Tin Snips, I need a GOOD pair!

[tbgallant]

Hey guys,

Been friggin around with cheap tin snips for too long. I need a pair that will actually cut sheet metal (not just the paper thin stuff either) without giving my hand a cramp or requiring curse words and grunting!

Can anybody reccomend a good brand/model/size?? I don't mind paying $20-30 for a pair if they work WELL.

I'm in Canada, so it'll either by ebay or a local supplier.

PS: What is better, the 'scissors' type or the Aviation tin snip type?

Thanks

Tim

 

[gotmud13613]

Wiss metalmaster have always been my fav, last longer than any other brand i have tried.

http://www.cooperhandtools.com/brands/wiss/index.cfm?model_list=1&att_id=WIS001&att1=Snips&att2=Compound%20Action

 

[cambell]

i like the yellow handled wiss myself

 

[Uncle Buck]

Gotta have a yellow handle, a red handle and a green handle pair. Good stuff, I have had my three for years.

 

[tbgallant]

Seems like Wiss is the way to go. They are also on sale at my local Canadian Tire!! Thanks guys

Tim

 

[danski0224]

It's a matter of personal preference.

I can't stand Wiss snips, or Malco's. Also don't really care for Klenk's unless the cut is straight.

I prefer Craftsman or Midwest (I think Midwest makes Craftsman).

I've tried Bessey German made snips, and while they cut well (and thicker stock easier than the brands mentioned above), they don't cut curves (for me) as easily as the Midwest snips.

I have not tried the Wiss Metalmaster brand.

Aviation snips guide the metal out of the way while you must pull up on the offcut using straight style snips. By design, straight style snips are stronger.

 

[eschoendorff]

Wiss metalmaster have always been my fav, last longer than any other brand i have tried.

http://www.cooperhandtools.com/brands/wiss/index.cfm?model_list=1&att_id=WIS001&att1=Snips&att2=Compound%20Action

Another vote for the metal master... it'll cut just about anything. And it cuts metal clean.

 

[Red Green]

I have a Craftsman offset set I like alot. I belive they have been discontinued though.

 

[russlaferrera]

Wiss, does make a "homeowner brand" so you have to watch. The M3 models are the better industrial type They also make heavy duty and offset tin snips.

 

[mulepackin]

I like my Craftsman. Used the hell out of them when I was an apprentice carpenter and doing steel studs and framing, still working great. I thought they were about the same as Wiss.

 

[wilbilt]

It's a matter of personal preference.

I can't stand Wiss snips, or Malco's.

You don't like Malcos? The "Andy" type are my favorite. Maybe I just don't know any better.

 

[danski0224]

You don't like Malcos? The "Andy" type are my favorite. Maybe I just don't know any better.

Nope, don't like them.

YMMV.

I don't think there is a "right" or "wrong" answer because all of the snips I have tried are all different in some way.