How do you make a comb for removing lice? - briefly
Cut a fine‑toothed metal or durable plastic strip into a narrow blade and file the teeth to a spacing of 0.5–1 mm, then sand the edges smooth to avoid scalp injury. Secure a short grip to the base with welding or epoxy for a comfortable handling tool.
How do you make a comb for removing lice? - in detail
To construct an effective tool for eliminating head‑lice, begin with selecting a suitable material. Stainless steel, titanium, or hardened plastic provide durability and resistance to corrosion; each can be shaped into fine, evenly spaced teeth.
Materials and tools
- Sheet of stainless steel (0.5 mm thickness) or high‑density polymer rod
- Precision metal‑working file or CNC mill
- Fine‑toothed saw blade for cutting
- Sandpaper (grit 400–800) for smoothing edges
- Protective gloves and eye shield
- Calibration ruler or digital caliper
Design specifications
- Overall length: 12–15 cm to reach the scalp while remaining manageable
- Tooth width: 0.2–0.3 mm, allowing penetration of the egg shell (nits)
- Tooth spacing: 0.5–0.8 mm, tight enough to grip nits but loose enough to slide through hair
- Handle shape: ergonomic grip, rounded edges to prevent scalp injury
Manufacturing steps
- Cut the raw material to the target length using a fine saw or CNC machine.
- Mark the tooth pattern along one edge, maintaining consistent spacing.
- Remove material between marks with a precision file or milling cutter, forming the teeth.
- Polish each tooth with successive sandpaper grits to eliminate burrs and achieve a smooth surface.
- Test tooth uniformity with a caliper; adjust any irregularities by filing.
- Shape the opposite end into a rounded handle, adding a slight flare for grip.
- Clean the comb in an alcohol solution, then air‑dry to remove contaminants.
- Inspect under magnification to confirm no sharp edges remain.
Quality verification
- Run the comb through a strand of untreated hair; it should glide without snagging.
- Examine teeth under a microscope to verify spacing and smoothness.
- Perform a trial on a mannequin head infested with artificial nits; count removed eggs to assess efficacy.
Following these procedures yields a reliable, reusable device capable of mechanically extracting lice and their eggs without chemical agents.