SCORING TECHNIQUES

Method 01) Use a Boxmaker (a PDF) for a simple way to score cardstock perfectly every time.

Method 02) Use a soft-to-medium-hard rubber pad about 1/8" thick. In the photos here the pad is a 2"-wide strip. (a) Place scoring pad on hard surface. 
(b) Place material to be scored on top of Scoring Pad. (c) Use Ruler to guide the scoring tool. (d) Score material by pulling firmly toward you for best results.

Ready to score

Scoring

Hard to see in this picture but there is now a score along the surface of material...

Crease it well -- toward the scored surface...

...or away from scored surface.

Method 03) Take 2 pieces of cardstock, or masonite or another material with a thickness about twice the thickness of the material you are scoring (see drawing below). Place these two pieces about 1/8 inch apart on a flat surface and fasten them together with tape or glue. You now have a scoring surface. Next, use any thin object with a spherical end such as the dull end of a table knife or a popsicle stick, etc (see various tools in photo -- below, right). Or, use a commercial Stainless Steel scoring tool (photo, below, left) to make perfect scores by forcing the cardstock into the 1/8" groove. The diameter of the scoring tool should be at least as wide as the scoring slot. If it is too narrow -- it may rip the cardstock being scored -- if it is too thin, it will not force the material into the groove. This 1/8" groove works optimally for cardstock from about .018" to .035" thickness. The thickness of the groove should be reduced or increased in direct proportion for other cardstock thickness..

The scoring tool, shown above-left, works best for thicker cardstock --- from about .014" thick and up --- but a thinner scoring tool --- a thin paperclip, for instance, works best with a thinner slot for scoring thin paper .