If you’ve ever struggled with stubborn cardboard boxes, battled with blunt scissors, or wished for an easier way to tackle craft projects, you’re not alone.

A clever Kiwi teacher has revealed a little-known Bunnings gadget that’s quickly winning fans—and it’s disappearing from shelves almost as fast as you can say 'snip, snip'.

Meet the Ryobi USB Lithium Power Cutter, a nifty handheld tool that’s become a 'game changer' for anyone who regularly cuts through tough materials.

Priced at $89 at Bunnings, this gadget isn’t just for tradies or DIY enthusiasts—it’s winning hearts in classrooms, homes, and creative spaces across Australia and New Zealand.

A New Zealand teacher has gone viral after praising the Ryobi USB Lithium Power Cutter from Bunnings as a 'game changer.' Credit: Bunnings

Jordan Shallcrass, a primary school teacher from Christchurch, New Zealand, has spent over a decade wrangling art supplies and prepping lessons.

Like many teachers, she knows the pain of cutting thick cardboard for class projects—an exhausting, time-consuming task that eats into precious planning time.

But after discovering the Ryobi Power Cutter, Jordan’s workload (and her stress levels) have been slashed.

In a viral TikTok video, Jordan demonstrated how the tool effortlessly sliced through strip after strip of heavy cardboard, transforming a tedious chore into a quick, satisfying job.

'It’s worth its weight in gold,' she raved, adding that it’s not just for teachers or crafters—anyone who deals with packaging, recycling, or creative projects could benefit.

The Ryobi USB Lithium Power Cutter is a compact, rechargeable device designed to cut through various materials: cardboard, plastic, carpet, rubber, paper, and even fabric. It’s powered by a lithium battery that slots in with a simple twist, and recharges easily via a USB-C port—no more hunting for obscure chargers!

Safety is a top priority, especially in a classroom setting. Jordan reassured viewers that the cutter features double triggers, a blade guard, and a lock-off safety switch, making accidental use by little hands improbable.

The integrated guideline helps users make straight, clean cuts every time—no more wonky edges or wasted materials.

The response to Jordan’s video was overwhelming, with hundreds of comments from parents, teachers, and DIYers eager to get their hands on the tool.

'As a kinder teacher, yes please!' wrote one.

Another said, 'It would be great for kids’ school assignments or making costumes.' Even apartment dwellers chimed in, praising the cutter for making it easy to break down boxes for recycling chutes.

One enthusiastic commenter summed it up: 'I have never coveted a power tool before now!'

Jordan’s classroom isn’t the only place benefiting from Ryobi’s clever gadgets. She also swears by the Ryobi USB Lithium Soldering Pen ($99) and the Soldering Glue Pen ($79), both available at Bunnings and compatible with the same batteries as the Power Cutter.

With a three-port charger, Jordan can keep all her tools ready to go—no more downtime waiting for batteries to recharge.

It’s not just the convenience or the clever design—these tools are genuinely making life easier for people from all walks of life.

Whether you’re a grandparent helping with school projects, a retiree tackling home organisation, or simply someone who wants to make recycling less of a hassle, the Ryobi Power Cutter is proving to be a must-have.

A few things to keep in mind: The Power Cutter measures 202mm wide, 60mm high, and 100mm deep, making it compact enough to fit in a drawer but still powerful enough to handle tough jobs.

It’s an excellent alternative to scissors or box cutters, particularly for those with arthritis or limited hand strength.

The built-in safety features also make it suitable for households with children or grandchildren, though supervision is still recommended.

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If you’re tired of struggling with stubborn packaging, prepping craft materials, or just want to make life a little easier, this gadget might be the answer. It’s practical, safe, and—judging by the sell-out status at Bunnings—very much in demand.

Credit: TikTok​

Key Takeaways

• A New Zealand primary school teacher has gone viral after showcasing the Ryobi USB Lithium Power Cutter from Bunnings, describing it as a ‘game changer’ for quickly cutting thick materials like cardboard in art lessons.
• The handheld power cutter, retailing for $89, features a rechargeable USB-C battery and several safety measures, including double triggers and a blade guard, making it practical and safe for use in schools and at home.
• Other teachers, parents, and craft enthusiasts have expressed excitement online about the cutter’s versatility, noting it can be used on a range of materials such as plastic, carpet, rubber, and fabric, and is particularly useful for breaking down boxes.
• The teacher also recommended other Ryobi USB Lithium tools, like the Soldering Pen and Glue Pen, highlighting that they all use the same batteries for added convenience.

Have you tried the Ryobi USB Lithium Power Cutter or any other clever gadgets from Bunnings? Do you have your own time-saving tips for craft or home projects? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences—share your stories in the comments below.

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[Bill MacL]

$10.00 or $89.00/$99.00?????

 

[El Kabong]

"Teacher’s clever trick sends $10 Bunnings gadget flying off shelves"​

Since when does $89 equal $10?

Clickbait if ever I saw it.

 

[Charlie52]

Where's the $10 bit???

 

[SusanMR]

My thoughts exactly. It says $10. A load of BS

 

[Benny's Light]

What a great little tool! Ryobi are developing some very useful and small tools for everyday things. I have to keep out of the Ryobi isle at Bunnings, it is too tempting. If only these were available years ago when I was teaching - it would have lessened some of the manual workload.

 

[meighLeigh]

Himself, who repaired Ryobi gear under warranty (when he was working for a living) and is a big fan of Ryobi power tools told me cutting too much cardboard stuffs it up. I'd still like to try! We have no recycling where I live (except the 10c bottle returns) and it is Very Frustrating to me. Paper and thin cardboard goes through the shredder and into the compost (it is excellent for that - and can be used as garden mulch if you can keep it wet enough to matt together), but tearing up heavy cardboard boxes into easily compostable size pieces is a bore.

 

[NoNoNoNoNoNo]

so how is that $10 or did I miss something

 

[Pily]

I'm a little disappointed because the title has a tempting price that when you open it, it's not real. Why? What's the point!!

 

[Macarj]

Maybe they meant under $100

 

[Wayneo]

hahaha I was about to fly up to Bunnings to get one I’m thinking 10 bucks wow then I kept reading bugga $89.

 

[Jest]

good ole kiwi ingenuity.

 

[Wayneo]

Gee kiwis haven’t come up with much then lol

 

[chrissietodd]

I’d get 2 if they were only $10 each!!

 

[Zemo]

Where's the Donald and his "fake news" when you need him?
An $89 item that costs $10?
Bloody proofreaders!
Oh, I know ... this was supposed to be covered in another story, it just got caught up in the cutting and pasting process, that's all.