Best non-powered tool for cutting thicker plastic bottles?

[applestar]

I want to cut a bunch of Dr. Bronner's soap bottles in half to repurpose as containers.

I don't have/like power tools. What would be best?

Scissors with comfortable handles are great for thinner plastics like soda bottles, but last time I tried cutting the Dr. Bronner's bottles, my hand hurt after only a couple of bottles.

[gixxerific]

Razor knife and a steady hand can't be beat

[applestar]

OK are you talking about utility knife -- replaceable blade type?
The one I have is retractable blade rather than fold closed, and I found out it's not a standard -- i bought replacement blades at ACE and they wouldn't fit.

With this one, the blade isn't super steady I think due to the "retracting" mechanism -- it feels "cheap" ...OK for opening packages but not for this.

I didn't get it then but I was thinking I should get a more "sturdy" version that takes standard replacements. Should I get the kind called "carpet knife"?

[Bobberman]

Try a pair of tin snips. They cut metal and will easily cut plastic and they are not dangerous like blades!

[tomf]

As you said power tool here is one that would work, it has blades that rotate in different directions so as not to grab and toss the materal you are cutting.

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-double-cut-saw-68316-8065.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/5-double-c ... -8065.html

[applestar]

Well... I said NON power tools, but I'll keep this in mind for future gift for DH

I ended up ordering a couple of "shop shears" -- one pair looks like heavy duty scissors, and the other looks like tin snips but hopefully somewhat lighter to hold than the big ones we have already.

When I get a chance to go to the big box store, I'm going to get a new utility knife. Any recommendations? On line, it looks like there are heavy duty commercial versions and light duty home versions. Would HD or L more likely to have it? At one time my BIL said one or the other has "better" meaning professional stock, but I can't remember.

[tomf]

I saw that NON part oops I miss read it, must have been tired eyes.