How to use a Cricut Scoring Wheel:
Upload or design a project in Cricut Design Space.
Insert scoring lines inside Cricut Design Space. Once the lines are set, SELECT ALL and ATTACH.
Click on MAKE IT.
When Cricut prompts you to insert the single or double scorning wheel into a Cricut Maker, Insert the scoring wheel into clamp B.
Select the materials you are going to score.
Load the mat into the Cricut Maker.
Press GO.
Let’s walk through the Cricut scoring wheel versus Cricut scoring stylus and how to use both in more detail!
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What does the Cricut Scoring Wheel do?
The Cricut scoring wheel is compatible with Cricut Maker only. If you are working with a Cricut Explore Air 2, you cannot use a Cricut scoring wheel.
The Cricut scoring wheel uses 10 times more pressure than the scoring stylus. Especially when using thicker materials, the Cricut scoring wheel has the ability to create perfect folds. However, you can use the Cricut scoring wheel on all kinds of materials, thick and thin.
See below for a detailed list of materials you can use with each scoring wheel.
The single scoring wheel makes a single scoreline. We recommend this tool for uncoated light materials.
Here is a list of materials recommended for the single scoring wheel.
Crepe Paper
Light cardstock
Acetate
Cardstock (80lb)
Construction paper
Copy Paper (20lb, 24lb, and 34lb)
Glitter cardstock
Grocery Bags
Sticky Notes
Wrapping paper
Photo Paper
What is the Cricut Double Scoring Wheel?
The Cricut double scoring wheel is only compatible with the Cricut Maker. You cannot use the Cricut double scoring wheel on a Cricut Explore Air 2.
The Cricut double scoring wheel creates 2 deep parallel score lines. The Cricut double scoring wheel is great for coated materials.
Here is a list of materials recommended for the Cricut double scoring wheel;
Posterboard
Cardboard
Cereal box
Cork
Craft foam 2mm
Heavey cardstock 100lb
Heavy Patterned paper
Kraft board
Watercolor paper
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How to Install Scorning wheel on Cricut Maker?
Insert the single scoring wheel or double scoring wheel into the housing drive. Cricut Design Space should prompt you on what wheel to use; either the single scoring wheel or the double scoring wheel.
Insert the housing drive into clamp B in a Cricut Maker.
Close the clamp B.
If you want to know more about HOW to change the Cricut scoring wheel from a single scorning wheel to a double scoring wheel, see below!
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What is the Cricut Scoring Wheel Combo?
The Cricut scoring wheel combo pack is the Housing Drive, single scoring wheel, and double scoring wheel in one combo package. If you don’t have a housing drive, single scoring wheel, or double scoring wheel you can save money by purchasing them together!
This Cricut combo contains two scoring wheel tips; the single scoring wheel tip and the double scoring wheel tip. These tips are exchangeable on the housing drive.
To change the scoring wheel tip, press the plunger or round button in the middle of the housing drive. The scoring wheel tip should release. Replace the other scoring wheel onto the housing drive, and let the plunger go.
The new scoring wheel tip should be secure on the Cricut housing drive.
The Cricut Scoring wheel combo is for Cricut Maker only.
If you own a Cricut Explore Air 2, you will need to use the Cricut scoring stylus.
Is there a Cricut scoring Wheel for Cricut Explore Air 2?
No, the Cricut scoring wheel and the Cricut double scoring wheel are only compatible with the Cricut Maker. These tools require the power and drive mechanics that are only built within the Cricut Maker.
The Cricut Single scoring wheel and the double scoring wheel are a part of the Adaptive Tool System of the Cricut Maker. These tools are not compatible with the Cricut Explore Air 2 models. The Adaptive Tools Systems is unique to the Cricut Maker. The Adaptive Tool System allows you to swap out tips or blades from the Quick Swap Housing System. It is a super affordable way to use all the blade options the Cricut Maker has to offer!
However, you can complete scoring projects with a Cricut Explore Air 2. To score with a Cricut Explore Air 2 you will need a Cricut scoring stylus.
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How to change a scoring wheel on a Cricut Maker?
Press the button at the top and middle of the housing drive.
Slip off the scoring wheel.
Slide on a new scoring wheel. You can only insert it one way. It is foolproof!
Once the new scoring wheel is on, release the button.
How to use the scoring wheel and double scoring wheel on a Cricut Maker?
When using the Cricut scoring wheel or double scoring wheel keep these things in mind:
When using paper that is elaborate on one side, mirror your project. Place your paper good side down on the mat so the score lines will be hidden on the backside of the paper.
Be sure to select the correct material you are using to score in Cricut Design Space!
You will SCRORE a project BEFORE you cut, so Cricut Design Space will prompt you to swap the scoring wheel for a blade. Follow the prompts!
Cricut Design Space will always prompt you to use the correct blade or wheel for each project you make. Swap out the blades in the B clamp when prompted.
Unlike the rotary blade, the Cricut scoring wheels do NOT need to be calibrated.
After your project is scored and cut, remove your paper from the mat by turning the mat OVER. Remove the mat from your paper instead of taking the paper off the mat. Doing this will reduce the curling of the paper!
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When do I use the single scoring wheel versus the double scorning wheel?
Both the single scoring wheel and the double scoring wheel create great deep score lines.
Cricut Design Space will always prompt you to use the correct wheel based on the materials you are scoring. It is important to always select the correct material you are using each time you start a project inside Cricut Design Space.
The single scoring wheel is great for lighter paper products such as light cardstock, construction paper, copy paper, glitter cardstock, and sticker notes.
The double scoring wheel is best for coated materials such as cardboard, cereal boxes, cork, craft foam, heavy cardstock, and watercolor paper.
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What projects can I make with the scoring wheel?
Here are 11 great projects you can make with a scoring wheel or a scoring stylus:
2. Baseball Cap treat box SVG for parties or gifts. The actual size of the hat is 9.42” x 7.43”. x 4.75”. The inside of the hat can fit 7 - 9 strawberries. Great to fill with candy or other treats for an end-of-year ball team celebration or birthday party!
4. Paper Flower Rosette Fan. These fans are such a great decoration statement for parties. You can create large paper fans for a baby shower, bridal shower, wedding decor, birthday parties, and more. You could use the file over and over again for years to come! A great file to have in your crafting tools.
5. Christmas Village SVG. This file is a great addition to your home decor during Christmas. This includes Christmas tree templates of 12 inches and 8 inches. Three paper house templates in 6 inches, 7 inches, and 9 inches.
6. Heart-shaped rosettes SVG. These super cute rosettes are great for Valentine's Day, Mother’s Day, party decor, and more! You can use these rosettes are cake toppers or place them on top of a gift. Super versatile and special!
7. Cactus Favor Box SVG. This is a file for a cactus-shaped gift box. Great for weddings, birthdays, or party favors. This can be sized to your preference or need.
8. 3D Cactus Set. A set of 5 Cactus designs for decoration. Great for home or parties. The pot can be used to give candy and party favor. You can adjust the size of the cactus as you need.
9. Rosette SVG. Rosettes are great for decoration or gift-giving. Use at home or for parties on Valeninte’s Day, baby showers, or birthdays.
10. Easter Egg Box Template. Easter Egg box SVG for Easter treats! Fill each box with candies or use them as a party favor. Super cute idea for an Easter egg hunt!
11. 3D Paper House Set SVG. It Includes 3 3D house designs. Great for Holiday home decor!
Which is better, the Cricut scoring wheel or the Cricut stylus?
It is important to remember that the Cricut scoring wheel and the Cricut stylus have the same function. The Cricut stylus is cheaper than the Cricut Scoring Wheel.
If you are only working with lighter materials, a Cricut stylus will get the job done. The finished project will work nicely. The stylus also works fairly smoothly with the Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore Air 2 so you won’t need to spend a lot of time babysitting the stylus while it is working. Especially if you are doing a big batch of projects on lighter paper, the stylus will be the better option.
If you are working with heavier material, the Cricut scoring wheel is the best option. The Cricut scoring stylus will create scoring lines without creases or wrinkles on your paper. The Adaptive Tool System, only available in a Cricut Maker, ensures the scoring lines line up with precision.
Coated heavier materials will also require a Cricut scoring wheel. Coated heavier materials are difficult to cut and fold. The Adaptive Tool system will make sure this type of material is scored without damaging the materials.
In short, the stylus you purchase depends on the machine you are using and the materials you are scoring. Do your research before you purchase!
Where can I buy a Cricut scoring tool?
You can purchase the Cricut scoring tool at most of the places Cricut items are sold.
To check out the current prices on the Cricut single scoring wheel, double scoring wheel, or scoring stylus see the links below.
Learn about the Cricut Scoring Wheel versus the Cricut Stylus. What is the Cricut Scoring combo wheel? How do you know when to use the Cricut scoring wheel? Can you use the Cricut scoring wheel with a Cricut Explore Air? And so much more!