Tin Snips

What is it?

Tin snips are hand shears with long handles and short, hardened blades that cut sheet metal, flashing, and ductwork. They shear cleanly along a line and come in straight, left, and right-cut versions.

What is it used for?

• Cutting sheet metal and flashing
• Cutting ductwork and thin gauge steel
• Straight and curved metal cuts

How to choose

Match the snip orientation (straight, left, right) to the cut direction. Longer handles give more leverage for thicker metal.

Anatomy

Understanding the parts of a tin snips helps you use, maintain, and buy it with confidence.

• Body: the main working portion of the tool
• Working end: the part that contacts the material
• Handle: the part you grip for control and leverage

Materials & construction

Quality tin snipss are made from hardened, heat-treated steel (often chrome-vanadium or high-carbon) chosen for strength, edge retention, and resistance to wear and corrosion.

Safety & maintenance

• Inspect the tool before use and replace any that are worn or damaged
• Use the right tool for the job and apply controlled force
• Store tools clean and dry to prevent corrosion
• Wear appropriate eye protection for the work

Also known as

sheet metal shears, aviation snips