Have you been looking at the available tin snips on the market?
Then you are probably a licensed technician or professional sheet metal worker.
You could also be a handyman who likes to do all the work on his house himself.
Either way, an important tool to have in your arsenal is a tip snip. This tool will help you cut through metal like butter and keep your job running smoothly.
Finding the best tin snips can be tough with all the different models and brands all telling you that they are the best choice for one reason or another. Well, we want to make your decision easier.
So, we have taken the time to check out several options and narrow them down to the top four so that you can decide which ones will be the best tip snips for you.
4 Tin Snips Reviews
1. AmazonBasics AMAS01 Tin Snip – Set of 3 (Left, Right and Straight) Review
This AmazonBasics AMAS01 3-Piece aviation snip set (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RWV2N8C/?tag=cozyhouse-20) comes with three options for those who need something a little bit more than other options have to offer.
Each of the three snips come with a blade that is made for a different angle so that you can cut whatever works best for you.
Comes with 3 Pieces
Cuts Easily
This aviation snip set is able to cut through aluminum, tin, steel, and stainless steel with the strength of the blade.
These blades can cut up to 18-gauge steel and up to 22-gauge stainless steel. This allows you to cut through whatever materials that you need.
High-Leverage Design
These AmazonBasics aviation snips have a high-leverage design for the most efficient cutting possible. The blades are made from chrome vanadium steel and are processed with the highest frequency heat treatment.
Serrated Edges
The blades on these aviation snips come with sharp serrated edges that could cut through just about anything you could think of.
With the serrated edges helping to work through tougher metals, you will be able to cut through steel and stainless steel with little fatigue on your hands.
Rubberized Handle Grips
These aviation snips come with rubberized grip handles that offer more comfort when using them for long periods of time. These grips help to provide a secure hold on the tool so that there is less chance of slipping.
It also comes backed by a 1-year warranty for added assurance.
Main Features
- 3-piece set of aviation tin snips
- Easily cut from any direction (left, right, straight)
- Cuts through thin sheets of metal and aluminum tin
- Can easily cut up to 18-gauge steel and up to 22-gauge stainless steel
- High-leverage design with serrated-edge blades for efficient cutting
- Made of premium chrome vanadium steel processed with a high-frequency heat treatment
- 2-colored handle with a rubberized grip helps ensure a secure hold and precise cuts
- Locking latch with one-handed auto release
- Limited 1-year warranty
- Comes with 3 pieces
- Cuts through many different metals
- Comes with high-leverage design
- Has serrated edges for easy cutting
- Comes with rubberized handles
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
- May pinch your hand where the handles meet
- May be too heavy to use comfortably for those with smaller hands
- May be a bit stiff for the first few uses
2. IRWIN 21304ZR Tin Snip – Multi-Purpose Option Review
This Irwin 21304ZR tin snip (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000EI9AQ/?tag=cozyhouse-20) is an 11 ¾ inch option that can be used for multiple purposes.
With the ability to cut through different metals with straight or curved lines, you can get just about any job done with this multi-purpose tin snip tool.
Cuts Through Easily
This tin snip tool is an option that will enable you to cut through many different metals with ease. This tip snip can cut through 24-gauge cold-roll steel and up to 26-gauge stainless-steel for multi-purpose use at any job site.
Flat Blade
This tin snip tool option comes with a flat blade that allows you to cut in a straight or curved line so that you can do multiple types of jobs with the same tool. This opens up the ability to do more jobs with this tool.
Precision Edges
This allows gives you a better cut without having to use as much effort on the handle.
Forged Steel Blades
This option’s blades are made from drop-forged steel that creates a durable blade that provides the maximum amount of strength and makes for longer life. This allows your blade to last longer and feel more solid than other models.
Spring Washer
This Irwin model comes equipped with spring washers that hold the blades together for a closer cut.
This spring washer also makes sure that the blades are close enough without hitting each other so that they won’t damage the other edge.
Main Features
- Compound cutting action with textured grips and E-Z close latch
- Great for cutting sheet metal, vinyl, plastic, rubber and many other applications
- Cuts up to 24-gauge cold-roll steel and 26-gauge stainless-steel
- Multi-purpose snips with compound cutting leverage
- Pro-Touch Grips provide superior comfort, resists twisting
- Flat blade cuts straight and curves
- Precision-ground edges on the tin snips ensure a tight grip on each cut
- Hot, drop-forged steel blades
- Durable spring washer
- Cuts through steel and stainless-steel
- Has a flat blade for straight or curved cuts
- Comes with precision edges for a tighter grip
- Has forged steel blades for maximum strength
- Spring washers hold the blade for a close cut
- Many customers have had to sharper the edges before use
- Will not cut anything thicker than what was mentioned above
- May break easily if used for anything too thick
3. Performance Tool W2043 Tin Snip – Center Cut Aviation Snips Review
The Performance Tool W2043 aviation tin snips (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002V0CDPM/?tag=cozyhouse-20) are a great option for those who need to use a straight or curved line and cut through sheet metal and other materials.
The serrated edges and soft grips allow you to use so you can cut metal easily without getting fatigued.
Ergonomic Grip
The W2043 aviation tin snip comes with a soft and strong ergonomic grip that makes it more comfortable to use for longer jobs.
Even when you have to keep them in your hand for a long time, you will not get very fatigued.
Non-Slip Serrated Edges
Cuts Straight Lines and Curves Easily
This option comes with the ability to cut through metal with a straight line or curved line so that you use it for more jobs.
The grip makes it easy to put your strength into when cutting a curved line, which requires more effort, and the non-slip grip keeps the edges from slipping when cutting a straight line.
Durable Build
These aviation tin snips are built from solid and durable steel so that you can feel the ruggedness when you hold them.
The handles are comfortable because of the rubber grips and allow you to put all your strength into the tin snip to get the best and cleanest cuts.
Main Features
- Ergonomic grip
- Non slip serrated jaws
- Cuts straight lines easily
- Cuts tight curves easily
- Ergonomic grip handles for comfort
- Non-slip serrated edges for precise cuts
- Cuts straight and curved lines easily
- Made from durable steel
- Grips keep hands from getting fatigued during long jobs
- Won’t hold up well to consistent professional use, better for residential use
- The rubber grips can come off if you’re not careful
- Durability is in question due to negative customer reviews
4. Wiss Crescent M5R – Bulldog Snips Review
These Wiss Crescent M5R bulldog tin snips (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002N7PN/?tag=cozyhouse-20) are great for trimming heavy stock or notching.
With the durable build and the ability to cut both straight and curved lines, this is a great option for anyone who wants a long-lasting tin snip.
Usable For Heavy Stock
These heavy-duty bulldog tin snips are tough and sturdy enough to use for heavy stock. You can use these snips for notching or trimming heavy stock, unlike other options that won’t hold up against tougher materials.
Non-Slip Serrated Jaw
Spring-Action
This Wiss M5R tin snip model is equipped with spring-action that makes opening and closing the jaw easier and smoother than before.
This spring-action makes a faster and more effortless feed so that you don’t have to use as much strength and energy to get the job done.
Alloy Steel Handles
These tin snips come with high-tensile strength steel alloy handles that make them more comfortable to use and more powerful. The alloy strength also makes these bulldog tip snips more durable so that you will have long-lasting use.
Main Features
- For notching or trimming extra heavy stock
- Non-slip, serrated jaw made of tough molybdenum steel
- Withstands strain of cutting heavy stock and tight curves
- Spring-action for fast, effortless feed
- Handle of high tensile strength alloy steel exceeds hand power limit
- Usable for heavy stock
- Has non-slip serrated jaw
- Made from strong molybdenum steel
- Spring-action for easier use
- Handles made from alloy steel
- The head points are a bit short
- The spring-action may not be as easy to use as desired
- Durability is in question due to the low number of customer reviews
Buying Guide
This article offers a lot of information about tin snips, but with all this, you might still have some questions that you would like to ask about these products.
So, in anticipation of those questions, we have gathered a few of the most frequently asked questions from consumers and found answers so that you don’t have to.
What are tin snips used for?
These tools are designed for cutting sheet metal and other tough materials. These hand tools come in two different options, the tin snip of the aviation snip.
What’s the difference between tin snips and aviation snips?
Aviation snips are typically designed for shorter cuts than the tin snips and they’re able to make better-curved cuts. They are also better at changing directions.
Tin snips are better for cutting straight lines and doubled-up sheet metal.
What are the different colored handles for?
Although the color offers a different look for each tin snip, the colors are not just for cosmetic reasons.
Conclusion
If you are in the market for a new pair of tin snips, then this list will help narrow down your options to the best of the best.
Whether you go for our top pick for its versatility and strength, or you opt for another choice, knowing what you need will help you find the right fit for you.
Metal can be a tough material to work with, but with the purchase of the best tin snips out there, you can cut your way through it with ease and get the jobs and projects that you want to finish, done in no time.