How To Use Aviation (Tin) Snips [3 Colors]

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Shannon from www.house-improvements.com shows you how to use different colored aviation snips. Also called tin snips.
If you have questions about your home improvement projects, stop by the forum on our website, where Shannon will answer your questions in detail for free.
Website: www.house-improvements.com
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Video © 2018 SKS Media. Videos produced by SKS Media (House-Improvements.com) are provided for informational purposes only. The information contained in the videos is intended to give general guidance to simplify DIY (do it yourself) projects. Because tools, products, materials, equipment, techniques, building codes and local regulations are constantly changing, SKS Media cannot and does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy of the information contained therein. Further, SKS Media will not accept any claim for liability related to, but not limited to, omissions, errors, injury, damage or the outcome of any project. It is the responsibility of the viewer to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations for a project. The viewer must always take proper safety precautions and exercise caution when taking on any project. If there are any questions or doubt in regards to the element of a project, please consult with a licensed professional. SKS Media conducts all matters in accordance with the laws of Saskatchewan, Canada.
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[@stephenhill1089]

Within ten seconds of starting this video I knew I was gonna learn something important.

[@roc3771]

I almost skipped the video and I am happy I didn't. This totally cleared up the proper use of the snips. THUMBS UP

[@GregJoshuaW]

I'm cutting 22g sheet steel by hand with these things. This video just changed the game. After the physical fact these are designed to "peel" the steel upward, it all made sense. It wasn't easy, but forcing the sheet steel to turn up by pulling it with one hand where the sheers "wanted" it to be, I was able to cut with the other hand making much deeper and far easier cuts. It's a work out. Appreciate the education!

[@LuisHernandez-he53]

Love the way you take the time to thoroughly explain things on all of your videos. I'm looking to buy a set and glad I watched the video. Thanks for sharing

[@lawdog516]

Great review! I’ve been using these snips wrong all these years, thanks for taking the time to make all your very informative videos.

[@chipshot442]

Thanks for the video brother, after 35 years I learned a lot. I was a left and right guy too. Always enjoy your videos!! Al from Maryland

[@rogercollins7920]

You are the first and only person who claims the colors don't refer to left or right cutting. While your explanation of the lower jaw determining the curl of the material is correct. Still, the manufacturers of the tool refer to the cutters as right/straight cut and left/straight cut. I choose to believe the Crescent Wiss manufacturer has a better knowledge of their own tools, and knows what to call them.

[@Shnimberz]

This was incredibly helpful. I've used snips for years and now I actually understand how they work the right way.

[@we-are-electric1445]

I have watched so many videos about which snips to use and the key point this video tells you (and other videos don't or gloss over it) is the lower jaw of the snips goes to the waste side. With that and only cutting off a small amount of waste at a time you can't go far wrong.

[@justinhopper5637]

I just started a new job in sheet metal. I was struggling with figuring out the snips. This video was very helpful. Thanks

[@lusocaruso3958]

Like a true Canadian, apologizing for the noise. Thanks for another great video. Very informative!

[@idwtbam]

Huh, of course he's Canadian. "We" Americans idolize a-holery. I don't want to claim them/"us."

[@intellistar1122]

Thank you so much for this video! I was struggling to cut cleanly, and thought the red/green was only about the direction of the cut. Finally able to get much cleaner edges as a result. Great video!

[@SandiRose2008]

I had no idea! Thank you. Loved the blooper.

[@sunnielchunilall8371]

Thanks for the explanation. Once you said the colour designation was not for cutting curve direction i realized it was going to be waste side. I'm going to label the cutters now with this info. Thanks again.

[@David-ew9rg]

Thanks alot for this video. I think I've been using these snips the wrong way my whole life. Great to learn something new and know the proper way of using a tool.

[@adamortner7172]

I have seen many of your videos, and now I finally subscribed. the snips video was very informative, and clear. Thanks for all the videos! Also, by the way, I have a pair of snips with waste in the middle, and two outer upward curved snips...they worked great on round duct. Just purchased 3 separate snips like the ones you demonstrated. Learned a lot...Thanks again!

[@richmac918]

I've been using snips for years and apparently not only have I been using them incorrectly I completely misunderstood the reason for the red and green handle models. I was always under the impression that they were for cutting in different directions. Learned something new - thanks

[@kalo93406]

This really helped me today. A few simple tips you mentioned let me accomplish my project. I cut some galvanized sheet metal to put on the bottom of a cabinet I'm using for a vintage espresso machine. Used my old yellow snips just fine. Another tip is to make a pattern from paper. I could actually cut around the paper with the snips. Thanks

[@mpwall123]

What a great video. I had no idea, and all these years I thought these snips where the worst designed tools ever. That is one of the best kept secrets.

[@justinfeider8224]

I was born in Milwaukee, but have lived in Colorado for 40 years. I walked away from this video relearning my midwestern accent lol. 'Oh sure,...makes sense,.....so..'.

[@bartosullivan8050]

As always, you're making life easier. Thank you.

[@tammy9649]

Extremely helpful. Thank you!

[@arj290]

Love the cheeky Jag at the back, under covers.

[@warrenmichael918]

Thank you for this !! I have been telling my uncle this for a few years, its going to be nice to let him watch this ! LOL I doubt he will admit it but deep down inside he will know he is wrong !

[@robbo1963]

Wow this really cleared things up for me. I totally get it now. Thanks for taking the time to make this video!!

[@The_Real_Chris]

I need to modify a piston ring compressor to get my VR6 pistons in the block. Too cheap to buy the proper tool so figure why not make my own by modifying a traditional ring compressor. Researching ways to cut the tool down to achieve a 7.5 degree angle and ironically came across this video. Not only have you helped me with many successful home reno projects, but now...in a small way...have had a hand in my car project as well. Thanks Shannon. Beautiful Jag by the way.

[@eaglecot]

Thanks! My life is suddenly a lot better. Also nice Jag

[@richardallan455]

Hi , Houseimprovements,thank you the best informative video by far and also if you do own a pair of left cutting snips but must cut to the right simply turn them upside down in your hand and bingo they will now cut to the right.

[@lestercantem7740]

Thanks very much for explaining this VERY clearly.

[@tinamarie4875]

Great explanation, plus I love you are not joking and using silliness.

[@mcmurm11]

Great explanation guys.

[@andrewhill3575]

Such good tips, Perfect, Thank you!

[@judyghysel]

Exactly what I needed. Thank you!

[@ellobo761]

Thanks for the video!

[@joen1757]

awesome! I had terrible problems cutting 6” duct. I wished I watched the video before hand. The task would have been so much easier. Excellent explanation.

[@thrdel]

You did nailed it, Thanks

[@Brandon-no3vc]

Thanks Shannon great vid

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

Great explanation, thank you.

[@marcint5078]

Thank you for this informative video.

[@martinkalas6431]

great, i really learned today.

[@vincepugliese911]

Excellent overview!

[@jptrainor]

This was great. Thanks!

[@scottk535]

Great video 😊

[@priayief]

Great instruction. Thanks.

[@juansolis9409]

great vid. thank you much.

[@whoDatBeDare]

Very nice. Well Done. Thank you.

[@dandeangeli9860]

Super helpful

[@QuackSuperStar]

Great video thanks for making this

[@robwright469]

Thanks really helpful

[@ggrimm79]

Good, helpful info. Thanks. I must say, though, having green be the right hand is dumb for mnemonic purposes. Right = red is used for audio cables and other applications.

[@zoebornhorst2487]

AMAZING VIDEO! Thank you so much. Just saved my day

[@HouseImprovements]

Glad it helped!

[@kacey_donner]

thank you!

[@tamerhamdy3308]

so nice

[@RCdiy]

Nice. Could you do a video on cutting down spouts. In the centre of a large piece and at the ends.

[@stephenbamford]

Nice explanation. I have had lifelong issues with cutting pieces of metal with these things. Hopefully I can do better the next time I'm confronted with it. I wonder how one would sharpen these things and if they can be sharpened without a mechanized or electrical sharpener. Thanks for sharing!

[@ellobo761]

GR8T video!

[@chadeagleplume2539]

Nice vid good to know I was taught the proper way from the beginning lol we never use the yellow ones

[@mocoloco67]

great videos, very clear, i am learning a lot from you

[@HouseImprovements]

Glad you like them!

[@arvindm1946]

excellent thank you so much

[@indybobthis]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU !

[@vin9114]

Great explanation thank you.

[@HouseImprovements]

You are welcome!

[@sweettangerine1076]

One thing he missed. The snips can be used upside down with practice to use left for right, and vice versa. Also if the metal is painted, the snips leave teeth marks on one side of the metal depending on how you orient the snips.

[@nichenjie]

Good catch!

[@ti10can]

Good to know... Getting green and red tomorrow....

[@ThePablovino]

Midwest red and green offsets. You'll never need another snip.

[@BleedingEdgeJY]

also peeps. Dont be afraid to turn those snips upside down for under cuts.

[@HouseImprovements]

good point.

[@Lacronh]

Good video, liked. What kind of snips should I used to snip sheet metal boot under the air vent register on the floor? There is overage, so the vertical sheet metal that is perpendicular to the hardwood floor comes up about 1/2 inch above the level of the floor. I want to trim it down to flush with floor so the vent register lays down flush on the floor an does not sit cocked or raised off floor. Looking forward to your answer so I can buy the correct snips for my project.

[@ttfweb1]

I can say, I threw away my HF snips and bought Wiss - way better performance. Nice video. I learned a bit.

[@antoniomontana6589]

U should go for Midwest!

[@tonym6920]

👍👍. Thanks!

[@dustantaylor8901]

What do u suggest for cutting corrugated metal roofing in half. Like an 8’ piece into two 4’ pieces? Thx

[@12vLife]

if im cutting a hole out (and the piece that was hole is waste) with my right hand counter clockwise which type should I use?

[@abuzz5395]

So when you’re working with trim coil which snips are in your bag?

[@the_blazerman8138]

Great information. I'll have to adjust & see how it works for left handers.

[@ocoro174]

damn lilbro I rember when you had 10k subs very cool

[@richierich4175]

Great video. I know where I've been going wrong as i only have the straight snips. I am from the uk, but I'm wondering if you are from MN as my brother-in-law's accent sounds the same

[@johnh9507]

did he mention why the handles have a offset tab on them, or did i miss that part, i think i know why but wanted to hear him mention why its like that

[@haileyArevan7176]

Good day,, which one is use to cut corrugated roof@. 5 mm thick

[@lowellbonnell906]

Awesome youtuber

[@laverncarroll]

The Snips are aviation snips. The original snips that were designed so that women could use them during World War II were called Klinks . They are only rated for 18 gauge, the ones you have there are wiss.

[@Alien595]

Nice Jaaaaaag ;)

[@mateuszminsky5619]

What if you're gonna cut a circle out of a sheet?

[@skf3747]

I was thinking that the green was for making curved cuts to the right and red for curved cuts to the left. Damned!

[@waynepowell567]

Excellent advice. Thanks for sharing this info with us. It was much needed.Thanks so much.

[@Xixu.co.6]

Is that an xjr behind you?

[@tlanc1283]

Perfect video as I am getting ready to cut metal!

[@gogoluna1983]

Hi, which one would you recommend for cutting a 6x9 speaker hole on the rear deck of a 2010 accord? I haven't found a single video for this except one that did the holes with a jigsaw, the holes would be done from the inside of the trunk, .. my guess would be that last red one you showed, Thanks

[@HouseImprovements]

That would work best but you may find that the metal on that back deck is a little tough to cut with snips because of its thickness or doubled up areas.

[@gogoluna1983]

I'll take those last red snips for a round or two,. thank you for sharing vid on a tool that's just as underated as highly challenging when cutting metal, .tough spot to cut though, might just try a different route.

[@raywalz4952]

Great vid....but you are holding the snips too vertical when cutting. Tilt /twist your wrist to the right slightly. .../....This will greatly ease the resistance, allow the "good" side of the sheet metal to remain flat and give a smoother cut. SUBSCRIBED and thumbs up. Best to you and yours.

[@BleedingEdgeJY]

Cladders everywhere are rolling over.

[@hiersdable]

The name on the tool goes on the work side.

[@Wolf-xu1fj]

So which one would you use to cut a circle hole in a metal sheet?

[@HouseImprovements]

Either green or red depending on which direction you want to cut. Chose the one that has the lower jaw under the centre piece you are cutting out. If the centre piece is garbage. If you are keeping the centre piece and you want it to remain pretty flat cut with the lower jaw under the outer metal.

[@Wolf-xu1fj]

@@HouseImprovements what about the straight one? I want to cut away a 3 inch circle piece in a metal sheet. Thanks

[@tomobermeier2491]

It is not only which side the cut off goes, it is mainly to cut curves. You cannot cut a left curve with the right side cutter and vice versa! The third one is to cut straight through the sheet.

[@xdcxmindfreakful]

Also left out the bulldog snips that are actually the notcher snips not the straights

[@meo1960]

It surely is a right-handed world.

[@christianmichael1970]

Your 2006/07 XJR is winking at me in the background. Solid black or metallic anthracite?

[@HouseImprovements]

2006, British racing green, not my car though 😉

[@christianmichael1970]

@@HouseImprovements ahhhh lighting makes it look black! Whom ever it is, nice vehicle :0)

[@alaskanken2132]

Reds cut a left handed hole. Greens cut a right handed hole. Yellows cut a straight cut.

[@joedirt6699]

I hate to say it as I really enjoy shanons Videos but I’m a long run metal roofer and almost everything said in this video is wrong. I’ll have to make a video on how to use snips correctly.

[@PoopShitz]

Please do. Most of these videos aren't from architectural sheet metal guys.

[@stuckfly9039]

Hurry up; I have to cut metal roofing in a few days and so far all my test cuts are awful!

[@matthewfurlotte1316]

14 gauge? Ud better have a heck of a strong hand for that. 16 is the heaviest u should go with these snips. Better get some Bulls ora shear for anything heavier

[@jasonbenson1jb]

What kind of truck or tool brand are you ?

[@tuga2112]

very good exaplanation on tin snips. sadly the start of the video is pretty slow and gives the impression there's no real content coming. but if you stick to it ou may learn something.

[@Dantheguitarman3]

In drylining we don't need to be that fussy :D

[@lwjones56]

Why does he say green while he is holding red and vise versa? Are do they have different names for colors in Canada?

[@ttfweb1]

Larry Jones some of us make mistakes - after I turned about 13 I figured that out and stopped asking why.

[@wim0104]

yeah, Maple leaves are green, what gives??