Now that you have your Cricut, you may be looking to purchase some vinyl weeding tools. But when it comes to brand, which are the best weeding tools? Should you get the Cricut tool set, or would a less expensive set work just as well? I am comparing several different brands and types of weeding tools to get a good idea of which is best for your craft room!
You can also look at our recommendations for other Cricut accessories you may want to purchase if you are starting out!
Best Weeding Tools Comparison Video
First, you can see my entire comparison in the video below. If you love watching a video instead of reading, this is definitely for you.
Can’t watch the video or missed some of the information? You can also follow along below!
Comparison Of Best Weeding Tools
Below is my full breakdown of each wedding tool and my thoughts on each! Also, please keep reading to the bottom of the post to see some of my favorite weeding hacks!
What Do Weeding Tools Do?
Weeding is the removal of all excess vinyl and heat transfer vinyl before application. Usually, you need to remove everything around the outside and the center of any letters. Weeding tools make this process a bit easier. They are sharp, pointy objects that allow you to grab and remove the vinyl.
Types Of Weeding Tools
There are three basic types of weeding tools.
- Weeding hooks
- Weeding pens
- Tweezers
I am a huge fan of hooks, but you may like a different tool for your weeding. I would encourage you to try a few types to see what works best for you.
Comparison Of Tools For Weeding Vinyl
Here are each of the toolsets that I used and how I felt that each one worked. I used each one on the same set of circles cut out of the same vinyl sheet.
Cricut Weeding Set
First, I used the traditional weeding toolset from Cricut, which I use most often. The complaint I get and have about this set is that the tips will curl over and get messed up after some time. I have had that happen to my tools, and I know it happens regularly to others.
However, I really love the hook in this set, which has two bends. It is my favorite weeding tool by far. Something about that second bend makes weeding a bit easier. Otherwise, I did like this set. I will say I use the hooks in this set way more than the tweezers, which I don’t use much for weeding.
Kingfinger Weeding Set
This set looks almost identical to the Cricut set; however, it has no logo on the outside. It also doesn’t come with the hook options. There is only a hook with one bend. It is a slightly different bend than the Cricut version.
I must say that this set worked similarly to the Cricut set, and the price was lower. I love the felt case that it comes in as well. In my opinion, these hooks would probably eventually bend as well, but you might as well pay less for them if they are going to mess up anyway!
Nicapa Weeding Set
This is similar to the Kingfinger set above but has the Nicapa logo on it. I like the matching colors of the Kingfinger set better, but if you want something more colorful, this may be the set for you. It is similar in price to the Kingfinger set.
The set also worked the same as the Kingfinger and the Cricut. The hook, once again, is a slightly different shape. So, each set has hooks that are just slightly different. My favorite is still the hook with the double bend in the Cricut set, but you may find another hook shape that is your favorite. I really think weeding tools are a personal preference.
Cricut TrueControl Weeding Tool
This is the latest tool in the Cricut line-up for weeding, and I had to include it in my comparison. It has an interchangeable handle that you can use on all hooks. The bonus is that you also get a craft knife with this set.
I like the weeding tools, which are about the same as the other sets. There wasn’t a ton of difference. I don’t think I would like to interchange the handle whenever I want a new tool, though. This set is fun but not something I would use daily.
Siser Weeding Tool Set
This was a late addition to my comparison, but I had the set and thought I would throw it in. This tool set includes a hook and some tweezers. No other tools are included. The hook is, once again, a slightly different shape than the others.
I felt like the weeding was similar with this hook as with the others. I didn’t note any noticeable differences that would make me purchase this set over some of the less expensive sets above.
Weeding Pen and Tweezer Set
I will be the first to admit that I don’t like using a weeding pen. I know many people do, and I wanted to include them in my comparison. This set comes with a pen, a set of tweezers, and a plastic case. The pen portion unscrews and flips over, so the pointy portion is in the barrel. I did like this for safety as these pens are sharp!
Again, pens are not my favorite, but this one is as good as any I have ever used. It has two ends, which I actually found really nice. The second end is a metal loop that you can use to pull up pieces that don’t want to peel back. I think this would be a great addition if you love weeding pens!
Black Weeding Pen
This is the second weeding pen I tried, and it is retractable. So, just like a regular pen you would use for writing, you click the button at the top to extend or retract the tip.
Again, I feel like this one worked well for a weeding pen. The set above had a sharper pen point but this one did work well. It did not work well enough to convince me to move away from weeding hooks, but it did a good job overall.
Red Weeding Pen
This weeding pen has a much fatter tip than the previous two. It is not very sharp at all. It is retractable like the previous pen, however.
I didn’t like this pen at all. It is the only one I would never use for weeding again. It was hard to use, and I struggled to pick up the pieces.
Tweezers
I did want to talk about tweezers a bit. I did mention above that I don’t use them very much when weeding. The set that usually comes with weeding tools is the set you squeeze on the handles to open. This is my least favorite set. I like the sets best that you squeeze to close. My favorite set is not even in a weeding kit. I love these tweezers that are meant for working with fabric. So, if you are looking for a set and can’t find any you like, you may give those a try!
Scrapers
I did want to talk about scrapers a bit since some of the toolsets include the small version. If you are working with vinyl, I highly recommend getting the XL scraper. It is so much better than the small version! I use my large one way more than the small one. You will thank me later!
Other Weeding Aids
In the video, I did add some hacks for getting rid of your vinyl scraps easily. It is handy to have something to scrape little bits off of your vinyl weeding tools. You can use a variety of methods, but these are my favorites:
- Old disinfecting wipes container -This has an area for big scraps and you can remove your small scraps where the wipes come out.
- Nail polish holder – Conveniently placed on your fingers for easy access when scraping off small vinyl bits.
- iVyne Berry – Suctions to your table for easy removal of pieces just about anywhere!
Any of these vinyl weeding tools will do the job; the question really is which you like best and how much money you want to spend. I hope this comparison helps you decide which tools to add to your craft room.
I am sure you will be able to find some tools that will make weeding vinyl so much easier! Enjoy and happy creating!
Best Weeding Tools Recap
I know I just threw a ton of information at you about the best wedding tools for vinyl. So, below are the 4 most important things to take away from this post.
- Weeding is the removal of all excess vinyl and heat transfer vinyl before application.
- There are three basic types of weeding tools.
- Weeding hooks
- Weeding pens
- Tweezers
- I personally am a huge fan of weeding hooks compared to weeding pens or tweezers.
- Any of these vinyl weeding tools will do the job; the question really is which you like best and how much money you want to spend.
3 More Weeding Resources
If you loved learning about the best weeding tools for vinyl and are looking for more weeding resources, check out the blog posts below!
- The Ultimate Hack for Weeding Iron-on Cut on a Cricut
- Weeding Boxes: Everything You Need to Know
- Cricut BrightPad: Do You Need One for Weeding?
