Snip Tools for DIY Project: Professional Guide

snip tools for DIY project
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Are you looking for snip tools for a DIY project? If you are looking for snipping tools to start your professional or DIY projects, then you are in the right place. As a tradesperson, general contractor, sheet metal worker, electrician, HVAC professional, or roofer, you will need the best cutting tools for your projects. Snips tools, as you may know, can be used for left, right, or straight cutting applications. This article will tell you about the best cutting tools made by Milwaukee, Wiss, Midwest, and other companies.

What are Snips Tools?

Snips tools are hand tools that cut through sheet metal and several other materials, including vinyl siding, leather, hardened plastic, cardboard, etc. Shears are another name for these cutting tools. Color-coded snips tools display the type of cut they can make in red, yellow, or green.

  • Green – Right cutting snips
  • Red – Left cutting snips.
  • Yellow – Left, right, and straight cutting snips.

Snipping tools are classified into two types:

  1.  Tin snips
  2. Aviation snips

Best Snip Tools for DIY and Professional Projects

Snips function in different applications. With correct, well-created snips, the effectiveness of your cuts can make a considerable difference. Here is a list of the best tin snips and aviation snips tools available from the top brands of snips manufacturers:

  • OUR TOP PICK: The MIDWEST Aviation Snip Set
  • RUNNER-UP: Wiss METALMASTER M3R 9-3/4″ Snips
  • BEST BUDGET: Dewalt Aviation Snip Set – DWHT14676

 Also Great Snips Tools

  • Malco Max2000 –Left, Right, and Straight Cuts
  •  CRAFTSMAN Aviation Snips – Straight cuts
  • IRWIN 21304 –Straight Cuts
  • 3 –Pc Milwaukee Aviation Snips Set– Left, right, and straight cuts
  • Stanley FatMax 14-563 Aviation Snip -Straight Cuts
  • Amazon Basics Aviation Snips – Left and right cuts
MIDWEST Aviation snip tools for DIY project
OUR TOP PICK: The MIDWEST Aviation Snip Set

MIDWEST MWT-6510C Aviation Snip Set –  These are great for Left and Right Cut with their comfortable ……….

Our Rating
5/5

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Wiss METALMASTER M3R Snips
RUNNER-UP PICK: Wiss METALMASTER M3R Snips

Crescent Wiss has also developed an excellent snip referred to as the “advanced metal Master aviation snips.” These precision blades are produced with conk ground serrations and therefore provide cleaner cuts. They have a large pivot.

Our Rating
4.6/5

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 Dewalt Aviation Snip Set
BEST BUDGET PICK:  Dewalt Aviation Snip Set

This set of DEWALT snips has a shorter handle span, requiring less muscle effort while cutting thick sheet material. We highly recommend these snips with a capacity to cut 18 to 22 gauge for straight, right, and left.

Our Rating
4.5/5

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FAQs about Snips Tools

What are Tin Snips?

Tin snips are noticeable by their short blades and long handles, which resemble a pair of heavy-duty scissors. These tools may range in length from 7 to 14 inches. Usually, they comprise extra-wide jaws made from forged carbon steel. Depending on the size of the blade, their cutting capability is from 24 to 16 gauge of cold-rolled low-carbon tin.

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What is the purpose of Tin Snips?

A Tin snip tool trims or cuts tough materials and thin sheets of metal such as gutters, metal roofing, etc

  • Left cut
  • Bulldog cut
  • The right cut
  • Straight cut
  • Utility cut
  • Long cut
  • Offset cut
  • Upright cut

What is the purpose of aviation snips?

Aviation snips tools were initially for cutting those extremely tough alloys in the aircraft industry. They are used to make straight, curved, or pattern cuts on sheeted materials.

What is the Best Snip Tools for DIY Project ?

Before deciding on which snipping tool is best for your DIY project, you should first consider the following:

  • Type
  • Material
  • Application
  • Comfort and Grip
  • Durability
  • Cut angle
  • Design specification
  • Versatility
OUR TOP PICK: The MIDWEST Aviation Snip Set 
Best Snip: The MIDWEST Aviation Snip Set

What are aviation snips?

  1. The three general designs you may regularly observe are straight, left, and right cut snips. However, they are other design variations available. Aviation snips are usually in sizes between 9 inches and 12 inches. Types of aviation snipes may include:

Best snips for metal roofing?

Metal roofing materials are of a variety of gauges, thus a good quality snip will be needed to make consistent cuts. Most professionals choose a high-quality snipe to make those straight, right- or left-handed cuts. For these metal roofing applications, experts picked tools from brands such as Midwest, Wiss, and DEWALT.

General Tips For Using Snip Tools for DIY project

If you are cutting:

  • Heavy gauge metal, use an Aviation snips
  • Thin metal, use a Tin snips
  • Shapes or changing directions use Aviation snips
  • Long straight line, use a Tin snips

You have to also:

  • Drill a hole inside a sheet to start a large circle cut.
  •  Always keep the blade pivot bolt and nut of the snips properly adjusted.
  • Make your straight cuts by placing the work over your workbench, with the layout line being slightly beyond the workbench edge.
  •  Hold your snips at a slight angle, ensuring that the sheet material is in full contact with the lower jaw of the snips.
  •  Carefully stored away Snips after use.
  •  Do not use snips for cutting heavy wire, nails, cable, etc., since it may damage the cutting edge of the snip.

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