Nutcrackers

(Page 3 of 3)

November/December 1986
By the Mother Earth News editors 
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In case you'd like to make your own cracker using Ken's design, we've furnished his plans. Note that there is some minor welding and thread-tapping involved, jobs which may have to be farmed out to a local shop if you're not equipped to handle them. You're free to make changes or substitute parts, but we'll have to warn you: It works pretty well just the way it is!

RELATED CONTENT

Crack'Um

Manufacturer: Wild Nut Manufacturing Corp., P.O. Box 4386, Springfield, MO 65808
Cost: $39.95

A real cast-iron beauty, the Crack'Um is based on the principle of the machinist's arbor press. An 18" handle controls a hardened steel rack-and-pinion ram, which allows a jaw opening of 2". Model 201 comes with a hardwood base; Model 200 mounts directly to a counter surface. There's some assembly required, but the instructions are clearly written and illustrated. Once you've mastered control of the unpredictable handle, you'll find this tool is all that it's cracked up to be.

Potter

Manufacturer: Potter Walnut Cracker Co., Box 930, Sapulpa, OK 74066
Distributor: Cumberland General Store, Rt. 3, Crossville, TN 38555
Cost: $56.42

If you're serious about nuts, the cast-iron Potter is right up your alley. It retains the flavor of the early Industrial Age, but the compound action of its sturdy pressure lever and cogged slide offers commendable pressure control, and the mechanism quickly adjusts to suit any nut up to about 2" across. The jaws have upper and lower cups to accept different varieties, and are surrounded by a sheet metal fragment guard. You'll have to supply the 1 X 8 wooden base, but Potter furnishes the mounting hardware. Some would call this tool overkill; on the other hand, it won't leave even the toughest nut uncracked.

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Comments

  • e. 1/18/2008 8:30:50 PM

    I have tried several nutcrackers for cracking black walnuts. None
    have done as well as the Potter nutcracker. If you are serious
    about cracking a lot of walnuts I suggest the Potter. I would like
    to hear comments from others.

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