Best Rotary Paper Trimmers of 2025

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2025

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Rotary paper trimmers are an essential tool for any office or home workspace. These trimmers offer precision cutting for a variety of materials, including paper, cardstock, and photographs. The rotary blade design allows for smooth, clean cuts without the risk of tearing or jagged edges. Many models also feature a built-in ruler or grid for accurate measurements and alignment. With their compact size and easy-to-use design, rotary paper trimmers are the perfect addition to any crafting or DIY project.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

CARL Professional Rotary Paper Trimmer 18 inch Cover #TOP 1
CARL Professional Rotary Paper Trimmer 18 inch
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Fiskars Procision Rotary Bypass Trimmer Cover #TOP 2
Fiskars Procision Rotary Bypass Trimmer
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Fiskars SureCut™ Deluxe Craft Paper Trimmer Cover #TOP 3
Fiskars SureCut™ Deluxe Craft Paper Trimmer
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Rotary Paper Trimmers

#TOP 1

CARL Professional Rotary Paper Trimmer 18 inch

Carl
CUI12218
Blue and Gray
21" x 10.5"
CARL Professional Rotary Paper Trimmer 18 inch Cover
CARL Professional Rotary Paper Trimmer 18 inch

The CARL Professional Rotary Paper Trimmer 18 inch is a reliable and durable paper trimmer that is perfect for home office functions or craft projects. It features a solid metal calibrated base board, carbide blade, patented rail system and alignment grid and ruler. It can cut up to 10 sheets of standard 20-pound bond paper, mat board, card stock, and plastic sheets. It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty, excluding blade and cutting mat.

What We Like
Sharp and accurate cuts
Easy to store
Replacement parts information included
Handles thicker paper well
Good price for quality
What We Don't Like
Inaccurate built-in guides
Cutting guide difficulty
#TOP 2

Fiskars Procision Rotary Bypass Trimmer

100580-1010
Rotary Trimmer 12"
12-Inch
Fiskars Procision Rotary Bypass Trimmer Cover
Fiskars ProCision Rotary Bypass Paper Trimmer - 12" Cut Length - Craft Paper and Mixed Media Cutter with Grid Lines - Orange

The Fiskars ProCision Rotary Bypass Trimmer is a great tool for precise cuts. It features a dual-rail system that eliminates blade wiggle, a self-sharpening rotary bypass blade, and grid line measurements on the top and bottom of the smudge guard for versatile use. It can cut through thick materials such as cork, magnet, chipboard, EVA foam sheets (up to 3 mm), and more. Customers have praised its cutting performance, sturdiness, and accuracy, although it may not be suitable for smaller paper and can be difficult to clean.

What We Like
Easy to use
Accurate cuts
Robust construction
Good for heavy cardstock
Excellent customer service
What We Don't Like
May feel heavy to some
Initial difficulty in cutting
#TOP 3

Fiskars SureCut™ Deluxe Craft Paper Trimmer

152490-1008
Surecut Deluxe
1.44x10.31x18.06
Fiskars SureCut™ Deluxe Craft Paper Trimmer Cover
Fiskars Precision Paper Trimmer, Easy, Safe and Accurate for Crafts, Gifts, Cards, Photos, Always Cuts Straight, Swing-Out Arm Extends Measurements, Lightweight and Portable Sharp Paper Cutter

Fiskars Craft Paper Trimmer is a versatile tool that is perfect for all your arts and crafts projects. With its precision cutting capabilities, you can easily achieve accurate and clean cuts every time. The scale and base deck grid ensure precision, while the SureCut wire cut-line makes it easy to see where the blade will cut. The trimmer features a 12" cut length and a wide base deck, making it ideal for cutting lightweight and medium weight materials like photos, cardstock, and vinyl. It is lightweight and portable, making it easy to transport and store. With Fiskars Craft Paper Trimmer, you can enjoy the convenience and reliability of a high-quality cutting tool that is built to last.

What We Like
Clean, precise cuts
Lightweight and portable
Easy blade replacement
Sturdy with non-slip pads
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Sharp blade requires caution
Measuring arm could be clearer
#TOP 4

CARL 12" Rotary Paper Trimmer

Carl
RT-200N
Black and Silver
12-inch
CARL 12" Rotary Paper Trimmer Cover
CARL 12 inch-Green Friendly, Professional Rotary Paper Trimmer, 12-inch, 15 sheet cutting capacity, Black And Silver

The CARL 12 inch-Green Friendly, Professional Rotary Paper Trimmer is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and safe paper trimmer. It has a calibrated metal base board for repetitive cuts, a stainless steel no-touch safety blade that can cut up to 15 sheets of 20lbs paper, and a handy compartment for storing extra blades and cutting mats. It also has an optional perforating blade for added convenience.

What We Like
Precision cutting
Replacement blades available
Compact and portable
Safe to use
Durable construction
What We Don't Like
Rubber feet inadequate
Grid misalignment issue
#TOP 5

CARL Heavy Duty Rotary Paper Trimmer - 18 Inch

Carl
12238
Black/Silver
18-Inch
CARL Heavy Duty Rotary Paper Trimmer - 18 Inch Cover
Carl Manufacturing 12238 Hvy-Duty Paper Trimmer 18-Inch 36 Sht Cap. 14-Inch x18-1/4-Inch x3/4-Inch GY

The CARL Heavy Duty Rotary Paper Trimmer is a green-friendly trimmer that cuts up to 36 sheets of standard 20-pound paper. It features a patented locking rail mechanism and luminous paper holder made of light harvesting acrylic for easy and accurate cutting. The adjustable magnetic paper guide holds materials on a calibrated metal baseboard and a storage compartment for extra blades and mats is included. A spare cutting mat, straight blade, and perforating blade are also included.

What We Like
Heavy-duty construction
Clean and straight cuts
Safe to use
Easy blade replacement
Versatile for various projects
What We Don't Like
Magnetic bar adjustment may be tricky
Guide bar width limits some cuts
#TOP 6

Dahle 508 Personal Rotary Trimmer

00508-24050
Blue
18" Cut Length
Dahle 508 Personal Rotary Trimmer Cover
Dahle 508 Personal Rotary Trimmer, 18" Cut Length, 5 Sheet Capacity, Self-Sharpening, Automatic Clamp, German Engineered Paper Cutter

The Dahle 508 Personal Rotary Trimmer is a lightweight and portable paper trimmer with an 18" cut length. It features a self-sharpening blade that cuts in both directions, a triangular aluminum guide bar for strength, and an automatic clamp to prevent your work from shifting. This German engineered cutter is ideal for trimming paper, photographs, and cardstock.

What We Like
Precise cuts
Stable base
Self-honing blade
Lightweight and portable
Easy to disassemble
What We Don't Like
Paper holder can be tricky
Difficult paper alignment
#TOP 7

Dahle 508 Rotary Trimmer

00508-20054
Blue, Gray
Dahle 508 Rotary Trimmer Cover
Dahle 508 Personal Rotary Trimmer, 18" Cut Length, 7 Sheet Capacity, Self-Sharpening, Automatic Clamp, German Engineered Paper Cutter

The Dahle Rotary Trimmer offers a range of features that make paper cutting easy and efficient. Its self-sharpening blade allows you to cut in both directions, ensuring clean edges without the need for frequent blade replacements. The ground steel blade is safely encased, providing peace of mind while you work. An automatic clamp securely holds your paper in place, preventing any shifting during cutting, which is especially useful for precision tasks. Additionally, the sturdy metal base offers a solid foundation, enhancing stability as you trim your documents.

What We Like
Accurate and smooth cutting
Lightweight yet sturdy
Replaceable blade
Easy to adjust alignment
Handles various paper sizes
What We Don't Like
Minor alignment issues
Sometimes requires external support
#TOP 8

Fiskars 12 Inch Portable Rotary Paper Trimmer

199080-1004
Pink
Fiskars 12 Inch Portable Rotary Paper Trimmer Cover
Fiskars 12 Inch Portable Rotary Paper Trimmer (199080)

The Fiskars Portable Paper Trimmer is the perfect tool for all your scrapbook page trimming needs. With its self-leveling swing-out arm, you can extend the measuring deck to 12 ½ inches, allowing you to cut any size scrapbook page accurately. The permanent scale and grid cutting mat, printed from underneath, ensures durability. The 1/16 inch gridlines provide an additional guide for precise measuring, making it easier than ever to achieve the perfect cut. The expanded cut rail with integrated smudge guard holds paper or photos in place without fingerprints, giving you a clean and professional finish every time. Say goodbye to uneven cuts and smudges with the Fiskars Portable Paper Trimmer.

What We Like
Lightweight and easy to use
Effective for accurate cuts
Good customer service experience
Easy blade replacement
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Occasional incomplete cuts
Plastic parts feel flimsy
#TOP 9

Westcott 12" CarboTitanium Trimmer

16718
White, Green
Westcott 12" CarboTitanium Trimmer Cover
Westcott 12" CarboTitanium 45mm Rotary Metal Base Trimmer, White, Green (16718)

The Westcott Rotary Trimmer features a Carbotitanium blade that is eight times tougher than steel, ensuring durability and precision in your cuts. You can easily cut through up to 10 sheets of 20lb paper at once, making it perfect for larger projects. Its unique lever design simplifies the cutting process, allowing for smoother operation and less effort. This trimmer is an excellent choice for home, office, or school use, providing convenience and efficiency for all your paper cutting needs.

What We Like
Accurate cutting performance
Easy to use
Sturdy metal base
Suitable for various projects
What We Don't Like
Bulky design
Blades can become gunky
#TOP 10

Tonic Studios Tim Holtz Rotary Trimmer

3960EUS
White
Tonic Studios Tim Holtz Rotary Trimmer Cover
Tonic Studios Tim Holtz Rotary Media Trimmer, White

The Tonic Rotary Trimmer is designed for precision cutting, allowing you to achieve straight and clean edges effortlessly. With its sharp sliding blade, you can easily cut through various materials, ensuring accurate results every time. The trimmer features three 6-inch rulers and two extendable arms, giving you the flexibility to measure up to 12 inches for larger projects. Its user-friendly design includes a molded grid pattern for easy paper alignment, making your cutting tasks simpler and more efficient. Plus, the safety features, such as the paper guard and comfortable handle, ensure a secure cutting experience.

What We Like
Easy to use
Smooth and straight cuts
Self-sharpening blade
Affordable compared to competitors
Solidly built and portable
What We Don't Like
Inconsistent clean cuts
May require learning curve
Buying Guide Image

Guidelines for Choosing the Right Rotary Paper Trimmers

What to Consider when Buying a Rotary Paper Trimmer

When it comes to buying a rotary paper trimmer, there are several factors you need to consider to ensure you make the right decision for your needs. In this article, we'll look at the different types of trimmers, their features, and the best brands to choose from.

Types of Rotary Paper Trimmers

Rotary paper trimmers come in a range of shapes and sizes, from small desktop trimmers to large industrial models. The type of trimmer you choose will depend on the size and frequency of your paper cutting needs.

For smaller jobs, a desktop trimmer is typically the best option. These trimmers are typically made of lightweight plastic and are ideal for occasional use, such as cutting photographs and small documents. They usually have a cutting width of 8-12 inches, and some come with a self-sharpening blade.

For larger jobs, an industrial rotary trimmer is a better option. These trimmers are usually made of steel and are designed to handle more heavy-duty cutting jobs. They usually feature a larger cutting width (up to 24 inches) and a more powerful blade. Some industrial models also come with additional features, such as a grid pattern for accurate cutting.

Features to Look for

When shopping for a rotary paper trimmer, it's important to consider the features that are available. Here are some features to look for when making your decision:

  • Cutting capacity: This refers to the maximum thickness of paper the trimmer can cut.
  • Safety features: Look for trimmers with features like a blade guard and blade lock to ensure maximum safety.
  • Cutting width: Consider the size of the trimmer and the cutting width it can accommodate.
  • Ease of use: Look for a trimmer that is easy to use and has a comfortable handle.
  • Portability: If you plan on taking your trimmer with you, look for a model that is lightweight and easy to carry.

Best Brands

When it comes to rotary paper trimmers, there are a few brands that stand out. Here are some of the top brands to consider:

  • X-Acto: X-Acto is one of the most popular brands when it comes to rotary paper trimmers. Their trimmers are known for their precision and accuracy, and they come in a range of sizes and styles.

  • Fiskars: Fiskars is another well-known brand that makes high-quality rotary paper trimmers. Their trimmers are durable and reliable, and they feature a range of features, such as a self-sharpening blade.

  • Carbotec: Carbotec is a lesser-known brand, but they make some of the best trimmers on the market. Their trimmers are lightweight and feature a range of safety features, making them ideal for both home and professional use.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing a rotary paper trimmer, there are several factors to consider. You'll need to consider the type and size of trimmer you need, the features it should have, and the best brands to choose from. Once you've done your research, you'll be able to make an informed decision and choose the right trimmer for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is rotary paper trimmer better?

In terms of handling large-scale cutting tasks, a rotary paper trimmer is better suited. It is especially useful for trimming photographs and posters.

2. Which is better guillotine or rotary paper cutter?

If you need to cut a larger quantity of sheets at once or thicker media, a guillotine paper cutter is the better choice. However, if you're working with photographs, large format pieces, or projects that require accurate individualized cuts, a rotary paper trimmer is recommended.

3. What are the three types of paper cutter?

The three types of paper cutters are rotary trimmers, guillotine cutters, and stack cutters. Rotary trimmers use a round cutting blade along a rail, guillotine cutters are used for thicker stacks of paper, and stack cutters are used for very thick stacks of paper.

4. What is the main disadvantage in using a rotary cutter and mat?

The main advantage of using a rotary cutter and mat is that it cuts fabric quickly and smoothly. However, the main disadvantage is that it is easy to cut your fingers if not used carefully. It is important to keep your fingers away from the cutting edge while using a rotary cutter and mat.

5. What is the most efficient way to cut paper?

For cutting stacks of paper with power and precision, hydraulic cutters are the most efficient option. These cutters utilize pressurized liquids to drive their cutting blades through paper, making them considerably more powerful than guillotine cutters.

6. What is the difference between a guillotine and a paper trimmer?

Trimmers are suitable for cutting smaller quantities of paper and are easy to transport. On the other hand, guillotines are used for cutting much larger quantities of paper, utilizing a manual or electronic moving arm to make the cuts.

Editor's Notes

During our rotary paper trimmer research, we found 24 rotary paper trimmer products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 96,368 customer reviews through our big data system to write the rotary paper trimmers list. We found that most customers choose rotary paper trimmers with an average price of $74.43.

The rotary paper trimmers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of rotary paper trimmers, including Carl, Fiskars, Dahle, Westcott, TONIC STUDIOS. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.

Rotary Paper Trimmers Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Carl Fiskars Fiskars Carl Carl Dahle Dahle Fiskars Westcott TONIC STUDIOS
Item Weight 4 Pounds 6.4 Pounds 1.28 pounds - - - 3.4 Pounds 0.2 ounces - 3.54 pounds
Color Blue and Gray Rotary Trimmer 12" - - Black/Silver - Blue, Gray Pink - -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
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