The Best Nail Clippers for Fingernails and Toenails

August 22, 2026

Stainless steel nail clipper with curved blade for fingernails and toenails

A nail clipper is the quickest route to well-kept nails – provided it is sharp and sits well in the hand. For toenails it may be sturdier than for fingernails. This guide shows which model suits which nails and how to recognise a good clipper.

How to recognise a good nail clipper

Jaws that close cleanly. Hold the closed clipper up to the light. If you can see a gap, it crushes the nail instead of cutting it – that is what produces frayed edges and splintering corners.
Hardened, rustproof steel. It stays sharp longer and can be cleaned hygienically.
Lever length. The longer the lever, the less force you need. That is the decisive point with thick toenails and with declining hand strength.
A surface that grips. Ribbed or brushed levers do not slip, even with damp hands.
The fit of the pivot rivet. If the lever wobbles sideways, the cutting edges will eventually slide past one another.

Which nail clipper for which nails?

Fingernails: a smaller model with a slightly curved edge. The curve follows the shape of the nail, so fewer cuts are needed.
Toenails: a larger model with a straight edge. Toenails are cut straight across – that prevents ingrown nail corners.
Thick, hard toenails: a sturdy toenail clipper with a wide edge and a long lever. If that is still not enough, a nail nipper with double lever action is the better choice.
Declining hand strength: models with an extra-long handle. More leverage means noticeably less effort – and you can reach your toes better without having to bend down far.
On the move: compact clippers, often with a catcher and an integrated file.

Toenail clipper with a curved shape

Our recommendations

Nail clipper for fingernails and toenails – the all-rounder for daily care.
Toenail clipper with a curved shape – sturdy, for toenails.
Ribbed nail clipper – grippy and handy, even with damp hands.

View all nail clippers

We stock Solingen production from Dreiturm, Niegeloh, Dovo and Erbe; the country of origin is stated in the description of every product.

Clipper, scissors or nipper?

Nail clipper – the fastest and the simplest to use. After clipping there is often a sharp edge left, which a nail file smooths away.
Nail scissors – cut more precisely along the shape of the nail, but need several cuts and a steady hand.
Nail nipper – the first choice for very thick, hard or ingrown nails. With double lever action almost no effort is needed.

A detailed comparison: Nail nipper or nail clipper?

Using it correctly

Cut after showering. Softened nails splinter less.
In small steps. Do not take the whole nail at once – otherwise the force is spread unevenly and the nail breaks in.
Toenails straight. Leave the corners standing, do not cut them round.
File the edge afterwards rather than leaving it – otherwise it catches in socks and tears.

Care

Wipe and dry it after use; residual moisture in the joint causes rust spots.
Occasionally put a drop of oil on the pivot rivet – the lever then runs more smoothly.
Do not misuse it. Wire, cable ties and labels make the cutting edge blunt.

Frequently asked questions

Clipper or scissors?
The clipper is faster and simpler, the scissors more precise when it comes to shape. For thick toenails a sturdy toenail clipper is ideal.

May a nail clipper be taken in hand luggage?
As a rule yes – blades of up to 6 cm are permitted, and nail clippers are well below that. Details in our guide Nail scissors in hand luggage.

Can a nail clipper be resharpened?
Unlike scissors and nippers, as a rule that is not worthwhile – the cutting edge is part of the bow. That is why it pays to choose a model with a hardened edge from the outset.