Aviation Snips vs Tin Snips: The Key Differences Explained

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Last Updated on March 15, 2024 by Mamunur Rashid

Aviation Snips vs Tin Snips

Sheet metals are incredibly versatile. You can use these in a lot of ways. No matter what metal sheet you use, an excellent old cutting is always necessary.

However, you can cut sheet metal in a lot of ways. From the old fashion scissors to cutting-edge laser technology, many ways are there for this job.

Here’s the thing-

Laser cuts are extraordinarily accurate and work best but are highly expensive. On the other hand, snip tools are super-efficient.

But aviation snips and tin snips are two types of snips. But there are some slight differences between these. And for that reason, the ‘difference between tin snips and aviation snips’ has always been a popular topic among sheet metal workers.

We’re here to cut deeper into the topic and to layout facts. Because using the wrong tool for the wrong job might end up in a disaster. So, let’s jump right into the details-

Aviation Snips vs Tin Snips: Comparison

Preview
Best Aviation Snips
Crescent Wiss 9-3/4 Inch MetalMaster Compound Action Snips - Straight,...
Best Tin Snips
TEKTON 8-Inch Straight Pattern Tin Snips | 35103
Title
Crescent Wiss 9-3/4 Inch MetalMaster Compound Action Snips - Straight,...
TEKTON 8-Inch Straight Pattern Tin Snips | 35103
Editor's Rating
4.9/5
4.9/5
Prime Status
-
Best Aviation Snips
Preview
Crescent Wiss 9-3/4 Inch MetalMaster Compound Action Snips - Straight,...
Title
Crescent Wiss 9-3/4 Inch MetalMaster Compound Action Snips - Straight,...
Editor's Rating
4.9/5
Prime Status
Best Tin Snips
Preview
TEKTON 8-Inch Straight Pattern Tin Snips | 35103
Title
TEKTON 8-Inch Straight Pattern Tin Snips | 35103
Editor's Rating
4.9/5
Prime Status
-

Let’s know the detail of tin snips and aviation snips. 

What is an Aviation Snip?

What is an Aviation Snip?

Aviation snips are just another version of scissors. These are other handheld tools using lever technology to cut through metal sheets. However, you can also cut softer materials like rubber or plastic with aviation snips.

Aviation snips were first introduced for cutting metal sheets used in aircraft construction. And from there, it got its name as aviation snips.

Our Recommended Best Aviation Snips on amazon: 

Sale
Crescent Wiss 9-3/4 Inch MetalMaster Compound Action Snips - Straight,...
7,704 Reviews
Crescent Wiss 9-3/4 Inch MetalMaster Compound Action Snips - Straight,...
  • Cuts straight and slight left and right curves...
  • Blade serrations hold material firmly and spread...
  • Superior design prevents tears at end of cuts by...
  • Cuts up to 18 gauge low carbon, rolled steel
  • Spring-action handle for a faster, effortless feed
MIDWEST Aviation Snip Set - Left and Right Cut Offset Tin Cutting...
9,310 Reviews
MIDWEST Aviation Snip Set - Left and Right Cut Offset Tin Cutting...
  • 4 Piece offset snip set - Includes left and right...
  • Glidetech forged blades - Blades are hot...
  • Pinch-thru-point cuts - Forged blades cut 18 gauge...
  • Kush'n-power grips - Midwest's Kush'N-Power grips...
Dewalt DWHT14676 Aviation Snip Set ,3 pack
111 Reviews
Dewalt DWHT14676 Aviation Snip Set ,3 pack
  • Flush hardware allows smooth access from pouch
  • Internal locking mechanism
  • Durable construction
  • Forged chrome molydbenum alloy
  • Long cutting life

How to use Aviation Snips?

First, look at the snip specifications. See if your cutting material is suitable for the snip.

Next, look at the color of the snips. There are three colored aviation snips. Red, green, and yellow. Each of these colors has different uses.

If you want a curved cut, red or green snips are for you. However, if you want a straight cut, then the yellow one is suitable. Moreover, see which snip cuts are on which side. The right-cut snip will generate waste on the right-hand side.  And it’ll be vice versa for the left snip.

After figuring out the blades mark up your sheet. Start cutting the sheet according to the marks. Lastly, smooth up the newly cut area.

What is a Tin Snip?

What is a Tin Snip?

A tin snip is another type of tool used for cutting metal sheets. This tool also uses lever technology for cutting sheets.

But this snip is more like a long-necked scissor with shorter blades. This tool is designed for cutting thin metals. For example, you can cut sheets of 22-gauge cold-rolled steel or 26-gauge stainless steel (Max) with tin snips.

Our recommended best Tin Snip on amazon:

TEKTON 8-Inch Straight Pattern Tin Snips | 35103
272 Reviews
TEKTON 8-Inch Straight Pattern Tin Snips | 35103
  • Cuts straight or in wide curves
  • High strength forged and heat treated carbon steel
  • Precision-ground cutting edges are high frequency...
  • Soft, two-layer, non-slip handle grips for extra...
  • Designed for use with either left or right hand
IRWIN Tin Snip, Flat Blade, 12-inch (22012) , Blue
1,189 Reviews
IRWIN Tin Snip, Flat Blade, 12-inch (22012) , Blue
  • Snip tool cuts up to 20-gauge cold-roll steel and...
  • Snip tool features a flat blade that cuts straight...
  • Precision-ground edges on the tin snips ensure a...
  • Hot, drop-forged steel blades provide maximum...
  • Durable spring washer holds blades tightly against...
Sale
Performance Tool W2043 Center Cut Aviation Tin Snip
569 Reviews
Performance Tool W2043 Center Cut Aviation Tin Snip
  • PRECISION CUTTING: The Performance Tool W2043...
  • CHROME VANADIUM STEEL: Made from high-quality...
  • SAFE AND SECURE: Equipped with a safety latch, the...
  • ERGONOMIC DESIGN: The non-slip serrated jaws and...
  • VERSATILE CUTTING: With the ability to cut both...

How to Use Tin Snips?

If you can cut with scissors, you’ll be able to cut with tin snips.

It’s because the method is the same. But there are some differences too.

So, let’s look at how to use tin snips-

Just like before, start by marking your working area. Plan out how to cut and where to cut.

Once you’re done, place your tin snip onto the sheet. Next, start cutting. And here is the main detail.

While cutting, don’t close the blades fully. This is necessary if you want to have a smooth cut.

After finishing the cut, you can smoothen the edges for better safety.

Pros and Cons of Using Tin snips and Aviation Snips

Now that you’ve known the primary details about aviation and tin snips, it’s time to get real. Here we will focus on the pros and cons related to practical uses.

More specifically, you’ll face the advantages and disadvantages while working with these tools. Now, let’s get going-

Pros and Cons of Aviation Snips

Aviation snips are meant to do trim work rather than making significant and rough cuts. To be more specific, this tool is perfect for creating relief notches and cutting off thin slivers.

What We Liked
    • Aviation snips have spring-loaded handles. This gives the user a mechanical advantage while cutting. As a result, your hand gets half the wear and tear.
    • These snips are highly versatile. Apart from cutting, you can do ductwork and gutters. The three-way blades give you cutting freedom on a whole new level.
    • Aviation snip blades have a notch-like structure. You’ll get a firmer grip on the workpiece thanks to blade teeth.
    • Thanks to the metal latch on this tool’s side, you can safely secure the jaws.

What We Didn't Like
  • These snips are a bit expensive. Thanks to the specialized features, you’ll need to go deeper into your pocket.
  • A certain level of skills is needed to use Aviation snips.

Pros and Cons of Tin Snips

Tin snips are best for cutting thin metal. To be more specific, this tool is your best buddy for low-budget metal sheet works.

What We Liked
    • The first and foremost advantage of tin snips is the low-cost factor. As we have said earlier, these are perfect for your temporary DIY project.
    • Tin snips require a lower level of skills for operating. Anyone who can use scissors can use tin snips.
    • Because of the long handles, you’ll have lower chances of muscle fatigue and strain injuries.
    • As the tin snips have fewer parts, it’s highly durable. So you won’t have frequent malfunctioning and troubleshooting.

What We Didn't Like
  • Because of the simple mechanism, tin snips are low on versatility. So, there are many works you cannot do with tin snips.
  • It doesn’t have spring-loaded handles, so it takes more effort to cut.

In Conclusion

So the burning question is tin snips and aviation snips which are perfect for your projects. If you ask us, then we have no direct answer. We have laid out the facts. You can decide better based on those facts. Moreover, the answer also depends on your situation.

Good luck. Happy cutting.

About the author

Mamunur Rashid

Hi there! My name is Mamunur Rashid. I’m a meticulous guy who loves to deal with the perfect tools for various needs. No matter if it’s a woodworking tool or gardening tool or anything else, I don’t compromise the quality and usability. Since 2010 I’ve been testing different tools for different DIY and professional tasks. Later in 2015, I decided to share my knowledge with the world. I started by answering people in the forums and several Q/A sites like Quora. Then I founded this blog to aid others like you with my knowledge and experience.