Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Hand Cutter
What hand cutters actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a hand cutter?
Sharpen knives. From there, the day usually includes cut materials by hand, trim molded parts, and follow templates. Full time, day shifts.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a hand cutter working full time.
- Sharpen knives.
- Trim flash from rubber parts.
- Cut foam to templates.
- Measure pieces.
- Lunch.
- Cut gaskets.
- Pack parts.
Where hand cutters work
Hand cutters work in plants making rubber, foam, carpet and sewn products.
Hours and schedule
Full time, day shifts.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Cut materials by hand
- Trim molded parts
- Follow templates
- Measure pieces
- Inspect edges
- Sharpen tools
- Sort and pack
Tools you’ll use every day
- Utility knives
- Shears
- Templates
- Rulers
- Cut-resistant gloves
- Sharpeners
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- No degree needed
- Short training
- Steady pace
- Simple tasks
What’s hard
- Steep decline
- Repetitive
- Cut hazards
- Low pay
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I have steady hands
- I’m careful
- I like simple tasks
- I want short training
- I can focus
- I like day shifts
Not sure? Take the free Hand Cutter fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Wear cut-resistant gloves
- Cut away from the body
- Change dull blades
- Dispose of blades safely