Aviation Snips

About Aviation Snips

Aviation snips, also known as aviation shears or tin snips, are specialist hand-cutting tools designed for precisely cutting sheet metal, plastic, and other thin materials. Originally developed for the aircraft industry—hence the name—these versatile cutting tools have become indispensable across numerous trades and applications. With their distinctive compound leverage mechanism and strong, sharp blades, aviation snips deliver clean, accurate cuts through materials up to 1.2mm thick without causing distortion or leaving rough edges.

Modern aviation snips are available in three primary cutting types, typically colour-coded for easy identification: left-cutting (red handles), right-cutting (green handles), and straight-cutting (yellow handles). This colour-coding system helps tradespeople quickly select the appropriate tool for the job. Our range includes professional-grade aviation snips from trusted brands including Stanley, Irwin, Bahco, DeWalt, Faithfull, and Draper, offering options from individual snips to complete three-piece sets that cover all cutting directions.

Whether you're working with aluminium, copper, mild steel, vinyl siding, or ductwork, aviation snips provide superior control and cutting performance compared to traditional tin snips. Features such as compound leverage systems, ergonomic soft-grip handles, and hardened steel blades ensure these tools deliver professional results on site or in the workshop, making them essential equipment for any tradesperson working with sheet materials.

Jargon Buster

Compound Leverage

A mechanical advantage system that multiplies cutting force through additional pivot points, allowing users to cut through tougher materials with less hand pressure. Compound aviation snips require approximately 40% less effort than standard tin snips.

Throat Depth

The distance from the cutting edge to the back of the snips, determining how far into a sheet you can cut without obstruction. Greater throat depth provides more versatility for complex cutting patterns.

Gauge Rating

The maximum thickness of material the snips can cut, typically expressed in millimetres or sheet metal gauge numbers. Most aviation snips handle 18-24 gauge mild steel (0.5-1.2mm).

Serrated Blades

Cutting edges with small teeth that grip the material during cutting, preventing slippage and providing better control, particularly useful when cutting curved or circular patterns.

Spring-Loaded Action

An internal spring mechanism that automatically reopens the blades after each cut, reducing hand fatigue during repetitive cutting tasks and improving productivity.

Who Uses Aviation Snips?

Aviation snips are essential tools across numerous trades and industries:

• HVAC Engineers - cutting and fabricating ductwork, ventilation systems, and metal housing components
• Roofers - trimming and shaping flashing, guttering, and metal roofing materials
• Sheet Metal Workers - precision cutting and fabrication of various metal products and components
• Plumbers - cutting copper sheet, pipe clips, and metal securing straps
• Electricians - trimming cable trunking, metal conduit, and electrical enclosures
• Motor Mechanics - cutting sheet metal during bodywork repairs and custom fabrication
• Builders and Carpenters - cutting metal studs, tracks, and general site metalwork
• Sign Makers - cutting aluminium composite panels and thin sheet materials
• DIY Enthusiasts - home improvement projects involving guttering, flashing, and sheet materials

How to Choose the Right Aviation Snips

Selecting the appropriate aviation snips depends on several key factors:

Cutting Direction: Determine whether you need left-cutting (red), right-cutting (green), or straight-cutting (yellow) snips. For comprehensive versatility, consider a three-piece set that includes all cutting types. Left-cut snips are ideal for anticlockwise curves and trimming left edges, whilst right-cut versions handle clockwise curves and right edges. Straight-cut snips work best for linear cuts and gentle curves.

Material and Gauge Capacity: Check the maximum material thickness and type the snips can handle. Standard aviation snips typically cut up to 1.2mm mild steel, whilst heavy-duty compound models can tackle thicker materials. Consider the materials you work with most frequently—stainless steel requires more robust blades than aluminium.

Handle Design and Comfort: Look for ergonomic handles with soft-grip coating, particularly if you're performing extended cutting tasks. Quality brands like DeWalt, Irwin, and Bahco incorporate cushioned grips that reduce hand fatigue and prevent blisters during prolonged use.

Compound vs. Standard Leverage: Compound leverage aviation snips significantly reduce the effort required for each cut, making them ideal for professional tradespeople working with tougher materials or performing high-volume cutting. Standard models are perfectly adequate for occasional use and lighter gauge materials.

Blade Quality: Professional-grade aviation snips feature hardened, forged steel blades that maintain their cutting edge longer and resist damage from demanding materials. Look for models with replaceable or sharpenable blades for extended tool life.

Brand Reputation: Established brands including Stanley, Bahco, Bessey, and Facom offer reliability and warranty support. Professional tradespeople often prefer recognised brands for consistent quality and readily available replacement parts.

Popular Accessories

• Tool Belts and Pouches - purpose-designed holsters for carrying aviation snips safely on site
• Safety Gloves - cut-resistant gloves to protect hands from sharp edges and burrs created during cutting
• Metal Files and Deburring Tools - for smoothing cut edges and removing sharp burrs
• Measuring and Marking Tools - scribers, markers, and metal rules for accurate cutting lines
• Cutting Oil and Lubricants - to maintain smooth blade action and prevent rust
• Tool Storage Solutions - Stanley FatMax, DeWalt TSTAK, or other organisers to protect and organise your snips
• Replacement Blades - available for certain models to extend tool lifespan
• Sharpening Stones - for maintaining optimal cutting edge sharpness

Safety Information

Aviation snips create sharp edges and metal fragments that present injury risks. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment including cut-resistant gloves and safety glasses to protect against flying metal particles and sharp burrs. When cutting, position the material securely and keep hands and fingers clear of the cutting path.

Freshly cut metal edges are extremely sharp and can cause serious lacerations—always deburr cut edges immediately using a file or deburring tool. Be particularly cautious when cutting spring steel or similar materials that may snap back unexpectedly. Store aviation snips with blade guards or in protective pouches to prevent accidental cuts and maintain blade sharpness.

Regularly inspect your aviation snips for damage, particularly checking that pivot points are secure and blades are properly aligned. Damaged or loose tools can slip during cutting, potentially causing injury. The HSE recommends maintaining hand tools in good working order and replacing any that show signs of excessive wear or damage.

When working at height or on ladders, ensure aviation snips are secured in a tool belt or pouch to prevent dropping them onto people below. Never use aviation snips for purposes beyond their design specification, such as cutting hardened materials, wire, or materials thicker than the rated capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between aviation snips and regular tin snips?

Aviation snips feature compound leverage mechanisms that multiply cutting force, making them significantly more powerful and easier to use than traditional tin snips. They also incorporate spring-loaded action for automatic blade opening, ergonomic handles, and typically offer cleaner, more controlled cuts. Aviation snips are designed for precision work and can cut tighter curves, whilst standard tin snips are generally limited to straight cuts and gentle curves.

Can I sharpen aviation snips when they become dull?

Yes, aviation snip blades can be sharpened using a fine metal file or sharpening stone, though this requires care to maintain the correct blade angle (typically around 85 degrees). Work along the existing bevel, maintaining consistent pressure and angle. However, heavily worn or damaged blades are best replaced. Some professional models, particularly from brands like Bessey and Bahco, offer replacement blade assemblies.

Why do aviation snips come in different colours?h3>

The colour-coding system (red, green, and yellow) indicates cutting direction: red handles cut left curves and anticlockwise circles, green handles cut right curves and clockwise circles, whilst yellow handles are designed for straight cuts and gentle curves in either direction. This standardised colour system allows tradespeople to quickly identify the correct tool for the job, improving efficiency on site.

What's the maximum thickness of metal I can cut with aviation snips?

Most standard aviation snips cut up to 1.2mm mild steel (approximately 18 gauge), though capacity varies by model and material type. Softer materials like aluminium can typically be cut at greater thicknesses than mild steel. Heavy-duty compound models may handle up to 1.5mm. Always check the manufacturer's specifications for your particular model, and never exceed the rated capacity as this can damage the blades and compromise safety.

Do I really need all three types of aviation snips?

For professional tradespeople regularly working with sheet metal, having all three types—left-cut, right-cut, and straight-cut—provides maximum versatility and efficiency. However, DIY users or those performing occasional cutting tasks may find that straight-cutting (yellow) snips meet most needs. If you frequently cut complex shapes, ductwork, or need to trim material edges, investing in a three-piece set from brands like Irwin, BlueSpot, or Bessey offers excellent value and ensures you always have the right tool for the job.