Making the prongs even?

[detroitchild]

I use just about everybody's bases...and various types. I also use nail clippers which has helped a lot but I still have a hard time getting a straight, even cut across all prongs...front and back. It's hit and miss with me. K-Lo, I even tried using a technique you suggested a while back. I place the base on a surface using a light opposite of where I'm viewing to see where I need to cut. This helps but I find that I'll nip one side...size it up...find that I cut it a tad to much then nip the other side....I go back and forth (sometimes to much) until I get it right (again, hit and miss). There has to be a way to get the prongs straight and even in one cut. I've sat and watched Norbert and Jimmy D. get a straight cut while cutting each prong separately. I can't do it consistently enough.

[Shabby J]

I rarely clip prongs anymore, depending on the base I am tweaking and it's purpose, but when I do I use a straight blade toe nail trimmer, eyeball it the best you can and clip them, when you clip enough of them you will get pretty good at making them even.

I also have a piece of 4"x4" ceramic shower tile (bought at Home Depot for $0.50), I then put the base on the tile, hold it up to a light, you can then see which prongs may be longer or shorter than the others, stop clipping and use pliers to gently pull them out to equal lengths.


This is the method I use when the need to clip prongs arises.

[detroitchild]

Shabby J!

What's up my friend. Have not communicated with you in a while. I think I'll try the pliers to even them up next time.

Originally Posted by Shabby J

I rarely clip prongs anymore, depending on the base I am tweaking and it's purpose, but when I do I use a straight blade toe nail trimmer, eyeball it the best you can and clip them, when you clip enough of them you will get pretty good at making them even.

I also have a piece of 4"x4" ceramic shower tile (bought at Home Depot for $0.50), I then put the base on the tile, hold it up to a light, you can then see which prongs may be longer or shorter than the others, stop clipping and use pliers to gently pull them out to equal lengths.


This is the method I use when the need to clip prongs arises.

[RavennaAl]

How about a straight edge razor blade? If you place the prongs against a solid surface, you should be able to make one push on the blade and cut all four prongs at once.