Ever shopped for sheet metal snips only to find a confusing number of similar but somehow different options? Or maybe wondered what’s the difference between tin snip and aviation snips? And why are some green, others red, and others still yellow? Admittedly, for such a simple function, choosing the right tool for your job seems to be more trouble than expected. We’ll clear up all the confusion and explain how to choose the right snip for your project.
First, let’s explain what makes a cutting tool a “snip.” Snips fall into a category of hand-held metal-cutting tools that also includes hand shears. However, while hand shears work like traditional scissors with a hand loop for cutting, snips have a spring-loaded, self-returning handle. This design offers greater control and precision as the cutting blades can remain in constant contact with the material.
Within the family of snips lives two basic variations: tin snips and aviation snips. While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are some key differences. Tin snips are typically used for lighter metals and straight cuts. Their lever action, while spring-loaded, tends to be a simple, single pivot point. Aviation snips, on the other hand, feature compound lever action to multiply cutting force for heavier materials. They often have serrations on their blades to prevent material slippage. Finally, there are also special versions for making left, right, or straight cuts, hence the different colored handles.
Know Your Aviation Snips
Now that you know what makes aviation snips special, here is a rundown of all the unique variations. The main feature to understand is the color-coded red, green, or yellow handles. Each color represents a different cutting direction, and choosing the wrong one can result in jagged edges or wasted material.
Straight-cut Snips (Yellow handles)
Straight snips are designed to cut straight lines or gentle curves. They are ideal for making long, clean cuts in sheet metal. Versatile but not entirely maneuverable for tight or complex curves, these are best for flat surfaces. They’re ideal for making straight cuts in a large sheet of material, such as aluminum or light-gauge steel.
Left-cut Snips (Red handles)
Designed for cutting curves to the left, left-cut snips are great for making precise cuts in circular or intricate patterns. Ideal when you need to cut counterclockwise curves, they preserve the shape of the material to their left. They’re essential for projects that require detailed cuts, such as custom-fitted metal parts.
Right-cut Snips (Green handles)
Right-cut snips, on the other hand, are designed for cutting curves to the right. They are the mirror image of left-cut snips and are best for cutting clockwise curves. These snips are especially useful when working on right-hand curves when following a specific curved pattern in sheet metal.
Variations on Standard Snips
Long-cut Snips
Designed for making long, continuous cuts with fewer strokes, these yellow-handled snips are ideal for cutting large sheets of material. More commonly found in construction use than automotive shops, they work well for cutting roofing panels or large metal sheets. These snips can be used for softer materials like plastic or vinyl as well.
Offset Snips
Available in both left-cut and right-cut varieties, offset snips have angled blades. While somewhat awkward looking, these allow for longer cuts without getting your hands in the way of the cutting path. They are frequently used in situations where access is limited, or when cutting large sheets without lifting the material much. The offset design also helps protect your knuckles from sharp metal edges.
Each type of aviation snip serves a specific purpose, allowing users to handle different cutting tasks with ease and precision. Hopefully this guide makes choosing the right pair a clear-cut decision the next time you have a project.
Please feel free to share. Credit can be given to Eastwood Garage (www.eastwood.com/garage) Thank you.
I would like permission to use this article as a presentation in a future Tennessee Valley Mopar Club meeting with the proper credit of course.
TVMC Newsletter Editor
This is a perfect time to use a Sharpie. Write L, R, or S on the side by the pivot point and you will never be confused.
@Tom For aviation snips, it really doesn’t matter whether you’re left- or right-handed. Unlike scissors, which have a single pivot point and are influenced by a slight twisting action from your hands because of the handle design, aviation snips have two pivot points for their shearing action. This keeps the blades properly aligned (no lateral deflection) and eliminates the need for specific blade sides.
Short answer is no.
Is it different for left hand people? Do the colors still work as described in your article.
I hoped it would be green right and red left, just like trailer wiring or boat lights, making it easier to remember. Always knew it mattered, but never could remember for sure which was which. Thanks.
Excellent explanation of what and how to use the best Tool for the specific job. Those of us who are Meticulous and take Pride in the finished product realize the importance of the right tool for the job. I have been involved in Autobody repair and refinish 40 years.
I had to print this article and add it to my library in the shop. I own about a dozen tin and aviation snips of all types and can never remember which is used for what cut. I’ve even labeled the handles to help me pick the right one for the job I’m working. This article lays it out perfectly. Thank you for that.