to use it, ask at the hardware store or read the package. I think the yellow one is the least potent, but stay away from the red one.