Strong fingernails

Do you need to use clippers. I use regular manicure scissors and my toenails are quite thick. I usually try to cut them after I have had a bath as they are softer then and easier to cut.

You can get an electric manicure set which grinds away the nail. Sounds worse than it really is. It's effectively like using an emery board. I had one years ago.

Wish I had your problem of
thick nails. Mine are rubbish, thin and flaky. One has a deep ripple grove down the middle. Just can't do anything with them.

www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07RDHH1X1/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_glt_fabc_VW7QGMWGE65KY59T68PD?psc=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=gransnetforum-21

The above link to Amazon for wider opening nail clippers x

If your toenails are equally thick and strong, might I suggest you find a chiropodist or a podiatrist - the job titles vary but they seem to provide a similar service. There are some who do home visits. After my hip operation I found I couldn't bend to cut my own toenails and a chiropodist was a godsend!

We use these

Like Grannygear I had a hip replacement and couldnt get down to cut my toe nails, I went to a chiropodist and am still going to her even if I can now get down to my toes, its a luxury I treat myself to.

I file the thick part of my big toes to make them thin. Then it’s easier to clip the free edge. Be careful not to over thin as it could be painful. As others have said after a Bath is best or soak them in hot soapy water for 15 mins then it’s easier to file and clip the free edge.
I go to a training college who train health care professionals. It’s free and I know my feet are being cared for. During Covid it was closed so I did the soak, file and clip method. Hope this helps.

I think you will find that they are thick from a built up of skin cells behind the nail. So try clearing that away with an orange stick then the actual nail is not so thick. I would not advice filing down the outer layer of nail. I think there is some gel you can get to help shed this layer but I think a orange stick works well.

I go to a podiatrist twice a year, he files my thick nails down so I can manage them myself in between times.

I’m with grannygear on this, it’s really important to look after your toenails. A visit to a podiatrist or chiropodist a couple of times a year is invaluable if you can’t manage your own. The damage other wise can be horrible.

Anyard46 Thank you so much for the Amazon link - this is exactly what we are looking for, my husband's toe nails are now too thick for our assortment of ordinary nail clippers plus he struggles with how hard he needs to use them. Definitely going to buy

Thanks from me too Anyard46.