how to adjust snips

[ValleyGirrl1984]

Hi!
I just bought my first pair of snips - Wiss straight cutting aviator snips (yellow handle). I bought them to cut a tiny square in an old, vintage, computer case (I am a tech) for the power cord.

I did do a practice cut on a flat, small piece of sheet metal I have and it did finally cut it - but it took a lot of doing.

At first I thought they were just dull because they weren't cutting anything even tho I had the snips way back on the case. Wow did it take a lot of force (more than I have) to press down on them... I saw they cut a tiny little nick in the sheet metal but nothing more. I can't make more of a dent either no matter how hard I press. They don't seem to open very wide either so that could be a lot of the problem.

I was going to take them back to the store to exchange them, but then I saw stumbled upon this forum, saw another posting about a similar issue, and it dawned on me, they may just need to be adjusted. I have all the hex screwdrivers needed to make the adjustments - just need to know how to do it.

If anyone could be so kind and walk me through it I would be ever so appreciative.

Thanks!

 

[lametec]

Vintage computer cases are usually pretty thick. You're probably asking more of the snips than they're designed for.

 

[ValleyGirrl1984]

Not at all.

I am cutting sheet metal only - not plastic.

I just checked and the sheet metal thickness of the case is actually a little less than one mm thick, the practice piece of sheet metal I started on is 1mm on the nose...

I'd think that snips that say, "cuts soft sheet metal, aluminum, and rin up to 18 gauge thickness" could handle it. No?

If not, what should I get? I'll go back to OSH Hardware tomorrow and exchange them...

 

[Youngguns]

I agree with Lametec. Post up a picture of what you're working with so we have a better idea.

Thickness isn't the only factor in cutting metal. The computer case may be of a harder metal that's more resistant to cutting than soft sheet metal. I just took a look at an old computer case of mine, and I would much sooner cut sheet metal than I would my computer case with snips.

I don't know the correct tool for every job involving every metal, but I would recommend just drilling a hole through it instead of doing a "tiny square" by hand. Even doing a tiny square in sheet metal with snips sounds like no fun.

 

[CJM8515]

I honestly have found when cutting harder metals that you need to cut with the back part of the snip-the fronts wont cut anything.

 

[ValleyGirrl1984]

Alrighty then :0 you want pictures.. here they are... If I did this right, there should be two pictures attached here...

i just need to make the already existing hole for the power cord bigger...

 

[ValleyGirrl1984]

Ok... so again i ask - how do I adjust these? I mean to get them to open wider... cause they really don't open all that wide to begin with...

 

[Thumper68]

For that I would use a Dremmel with a cutting disk

 

[ValleyGirrl1984]

Been there, done that!

Have a dremel - have a cutting disk for metal.

Started using that and then I realized I just don't have the control I need to get the job done nice and fairly neat. For me at least, it was like trying to paint a portrait with a 3 inch brush lol which is why I opted for tin snips...

 

[Youngguns]

OK, now take a picture of your snips, because mine are NOT adjustable, nor do mine open very far (I don't think they're supposed to open very far, for leverage reasons).

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

You might want to trade them in for "bull-nose" type tin snips. At least that's the name I call them. They have a shorter, wider snout and are capable of cutting thicker sheet metal with less effort.

Richard

 

[ValleyGirrl1984]

My Wiss Aviator Snips

 

[SASORacing]

Snips are never a clean cut. Be prepared to hammer it straight and grind the edges smooth when you are done. There are better methods, but for short quick cuts they have their place.

 

[ValleyGirrl1984]

If you would, take a look at Osh's homepage... Tell me which ones I should get there... Preferably ones they have in store... :0

http://www.osh.com/search?q=snips:relevance&showItem=96

 

[ValleyGirrl1984]

SASORacing, snips will sure do a better job than what it will look like if I use a dremel on this. lol. it's ok if it's a little messy, this IS the back of the case and will be facing the wall...

 

[rlitman]

Your only adjustment is for tension. Don't mess with it.
I agree with the posts above. 18 gauge is a LOT of thickness for those snips. They're really made for 22 gauge and thinner, on which they work pretty well (like galvanized duct work). On your computer case, it takes a powerful set of hands to do what you want.

As for me, I'd absolutely be reaching for power tools for that cut.

 

[vjquan]

That's going to be pretty hard to cut. The wider you open it to cut with the back part of the jaw, the less leverage you're going to have. You're just going to have to nip at it little by little using the tips.

 

[SASORacing]

SASORacing, snips will sure do a better job than what it will look like if I use a dremel on this. lol. it's ok if it's a little messy, this IS the back of the case and will be facing the wall...

I don't think a Dremel would have the power, correct me if I'm wrong. I actually don't even own a Dremel! I own various die grinders and cut offs though. I guess it depends on the dremels power...

 

[ValleyGirrl1984]

ok again - power tools aren't going to do it.

first, i don't have a shop. i have a 1 bedroom apartment.. so I don't have a good place to work.

second, i would need to practice to get good at whatever power tool you are suggesting. i am mediocre with a dremel. i am pretty good at cutting big pieces with it, but not small.

third, this case is for a paying client (and the computer parts i will be putting in it and making work) lol... this is kinda outside my field of experience... i am a tech. i make computers work yes... but i don't really customize metal cases. that's not what i have done in the past. can i do it, kinda. this is a special case. i won't be doing this again for a long time if ever...

so... what kind of snips do i need if not the one i bought? thanks.

 

[premierplayer]

the proper use of tin snips

awesome video

 

[ValleyGirrl1984]

thanks. i know how to USE them.

you know, you guys don't make it easy on a gal.

i am asking a straight forward question - i don't need instructions on how to use the ****** things!

I need info on which ones to get if these are the wrong ones.

Thanks.

 

[BFHtime]

For that I would use a Dremmel with a cutting disk

This use a large diameter disk to help maintain the line as you cut. You may need something g bigger than a dremel. You could also use a jig saw with a fine metal cutting blade. Drill holes in the corners and a big hole I the middle of the knockout to start the saw. You could use a mini hack saw with a handle on one side of the blade. I was in a pinch once where I needed a hacksaw, but only had blades, no frame. I put tape around one end of the blade, to hold onto, it was not great, but it got the job done when I was working on my only car.

I am sure there are other options get creative. Snips are better when there is space to move the tool and material around a bit. This is not one of those situations.

Good luck.

 

[MP&C]

Please don't take this the wrong way, but I've been using tin snips for over 35 years and would have said I knew how to use them as well. That video posted taught me a thing or two..


That aside, the yellow snips are likely the last pair that anyone wants, they are just above useless. You need a pair of right hand or left hand offset aviation snips, maybe both. Take the yellow ones back and tell them you got the wrong pair. If you're unsure of what offset snips are, watch the video again..

 

[ValleyGirrl1984]

BFHtime, guess you didn't read that I don't have a shop... I live in a one bedroom apt...

Wow.

Again, you know, you guys really don't make it easy on a gal and I am beginning to regret even bothering here... Cause you're NOT being helpful.

I don't want a saw. A drill. A dremel. or any other power tools. there is no way I can work with those tools in the space I have.

What kind of snips should I get if the ones I have are not the right ones? Thanks for your, well, I guess you can call it, help. :0

 

[ValleyGirrl1984]

Right. Will the offset pair be the ones that will be strong enough to cut through this sheet metal? there's various brands - any one in particular that is better? I posted a link to osh - can you look quickly and tell me which ones i should get? thanks.

 

[ValleyGirrl1984]

ok... would a tool like this one do the job?

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Midwest-Snips-3-Blade-Double-Cut-Pipe-and-Duct-Cutter-MW-P1/100341491

 

[MP&C]

The problem is not the brand, the problem is that the yellows are straight cut shears that are meant to cut in from the edge of a piece of sheet metal, not in from the edge of a hole. They are meant to cut the distance of the blade and no more. The offset snips are suited to what you are doing. Good brands are Wiss, Midwest, etc... Stay far away from Harbor Freight.

Now, please watch the video it will answer all the questions you are asking and more..

 

[MP&C]

No. Those are for 24 ga steel which is ductwork. Far thinner than what you have.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Ok. Since im in the same demographic here and understanding the girl ... I'll summarize in a way you can understand Valleygirl.

The snips you have just work because you or me could never squeeze hard enough to cut the metal.

Your next best bet is much larger snips, or a hack saw and a file to smooth out the edge!

Good luck girl!

 

[BFHtime]

You are right I did not read the whole thread yet. The cutoff wheel is suggested several times because that would be the easier way. There are no tools suggested that require a large space.

The snips would require significant grip strength, if they are not cutting well. Try to get the material deep into the tool and squeeze it so the shears are pressing together as they pass each other.

If you don't like the hacksaw blade idea. I think you are trying to limit your expense on this. Here is one more solution.

You could use a razor/sheetrock/lath knife same knife many names. draw your cut line with a fine tip marker, I like sharpies for this, or a fine tip pencil. Then score just the surface of the metal along the line. Then just keep following the line. It will make a groove, which will become easier to follow, but still take your time, not to get cut and not to make accessory lines, that ruin the finished look. This will just require the knife, and some time. This should come out better than using a cut off wheel, but it will take some time. No one suggested it because it is too much like work to do it. This can make a very nice finished cut, just take your time.

Also when you are on the last cut you can bend the metal a bit after getting about halfway through to help speed up the process, but it usually is not as neat as using the blade all the way through the cut.

Finish with a file to smooth the edges. You may want to consider this when marking and cutting, depending on the tolerances of what you are working with.

Good luck.

 

[ArcStyles]

Normally I would use the right snip (green) to curl the metal up on the left side of your cut to your desired depth and then used the left snips (red) to curl the metal up on the right side of your square hole to the same depth. Then cut a "V" shape to the inside of both cuts to the corner of your measured depth and width, and use a pair of vise grips securely clamped at the desired finish depth and bend the metal up and down until the metal fatigues and breaks apart. The relief "V" cuts give the clearances from the sides of your initial cuts.

You get better leverage from the middle of the blades towards the back. The tips require greater effort. Wiss will work fine, but you need both red and green snips to accomplish the task above. Make sure your snips are straight up and down for optimum leverage and slicing.

The nut screw at the blades of your of yellow snips can be adjusted for better cutting action. I sometimes have to readjust my snips on the job for proper cutting and have occasionally had to adjust them out of the box. I have adjusted many of my fellow working partners snips and have inherited pairs from people who think there snips are no longer useful. Short of the springs,or blades breaking or the bozo who cuts wire with them, your snips can remain useful with regular tuning. The better your tuning, the finer you can cut metal at the most outer edge with out folding the material.

Hope this was helpful.

 

[ValleyGirrl1984]

hmmm thanks everyone.

well i did watch the video, i did learn one useful thing. Aviation brand snips are for fine trimming. Not rough cutting or anything else...

I definitely think I got the wrong snips... I tried a few more practice snips on my scrap piece of sheet metal. It cut through that thing like butter...

Tried it on the case and bingo. Problem.

So - what gauge do you think this case falls into? Again, suggestions on the snips I should be getting?

Thanks for your other suggestions - the problem with the power tools are I have too many things here that can catch fire. Ya, I know the dremel only sends sparks out, which I don't mind, but considering how far those things float (considerable) and how close I came to lighting carpeting on fire it's a no go. Plus I don't have the experience to use them and do a real good job... Which is another reason I put my dremel down...

I don't mind taking my time using other methods if it yields a good result... Which is why I went the way of the snips.

So again what gauge do you think I am looking at with the case? and which ones should I go out at get? Thanks.

 

[nickleone]

GO TO:
http://www.firemountaingems.com/encyclobeadia/beading_resources.asp?docid=6404

Nick

 

[nickleone]

Or Go to this:

http://www.allenelectric.com/referencedata/gaugeconversion.htm

Nick

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I would try the offset aviation snips, the 4th and 5th ones in the "osh" link. Just take a small bite at a time, like about 1/8" or so. This way you don't have to open the handles as much. You can probably get away with just one set as you can access the case from both sides.

Richard

 

[Just_George]

ok again - power tools aren't going to do it.

first, i don't have a shop. i have a 1 bedroom apartment.. so I don't have a good place to work.

second, i would need to practice to get good at whatever power tool you are suggesting. i am mediocre with a dremel. i am pretty good at cutting big pieces with it, but not small.

third, this case is for a paying client (and the computer parts i will be putting in it and making work) lol... this is kinda outside my field of experience... i am a tech. i make computers work yes... but i don't really customize metal cases. that's not what i have done in the past. can i do it, kinda. this is a special case. i won't be doing this again for a long time if ever...

so... what kind of snips do i need if not the one i bought? thanks.

Just another option - put your location in your profile, perhaps a member near you would be willing to lend a hand. I have to agree that the Dremel option appears to be the better choice in this case (sorry!)

 

[rlitman]

...Thanks for your other suggestions - the problem with the power tools are I have too many things here that can catch fire. Ya, I know the dremel only sends sparks out, which I don't mind, but considering how far those things float (considerable) and how close I came to lighting carpeting on fire it's a no go...

So again what gauge do you think I am looking at with the case? and which ones should I go out at get? Thanks.

Not just sparks. Smelly burnt abrasive dust too. Abrasive cutting tools are NOT apartment friendly.

Personally, I think you're asking for too much. You're not getting the answer you want, because such a beast does not exist. Aviation snips are called that, because they're great at cutting aluminum sheet. They work well on thinner steel sheet (like ductwork), but are not going to work well on your computer case.

If you were my neighbor, I'd be happy to show you how to use my power nibbler. It would be perfect for the job (and hand powered nibbler would not). My power shear would work ok for that job too, but it is just too much for hand tools.

In the general case, if you are looking for a tool to do this job, your best bet is a jigsaw. They make fine metal cutting blades, it does not put out sparks, and while it'll be fine for the task, its also something you can probably put to good use down the road.

For this particular job, a small electric shear would be the most inexpensive choice (though it is not as good a general use tool for someone like you as a jigsaw). Something like this:
http://www.harborfreight.com/18-gauge-sheet-metal-shear-92148.html

But I think at this point, what you really need is local help. I'd suggest you look into this:
http://makerspace.com/makerspace-directory

 

[BFHtime]

In the past, when I had limited space for such projects, I would use the bathroom. Tile I find is easier to clean than carpet and not too much to catch on fire in my bathroom. I have done many projects in the bathroom of a small apartment I used to live in. It was so small my body was usually not all the way in the bathroom, but my project was.

I just watched the video as well.

You could cut a 1/4" at a time, if you want to only use that tool. It does takes some experience to learn to use snips or shears as well.

You could try to find a pair of shears that are larger. They look like scissors with big hoops for your whole hand, instead of small circles for your fingers. I have some that are older than my dad, and these work awesome on heavier gauge materials, and they are really old. I got these with a two drawer craftsman hand carry tool box and some other tools for $7 at a tag sale. If find the bigger shears more comfortable when squeezing hard, and offer more leverage. They also seem to cut better towards the tip than my Wiss type snips. I like Wiss the best, after trying other brands, I find most the non-Wiss brands annoying to use.

I still think using a the knife will give you what you are looking for, in your situation.

I think the video shows some of the issues you will have with using those snips. It also shows how to best use them. Take many small snips of the metal.

 

[ValleyGirrl1984]

thanks! well pestering someone else to do this for me is certainly an option :0 but i will leave it as a last resort... mostly cause i am a stubborn gal (ya, i will admit it) who likes to do things for herself... and i kinda wanna do this myself too... of course, if i can't, i can't - but that realization has not hit me yet :0

I did find a tool at OSH that may be better - this shoulda been the thing I got in the first place... Tinner Snips! Doh!
http://www.osh.com/Osh-Categories/T...2-Inch-Straight-Pattern-Tinner-Snip/p/6780811

Supposed to be just the ticket for cutting this case... According to a couple of mod sites (computer case mod sites) this is the tool they use... along with power tools... lol

I think the metal on the case is a 20 gauge...

If I can't get it to work.. then I might go to Home Depot and look at their selection, although I'll admit I really hate that store for a few reasons... So it's the last store I go to ever...

The electrical shear is a good idea, I will put it in the plan 3 or 4 pile lol..

thanks for the suggestions -- tomorrow i will go to OSH so I will pester everyone more if I still can't get this to work :0 again thanks, I know I get grumpy but it's frustration at the case not everyone in particular. So if I came off bitchy sorry, it wasn't you, it really was me. Thanks again I do appreciate all the feedback!!!

 

[bczygan]

A couple of questions.

What exactly is the shape you are trying to cut out?

The first step is to carefully measure and mark this on the metal.

What is the purpose of the enlarged hole. Is a different power supply being installed?

After carefully laying out and marking the cut, decide on the proper tools.

Open your mind up. Snips aren't doing it for you. Maybe it's the wrong snips and maybe you don't have the hand strength and maybe the metal is a little too thick, or a combination. Regardless, this approach isn't working. Either get someone else to try, with different snips, or try some different approaches.

You are in an apartment. It has electrical outlets. Use power tools when needed. Lay a piece of plywood or other wood, on a table for a work surface. If you were enlarging the small round hole, I would clamp the part down and use a larger drill bit or a hole saw in a drill. If, (and it looks like it) you are making a larger rectangular opening, then some kind of saw is appropriate, either hand or powered. Try to cut near the lines you have marked with a good hacksaw with a good metal cutting blade. Go slowly and cut near to the line, but not into it. Use a drill and bit to create starting holes in the corners. Finish the job by carefully filing all the edges and corners.

Alternatively, power tools will make the work go quicker. If you feel unsure about using them, find someone who is able to do it for you.

Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!

Bill