If you have a purpose in mind for your tin snips, check the manufacturer’s recommendations to be sure you get a tool designed for your project. Some tin snips are also intended for use on leather, cardboard, aluminum, copper, vinyl siding, and wire mesh. Also, keep in mind that the larger the metal gauge number, the thinner the metal. A set of snips that can only cut 20- gauge steel will be useless if you have 10-gauge steel. If you are using the tin snips to cut metal, then your considerations should also include the gauge of the metal you typically use. The materials that you normally work with are a consideration to keep in mind when you are choosing a set of tin snips. These snips are also a good option for working in tight spaces because the angled blades can bend around small obstacles to better grip and cut metal. Offset tin snips have right- or left-angled blades, making them easier to use than straight-cut tin snips when you want to make circular or angled cuts.

Straight-cut tin snips can have short or long blades and can be used to make left- or right-curved cuts, though they are best for precise straight cuts, making them ideal for working on sheet metal roofing. Whether you are using a set of straight-cut or offset tin snips typically depends on the type of cuts you want to make, but can also be determined by your range of motion while you work.

These tools are ideal for tight spaces where only the blades of the snips can fit.

Vertical tin snips have a set of blades that sit at a right angle to the handles of the tool, which is why they are also known as right-angle tin snips.

These tin snips are best paired with clockwise-cut snips so that you can effectively make curved cuts in both directions. – Counterclockwise-cut tin snips can be identified by their red handles. They have green handles to set them apart from the counterclockwise-cut snips. – Clockwise-cut tin snips, as the name indicates, are used to make cuts in the clockwise direction.

Offset tin snips fall into two categories:.

These tin snips will normally have yellow handles so you can quickly differentiate them from offset snips. However, the blades are much thicker and heavier than scissor blades to enable them to cut through sheet metal.

Straight-cut tin snips have straight blades that are just slightly shorter than the length of scissor blades.

The three common types are straight-cut tin snips, offset tin snips, and vertical tin snips. Tin snips have a variety of different types that are typically separated by the shape and direction of the blade. Photo: What to Consider When Choosing the Best Tin Snipsīefore choosing the best tin snips to trim your gutters, fix your roof, or work on the HVAC system, there are some important factors to consider, such as the material you’ll be using them with and whether you prefer a set of straight-cut or offset tin snips.

MOST VERSATILE: CRAFTSMAN Aviation Snips, 3-Piece Set.

BEST FOR GUTTERS: Crescent Wiss 9-3/4″ MetalMaster Compound Action.

BEST FOR METAL ROOFING: IRWIN Tin Snip, Multi Purpose, 11-3/4-Inch.

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: AmazonBasics Straight Cut Aviation Snip.

BEST OVERALL: MIDWEST Aviation Snip Set – Left and Right Cut Offset.

Take a look at the top products below to find a set of tin snips that complements your working style. The best tin snips to add to your workshop or garage will depend on how you want to use them and your preference for blade style. Some snips have straight blades, while others may have right or left slanted blades that are easier for cutting angles. You can also use them for creating sheet metal art projects. These powerful tools are excellent for home renovations like replacing sheet metal roofing, installing metal gutters and drainpipes, and trimming HVAC ductwork. A set of tin snips looks like a pair of heavy-duty scissors with thick, durable handles and short, strong blades that are able to cut through thin gauge metal like stainless steel, tin, and copper.

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