Aviation snips offer an easy and effective way to cut sheet metal. Also known as sheet snips, they feature a scissor-like design with a pair of blades. As you squeeze the handle, the blades will collapse while slicing through sheet metal or other materials. If you’re looking to buy aviation snips, though, there are several things you should consider.
#1) Locking Mechanism
A locking mechanism is an important feature to look for when choosing aviation snips. It will protect you from accidental cuts. When you are finished using the aviation snips, you can engage the locking mechanism to keep the blades closed. Most aviation snips have spring-loaded blades. A locking mechanism, however, will prevent the blades from opening so that accidental cuts are less likely to occur.
#2) Cutting Style
You should consider the cutting style when choosing aviation snips. While they all feature a pair of blades connected to a handle, some aviation snips cut in different ways. There are straight-cutting aviation snips, left-cutting aviation snips and right-cutting aviation snips. Generally speaking, aviation snips with a red handle are designed for right cuts, whereas those with a yellow handle are designed for left cuts.
#3) Supported Materials
What type of materials do the aviation snips? Not all aviation snips can handle super-strong materials. Inexpensive aviation snips may only support softer materials like aluminum and aluminum alloys. Premium and heavy-duty aviation snips, on the other hand, may support stronger materials like steel. You should choose aviation snips that will handle the material or materials for which you intend to use them.
#4) Ergonomics
Something else to consider when choosing aviation snips is ergonomics. In other words, how comfortable are they to grip and use? You’ll need to apply moderate pressure when squeezing the handle to cut through sheet metal. If the aviation snips are poorly designed, this may cause discomfort, which can make them difficult to use. Choose aviation snips with a comfortable and ergonomic handle.
#5) Blade Quality
Don’t overlook the blade quality when choosing aviation snips. High-quality blades ensure precise, clean cuts. If the aviation snips have a low-quality blade, you’ll have to apply more force when squeezing the handle. Furthermore, low-quality blades become dull more quickly than their high-quality counterparts. And once dull, you’ll have to either sharpen the blade or replace the aviation snips. You can avoid problems such as these by choosing aviation snips with a high-quality cutting blade.
