I finally gave up on my old way of cutting underlayment

For years I'd just use a utility knife and a straight edge, figuring it was fine. Then I was helping a buddy on a big job in Tempe last month, and he pulled out a pair of those heavy duty underlayment shears. He cut a whole room's worth in maybe 15 minutes, and every edge was clean with no tearing. I mean, I always thought those were a gimmick, but seeing it in person changed my mind. I bought a pair the next day and it's cut my prep time down by a solid third. Anyone else have a tool they swore was pointless until they actually tried it?

2 comments

2 Comments

oliver8112mo ago

You really think those shears are that much better? I've used them and they're just another tool to lug around. A sharp utility knife is way more versatile, you can make any cut you need, not just straight lines. Plus, those shears can leave a ragged edge on some of the newer, tougher underlayment. I've seen it happen. I'm sticking with my knife.

tessa_schmidt192mo ago

Man, you're totally right about the ragged edges. I tried those shears on some of that dense foam underlayment last year and it looked awful, had to go back over everything with a knife anyway. Just adds an extra step and more stuff to carry around. A good sharp blade really does handle everything if you know how to use it. There's a reason the old ways stick around.