Curved snips, also known as “aviation snips,” are a type of hand tool used in metalworking. They are designed with curved blades and specialized handles so the user can cut curved patterns in sheet metal, making them ideal for precision work when cutting circles, curves, and 90-degree angles.
The curves of the blades allow for a narrow, closer cut so that small amounts of metal can be removed, letting the user get a precise shape. Curved snips are commonly used for ductwork and other HVAC applications, such as shaping duct corners or cutting angled notches.
They are also used for working on aircraft and automotive parts, such as bodywork and exhaust systems, as well as home renovation tasks, such as building HVAC ducts and similar projects.
When would you choose to use a curved blade pair of tin snips?
A curved blade pair of tin snips would be a great choice when making cuts in thin metal work such as sheet metal, aluminum and thin steel. The curved blades allow for excellent control and clean cuts in thin metals since the shape of the blades gives you a clear line of sight when cutting.
These snips are also commonly used when making curved cuts or tight circles in sheet metals. They are well suited for cutting plastic, leather and other materials too, especially if the design is curved or tight.
What are the different types of tin snips?
Tin snips, also known as aviation snips or shears, are cutting tools used for cutting sheet metal and other materials. They typically come in three basic styles, each with its own distinct design and purpose: straight-pattern, left-cutting, and right-cutting.
Straight-pattern tin snips are the simplest of the three types, with blades that are oriented in a symmetrical, straight-line pattern which enables the cutting of tight circles and curves without much effort.
The edges on both sides of the blades are usually beveled and can make sharp, clean cuts.
Left-cutting tin snips have blades designed so that the cut curves to the left. They are ideal for straight trimming and cutting curves, especially those with large radii. They can also be used in tight spaces, like when making interior circles.
Right-cutting tin snips have blades designed so the cut curves to the right. They are designed to cut curves that go outward and can also be used in tight spaces, though they are not as effective as left-cutting tin snips for producing interior circles.
Each type of tin snip also has several variations, based on their handle design, size and shape of blades, and material used for construction. For example, pistol grip tin snips are designed for greater comfort and easier application, while offset tin snips feature blades that are set in a slightly off-set angle which can help increase cutting power.
What’s the difference between tin snips and aviation snips?
Tin snips and aviation snips are two types of shears used to cut metal. While both of these tools can be used to cut a variety of thin, soft metals, they are better suited to specific tasks. Tin snips are best used to cut sheet metal, while aviation snips are designed to cut more complex shapes, such as curves and circles, in thicker metals.
Tin snips are typically known as hinged snips, while aviation snips are more often referred to as compound lever snips. Tin snips have a simple hinge that is used to cut sheet metal and have a wide handle for application of more force.
Aviation snips on the other hand, have a compound lever system, which uses two arms to generate more force, giving the user more control and accuracy.
Another feature that distinguishes the two is their blade shape. Tin snips have a straight blade designed for cutting straight lines, while aviation snips have a curved blade to make it easier to cut complex shapes.
The blade of an aviation snip is also able to extend out, allowing for better maneuverability around unique shapes. This feature is missing in tin snips.
Lastly, tin snips are often easier to find and less expensive than aviation snips. Aviation snips, while more expensive, can be more efficient, allowing for quicker and better quality cuts of complex shapes.
How do you use different tin snips?
Tin snips are a versatile tool that are primarily used for cutting sheet metal, but can also be used to cut other materials such as plastics, laminates, and vinyl. When it comes to using tin snips, the type of snip needed is primarily determined by the material that it is being used for.
There are three common types of tin snips – straight cut, left cut, and right cut. Each type of snip is suited for different materials, and operates differently.
Straight cut snips are ideal for cutting straight lines in sheet metal and other soft metals. They are the most commonly used type of tin snip, and feature both blades beveled in the same direction. To use these snips, you hold them with the blades at an angle to the material and then squeeze the handles to cut the metal.
Left cut snips are best used for cutting curved left lines in sheet metal. These snips have one straight blade and one serrated blade, and they are held with the blades at an angle to the material when cut.
When using left cut snips, you typically start at one end of the material and then move your hand up the handle of the snips as you cut.
Right cut snips are used for cutting curved right lines in sheet metal, and they also feature one straight blade and one serrated blade. The blades are held at an angle to the material and you typically start at one end of the material, then move your hand up the handle as you cut.
No matter which type of tin snips you use, it is important to be aware of the material you are cutting as some materials are more brittle than others and need to be treated with care. Additionally, it is important to know how to use the snips safely – when in use, keep your hands clear of the blades and always use a pair of gloves for protection.
Why are tin snips called aviation snips?
Tin snips, also known as aviation snips, are multipurpose cutting tools used to cut sheet metal, duct work, and plastic. The blades on tin snips have serrations along their edges so they can grip the material and make a smooth, clean cut.
These types of snips are commonly used in the aviation industry because they are lightweight, easy to use, and can cut through many types of brake metal materials used in the production of aircraft. Tin snips were first used to cut rivets, trim sheet metal, and create holes for different pieces of aircraft.
The tools caught on quickly in the aviation industry and these snips are now commonly referred to as aviation snips.
Can aviation snips cut metal?
Yes, aviation snips can definitely be used to cut metal. Aviation snips are often referred to as tin snips, and are typically used for cutting materials such as sheet metal, aluminum siding, and plastic.
Depending on the type of aviation snips, the blades of the snips can be curved or straight. The straight blades are best used for cutting straight lines and trimming material, while the curved blades are best used making curved cuts.
Most aviation snips are designed to be used with both left and right handed users, and many feature soft-grip handles to reduce fatigue during use. Aviation snips also typically feature self-opening blades and safety locks to ensure safety while operating.
With their durable blades, aviation snips can easily cut through metal, from light-gauge material up to heavy-duty steel.
What can I use instead of tin snips?
When cutting metal, you can use bolt cutters, shears, nibblers, or abrasive cutting wheels as an alternative to tin snips. Bolt cutters are great for cutting bolts and chains, as well as soft metal materials like aluminum.
Shears are best suited for cutting thin sheet metal, while nibblers are great for accurately making small cuts in angles, curves, and circles. Abrasive cutting wheels work best for cutting hard metals like steel, but they require special safety gear as they give off sparks.
What is a metal cutter called?
A metal cutter is a tool that is used to cut metal materials such as steel, copper, and aluminum by exerting a tremendous amount of pressure onto the material. The most common type of metal cutter is known as a shear or shearing machine, which uses two blades that move across the material in opposite directions in order to cut it.
These types of cutters can be used to cut sheet materials, or they can be used to cut thicker materials like structural steel or rebar. Other types of metal cutters include press brakes and milling machines, which use high-powered machines with specialized blades to cut the steel into precise shapes and sizes.
How many types of tin snips are there?
There are three main types of tin snips available on the market: aviation snips, straight pattern snips, and curved pattern snips. Aviation snips, also known as tinner’s snips or compound snips, are designed for nibbling and cutting curves in thin sheet metal.
Straight pattern snips, which usually have lap joint construction, can be used for cutting straight lines or curves in either direction in light materials like tinplate, aluminum, brass, and leather.
Curved pattern snips, also known as duckbill snips, are used for making curved cuts in a single direction in light materials. They have a pistol-grip handle design and a single blade, with the cutting edge curving away from the handle.
Tin snips are an essential tool for working with sheet metal, and the right type of snips makes it easier to get accurate, clean cuts.
What are straight tin snips for?
Straight tin snips are a type of hand tool specifically made to cut through metal. They are ideal for cutting through sheets of metal, specifically soft metal like tin, aluminum, and brass. They are usually easy to hold and the design is made to allow for precision snipping.
The cutting blades can be curved, semi-curved, or straight, depending on the snipping job. Because of their precise blades, they are often used for creating intricate cuts. They are also great for cutting through wire mesh and for cutting straight edges or lines.
Tin snips are also sometimes used to cut through plastic and cloth, giving them a great deal of versatility.
Do tin snips cut steel?
Yes, tin snips are specifically designed to cut steel and other thin metals up to 18 gauge in thickness. Tin snips have a pointed tip and serrations on the blades that allow you to easily score and cut through the steel.
In fact, they are the most common tool used to cut sheet metal because they are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. When using a pair of tin snips, make sure the blades are sharp so you can easily make the cut.
If the blades are dull, it will be much more difficult to make a clean, straight cut. Additionally, before starting your cut make sure to plan out exactly how you want to cut the steel. Once you begin the cut, make sure to be slow and steady to ensure a precise cut.
What is a pair snips?
A pair snips is a type of scissors that have a short, sharp blade with a short handle. It is designed for cutting very precise and accurate cuts, usually of small objects such as threads or papers. The blades of the scissors move in opposite directions, so that the blades slightly overlap when compressed.
This overlapping creates a sharp edge which is able to make precise and accurate cuts into fabric or paper. They are also known as tailor’s snips and are often used in sewing and crafting projects.
What are the two classifications of sheet metal snips?
Sheet metal snips are cutting tools used to cut pieces of sheet metal into various shapes. The two classifications of sheet metal snips are straight cut and circle cut snips. Straight cut snips are primarily used to cut straight lines in ductwork, siding and other thin-gauge metals.
They have blades with a two-notch pattern that allows them to create a straight, clean cut. Circle cut snips, on the other hand, are used to cut circles and other curved shapes in thin-gauge metals. They have an offset pivot point and blades designed to create a curved cut.
Both types of snips are available in a variety of sizes and handle designs, allowing them to be used for different types of sheet metal work.