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Zunaira Ali
An HVAC technician needs to often slit and cut metal sheets to keep the house more energy-efficient and watertight. How and where these metal sheets have to be cut you need tinners, tin snips, and aviation snips. There are several options in the market which makes it difficult to choose the best one. But don't worry as we've covered you up. Just dive in and see the 11 best tin and aviation snips for corrugated metal roofing or otherwise.
Want an all-together set of snips? Then go for Miwaukee 3-piece set. This is a lightweight set of tin snips that are specifically designed for making right, left, and straight-angled cuts. The blades are made from forged steel alloy to maximize strength and durability. They are coated with chrome to protect the blades from rust.
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Pros:
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Durable and Flush Bolt Design
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Quick opening and close due to One-Handed Locking
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Doesn't catch on materials
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Lightweight
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Easy to handle
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Lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects
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Cuts sheet metal well up to 18ga CRS (Cold Rolled Steel) to 22ga SS (Stainless Steel)
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Designed to cut aluminium, vinyl siding, screening cardboard, leather, and copper
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Cons:
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The locking mechanism in these is a little messed up and is a turn-off while using them on the field
This brand of tin snips comes with a straight cut, wide right cut, and wide left cut. They're colour-coated to make it easy to tell the difference. This design is targeted at professional sheet metal workers since it eliminates the need to buy another pair of snips.
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Pros:
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Locally assembled
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Sharp blades which cut 18ga CR to 22ga stainless steel
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Durable
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Comfortable KUSH’N POWER grip
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Designed to reduce fatigue when cutting
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Includes compound leverage with 8x force
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The blade tip Is well made and allows precision cuts
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Cons:
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Bulky
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Hard to hold for small/average hands.
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Expensive
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly yet proficient model of tin snip then equip yourself with Performance Tool workwear. This has varied functionally purposed and as it is for straight cuts you can easily do that cutting. But its versatility didn’t just end here as this model can also cut tight curves due to its serrated jaws. Through this tool, your job becomes easier as you have to put a little force on the metal roof with a strong grip around it.
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Pros:
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Reasonable price
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Versatile design
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Ragged jaws
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Handy and comfortable
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Handles are spread wider than one hand can close
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eyelet for hanging
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Cons:
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Blades skew apart slightly on some cuts
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Shorter lifespan
The next distinguished model on our list is Stanley FatMax single straight-cut snip. It is a nice bi-material having a cushion grip that ensures no slip while using it. It is best for compound cutting as it cuts up to 18-gauge metal.
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Pros:
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Great snip to cut wires
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Nice tool for all-around work that includes
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Heavy-duty
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To prove the durability of these materials, the manufacturer even offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty for this product.
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Cons:
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Can only cut pieces up to 2-inches
If you’re wandering around the internet in search of an aviation snip that bites through sheet metal swiftly and easily. Then do yourself a favor and go get a Clauss Titanium Bonded Aviation Snips. Its heat-inducted 12-inch blades are 3-times harder than untreated steel. It offers extraordinary edge retention over myriad cuts while resisting corrosion and adhesives. Its serrated blades abstain from slip-out while cutting due to the sturdy handles and robust pivot points. Its color-coded handles are designed for easy identification of cut type (yellow = straight cut). With its steel curl design and spring-loaded locking mechanism, you can easily cut metal roofs including sheet metal, stainless steel, and aluminum.
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Pros:
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Resists corrosion and adhesives
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Heat-inducted blades
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Spring-loaded locking mechanism
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Sturdy handles and pivot points
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Cons:
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Better for Large Hands
Another model on our list is comfortable, heavy-duty, and powerful. Yes, I’m talking about Crescent Wiss Utility Snip which comes in several options, including left cut; left, right cut; left, right, center cut; right cut; straight cut; and straight cut premium pack. So, match your needs with the exact cut you want. They include precision-cast molybdenum blades that are made with rolled 18-gauge steel, making them extremely potent. Its serrated blades ensure the metal grip while cutting. Its handles are an ergonomic fit for single-handed latch operation. It even comes with a free-float design on the pivot bolt which makes the model last longer.
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Pros:
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manifold cutting options
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powerful serrated blades
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free float design
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Cons:
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The stick sometimes closes on its own
Want an ambidextrous design for your aviation snip? Why not buy an upscale option for yourself? Malco max bulldog tin snip gives you a truly potent cut. Despite its durable materials and exceptional features, it comes with a lofty price tag. It gives versatility in its cuts like sharp left angles, straight lines, and 5-inch circles. Its serrated jaws are made of alloy steel which is one of the strongest materials for a tin snip. It is user-friendly and made with a one-hand operations design. Its handles are offset, which makes it easy to use in narrow spaces.
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Pros:
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Multifaceted
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Made from alloy steel
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Includes off-set handles
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Duplicitous design
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Cons:
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Costly
The adjacent item on our list allowed you to cut through virtually any piece of metal. It is none other than Craftsmen's aviation snip. This 3-piece set includes a left cut, right cut, and straight cut snip. Trust me, it’s a snip for every situation of yours.
These snips can cut between 18-gauge to 22-gauge metal. And you know what is the reason for its power? Its 1/4-inch steel blades are responsible for this high potency. Its spring-assisted latch snips allow swift one-handed operation. Its grip heightened your productivity throughout the day.
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Pros:
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Strengthened
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Cuts between 18-22 gauge
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Handy and comfortable grip
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Cons:
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Pricey
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Latch gets jabbed during use
Check out the alternative and grab finder aviation snips. You'll not regret when you witness its durability, functionality, and secure usage. It provides straight regular cuts and it is also convincing enough for left and right-handed users. It is manufactured from serrated steel which increases its tensile strength. The best part: it has a metal safety lock between the handles which makes sure that you, your coworkers, and your loved ones do not accidentally hurt by it.
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Pros:​
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Versatility
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Easy to use for left and right-hand users
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Comes with a metal safety lock
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Anti-rust CRV steel
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Heat-treated blade
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Ergonomic PVC handle grip
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Cons:
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Couldn't handle more than 20-gauge metal sheet
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Hard to maneuver in tight spots
Have a look at Amazon basics straight aviation snip. This snip is quite common and will get most of the tasks done without needing any extra tools. This pair of snips is constructed by the Amazon basics brand and is completely suitable for cutting through thin sheets of aluminium tin and metal bodies. It easily cut the curve of 18–22-gauge steel that is commonly used for many applications. It features crystalize its high leverage design and sharp-edged blades. Its high-quality chrome vanadium steel blade is heat-inducted.
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Pros:​
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High-leverage design
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Premium chrome vanadium steel
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High-frequency heat-treated blades
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2 colours for identification
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Rubberized grip
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Latch lock mechanism
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One hand auto release
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One year warranty
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Cons:
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Not recommended for heavy applications
Another enlisted tool is from Channellock which is the left-cut unit of aviation snip. its premium 10 inches long blade is manufactured from forged alloy steel which is heat-inducted so that it doesn't lose its stiffness over time. They didn't forget about the gripping as it is equally important as strength and rugged blades. It makes a nuisance while going through hard metal. Its optimum dimension blade can cut the metal sheet of about 18-22 gauge with precise serration and a cleaner outlook. Its 8:1 compound action promises maximum force under minimum effort.
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Pros:​​
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Cuts left curves and straight
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Forged alloy steel blades increase durability
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Raised cutting power
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Cons:
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It is quite thick to fit somewhere in narrow spots
Types of tin snips
Straight-cut tin snips: Served single purpose which is a simple straight line cutting and trimming. These snips cannot cut curves or circles.
Curved tin snips: Its rounded blades are designed for tasks requiring cutting curves or circles.
Jewellers tin snips: For lighter duty metals and intricate jobs due to their fine pointed blades.
Universal tin snips: Used for straight cuts or long, wide curves.
Utility and multi-purpose tin snips: Manufactured for cutting a variety of different materials, rather than just metal.
Straight pattern tin snips: Made for heavy-duty metal cutting due to their comfortable grip and blades made up of drop-forged carbon steel.
Duckbill pattern tin snips: The duck-bill element is often called a trojan pattern which means that there are tiers on the edge of the blade, moving upward from the tip of the blade to the leverage point. Its blades are for cutting sharper curves and circles. Due to their smaller blades, these tin snips are for light-duty work, such as cutting metals of a high gauge thickness.
Bulldog pattern tin snips: Heavy-duty work and are designed to cut, trim or notch tough alloys. They have short blades and longer handles for greater leverage and to cut thicker metal of up to 16 gauge.
Spring-loaded tin snips: Contain a compressed or stretched spring between them for heavier-duty work, such as cutting sheet metal of a lower gauge number.
Powered: This electrically powered tin snip is known as a nibbler. They’re for those who handle loads of cutting work. With heads that look the same, the motor eradicates the need for squeezing the snips with your hand. Instead, you simply need to direct the snips frontward and let them slide along.
Buying Guide for Tin snips -How to Select the Best Tin and Aviation Snips
When you’re ready to buy work gear for yourself always keep these few things in mind. Make sure to get a snip that serves your purpose at hand. For that, you have to ask out for its material and the quality of its blades. Make sure that its steel has gone through the galvanization process. The tool you’re looking for must be comfortable enough to handle all day long.
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Gauge:
The foremost thing your need to look at in your tool is how thick of metal you plan to cut and find the compatible one for you.
Type:
Contemplate the kind of cuts you want in the project. you may want to look at the serrated edge of the pliers.
Durability:
For that check out its blade and the quality of its steel. Options that are high in molybdenum tend to have the most lasting strength.
Weight:
Your tool should be lightweight and handy enough so that after its usage you didn’t feel strain in your hands. This will enable you to work for longer periods without having issues with repetitive strain injuries.
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Other tools for Sheet Metal and Metal Roofing
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Want to know some other gears for metal roofing? Then do not wait and scroll down!
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Fein Slitting Shear:
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This slitting shear a.k.a. Trumpf Tools are the best in town. Obviously, they’re not cheap but have longevity with reliability. Cutting is easy with an excellent view of the cutting line through the open-front cutting head. These shears also allow for easy left and right curve cuts of up to 19 gauge stainless, distortion-free.
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Fein Nibbler:
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Fein Nibbler a.k.a. Trumpf Nibblers are the best choice for cutting corrugated panels. Advantage: Its slim body and head can cut curves, fitting in almost any spot, and there is no material wasted on cuts, unlike the slitting shears.
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Stubai Snips:
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It is used for the manual cutting of sheet metal, such as copper, aluminium, zinc, galvanized steel, and even stainless steel. These snips come in a variety of lengths, and shapes and are sold on left and right sides.
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Fairmont Angled Tongs:
These known tongs are used by professionals who have worked with thinner gauge metals before. These notorious tongs are versatile, well-built, and will usually last a lifetime.
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How to use Tin Snips for the left and right hand?
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A left-hand (red) pair would tend to cut to the left or anti-clockwise and a right-hand (green) pair would tend to cut to the right or clockwise. The green tin snip will trim or cut the metal sheet and it comes off to the right and the red ones will cut the metal and the waist will come off to the left.
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Other Way to Cut Corrugated Sheet Metal or Trapezoidal Roofing | Heavy-duty
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An angle grinder will provide you with more freedom to turn while making longer cuts and can be used with any kind of sheet metal. Or you can use a circular saw to make long, straight cuts in thick sheets of metal. A nibbler is an alternative way to Cut Corrugated Sheet Metal or Trapezoidal Roofing. Moreover, the jigsaw is another great option but moving up and down it kind of drifts left from its place.
Cutting Curves in Metal
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The above alternatives for cutting cures in the metal are considered but they all have some slight issues. The angle grinder shows too many sparks while cutting which distracts our vision. Jigsaw when moving forward with curve tilted to its left. But the nibble from all the above options did a quite nice job. Another perk of the nibbler is its less noisiness and a nice track cut.
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Bottom line
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Sheet metal is a very significant material and is extensively used for many applications all around the world. Sheet metal contributes to both, commercial as well as domestic projects that are aimed at a proper application. To make sure the sheet metal part is properly trimmed and fit for the job, you will have to pry through the tough metal via a perfect pair of aviation snips.
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This handheld metal cutting tool will let you carefully cut through the required section of the metal without using any machinery. After going through our inclusive round-up, we hope to have provided you with some clarity on this topic as to which tin and aviation snips to get for yourself, don’t forget to consult our Buyer’s Guides and reviews before purchasing any gear and you are sure to find the finest option for you.
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Let us know right in the comment section below!
FAQs
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What is the difference between normal snips and metal roofing snips?
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Snip is a common lingua that means scissor, so, a normal snip cuts light material but of course not heavy one. For that, you have to choose other snips like tin and aviation which cut metal roofing. The offset snips are much better than the normal ones as they have leverage mechanisms that make you execute less force.
Can you cut tin roofing with tin snips?
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Tins snips are probably the simplest way to cut tin roofing because they're designed for cutting soft metals.
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How thick of metal can you cut with tin snips?
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Snips usually can cut between 18–26-gauge standard mild steel. There are some exceptions, depending on the size of the snips. Some larger snips can cut up to 16 gauge of mild sheet metal.
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What is the difference between tin snips and aviation snips?
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Tin snips limit usage as they are ideal for softer metals, unlike aviation snips which can be used on heavier materials. Aviation snips, use a compound leverage handle system to increase the mechanical advantage.
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What is the best way to cut metal roofing panels?
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Hold the side of the metal roofing panels and put your snips around the edge. Use your non-leading hand to hold the side of the metal. This will not only brace it to keep it in place, but you'll be able to pull it up as you cut. Hold the snips loose in your hand and place the two blades around the edge that you'd like to cut.
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Also, if you are dealing with corrugated metal roofing panels then use two off-set aviation snips for greater leverage while keeping your hands safely above the metal. With the green snips, the waste comes off the right side of the blade, and with the red, the waste comes off the left side. Hold green ones in the left hand and red ones in the right hand with an inch-apart gap for an angled cut.
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How do you sharpen tin snips?
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You can sharpen your tin snips with a 60-grit flapper disc.
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How do you use tin snips?
Choose the correct snip for the task you want to complete. Place material in the blades while opening the blades as far as possible. Positioned the snip i.e., the flat part of the inner blade should always be parallel with the sheet metal or the cut will be slightly bent. Keep your hands secure by choosing a tin snip that has a mechanical advantage and then initiates the cutting process. Always keep the blades in contact with the metal, sliding the tool smoothly along as you cut, to prevent damage to the material’s edge.
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What is the purpose of tin snips?
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Tinsnips are designed to cut and trim sheet metal and other thin yet tough materials. Sheet metal can come in a variety of shapes and sizes and so tin snips are useful for cutting the sheet metal to the desired measurements.
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What are tin snips made of?
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A tin snip’s body can be separated into two components: the blades and the handles. The blades are usually made from Drop forged steel, while the material of the handles can vary depending on each model of snip.
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What can you cut with tin snips?
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Tinsnips are often used by metalworkers to cut up sheet metal for car bodies or cut metal for furniture, fencing, roofing, and guttering. Also, they’re used for altering sheet metal when repairing or installing heating, ventilation, or air conditioning in a building. Certain types of tin snips can be used for cutting heavier metals, for example, wire mesh and netting.
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Why are tin snips colored?
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It is a coded language for left, right, and straight. Red handles to make left or counterclockwise cuts in sheet metal. Green handles to make right or clockwise cuts in sheet metal. Yellow handles for straight cuts in sheet metal.
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