As part of my coursework for EDAT 527: Assistive Technology for Independent Living and Employment at George Mason University, I completed a project where I documented a list of adapted nail clippers for low vision and characteristics of low vision aids for nail trimming. Here is an edited version that may be helpful for others with low vision.
Please note that this is not an endorsement of any specific product or a guarantee that a product will be appropriate for a specific individual, rather it is meant to serve as an overview of adapted nail trimmers/adapted nail clippers and features to consider when selecting them.
Maintaining personal hygiene is a key activity of daily living that encompasses many different types of personal care and grooming tasks, including nail care and trimming/clipping fingernails. People living with low vision or impaired vision often find it challenging to trim their fingernails and maintain them due to difficulties with positioning nails for even clipping or maintaining nails at an even length, locating nail clippers with reduced contrast vision, and determining if nails are a consistent round shape, as well as collecting and disposing of nail clippings safely. Secondary conditions such as decreased fine motor skills or dexterity that can make it more difficult to manipulate nail clippers as well as difficulties with handheld clippers can also make nail care tasks more challenging to complete independently.
Adapted nail clippers and nail trimming aids can be used to help people with low vision or other forms of vision loss to complete nail care tasks related to hygiene with an increased level of independence, and can be purchased online so that the individual does not have to travel to a physical store.
Characteristics of adapted nail clippers for low vision
When considering adapted nail clippers and nail care for low vision, there are a few key characteristics to look for when determining if a nail care solution will be helpful for the target user. Common characteristics of accessible nail tools include:
- High-contrast color that is visible against multiple surfaces. Stainless steel clippers may be more difficult to locate or generate glare due to their reflective surface.
- Nail slot for positioning a single nail for optimal trimming, without placing trimmers too close to the skin
- Optional LED light and/or magnification for increasing task lighting and aiding with positioning or inspecting the nails for trimming. Some devices provide users with options to turn these features on/off, or the option to utilize other magnification aids or task lighting.
- No need to replace batteries, electric devices can be recharged or do not require the user to change batteries
- Ergonomic grip that requires the user to exert less force than traditional nail clippers
- Built-in filing option for filing nails after they are trimmed to a consistent length/thickness
- Option for handheld or tabletop use on a flat surface, which can also help aid users with positioning their hands or nails for trimming.
When choosing an adapted nail clipper, users can consult with an occupational therapist to determine which features they will need and determine which device will work for their individual needs. An occupational therapist can also train users on how to clip their fingernails using different activities; one potential example would be practicing with trimming spaghetti noodles that are attached to a piece of paper with Play-Doh or using plastic cups, which can mimic the size and texture of fingernails and provide a high-contrast visual reference.
Related links
- Image of fingernail activity (unknown source)
- @CotaLife nail activity
- Low Vision Assistive Technology For The Bathroom
- High Contrast and Low Vision
- Lighting And Low Vision
Provide Magnification: Magnifying Nail Clipper
The 5x Magnifying Nail Clipper from Safety 1st has an ergonomic design with a built-in magnifying glass, emery board, and LED light that can be used for individuals trimming their own nails or nails for babies and children. The device is designed so that it can be used either as a handheld device or on a tabletop/flat surface, with users placing a single fingernail in the nail slot and then pressing the non-slip grip to trim the nail. The magnifying glass and optional LED light may be used to aid in positioning the nail or to inspect the nail for further trimming or filing, with the magnifying glass offering a 5x magnification power and diagonal positioning for optimal use with the nail clippers.
Once nails are trimmed to the desired length, they may be filed using the curved emery board on the side of the nail clipper. Users are responsible for collecting nail trimmings as there is no slot or compartment for storing or disposing of them, and the device can be cleaned after use with an alcohol wipe.
Magnifying Nail Clippers are marketed for babies and toddlers, but the design can be used for hands and nails of all sizes. It currently retails for about $10 and can be purchased on Amazon, Target, or other online retailers. The LED light is powered by a built-in battery that cannot be replaced.
Note: Information on product magnification was sourced directly from manufacturer, who stated that the magnifying glass on this product was identical to their baby nail clippers and tweezer set sold in Australia.
Related links
- Amazon.com : Safety 1st Light Zoom Nail Clippers, One Size : Baby
- Baby Nail Clippers and Tweezer Set | Safety 1st
- Magnifying Glasses For Low Vision
Automatic Design: ClipDifferent Lil Nipper Electric Nail Clipper
The Lil Nipper is an electric fingernail clipper manufactured by Clip Different that is designed for users to trim their nails independently without the need for a file or manipulating traditional nail clippers. To use the Lil Nipper, users position a single fingernail inside the nail slot, which is illuminated by a bright LED light, and rotate their nail to get a round even trim within seconds without grinding or uneven nail clipping- the device makes a humming noise to indicate that it is turned on and working. The Lil Nipper device is small enough to fit in a hand, or can be positioned on a table or other flat surface for hands-free use. Nail trimmings are collected in a hidden compartment and can be disposed of after the user finishes trimming their nails by holding the device over a trash can and sliding the bottom compartment open. The device can then be cleaned by wiping it with a warm soapy washcloth or alcohol wipe.
Lil Nipper devices come in three sizes including Adult (13+), Child, and Infant, which feature different sized nail slots for accommodating various hand sizes. They can be charged with a USB cord and will indicate when they need to be charged with a flashing LED light. Each Lil Nipper device currently retails for $50 with free shipping and delivery from the company website and Amazon.
Related links
- Lil Nipper™ – Electric Nail Clipper – ClipDifferent
- Amazon.com: Lil Nipper Electric Nail Clipper with Catcher for Kids, Children, Tweens – Safe and Easy to Use. Rechargeable Safety Fingernail Trimmer for Kids 5-12 yrs Old : Baby
Built-in File: One + Other Universal Nail Clipper
The One + Other (One Another) Universal Nail Clipper is a stainless-steel nail clipper that has been specifically designed to address common accessibility barriers encountered by people living with mobility, dexterity, and vision disabilities. With a high contrast bright blue color and a flat, rounded design, the universal nail clipper can be used as a handheld device or rested on a table or other flat surface for nail trimming tasks, and also has a built-in catcher for containing nail trimmings. Users can place the clipper in their other hand or on a flat surface and position their fingernail in the nail slot before squeezing or pushing down on the soft non-silicone grip with a light amount of force to trim the nail to its desired size. Once the user is finished clipping their nails, they can use the built-in file to even out the nail trimmings, with the option to use the file as a handheld device or on a flat surface as well. The device can then be cleaned by wiping it with an alcohol pad once finished.
The One + Other Universal Nail Clipper is exclusive to CVS Pharmacy stores and may be purchased online or in-store for $10 retail. It also comes with accessible packaging designed to be opened without scissors and with limited hand strength, as it has a cardboard pull tab located at the bottom of the box.
Related links
- one+other Universal Nail Clipper + Catcher (cvs.com)
- CVS Expands One+Other Personal Care Line | Store Brands
Comparing and selecting adapted nail clippers for low vision
When selecting an assistive device for nail care and other hygiene-related activities of daily living, users will need to examine product listings and information to determine which product will best fit their individual needs, and consult with a healthcare professional when appropriate. Here is an overview of each of the adapted nail clippers listed, along with their unique characteristics and how they compare to the other devices listed.
Magnifying Nail Clipper
The Magnifying Nail Clipper from Safety 1st offers a built-in magnifying glass and LED light and is designed to be used to trim one’s own fingernails or the nails of a child or infant who may be sleeping. It does not emit any more noise than a traditional nail clipper, and the magnifying glass and LED light can be used to aid with positioning and trimming the nail, as well as inspecting filed nails without the need for an additional device. Like the other devices listed, the Magnifying Nail Clipper has a built-in filing option, but does not have a container for containing nail trimmings or disposing of them more easily. It is also the longest out of all of the devices, measuring at 7.63 x 3.63 x 1.75 inches and weighting 3.52 ounces, and is offered at the same price point as the universal nail clipper.
ClipDifferent Lil Nipper
The Lil Nipper from ClipDifferent is an all-in-one electric nail clipping solution that trims and files the nail within seconds for an even, round cut. The most expensive of the three devices at $50, the Lil Nipper comes in multiple sizes and does not require the user to manipulate nail clippers or position their hands at an angle in order to see where the nail is being clipped, eliminating the need for additional nail filing. The built-in LED light can be used to aid in positioning, and the humming noise indicates to the user that the device is on and ready to trim their nails. The rechargeable device measures at 2.5 x 1.25 x 1.75 inches, weighs 4.9 ounces, and is designed to fit in the palm of the hand or on a flat surface.
Universal Nail Clipper
The Universal Nail Clipper from One+Another at CVS is designed for handheld use or for use on a flat surface, and the wide handle design requires less force than a traditional nail clipper for effective use. While it doesn’t have a built-in magnification aid or light for positioning, this adapted nail clipper does have a wider base for positioning and a larger nail file area, along with a designated collection area for nail trimmings that can be disposed of after use. Consistent information on the Universal Nail Clipper dimensions was not available at the time of publication, however it is shorter than the Magnifying Nail Clipper that is also offered at the same $10 retail price, and weighs about 3.3 ounces.
Related links
Additional References and Resources
- Equip2Adapt | Accessibility at Your Fingertips: 10 Nail Care Assistive Devices
- APH ConnectCenter | Fingernail Care
Published July 30, 2024. Updated November 2025