Nutcracker Black

Comments about Nutcracker Black :

The springs are not seated to stay in place if the handles are spread to far, leading to a loss of the spring.

Comments about Nutcracker Black :

I made this as a Christmas present, and it did a fantastic job at cracking nuts---the large wood handles gave a lot of leverage to easily and comfortably break nuts open. It lasted about one day. When trying to crack an almond, the nutcracker broke right at the hinge. The metal component appears to be made out of zinc or aluminum---no wonder it's painted black. I wasn't sure if this was a fluke, but after reading another reviewer who also had the unit break at the hinge, I'm very disappointed. Embarrassing that a Christmas present will now be in the trash on 12/26.

Comments about Nutcracker Black :

This project is fairly easy to make and looks great to give as a gift. No instructions but easy to figure out by measuring. Sometimes we need to think for ourselves, right? Gift was very well received. I milled a 1 inch x 1 inch x 8 in blank using heirloom wood from a 120 year old sugar maple tree transplanted by my grandfather in his front yard in 1902. It went down in a storm. I made the handles 6 inches long. For drilling the holes I used a 10.5 mm brad point drill in the Jacobs Chuck on the lathe.

Comments about Nutcracker Black :

A good quality kit...

Comments about Nutcracker Black :

Nice and strong and Heavy duty and good for Hard Large nuts. Smaller ones just slip through unless you hold your finger in the cracker untill the last micro seccond. Very Nice device though. I will be doing more for the craft sales next Christmas

Comments about Nutcracker Black :

Read the directions, watched the video. So what size drill bit am I supposed to use? I have spent more time trying to find the size of the drill bit than I will likely spend on actually turning the handles! This is MOST frustrating! I am thinking the nutcracker will be a great gift, but I CAN'T make any until I find the dang drill bit! Most frustrated

Comments about Nutcracker Black :

When I first purchased the nutcracker I was impressed by the way it cracks most nuts. I have made numerous nutcrackers out of various hard woods. Had a problem with a Macadamia Nut. The nutcracker broke at the hinge. I know it wasn't from squeezing the handles to tight because I make sure the the two handles trouble together when fully squeezed. I have mixed feeling about recommending the nutcracker because of that.

Comments about Nutcracker Black :

Easy to turn the handles and assemble. Sturdy construction says it will last a long time.

Comments about Nutcracker Black :

Very easy to make and assemble. Just turn two handles, finish and glue them on. Handle design is endless so variety is also endless.

Comments about Nutcracker Black :

So far this item appears to be well made and very functional. It is easy to use and assemble after making the handles which require only the drilling of a 21/64" hole approx 2' deep. Turning the handle on the lathe leaves the design open tgo your imagination. I initially tried a 5/16" hole for the handle but it was too tight and I was afraid of splitting the wood by forcing assembly therefore the 21/64' hole. The wood for the handle needs to be 3/4x3/4" and any length over 5" you desire; I used a mahagony dowl - looks great.