How to Easily Cut Down Sandwich Bags & Reseal Them

3 Materials

Here's a simple and ingenious hack that allows you to cut down sandwich bags by using a knife and some heat. Running out of small Ziplock bags can be frustrating, especially when you need a smaller bag in a hurry. This step-by-step tutorial will guide you through the process, providing you with a cost-effective solution for your snacking and storage needs.

Tools and materials

  • Ziplock bags (standard or larger size)
  • Sharp knife
  • Stove with an open flame (gas stove preferred)
  • Tongs or heat-resistant gloves
  • Cutting board or heat-resistant surface

Ziploc bags for all!

Cut-up or not, Ziploc bags are one of those always-useful tools to have at home. We found some good prices for gallon bags and sandwich bags right here on Amazon! Also, if you prefer your bags perfectly organized and ordered, check out this storage system!

1. Gather materials

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary materials ready. Ensure your stove is clean and clear of any potential hazards, and have your knife, tongs or heat-resistant gloves, cutting board or heat-resistant surface, and Ziplock bags at the ready.

Dividing sandwich bags

2. Prepare the flame

Turn on your gas stove and adjust it to a medium flame. It's important to use a gas stove for this method, as the open flame is crucial to achieving the desired result. If you're using an electric stove, unfortunately, this method may not be suitable.

Heating the knife

3. Warm up the knife

Hold the sharp knife using tongs or heat-resistant gloves and carefully place the blade over the flame. Allow the knife to heat up for about a minute. Heating the knife will help create a smoother cut through the plastic, preventing jagged edges.

How to cut and reseal sandwich bags

4. Cut the Ziplock bag

Lay the Ziplock bag flat on a cutting board or heat-resistant surface. With the heated knife, carefully cut the bag in half along the desired line. The heat from the knife will melt the plastic as it cuts, fusing the edges together and creating two smaller bags.

Cutting the sandwich bags

5. Seal the edges

After cutting the bag, press down gently along the cut edges using the heated knife. This step helps ensure a proper seal between the two newly created bags. Be cautious while doing this to avoid any accidental burns.

Sealing the edges

6. Allow to cool

Give the newly created smaller bags a few moments to cool down and solidify. The melted plastic will quickly harden, forming a secure seal along the cut edge.

How to cut down sandwich bags

7. Test and use

Once the bags have cooled and solidified, you can test their functionality. Open and close each bag to ensure the seal is secure. These smaller bags are perfect for storing snacks, organizing small items, or any other purpose you may need.


How to cut down sandwich bags

And there you have it! A simple and practical solution to creating smaller Ziplock bags using just your stove flame. This hack can save you money and provide you with the right-sized bags when you need them most. Remember to exercise caution while working with an open flame and heated objects, and enjoy your newly crafted smaller bags for all your storage needs.


Did you find this helpful? Let us know in the comments below.


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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 10 questions
  • Maggie's Allure Maggie's Allure on Dec 19, 2023
    What if you don’t have a gas stove?
  • Wma95710612 Wma95710612 on Jun 12, 2024
    It’s just a ziplock bag. As inexpensive as they are, and they sell every size known to man, why would you go through the work? The dollar stores all carry boxes of bags, that sell for a buck. And, it might make for a good story, but it don’t work. Show me a bunch that sealed, and will hold water. THEY WONT HOLD WATER. You cannot seal a slider bag with a hot knife blade
  • Dav110696353 Dav110696353 on Jul 09, 2024
    It it worth removing the temper and damaging the knife blade's use for the trivial savings? Wouldn't using a utility knife and a butter knife to seal the bag if you must go this route?
Comments
Join the conversation
2 of 60 comments
  • Jan Russo Jan Russo on Jun 11, 2024
    Seal doesn’t really hold. I recently found snack sized bags in this shape at Dollar Tree. With printed measurements. Works perfectly
  • Karen Karen on Jun 11, 2024
    Tried it, didn't work well. the seal didn't hold. I wash my ziploc bags when empty with soap and rinse well, then hang upside down to dry on a contraption I have with many press open clips. I get many uses this way out of one bag.
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