Everyone loves a good weeding hack for vinyl projects! This my friends is a good one. It really upped my game with weeding intricate vinyl projects. Plus this DIY Weeding Tool is so simple and budget-friendly to make. Everyone should make one! Let me show you how easy it is.
Allow me to share with you what I was using prior to this DIY weeding tool so you’ll understand why I am so excited. I was using this set of test probes for intricate type vinyl weeding projects. Did you check out their price? Pretty amazing right? They served their purpose well and I still will use them for the right instance.
They worked great! There were only 2 things I was unhappy with. One was the ergonomics of the skinny handle and secondly the fact that the points were extremely sharp with only a tiny piece of rubber to stick the pointed end into.
That was not going to work in my endless desire to have a grand-kid-friendly craft room! I’m sure moms can relate too! 🙌🙌
If you want to skip all the words and jump right into the video, you can do that here.
Video: DIY Retractable Weeding Tool
How to make a DIY Weeding Tool
I’m not gonna lie! This will be one of the easiest DIY projects you’ve ever done. Celebrate 👏
Supplies
Optional Supplies mentioned in Video
Suctioned Vinyl Weeding Scrap Collector
Cricut Self Healing Cutting Mat
Oracal 631 Matte Removable Vinyl
Process
Step 1 – Remove lead from mechanical pencil
Locate button on side of pencil (each button click released more lead to come out)
Keep pressing the button until a finger size length of lead is exposed
Hold the button down while carefully pulling lead out
Repeat the process until all lead is removed
Step 2 – Insert Needle
Pull off the Clip end of the Pencil
Place needle sharp side down into pencil end
Put the Clip end of the Pencil back on (there is a groove that lines up with the clip)
Keep pressing the button until the needle tip is exposed to your liking
How to use your Retractable Weeding Tool
There is a slightly different technique for using this style of weeding tool. If you do it incorrectly you could break your needle. Please don’t let this alarm you. I’ve been using mine for a long time and have not broken one needle.
The needle is much sharper and narrower than most weeding tools. Therefore using a retractable DIY weeding tool with a needle it’s imperative you work at a slight angle instead of straight down.
Be careful not to slide or push hard straight down with your weeding tool.
The technique should be more like a pierce it, push it and lift it all at an angle. Does this make sense? You may choose different words to explain it. I did not realize how difficult this could be to explain.
It does not take strength to weed. Just a simple angled technique that with practice you will see your weeding speed and frustrations improve with time.
You know what they say? Practice makes perfect! You got this! 👍
Example of an angled technique
Release vinyl pieces into a convenient scrap holder
How to Retract your DIY Weeding Tool
Simply turn the weeding tool so the needle is pointed down and press it down slightly into something (I use my self-healing cutting mat) while pressing the button at the same time, then release the button once fully retracted.
That’s It! Simple right? I’d love to know if you plan on making one or if you did, how are you loving it? I sure love mine and I really hope this inspires you to make a DIY Weeding Tool for you and a gift for a fellow happy crafter!
Also If you are looking for a fun easy beginner vinyl project, check this one here. It also has a video tutorial.
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