Are tin snips and aviation snips the same?
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 is the difference between aviation and Universal tin 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.
Where are Midwest tools made?
Sturgis, Michigan
Midwest Tool and Cutlery Company (Midwest) began manufacturing metal cutting snips and related hand tools in Sturgis, Michigan in 1945. Today, Midwest is a privately held Michigan corporation that operates manufacturing facilities in Sturgis, MI; Kalkaska, MI; and Caledonia, OH.
Why are tin snips called aviation snips?
Aviation snips are so-named because they were developed to cut sheet metal in the airplane-manufacturing industry. Aviation snips are also known as compound snips because they have two pivot points instead of one. This reduces the amount of force necessary to make cuts and, therefore, reduces user fatigue.
What are the three types of tin snips?
The three common types are straight-cut tin snips, offset tin snips, and vertical tin snips. Straight-cut tin snips have straight blades that are just slightly shorter than the length of scissor blades. However, the blades are much thicker and heavier than scissor blades to enable them to cut through sheet metal.
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.
Are aviation snips wire cutters?
Snip blades are made of forged, heat-treated steel for superior strength and durability. A unique integrated wire cutter on outside of blade cuts duct and ceiling suspension wire. The spring-action lock allows opening of tool with one handed operation. Snips are color-coded and feature comfortable contoured grips.
What are offset tin snips?
One snips can do it all … I’d recommend starting your collection with an offset compound snips (Photos 1, 1A and 2). The cutters are offset below the handle so you can keep your cutting sheet metal hand above the work, and the compound action allows you to cut thicker material with less effort.
What are aviation snips for?
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).
What is a tin snips tool?
Tin snips (also known as tin snips, tinner snips and shears) are hand tools specifically designed to cut sheet metal. Tin snips look similar to common scissors, however, they are much stronger and allow control for precise cutting.