I’ve been asked to review the basic tool set from Cricut. There are five tools designed for use with the Cricut machines and cutting mats: spatula, weeder, scraper, scissors, and tweezers. All of the tools have end pieces suitable for hanging and any metal components are well attached to the plastic handles. I’m going to look at each, in turn, discussing their use(s), before giving my overall impression.
Opening the pack
Why does this get a mention? Because like most blister packs in the world, it’s a struggle to get in. Cricut has helpfully provided perforations, but the finger-shaped tab, at the bottom of the pack, is difficult to get a grip on to start the tear (and I didn’t notice it when I first opened the pack). They’ve also added glue dots in the middle of the pack, so even with the perforations, it was never going to open cleanly.
The spatula
This is designed to slide under the cut shapes to aid lifting from the mat. There’s a slight taper towards the front of the metal blade, though it’s not thin enough to be a sharp edge and isn’t good at sliding under thinner/lighter materials.
Slide spatula under the paper to lift away from the mat.
Lifts away your cut pieces too. Just slide from side to side.
The weeder
The hook shape of the weeder, with its sharp point, is designed to help pick out the unwanted bits of a cut on vinyl or heat transfer material. It digs into the vinyl nicely and lifts away from the waste without any issue. I’ve also used it to temporarily stick my cut shapes to, to transfer to my substrate before sticking them down. The point is understandably sharp, so care should be taken when kids are around. The curved section can be used to hold down the parts you want to keep that might try and lift with the weeded portions. Though you can use it on paper and card as well, I wouldn’t recommend it as it can blunt the point making vinyl work more difficult.
Stab and peel away the vinyl waste.
Stick bits to the fine point to help transfer to your substrate.
Use the curved section to keep things held down.
The scraper
The scraper has two uses: removing and applying. It’s ideal for scraping off the fuzzy bits of paper or smaller waste pieces from your sticky cutting mat. It doesn’t scratch the sticky layer and is easy to wipe clean if it gets a little tacky over time. It’s also great for vinyl transfers when it can be rubbed over the transfers to help stick them down evenly.
Scrape the bits and bobs off your sticky mat.
Smooth down vinyl transfers.
The scissors
Complete with a blade cover, the scissors have stainless steel blades with a microtip. They give a clean cut right to the point and the handle holes are big enough for my chunky thumb (can be an issue with the smaller-sized scissors). The blade cover clicks firmly into place and is secure enough to stay there until purposefully removed.
The tweezers
These are reverse grip tweezers, where you squeeze the handles together to let go rather than grab. This takes a little getting used to, but once gripped, the item is held without any further finger pressure. The spring in the metal is strong, giving a firm grip, but might be a problem for those with a weak grip over a long period of use. They don’t have serrations on the inside of the blades, so it is relatively easy to slide an item out. I’d consider them to be a holder rather than a gripper as a result.
Squeeze to open…
Release pressure to close…
Perfect for holding pieces you’re gluing.
My verdict
These tools have been designed to cover every element of removing and placing your cuts. Once you get into the pack, they help lift without damage, trim precisely when required, hold securely whilst gluing or sticking down, and clean up your sticky mat afterwards. They seem to be well built, with solid joints between the plastic and metal elements of the tools. The hanging holes will be useful for those who organise tools in this way. Of course, the tool set can be used with other cutting machines and in other areas of your crafting life. I would encourage you not to use the weeding tool as a pokey tool as the fine tip may get damaged and become less effective for its designed purpose (I speak from experience!).
I think the five-tool pack is good value for money (RRP seems to be around £25) given the quality of the tools and comparing it to the cost of individual Cricut tools that are also available. I’ve no other tool sets to directly compare with but based on my use of these, I’d be happy to recommend them 🙂
The basic tool set is available from Craft Label and other retailers.