Aviation snips, also known as tin snips or compound snips, are essential cutting tools used extensively in metalworking. This handy tool allows for precise and efficient cutting of sheet metal and other thin, hard materials.
Aviation snips are specialized scissors designed for cutting sheet metal and plastic. The term “aviation” comes from their original use in aircraft construction for cutting aluminum sheeting. However, these versatile tools now see use in various metalworking fields for projects big and small.
Compared to regular tin snips, aviation snips incorporate a compound leverage system that provides increased cutting power and control in a compact, easy to handle tool. The additional leverage comes from a four-bar linkage that boosts the force applied. This allows aviation snips to cut through material up to 18 gauge steel in a portable handheld tool.
Aviation snips feature serrated jaws that firmly grip the material being cut. This prevents slippage and tearing. The long handles provide stability and leverage for making straight or curved cuts in awkward positions. Durable aviation snips can withstand heavy daily use for years.
Types of Aviation Snips
There are three main types of aviation snips categorized by the type of cut they are designed for.
Straight Cut (Yellow)
Straight cut aviation snips have long, flat blades ideal for cutting straight lines and wide curves. The yellow color-coded handles indicate it is a straight cutting tool. These are the most commonly used snips for general purpose cutting.
Right Cut (Green)
Right cut aviation snips have angled blades designed for cutting counterclockwise curves and circles. The green handles identify the right cutting direction. These are essential for cutting rounded shapes and circular holes.
Left Cut (Red)
Left cut aviation snips have angled blades suitable for cutting clockwise curves and circles. Red handles signify left direction cutting ability. Like right cut snips, these are needed for curved cuts and circular holes.
Offset Snips
Offset snips have the blade set at an angle from the handles, allowing the user’s hand to remain above the workpiece. This provides a safer way to make long, straight cuts without the cut material interfering. They come in left, right, and straight cutting designs.
Aviation Bulldog Snips
Bulldog snips have a short, heavy-duty blade for added leverage when cutting thicker material or challenging tasks like notching pipe. The compact “bulldog nose” excels at tight spots.
Long Cut Snips
As the name suggests, long cut snips have extended blades for improved performance on lengthy, straight cuts through sheet metal. The additional blade length enhances control.
Upright Snips
Upright snips have the blade positioned at a 90-degree angle to the handles. This makes them ideal for overhead cuts and working in tight spaces where vertical blade positioning is beneficial.
Uses of Aviation Snips
Aviation snips are valued for their ability to precisely cut sheet metal, plastic, rubber, thick cardboard, vinyl, and wire. Here are some of the most common uses:
- Shaping and fitting sheet metal parts for ductwork, roofing, siding, auto body work, and aviation.
- Cutting plastic parts for plumbing, electrical work, and fabrication.
- Trimming rubber gaskets and parts.
- Customizing thick cardboard and mat board for displays, packaging, and projects.
- Tailoring vinyl for signs, flooring, and upholstery.
- Slicing through wire, mesh, and hardware cloth.
- Detailing work where controlled, and intricate cuts are needed.
Aviation snips have many uses across various trades where sheet metal work is required:
- HVAC installation and repair
- Ductwork fabrication and installation
- Roofing and gutter work
- Siding and exterior remodeling
- Automotive repair
- Metal building construction
- Aviation and aerospace
- Arts, crafts, and hobby projects
Common materials cut using aviation snips include:
- Sheet metal and aluminum up to 18 gauge
- Stainless steel up to 26 gauge
- Plastics and acrylics
- Cardboard, leather, foam
Aviation snips excel at making:
- Straight cuts of any length
- Precise curved cuts and circles
- Irregular cuts needed for fitting and shaping
- Cutouts and holes in sheet metal
Their compound leverage design allows aviation snips to cut through tougher materials with less hand fatigue compared to standard tin snips. This makes them ideal for extended cutting tasks.
Benefits of Aviation Snips
Aviation snips provide the following benefits that make them a versatile addition to any toolbox:
- Precise cuts: The compound leverage gives users more control for accurate cuts.
- Comfort: The mechanical advantage means less hand strain during repetitive cutting.
- Versatile: Different styles cut in any direction needed.
- Strong: Serrated blades grip material to prevent slipping.
- Durable: Quality aviation snips can last for years with proper care.
- Portable: Compact size makes aviation snips easy to transport.
- Affordable: Cost-effective compared to power shears.
- Safe: Offset models keep hands away from sharp edges.
Whether you’re a professional tradesman or avid DIYer, a good set of aviation snips will make your sheet metal and ductwork projects easier and more efficient.
Aviation Snip Brands
There are many aviation snip brands to choose from. Here are some of the top manufacturers:
- Wiss – The most recognized and trusted brand, made in the USA.
- Malco – Highly rated for performance and durability.
- Midwest – Quality U.S. made snips at a lower price point.
- DeWalt – Reliable snips from this well-known power tool brand.
- Milwaukee – Innovative snips from a leading power tool company.
- Lenox – Respected hand tool brand offering a full line of snips.
- Klein – Specializing in professional grade pliers and snips.
- Irwin – Known for durable, dependable Vise-Grip pliers and snips.
- Armstrong – Veteran U.S. tool company manufacturing snips since 1884.
When selecting aviation snips, look for quality steel construction and precisely machined blades. Brands like Wiss and Malco are consistently top-rated by professional tradesmen who use snips daily. While cheaper foreign made snips can get the job done, U.S. brands generally provide better performance and durability.
Buying Guide for Aviation Snips
When choosing aviation snips, here are key factors to consider:
- Blade Steel – Look for hardened or cobalt steel blades that resist dulling. Avoid lower grade stainless steel.
- Handle Design – Ergonomic handles that fit your hand size comfortably prevent fatigue.
- Cutting Capacity – Match the gauge rating to the thickness you plan to cut.
- Offset Handle – Offset handles are better for long cuts by keeping hands away from sharp edges.
- Brand – Stick with reputable brands like Wiss, Malco, Midwest Snips for quality assurance.
Buy a minimum of one straight cut and one right or left cut snips. High volume users may want additional left and right cut snips. Consider an offset handle version for extended use.
How to Use Aviation Snips
Follow these tips when cutting with aviation snips:
- Wear thick work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges
- Ensure the material is firmly clamped or secured before cutting
- Insert material as far back into the jaws as possible for maximum leverage
- Make smooth, steady cuts without twisting or bending the snips
- Keep blades lubricated and clean of metal shavings
- Store the snips closed with the safety latch engaged
With practice, you can make perfectly straight cuts or precise curved cuts. Let the specialized blades do the hard work of shaping the metal.
Maintaining and Sharpening Aviation Snips
Like any frequently used tool, aviation snips need regular maintenance and occasional sharpening. Here are some tips:
- Wipe blades clean after use to prevent material buildup.
- Apply a light oil like WD-40 to the pivot point and blades.
- Inspect blades for dullness or damage; sharpen or replace as needed.
- Use a diamond file or sharpening stone to refresh dull blades.
- Lubricate the linkage periodically to prevent binding.
- Check handles for looseness and tighten any fasteners as required.
- Avoid getting blades wet to prevent corrosion.
- Store snips closed with handles locked to protect the edges.
- Consider replacing heavily used snips every 2-3 years.
Well maintained aviation snips will provide many years of smooth, reliable service. Periodic sharpening and following the manufacturer’s recommendations will keep them cutting like new.
Aviation Snip Safety Tips
Like any sharp tool, aviation snips require safe handling practices:
- Wear thick cut-resistant gloves and eye protection.
- Keep hands and fingers away from the cutting path.
- Make sure materials being cut are fully secured.
- Cut slowly and deliberately, not hastily.
- Carry snips closed with edges retracted and handles locked.
- Maintain a clean workspace free of clutter and slip hazards.
- Use proper blade type and size for the material being cut.
- Avoid using excessive force or twisting blades.
- Store snips out of reach of children when not in use.
Following basic safety measures will prevent injuries and get the best performance from your aviation snips.
History of Aviation Snips
The origins of aviation snips can be traced back to ancient times, beginning with the earliest tin snips that resembled large scissors for cutting thin metal sheets.
The more advanced compound leverage design of aviation snips was patented in 1934 by a German inventor named Karl Klenk. His innovation used a four-bar linkage to provide greater cutting power without increasing the size of the tool.
Klenk’s aviation snips were quickly adopted by the rapidly growing aircraft industry in the 1930s and 1940s. Aircraft grade aluminum sheeting was ideally suited for these new snips. The “aviation” moniker stuck even as the snips spread to other sheet metal trades.
Wiss dominated the aviation snips market for much of the 20th century before other brands emerged. Today, several manufacturers produce quality aviation snips, but Wiss remains a leader in the snip category.
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials can aviation snips cut?
Aviation snips can cut sheet metal up to 18 gauge mild steel or 26 gauge stainless steel. They also work well on thinner metals, plastics, cardboard, foam, leather, and wire mesh.
How do you identify different types of aviation snips?
The handle color indicates the cutting direction – yellow for straight cuts, green for right/clockwise cuts, and red for left/counterclockwise cuts.
What’s the benefit of offset handle aviation snips?
Offset handles elevate the hand above the cutting surface which provides better leverage and keeps hands away from sharp metal edges.
Should aviation snips be oiled or lubricated?
Yes, occasionally applying light machine oil or spray lubricant to the pivot points will prevent rust and keep the snips operating smoothly.
How can you extend the life of aviation snips?
Regular cleaning, proper storage, blade oiling, and avoiding overheating the blades while cutting will help aviation snips last for years of service.
What gauge thickness can compound leverage aviation snips cut?
Quality aviation snips can cut up to 18 gauge mild steel or 26 gauge stainless steel thanks to the compound leverage design.
Can right and left hand aviation snips be used by both hands?
The right/left designation on aviation snips refers to the direction that the snips cut, not whether they are right or left hand operated. Any aviation snips can be used in either hand.
Are aviation snips better than electric shears for cutting sheet metal?
For portable use, aviation snips are often preferred over electric shears because they are cheaper, lighter, easier to maneuver, and do not require proximity to electricity.
What should you do if aviation snip blades become dull?
Dull blades on aviation snips can be sharpened using a file or sharpening stone. Some snips also allow replacing just the blades themselves.
How do you make a straight cut with aviation snips?
Use straight cutting aviation snips (yellow handles) with the material held firmly. Cut steadily along a guide like a straightedge for straight line cuts.
What’s the difference between tin snips and aviation snips?
Tin snips operate like large scissors with a single pivot point, requiring more force for cutting. Aviation snips use compound leverage for easier cutting, but are more complex.
Can left-handed people use right cut aviation snips?
Yes, the “right” and “left” in aviation snip names refer to the direction they cut, not hand orientation. Any snips can be used in either hand.
What gauge metal can aviation snips cut?
It depends on the specific snips, but most aviation snips can easily cut up to 18 gauge steel or 22 gauge stainless steel. Special models are made for much thicker materials.
How do you cut a straight line with aviation snips?
Use straight cutting aviation snips (yellow handles). Secure a guide like a straightedge to get a clean, straight cut. Take slow, smooth passes with the snips.
How do you cut circles with aviation snips?
Use curved jaw snips, sometimes called hawk’s bill snips. Cut a series of short arcs around the perimeter of the circle to complete it.
Top Facts About Aviation Snips
- The color coded handles indicate the cutting direction – yellow for straight, green for right/clockwise cuts, red for left/counterclockwise cuts.
- Aviation snips can cut through 18 gauge mild steel or 26 gauge stainless steel.
- The serrated jaws have a series of sharp teeth that grip the metal to prevent slippage.
- An adjustable latch on the side keeps the blades safely closed when not in use.
- Offset handle models keep hands elevated above the material for improved leverage on long cuts.
- Longer aviation snips, up to 12 inches, allow for extended straight cuts in wide material.
- Bulldog snips are a short, high leverage design capable of cutting thicker material.
- Curved jaw aviation snips excel at making rounded cuts for holes and ornamental edges.
- Replaceable blades are available when the cutting edges eventually wear out after extensive use.
- Keeping aviation snips oiled and free of metal shavings will extend the life of the tool.
Aviation snips are an essential addition to any metalworker’s toolkit. Their specialized compound leverage design allows for precise cutting of sheet metal up to 18 gauge steel in a compact, portable tool.
The color coded handles quickly identify which type of cut the snips are designed to perform. With minimal care, high quality aviation snips should provide years of trouble-free service.