A tin snip is a hand tool for cutting thin sheet metal, aluminium, brass, and other thin materials. It has two sharp blades operated by handles and comes in different shapes and sizes, such as straight, left-cutting, and right-cutting snips. Straight snips are used to cut straight lines, while left-cutting and right-cutting snips are used to make curved or angled cuts in different directions. Snips tool is commonly used in metalworking, roofing, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) industries.
They are also popular for DIY projects that cut thin sheet metal or similar materials. Tin snips are easy to use, portable, and relatively inexpensive, making them a popular tool choice for professionals and amateurs.
Industries using tin snips
Aviation snips were devised for use with sheet metal in aircraft construction. Initially developed for cutting the intricate shapes required to turn sheet metal into the body of aircraft, aviation snips are still used.
However, they are also used in many other industries that use sheet metal and other materials. Some of the industries that frequently use tin snips are:
Automotive
Tin snips are used for cutting sheet metal for car bodywork, so the automotive industry widely uses them. It is not surprising as it shares several similarities with the aircraft industry. Tin snips are mainly used for bodywork modifications and repairs, as they can cut the required designs in sheet metal.
Left-cut aviation snips are best for cutting left-hand cuts, and right-cut aviation snips are for right-hand curves. Furthermore, awkwardly positioned panels are reachable by using aviation snips with an appropriate design. For instance, you could easily use a left-cut snip to cut around a tight left-hand curve.
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
HVAC technicians use tin snips to cut ductwork and sheet metal components for heating and cooling systems, and HVAC repair and installation need an accurately cut sheet. As the tubes, pipes, and heat shields used in the HVAC industry should be precisely cut to conform to standards, aviation snips are the best snip tools to cut the required shapes easily.
Construction
Contractors and builders use tin snips to cut metal roofing, flashing, and other sheet metal products. Additionally, tin snips make home repair jobs easier as they are ideal for jobs around the house that need cutting tough materials accurately. For instance, tin snips can cut corner beads, tiles, guttering, or aluminium and tin roof panels. They help cut carpet, thick cardboard, sheet plastic, vinyl flooring, and wire mesh.
Art, sculpture, and craft
Artists and sculptors use tin snips to cut and shape sheet metal for their creations. They are also used to cut sheet metal for making jewellery and other crafts items. Sheets of different metals can be cut into intricate shapes and used for jewellery, ornament-making, and creating other decorative items.
Metal fabrication
Metal fabricators use tin snips to cut and shape sheet metal parts for various applications, including custom fabrication projects.
Electrical work
Electricians use tin snips to cut sheet metal components for electrical enclosures, junction boxes, and other electrical components.
Plumbing
Plumbers use tin snips to cut sheet metal components for pipes and fittings.
Overall, any industry that works with sheet metal may use tin snips to cut and shape metal components. However, as the market is flooded with tin snip choices, you need to choose the snips that are right for you. And if you are looking for reliable, high-quality tin snips at affordable prices, check out the options here.
