Sometimes lint gets in between the blade and the plastic and it would look as if the blade is dull

I have had that happen a couple of times. I found I had assembled it on the wrong side, the blade kept getting loose. At first it was so tight the blade wouldn't turn. Mine only works one way. I keep old blades to trim my quilt sandwiches.

Always learning something new. Off to check my rotary cutter!

I like the quick-change Olfa handles - no screws! It has a plastic post that snaps into a "u" shaped piece to hold it all in place instead. No way to over-tighten.

I wish they made the self-closing handles with the quick-change part, but seems like you get one or the other, not both.

I have noticed that only my older cutters have the retainer ring. I have also noticed my older cutters work better than the newer ones without the ring. I have been thinking about going to Lowe's to see if I can find a couple for my new cutters.

Speaking of cutters......

I use an ordinary Fiskars 45 cutter, the one I bought when I first began this quiltmaking hobby a few years ago. I'm used to it and I love it, except for one thing: the nut loosens constantly; I'm always having to stop and tighten it. And if I don't, the blade eventually begins to wobble. Recently I bought another, thinking the one I had was somehow faulty. Well, guess what? The new one does the same thing! So, are these cutters just bad? Are they designed to loosen? Is it the way I'm using it? I hate to abandon the Fiskars entirely since I like the way these fit in my hand, but this loose nut business is driving me crazy.

I'm with Rodney, I think a cutter should be designed so that the nut cannot be over tightened nor should it constantly come loose.

I had the same problem with my Fiskars. I bought an Olfa, the kind with the blade that retracts, and it's much better. I think I had the lowest priced Fiskars, and the Olfa was more expensive, but not expensive for something I expect to last for years (I hope for the rest of my life!).

If you want your blades to last longer turn them over to the other side and put a drop of oil on blade you will twice the use out of them. Got this from a teacher in a class I took. She also said we should clean the lent off them when you can see it. Then put one drop of oil on the blade when you put it back together. You will be amazed how good it will work.

Will have to remember this tip! Thanks

Thanks for this reply. I've been wondering what brand to go to; may try the Olfa.