Tin Snips (12")

The difference matters. Aviation snips use a jointed linkage to multiply your grip, which lets them cut heavier gauge with less hand force, but the blades are short and the tool takes a small bite each stroke. Tin snips are a single pivot with long blades, so they cut a long straight line in very few strokes. On a long straight cut across a sheet, that is faster and gives a straighter, cleaner edge, because every stop and restart leaves a small step. For cutting a sheet in half, trimming a long edge, or cutting flashing and roofing sheet to length, tin snips beat aviation snips comfortably.

The trade is hand effort: with no linkage, everything comes from your grip, so tin snips are harder work on thicker material and less good on tight curves.

They are drop forged #55 carbon steel, heat treated, with a fully polished body. Drop forging flows the steel's grain around the shape of the blade rather than cutting through it, which matters at the pivot and along the cutting edge where the load concentrates. #55 carbon steel takes and holds a genuinely keen edge — the property a long shearing blade lives on. The polished body is not only cosmetic: a polished blade slides through sheet with less friction than a rough one, which on a long cut is noticeable.

Twelve inches gives long blades and a comfortable handle.

The buyers are roofing and cladding contractors, sheet metal fabricators, gutter and flashing installers, HVAC and ducting workers, general building trades, and hardware dealers supplying roofing and fabrication.

Three habits. Take long strokes and do not close the blades completely at the end of each stroke — leaving them slightly open avoids the step that a full close leaves in the edge. Keep the waste side of the sheet bending away below the blades. And wear gloves, because a freshly sheared edge will cut skin with no pressure whatsoever. Message us on WhatsApp for a price.