Carl, I suspect that it wouldn't do any good for silencers since it's so close to the ends of the string. As I understand it, you need the silencer closer to the "active" part of the string, where it vibrates more.

As for trimming the little ends... I use a pair of good quality thread trimming scissors made for commercial work. I have it on good authority from the fellow who taught me how to make strings that nail trimmers are the way to go.

Guy