You’ve just received a package in the mail, and you’re looking around your home for something to open it with. Do you have a utility knife? This multipurpose tool can be used for opening boxes and plenty more tasks.

While a manual utility knife can do the trick, this auto-retractable knife is arguably safer because the blade automatically retracts when you release the lever with your thumb or finger. Since the blade is only exposed when you are using the knife, the auto-retractable feature keeps the blade housed in its handle or casing. Investing in this cutting tool minimizes the risk of accidental injuries at home or in the workplace.

Some auto-retractable blades have ceramic edges that are sharp enough to cut certain materials, but are less likely to cut or damage your skin. This enhancement is especially great for its longevity compared to traditional steel blades. As long as you follow all safety precautions, a finger-friendly ceramic blade should be effective and reduce the likelihood of finger injuries. But now that you have the knife, what do you do with it? Read on.

Auto-Retractable vs Self-Retracting Utility Knives

Although they may look a lot alike, auto-retractable and self-retracting utility knives (also interchangeably referred to as smart-retracting utility knives) are not the same. A user of an auto-retractable knife needs to break contact with the slider or button to retract the blade. However, a self-retractable knife requires a certain level of pressure for the blade to stay in place—even if the user is still holding the slider or button.

Ways to Use an Auto-Retractable Knife

There are various uses for an auto-retractable utility knife, so maybe you can pick up some new ideas for your next project.

Repairing a Window Screen

Do you have a tattered nylon window screen? While it may not be a pretty sight, you can easily repair it with the help of this knife. Cut out the original screen with your utility knife, and then replace the old mesh with a new one that can be attached to the window frame. Once you finish adding a replacement screen, you’ll probably be left with extra mesh. You can use the knife again to cut off the extra screening.

Removing Grout

Are you remodeling your bathroom or kitchen floor? Do you want to remove that pesky mold in your shower? Removing grout is a fairly common household task that can be completed with your knife. You could just use a rotary tool for small jobs, but utility knives come in handy for tight spaces. It may take some time and patience, but slowly scraping stubborn grout in hard-to-reach places should make it come off. Just apply some pressure where needed.

Opening Packages

As mentioned, an auto-retractable knife is a safer way to open cardboard packages. In addition to investigating the box covering your latest online order, an auto-retractable knife can also cut through zip ties, tape, and other elements of a package.

Perfecting a Paint Job

Whether you want to complete a professional paint job or a do-it-yourself (DIY) household project, clean lines are a must for a nice, presentable finished product. One traditional method of achieving clean, sharp lines is to use painter’s tape.

However, it is possible to take off some of the fresh paint when you peel off the tape, so an auto-retractable knife can be useful in this situation. You can lightly run the blade along the edge of the tape before you peel it off. This neat trick can help reduce the potential of accidentally peeling the paint off when you remove the tape.

Expose Nails or Screws for Removal

For homes built with drywall, there are often popped nails or screws on the walls and ceilings. You can use your utility knife to expose and remove the head of the nail or screw. With the pointed tip of your knife, start by whittling away at the area surrounding the popped head. Once you’re done, you’ll be able to easily identify whether it’s a nail or a screw. With this pertinent information, you can determine the appropriate tool to use for its removal. For a popped nail, you may use a hammer and nail set to safely remove it without damaging the wall. A screw will require a drill or driver to extract it.

General Safety Guidelines

There is always going to be some level of risk associated with using a knife regardless of safety features like auto-retraction. As a responsible user, it’s important to follow basic safety guidelines to prevent potential accidents or injuries.

For example, don’t cut while you’re distracted or looking away, and always cut away from your body. Other precautions include storing your knife in a safe place, especially away from young children.

The next time you have a DIY project, an auto-retractable utility knife is a safe and handy option to consider. From paint jobs to window repair and drywall touch-ups, this may be the one thing missing in your toolkit. These five ideas above are just the start of a host of ways to enjoy this cutting tool.