STOP DOING THIS WRONG! How To Use Aviation Snips The RIGHT WAY

STOP DOING THIS WRONG! How To Use Aviation Snips The RIGHT WAY. In this video we teach and show the #verycoolgang how to use aviation snips the right way and what to stop doing when using them! Stop doing this wrong by watching the video and learning the in's & out's of aviation snips. We teach you what the different colors of aviation snips are for by demonstrating cuts using red, green, and yellow snips. These aviation snips are from WISS Snips who is owned by Cresent tools and make some of the sharpest snips on the market! Let us know in the comments below if you have been using your snips the right way this whole time or if you learned something from this video. Also let us know who makes your favorite aviation snips and which color is your favorite to use. Thank you for watching!

[@terrymuncaster6689]

I’m a roofer in New Zealand, 99% of our work is metal roofing, we use the wiss and Midwest offset snips ( Midwest’s mainly for flashings) . You’ll find if you turn your snips upside down they’ll add another set of cuts to your arsenal and they offcuts will peel down rather than up.

[@QUANTRELLBISHOP]

Midwest are the best I've tried every brand and I always could get by with just the greens if I had to buy we used 16 g Sheet metal and sometimes the cuts had to be perfect and Midwest are the best I've used

[@bert1913]

This gay guy is annoying

[@satyamimel5452]

What Terry said basically. But flipping them upside down can turn one set of snips into its opposite. What do I mean my that? Reds putting the cut/waste material on the left side; when flipped upside down will put waste/cut material on the right side. This will keep you from having to swap in most situations. I rotate and use red and green when I can for it’s practical purpose when I’m doing repetitive left and right cuts, but when it’s quick small stuff I need to cut, I’ll cut the not Al way with a pair of reds then flip them upside down and cut with them.

[@lukasz070485]

@@QUANTRELLBISHOP rotating will make no difference at all

[@lewisspurr9167]

@@lukasz070485 wtf are these guys talking about :') still pushes the same side up

[@outcast7899]

Was told when young green for right turns red for left, yellow for straight and sometimes my cut looked like I used a hatchet , now I know color for direction of waste and finish results are amazing. Thanks Vince

[@jimz6076]

My Dad was a metal worker and he never got a chance to teach me this. Thanks for helping me learn about my dads work.

[@argentorangeok6224]

Me: "This is a great video with good info!" Guy in navy tee: "Good-freaking-grief how long can he go on about this?!?! I was just making a short cut!!!"

[@MMAKingRay]

glad you explained that to all of the construction folks. in Aircraft work when you are cutting much thicker aluminum in most cases the L, R, Straight pair are a must. the yellow doeant get used nearly as much as the L and R pair in our world. plus if you see someone that doesnt have all 3 we usually just know that they are either new hire or have no idea what they are doing. tells you how different industries think

[@VCGConstruction]

Thanks for the feedback Ray !

[@ChazSeamus28]

No doubt, I'm the guy that thought the greens were for right handers...lol I'm right handed social bought them (Milwaukee) no wonder they were out of stock on the yellow ones. Smh. I just needed snips around the house for trim and DIY stuff. I have no business having aviation anything 🙃😆 I thought I was getting a bargain at $14

[@virtualmorality]

most people buy yellow so they can see them streams out... lol

[@exceleratorjoshua]

This is very important when installing rain gutters and downspouts. I did that for a few months and using the red or green snips properly makes a big difference. I personally used the Midwest snips over the Malco brand. I found the Midwest to be very smooth and require less force to cut thicker metals over the Malco or big box store brands.

[@VCGConstruction]

Thanks for the feedback Josh!

[@BassWhoopinFishingTeam]

Midwest is the best brand. Been using them for 6 years.

[@watti-yi7sw]

Great vid Vince!spent time as a 'tin knocker' reds and greens my big Malcos for straight runs. You're right. Whatever you are cutting the waste side curls out the top so as not to ripple your finish side. Be sure to lay the blade flat against work....your wrist will be cocked slightly right or left depending on snip choice. Tip on cutting penetrations in duck work. Place a screwdriver tip on edge in the center of your cut andhit itwith hammer. This will leave a hole. Use either red or greens and cut in a circular motion until you reach near the edge of your finish cut. The metal you've removed looks like a cork screw. Now you can trim the last of your metal for a perfect cut. Sounds like a lot but becomes very quick. Also lose the plastic handle. This will allow your hand to slip around the tool as needed. Keep em coming Vince.

[@jtveg]

I've always had dramas and difficulties using snips and choosing the correct one for a particular cut. It was even more difficult being a left hander, but you cleared up a lot of things more than anyone else even after being shown dozens of times. Thanks for sharing. 😉👌🏻

[@mikejones-ku5ix]

For HVAC Reds for counter clockwise cutting and greens for clockwise. Straights I guess to cut shingles for roof jacks.

[@jacobsimerman5281]

Yellow is also great at cutting slock

[@mikejones-ku5ix]

@@jacobsimerman5281 I normally use my bull nose but they are not long enough to cut straight through.

[@kevort3100]

Midwest offset snips are the way to go!!!!!

[@leebo8908]

Reds and greens will do it all, and cutting circles are a breeze!

[@drammanky2418]

I agree Midwest is the best mine are 15 years old and work better than any others

[@trillflaco]

Commercial tin knocker here !

[@kevort3100]

@@trillflaco local 105?

[@trillflaco]

Critical Sheet Metal Apprentice no i wish ... just a commercial company

[@andrewdelgado9139]

That's funny I use all three snips to to make perfect cut and my co workers always criticize me because I carry all three on my belt lol I knew I wasn't doing anything wrong

[@VCGConstruction]

I wonder what their thought process is and what they’re laughing about? I guess the jokes on them!! 👍🏻

[@adambomb7331]

Your also 2 snips healthier than your coworkers. 😆

[@drammanky2418]

Lol are they laughing cause you carry more tools tgan they cary teeth . Idiots with crinkled cuts .

[@Dave-ek2jx]

Depends what your profession is. Of you're a carpenter, then there is no reason to carry all three sets of snips with you at all times. If you're doing fascia, soffit, etc., then that makes sense. If you're framing, or installing cabinets, or doing base/crown...yeah, you're being silly.

[@bobanmilisavljevic7857]

Guys will always make fun of each other until it becomes illegal one day

[@dylanmartens2282]

When I first started out in hvac doing installs 3 and a half years ago I definitely botched some cuts by not using the proper snips lol. The first dozen times using the malco nibbler I always went clock wise thinking it was like using the greens. You live and you learn. Wish i seen this video before making those mistakes lol. Great video man 👍

[@VCGConstruction]

Thanks Dylan, we appreciate it!

[@Bournefort]

Great info. I found this out the hard way after cutting up probably 40 feet of corrugated steel panels. I just couldn't figure out why my cuts were going so poorly until I saw the red handled tool sitting in the tool box lol.

[@lukasz070485]

I laughed loud at 1:06🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 All that American confidence right there on his chin!!!!

[@watsmynameyo]

Haha I didn't even notice 😂 That's normal for me to see here

[@kzeuz999]

As a gutter installer i can attest to your correctness on this matter. It’s not over-kill when you want a good looking finish. And it only adds a few seconds. Next time speak to which way you lean/lean the ‘snips’ when cutting. And Wiss are the Cadillac of aviations

[@John42832]

I used to install nothing aluminum and I would agree with you 100% the only thing I would add if it's a long cut "scissors" I find are much easier on long cuts and have never had an issue with them

[@VCGConstruction]

Thanks Karl, we appreciate the feedback!

[@Wazoo117]

you really have to lean them a lot when cutting circular holes for downspout drops

[@John42832]

@@Wazoo117 there is actually cutters for that!

[@Wazoo117]

@@John42832 yea we have the puch that makes the x for 2x3 spouts but our supplier has oval drops for 3x4 which we dont have a punch for

[@rishardlampese8947]

I have these same Wiss snips. This is the first video I've seen that actually explains how the damn things work. It's all about the waste side. THANK YOU!!!! And yes, they seem sharper than your old brand was when you got them - makes perfect sense lol.

[@Jimbodaddy74]

I'm a journeyman sheet metal worker with over 20 years experience. I don't own yellow snips and I don't know anyone who does. Reds and greens do everything I need them to do.

[@VCGConstruction]

Thank you for the feedback Jimbo. A lot of people never use the yellow snips!

[@ClintL63]

I have used the greens and reds for years and a pair of big Malco snips for those long runs

[@jordanakin8953]

I have done some construction over the yrs. Everything from basic electrical, weathering, roofing, stucco ( which I hate and never do agian my hands were raw) , some framing ( built a barn and a she'd which I turned into a small bedroom) but mostly did ceremic tile only thing in that I didn't learn was lay out. With all the said I learned something on this video I thought they made right cut stright cut and left cut boy was I worng I'm always glad to learn new things.

[@Caymen43]

I'm a GC that always avoided using snips.. Rarely had use for them but when I did, it would always be absolute frustration.. You're video really cleared things up for me and am now looking forward to putting your advise to use.. Thanks for the great info..

[@VCGConstruction]

Thanks Bobby!

[@wademcmullin]

Great information here!!! Going to think about this next time I’m doing metal siding!!!

[@VCGConstruction]

Glad it was helpful!

[@thomasyounger7009]

thanks for the video, I recently joined the carpenters union and the journeyman i'm working with told me to just get the reds cause I'm right handed. Now I understand why it was a struggle to cut from some directions and bought all 3 colors to try them out.

[@guitfiddle]

Never knew that. Thanks Vince. You make that look very easy. I've always just had a Yellow for home DIY and I've seriously struggled in some cases. I'll have to look at the others.

[@VCGConstruction]

Thank you Fiddle!

[@southpawshane7652]

Thanks for the content. It's helped me understand proper use of these tools, how and why they function the way they do. I've been building barns for a while. Now finding myself in a position of lead more often, I can no longer Wing knowing how to do things properly.

[@garageliving3658]

I always thought they were directional so used yellow 100%. Im a lefty. After half of this video i went out and bought a red pair. And man they did make a difference. Thank you guys for showing this!!!

[@robertb3214]

I need to make a few birthday / Christmas present recommendations for me to receive. I only have one color of snips. Great video.

[@bryanmcfarland967]

Hi Guys!!! Thanks Vince/Mikey/Nick for this series of videos! With all the stay-at-home virus orders going on, it's a big comfort to watch you guys building stuff and hanging out with us. Any chance of doing any live videos from the work site? :-)

[@meagaindave2049]

Yo fellas! I've used the greens upside down and work great when used in that fashion. Especially to keep my knuckles down and away from the cut material. Reds for knuckles staying up and away from the cut. Yellows have always been my backup to reds and greens in a pinch. Tip on snipping metal stud while stud is horizontal: 1. Cut upper flange. 2. Cut lower flange. 3. Bend stud with remaining strong side intact. 4. Score the bent seam with a razor knife a couple of times (Yes, it's hard on the razor.) 5. Bend the shorter end of stud back and forth until friction breaks the metal (about 3 or 4 times) 5. Admire perfectly straight cut (break) between flange cuts 1 and 2. Thanks guys and God bless!😁👍

[@VCGConstruction]

👍🏻

[@illestofdemall13]

Blades are cheap at least. Good tip.

[@ForFucksSake57591]

Lolol I totally just watched this even though I would never have to use this on the job. Vince you do an awesome job of making shit interesting. It all makes sense now lol. 🙏🏻🙏🏻 solid video bud

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Thanks for teaching me something new Vince Didn't know any of this Good informative video

[@jeffshearer5125]

Wiss just got a helloava order for there snips!

[@guardian8319]

One Wiss snippy boi

[@Isabelbeau]

Nah ....

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

Great advice Vince. I prefer the yellow for working with roof flashing. 🍻🤙

[@cameronmccreary4758]

That is very nice cutting work. I forgot how these snips worked. I'm going out tomorrow to purchase a set because I have to cut stainless sheet. I had a set but they were stolen years ago and I see on Home Depot that I can buy a set of all 3. Tomorrow I will buy the set. I am a machinist and I'm going to be using the stainless steel sheet to protect A2 tool steel from scaling while I heat treat it.

[@gumpokiegp6259]

Thank you, I just bought all three and never knew there was a difference. Now I know. Have small project I'm starting tomorrow and will definitely experiment with the left and right shears. Appreciate your help. God bless 🤠🇺🇸

[@VCGConstruction]

Good luck!

[@ottomatic7823]

Just a point of fact: On boats/ships the running lights are RED to port (left) & GREEN to starboard (right)

[@azrezin5220]

I work for a flat roof and sheet metal company. when I got into the metal department one of the foreman's told me throw the yellow snips away or he would fire me. He said real metal guys don't use yellow snips. lol. Good video though. This is basically what he taught me minus the yellows. Good knowledge though. Thank you.

[@mok4191]

I think I knew this but had forgotten! Thanx VCG!

[@chevyman6999]

Wow, all these years I never realized it's just which side you want it to discharge. Thanks Vince!

[@Jonathan-tb6fm]

Ima destroy my boss with my skills now!

[@workingTchr]

If I was going to teach this to students, I would give them the 3 kinds of snips and some scrap sheet metal and tell them to cut away and then come back and _tell me_ what the difference is between them. I watched most of the video and for the firsts time understood what I was looking for, but it wasn't until I started cutting up some metal and paying close attention to what was coming out, that I appreciated the differences.

[@waseemsells5378]

Reds were my favourite up until now. Now I know how to use them, they are all my favourite. I work with sheet metal everyday. Great video!! Big ups!!

[@Jester1427]

25+ years Acoustical, I always use the straight (yellow) 97% of the time. Only time I use Rights (green) (2%) is when I'm installing Shadow or "W" mold. I do own a pair of Lefts (Red) (1%) as a backup to when my Rights break or shaving the finish of the side of the "T-Bar". I do also own a pair of Rights and Lefts that are Right angle for working in tight spaces. A lot of time I'm cutting material that is above my head and the Lefts (Red) are an awkward angle to use.

[@mranonymous8979]

That makes sense thanks for explaining it. I had no i idea.

[@tysenhansen514]

Had no idea the colors signify each unique purpose for cutting waste direction. Super helpful thanks for the tip!

[@upsidedowndog1256]

I am glad someone can use these things. I have been in aviation for 30 years, for many I exclusively did sheetmetal. These things make such poor cuts that mine have been used so little that if they disappeared I would not replace them! The jagged cuts necessitate hours of filing or other clean up finish work. Shears with smooth jaws are what my fellow aircraft sheetmetal people and I use. Nice video on how to use them, though!

[@unclejimy]

Erdi snips by bessey German made. Not serrated edge leaves a tare point. Big problem with Zinc and copper. I throw away the snips he's using.

[@kiwdwks]

Thanks...learned something new! Appreciate it.

[@robertmotion]

Great video, man. Picked up the Crescent Wiss 9-3/4 snipes. Had no idea the yellow handles served a greater purpose. Thank for the education. /Bklyn👑

[@802Garage]

Nice! I didn't know all this. :)

[@stevengordon2145]

Will be buying the greens & reds great video.. 👍 Blessings from the 🇬🇧 in these very difficult time's

[@misc771]

Danged if I didn't learn something new!!! Thanks for the lesson and the knowledge Vince! Hope all is healthy and well with the VCG crew and fam, and it stays that way!

[@VCGConstruction]

Thanks Nate, we appreciate it, stay safe my friend!

[@marcthvac]

Good on ya for pressing forward. Don't let your handicaps slow you down.

[@russellgilland8278]

Sweet video guys thanks for showing us how to use them properly, plus it's good for me because, I'm a lefty.

[@robertbates8599]

AWESOME content Vince!!! Thank you as always for your helpful content!!! You and the rest of VCG ROCK!!! Hope you and the Mrs are on tonight but if not.... HOPE YOU TWO, VCG GANG HAVE THE BEST, SAFEST WEEKEND!!!!!

[@VCGConstruction]

Thanks Robert, we appreciate you, stay safe my friend!

[@warrenosborne1539]

Thanks man, I grew up thinking that Red=right/Green=left,, ( like a boat) and yellow was straight. Damn, I'm almost 70 and I just learned something!

[@mykolashatkovskyi8817]

I even did not know that I need such a snippets before your video 😂😂😂

[@rw3476]

Great video. Helpful as I’m doing some cuts to hvac ducts.

[@contessa.adella]

Wow! A revelation! So being right handed I (usually) want the product in front of me and waste to the right…and the waste is on the anvil side so greens for me then. Like most hobbyist and small diy folk, I want the fewest tools with the most applicability, so I will probably just get one type and make do. Thanks guys…now my choice is well informed.👍

[@toddparker2924]

Thanks for the simple explanation.

[@timothymccarty4373]

Well I gotta say I learned something new thank you

[@pasqualecuda605]

Thanks vince,I've always used the yellow snips,I have seen the other colors but thought it was just a different brand.

[@VCGConstruction]

Thank you for the feedback Pasquale Cuda!

[@phillipmcdonner8543]

Awesome video. Always have loved my wiss snips. Thanks for the tips. Need more videos like this always

[@rickevans5412]

Nice Video! Thanks guys.

[@VCGConstruction]

Thanks for watching!

[@BryanBowenArchangelBarachiel]

My dad had a pair I used in the past yellow, I might buy a new pair though I remember using the dual hand cut shier one time in my past. Those are great for duct work. Currently, I use tin snips. I tried the Kobalt Vinyl Siding Snips though not as good as Wiss Aluminum Snips from using both to cut siding though tin snips cut easier then Aluminum Snips. I sometime use Aviation Snips, if handed to me, which I also looked at the way the metal would cut though they only had one type instead of all of them. I would like to see green in heavier gauge like the red is currently. Thanks for the video Vince.

[@VCGConstruction]

Thanks Bryan we appreciate the feedback

[@karlsmith8872]

I used to install heating and air conditioning duct work, a pro needs all three and the big snips!

[@VCGConstruction]

Thanks for the feedback Karl!

[@MarcraM82]

Great video. I find I can cut very smooth straight long lines with yellow easily, as long as you cut off a lot of the waste first.

[@cyberknight135]

Wow! I totally didn't know. Thanks for educating me.

[@Fadeing]

Thanks for all the examples of using them! That was fantastic over the lip service run into a bunch.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

What's your thoughts on Nibblers compared to Double cut shears Vince?

[@garycasper2929]

Very informative.... ThankU..!

[@rodw]

Thanks again Vince !!! I knew that there were 3 colors but not sure what each of them did? Great overview of what each one is for. Say hi to the Mrs and God Bless you 🙏🙏 Thanks for sharing your thoughts and videos Rodney

[@VCGConstruction]

Thanks Rodney, we appreciate it, hope you’re well, and stay safe my friend!

[@mariacarneglia8483]

Happy Saturday, VCG! Keep up the great job 👍🧰👍😍

[@VCGConstruction]

❤️

[@nathanmalloy1661]

I never really seen the need for the yellows but after this video I'll be adding them to the tool pouch I personally like my Milwaukee snips but am curious now I might get a set of wiss

[@jynnandtonnyx]

One of your better videos! Thanks

[@maskdwn4445]

Glad the rookies are getting some teaching from this guy. Lol.

[@Mrcool12684]

Been subscriber for a minute but haven’t paid close attention to the channel. But man you guys go into damn good detail. Really good shiz man.

[@pacogerzon5740]

Man all this time I thought the yellow ones were the best ,But after trying the green ones I’m staying with the green ones. Good video

[@Nobod-p5f]

Wooooaaaah!! Thanks vince! I'm going to try that on my L Channel ends in tile showers!!

[@BlueThunderboltsiren]

You guys make this look so easy lol.

[@MCEngineeringInc]

Great explanation!👍🏻

[@Nick-vf3wf]

Good info. Great video!

[@squarebodySpringman]

Thanks for sharing! I have always just used yellow but im an electrician and dont do much framing.

[@VCGConstruction]

Thank you Alex!

[@stevennihipali3607]

I love these videos! I learn a ton from them

[@VCGConstruction]

Thank you steven!

[@stevek4438]

Thanks Vince always learn somthing new watching your vids,wishing you all well from the UK

[@VCGConstruction]

Thanks Steve, we appreciate you!

[@dskel572]

Learning a lot that I don't learn in the field. Thank you.

[@VCGConstruction]

Awesome, thanks Drew!

[@mjc8761]

Thx for sharing your knowledge 😊

[@VCGConstruction]

❤️

[@Aepek]

Can also cut towards you, “reversing” the waste cut.....🤔 A lot of arguments are now put to bed😉 Cheers VCG

[@rossvanderpoel3907]

Exactly. 👌

[@jps101574]

Great vid. Thanks. You forgot to tell the audience the best use for aviation shears: Opening up hard plastic clamshell packages!😊

[@VCGConstruction]

😂👍 defineltly that too!

[@noebuentello6192]

I didn't know what I was missing out on, welp now I have to get a pair of red and green snips to play around with.

[@VCGConstruction]

Thank you noe buentello

[@PsRohrbaugh]

I'm glad there are still true craftsmen out there. People who know what the hell they're doing. This was a wonderful video!

[@aliposhtpazan2625]

Many thanks God bless you for sharing your useful experience with us

[@takatastore6338]

Thank you so much for your time making this videos....I am just starting and I have always new they were different but this is the real explanation...great work....

[@paulsallas9725]

I’m a finish carpenter. I only use rights and lefts. Don’t see a need for straits because the rights and lefts cut strait also. But, I use the blue handle wiss rights and lefts. They are for cutting stainless or titanium. Best snips ever as far as I’m concerned. Sometimes you have to cut from the bottom of your material. So, just flip the snips over and go underneath and the material curves down.

[@stephenleepmg113]

Very educational. Thank you Vince. Very cool video. I am a user of the Midway brand. I like the educational format of your resend video. Looking forward to the next one.

[@VCGConstruction]

Thank you Stephen!

[@mattallen1660]

Nice video for beginners. I prefer nowadays using my cordless Hilti grinder for most all my sheet aluminum cuts as a Glazier. Keep up the good work VCG. Gonna miss the weekend streams tho😕

[@VCGConstruction]

Thank you Matt! We are working on the weekend streams

[@DevinBird2753]

I learned a lot thank you for this!

[@sharpeyedwatcher9724]

WOW! Brilliant!

[@igorsataric4762]

Awesome video, thx a lot! You saved my project!

[@MegaWillyxxx]

Wow, awesome video - thanks!

[@Seriousdrew]

Your so informative bigman definitely opened my eyes

[@davewilsen1710]

I'm a HVAC installer, out in the the field I use offset reds and green the most. Reds do get used the most but if I need to I brack out greens for that nice cut. Alot of the time my waste cut from the reds is what I need, but this was a good video.

[@davewilsen1710]

Oh yeah I prefer midwest snips. Cut is way cleaner

[@engina69]

Never knew! Thanks Vince.

[@VCGConstruction]

Thank you Tom!