What is the difference between tin snips and aviation snips?
Aviation snips have a compound action which gives them a mechanical advantage over standard tin snips. This is due to the double pivot and extra linkage in their design. This mechanical advantage means they should be more comfortable to use for longer periods than tin snips.
How thick can aviation snips cut?
Typically, aviation snips can cut sheets of material up to 1.2mm (0.05 inch) thickness or up to 18 gauge. This measurement is usually based on mild steel being the toughest metal they can cut. The tougher the material – the thinner it will need to be.
Are aviation snips a cutting tool?
Aviation snips, also called tin snips or compound snips (even though they are different), are the best hand tools for cutting sheets of metal. Cutting in a straight line with tin snips is easy. It’s making curved cuts that can be difficult, especially if you’re holding the wrong tool.
What are the three different types of aviation snips?
The three main designs you will come across are: straight, left, and right cut snips, but there are other variations in their design. They are usually between 230mm and 300mm (9 inches and 12 inches) long.
What are yellow handle aviation snips used for?
Green handles – Used to make “right” or clockwise cuts in sheet metal. Yellow handles – Used for straight cuts in sheet metal.
Why do they call them aviation snips?
Compound-action snips They were first developed to cut aluminum in the construction of aircraft, hence they are often referred to as aviation snips.
What’s the difference between aviation snips?
Aviation snips are different from regular scissors or tin snips in that they have two pivot points. These pivot points make it easier to cut through sheets of metal with minimal effort. The snips are also spring-loaded, giving your hand extra oomph when cutting through dense metals.
Do aviation snips cut chicken wire?
Whatever you call them, a quality set of aviation snips are the single best way to cut thin and flexible materials like sheet metal, plastic, thick textiles, heavy-duty paper, and wire products like poultry netting (chicken wire), and the like.
What are aviation snips used to cut?
Aviation snips are the go-to tool for cutting sheet metal. They can typically handle up to 18 gauge CRS (cold rolled steel) or 22 gauge SS (stainless steel). Since every cut is different, manufacturers have been color-coding the handles on snips for a number of years.
What are offset aviation snips used for?
Straight cut snips (not shown) are for making straight cuts and shallow cuts to the right or left. Offset snips permit you to keep your hands safely above the cut while cutting directly through the centre of a large sheet.
What do the colors of tin snips mean?
The industry has three basic color it associates with the various types of snips: Red handles – Used to make “left” or counter clockwise cuts in sheet metal. Green handles – Used to make “right” or clockwise cuts in sheet metal. Yellow handles – Used for straight cuts in sheet metal.