Plaster Shears
Plaster shears are heavy-duty cutting instruments built specifically to cut through a set plaster cast shell, distinct from general bandage scissors or a plaster knife. Their defining feature is a blunt, protective lower blade that slides beneath the cast padding, keeping the skin shielded while the upper blade cuts through the hardened plaster above it.
What's in This Collection
The Hercules Plaster Shears follow the classic heavy two-handed pattern built for cutting through a full, hardened cast shell with maximum leverage. The Heavy Duty Plaster Shears and Utility Plaster Shears offer general-purpose cutting strength for routine cast removal across a range of cast thicknesses. The Caplan Angular Scissors use an angled blade, giving better access and visibility when cutting near a curved area of the cast — such as around an elbow or knee — where a straight-bladed shear would be awkward to maneuver. The Bruns Shears sit slightly apart from the rest: a lighter bandage and utility shear suited to softer dressing material rather than a hardened plaster shell, useful as a complementary tool during cast removal or general wound care.
Choosing the Right Shear
Full cast removal through a hardened shell calls for the Hercules, Heavy Duty, or Utility pattern, chosen by cast thickness and how much cutting force is needed. A curved or joint-area section of the cast is better handled with the Caplan Angular Scissors, where the angled blade avoids forcing a straight instrument around a bend. The Bruns Shears are reserved for softer bandage material rather than the plaster shell itself.
Related Instruments
Plaster shears are typically used alongside Plaster Cast Knives & Plaster Saws for the earlier scoring and cutting stages, and with Bone Retractors and Spreader for separating the cast once it's cut through. For the full cast-removal kit, see Plaster Cast and Bandage. Browse the complete Orthopedic Instruments catalog for the wider range.
Ordering
Peak Surgicals manufactures and supplies plaster shears for hospitals and distributors worldwide, with international shipping — contact our team for current stock and wholesale pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between plaster shears and a plaster knife?
Plaster shears use a scissor-like cutting action with a protective blunt lower blade to cut through the full cast shell. A plaster knife is a single-bladed hand tool, typically used for more targeted cutting or scoring rather than a full-length cut.
What is the Caplan Angular Scissors used for?
Its angled blade gives better access and visibility when cutting near a curved section of a cast, such as around an elbow or knee, where a straight-bladed shear is harder to maneuver.
Are Bruns Shears used for cutting plaster casts?
No — Bruns Shears are a lighter bandage and utility shear, better suited to softer dressing material than a hardened plaster shell.
Why does a plaster shear have a blunt lower blade?
The blunt lower blade slides beneath the cast padding, protecting the patient's skin from the cutting edge above it as the shear works through the hardened plaster.
