As foot care nurses, every decision we make affects our practice — from quality of care to cost efficiency to environmental impact. One of the choices that often comes up is whether to use disposable sterile nippers or invest in professional-grade reusable tools.
I've crunched the numbers and looked at the workflow — and the difference is worth sharing.
Cost Comparison: Disposable vs. Reusable Nippers
Let’s start with the math:
| Item | Reusable Nippers | Disposable Nippers |
|---|---|---|
| Tool Cost | $35 (one-time purchase) | Included in box |
| Sterilization (12 per load) | $33.60 ($32 + 5% tax) | Not applicable |
| Reprocessing Supplies (per use) | ~$0.25 (pouch + disinfectant) | Not applicable |
| Cost per Use | $3.40 | $8.81 |
| Total for 100 Uses | $340 CAD | $880.60 CAD |
That’s a $540+ savings per 100 clients — and that's just the financial side.
Sharps Waste: The Hidden Cost of Disposable
It’s important to know that disposable nippers must be discarded after a single use — no exceptions. Because they contain a cutting edge and contact skin, they are considered sharps waste.
That means:
- You must have a sharps disposal plan in place
- Used nippers must be discarded in approved sharps containers
- 100 clients = 100 full-sized tools in the bin
In contrast, reusable nippers last 100+ uses and reduce your sharp waste volume by up to 99%.
Better Tools, Better Care
Beyond cost and waste, reusable nippers offer professional-grade quality that can elevate your practice:
- Made from stronger, surgical-grade stainless steel
- Offer superior cutting power and precision
- Designed for repeated sterilization without degradation
- Available in multiple sizes and styles to suit different hand shapes and clinical techniques
Disposable nippers may offer convenience, but reusable nippers offer control, performance, and personalization — all critical for delivering consistent, high-quality care.
Bonus Benefit: Extra Income from Your Autoclave
Many foot care nurses who invest in an autoclave don’t just use it for their own instruments — they also offer sterilization services to nearby colleagues who don’t yet have their own setup.
Whether it’s a few trays a week or regular reprocessing for a local mobile nurse, this can become a small but steady stream of extra income — while supporting community practice standards and building professional relationships.
Investing in sterilization equipment isn’t just about saving — it can also open doors to new income and collaboration.
Sustainability Without Compromise
If you already have a sterilization setup, switching to reusable tools isn’t just about cutting costs — it’s about making your practice more sustainable, more efficient, and more clinically sound.
And if you're mobile or just starting out, there are ways to scale sterilization affordably, whether you need small-load autoclaving or third-party reprocessing support.
Final Thoughts
We all have different working styles and settings. For some, disposables may be necessary. But for many foot care nurses, reusable nippers offer a smarter, more sustainable path forward — one that respects your time, your clients, and your budget.
Ready to upgrade your tools or learn more about safe reprocessing?
I’m always happy to help — just reach out.