Rotary cutter "guard"?
 

Well, it finally happened! I was cutting a border today and my rotary cutter "jumped" the ruler and I ended up slicing into my index finger. Seven stitches and a very sore finger later, I am looking for some sort of guard you place on the ruler so hopefully this won't happen. I saw one online recently, but of course can't remember where. Does anyone know what I am talking about or where I can get one?? Thanks! :)

Ouch! It must have hurt even to type that message.

I don't know about a guard for the ruler, but they do make a Klutz glove to protect you from the rotary blade.

Sorry about your finger, wow. I am using a ruler gripper that keeps my hands up and away from any blade slipping, maybe you could try that. I can't remember the name but it is purple! It sucks to your plastic rulers and keeps your hand up and away

I recently bought a metal glove at a kitchen store when I plan to wear when using the rotary cutter. It feels nice on. Not constricting or clumsy. I hope it works. I think it costs around $20. I am sorry for your injury and wish you a quick recovery!

Yes, I know what you are talking about. I have one, on one of my rulers but I bought it at a quilt show in OR about 9 years ago and there is not a marking on it. I always planned on getting another for my other long ruler but have not seen them. Good luck finding one. I too worry about cutting myself. You are probably saving a few of us getting cut. Guess I should buy the glove. Good luck, it has to hurt and I am a nurse who does not like pain.

ouch! Is this what you are looking for?

http://www.guidelines4quilting.com/FingerGuards.html

The purple thing is called a "Gypsy Gripper." We have them on all the rulers at the store, and they are pretty awesome! There are 3 sizes.

I have a safety shield that is glued 1/4 inch from the edge. It is made by O'lipfa. Not all quilt stores carry them but I did see some online once I typed in O'lipfa Safety Shield and several stores came up. I have it on my 24" ruler where I usually have the most problems because I am vertically challenged (short). It has saved my fingers several times...so I really like it. At the store where I was a manager It was mandatory to use the ruler with the guard.

I have a klutz glove and always wanted to ask this board if it really does work. Being disable, I have down sized to using the 28mm rotary cutter. I have read on previous posts that any of the shower handles will work on the rulers and are less expensive. Good Luck.

Yes! Thanks for your help. Will order one today!

Thanks for the info! Maybe I'll get a couple of these. I am going to try the one with the suction cups too.

Did the same thing but I was using the wrong side of my long ruler. the guard was on the other side!! anyway, i used to buy my long plastic "guards" at JoAnn's. they were L shaped and you just stick them on. I'm sure they have more options now.

A girl at the quilt shop cut the end of her finger off. She went to the lumber yard and purchased a plastic strip that is put around corners to protect the sheetrock and glued it on her ruler. It is clear, cheap and works great. Also use a cutting glove from Fons and Porter. I too almost cut my finger off before I started using these things.

I have what you have described. It's a medium long piece of plastic about an inch or so high and it glues on and works great. The only thing I don't like is that it makes it hard to see the markings on the ruler if it happens to be right on top of a mark.

I think there's one called "Tru-Cut" where there's a track on one edge of the ruler that the blade goes in, shows it being used by a young girl, supposed to be safe.

Harbor Freight....they have several suction cup devices that I use on my rulers.....much less expensive. The large one is like them gypsy one but for shower...same item just different color.

Maybe I haven't learned the suction secret, but my Gypsy Gripper doesn't always work so I tucked it away. Maybe I will get it out again and TRY again. Thanks for the reminder.

I wear my Klutz glove almost every time I cut. Sometimes I have just one tiny cut to make so I don't put it on and I feel so vulnerable without it. I've read about these finger cuts enough on this board that I'm very afraid.

I have the O'Lipfa Safety Guard also. use it on my 36" O'lipfa ruler.

I did the exact same thing two summers ago. Eight stitches and a nicked tendon. (and yes, it hurt like the dickens) Lesson learned. My neighbor is a wood carver and he sent me to a woodworkers supply store to get a wood carvers glove. It was a little bulky at first, but "fits like a glove" now. I use it every time I pick-up my rotary cutter. I am currently taking a block of the month class at a local quilt shop and the teacher suggested to use a 60mm rotary cutter. She said for some reason she has more control and it has improved her cutting. I bought one and have to agree with the teacher. Believe it or not, with the bigger blade I have more control and my cuts are straighter. Good luck with your injury. I feel your pain.

I have a Fisherman's Fileting glove. Just happened to be in a sports store and for the price picked it up. my cousin works in a seafood restaurant and uses an oyster shucking glove. I slit the very edge of my index finger the very first time I used it.

I checked out the link to the Finger Guard ruler and had to read the ad several times as it said it was now $13.46 regularly $11.95. I think I would want it at the regular price. LOL

After my incident which also involved a Tetnus shot.....make sure that is up to date. They are good for 10 years and with all the times I prick a finger, I thank that I got that. You need the glove from Fons and Porter. After my accident, I went out and purchased it and it has been a wonderful addition to all my quilting cutting daily. I have slipped again when cutting but the glove protected my hand and fingers. I would strongly suggest it. When Jo Ann's had coupons, I purchased a couple more and have them at each of my cutting areas. So sorry about your little "jumper" and your poor finger. You are not alone.

Where do you buy the Fons and Porter gloves? I went to their website and could not find them.

I did this just yesterday. I’ve been using my rotary cutter everyday for at least 5 years. I couldn’t believe it. The cut started on the side of my index finger starting at the first joint, ran up along the side of my nail, then exited at the tip taking some nail with it. The cut was a good 1/2” deep all along the way. I was lucky the ”slab” was not cut off completely. The 6 stitches I received were the most painful thing I’ve ever endured. I now have a rotary ruler cutting guard on the way from Amazon. I never want to go through that again!

go to a Amazon and search for

Dritz 11022 O'LIPFA 22-Inch Safety Shield

I use klutz glove.

This is an old post but still important. I use Quilter's Slide Lock. I use the shorter one the most but have both sizes. I use it on top of the ruler. I bought my first one from Australia when it was called Rule Steady. Now a US company has the rights to it and it's Quilter's Slidelock. I don't cut without it. For small rulers and templates I use the small round Gypsy Gripper. When I'm cutting away from home I use a glove. Not using a safety device when using a rotary cutter is like driving a car with no seatbelt.

So sorry about you finger and stitches, I have a glove but have not used it but once. Hope you recover soon!https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/wave.gif

When I'm at the cutting table, my back is to the door. I usually can hear DH when he close to my door. I told him about all these accidents and told him when he's on the way to make noise so I'm not alarmed.

More advice...luckily when my sewing machine "bit me" ds was home and he gave me the cell phone so I could call 911 for help. Now I have a phone in it's cradle all the time in case I need help, If your dh is a woodworker make sure he has a phone in his tool belt or pocket. Best to be prepared.

I place my non-cutting hand at the far edge of the ruler I'm using, with my thumb and pinkie spread and resting on the fabric so the ruler doesn't move. If you find yourself pushing down on the rotary blade to cut, it's probably time to change your blade.

I agree with those who say you need to have a plan in case something happens and you need help. My friend Cindi once sewed through her finger on her longarm. She couldn't reach the power switch or her cell phone, and her husband was downstairs at the other end of the house in the garage. She was stuck for hours until he finally went looking for her. Make a plan, keep your cell phone in your pocket.