Jewellers Snips

About Jewellers Snips

Jewellers snips are precision cutting tools designed for detailed, accurate work with thin materials including soft metals, wire, plastic sheet, and fine textiles. These compact hand tools feature fine, sharp blades that deliver intricate cuts in tight spaces where standard tin snips would be too bulky. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks professional-grade jewellers snips engineered for finesse and control, with spring-loaded handles that reduce hand fatigue during repetitive cutting tasks and maintain clean, burr-free cuts.

Quality jewellers snips from trusted brands like Gilbow are crafted from high-quality carbon or stainless steel with carefully hardened cutting edges. Available in configurations including straight, curved, and offset patterns, these snips typically handle materials up to 1mm thick depending on hardness. Whether cutting precious metals, model-making components, or fine electronic wiring, jewellers snips provide the precision and reliability that detailed work demands.

Applications

Jewellers snips are essential tools for professionals and enthusiasts requiring precision cutting capabilities:

• Jewellers and Silversmiths – cutting precious metals, findings, wire, and sheet metal for custom pieces
• Model Makers – trimming plastic components, brass detailing, and fine materials for scale models
• Electronics Technicians – cutting component leads, fine wiring, and heat shrink tubing
• Crafters and Hobbyists – working with polymer clay, thin leather, decorative metals, and mixed media
• Watchmakers – precision cutting of delicate springs, pins, and metal components
• Textile Artists – cutting fine fabrics, threads, and embellishments in detailed work
• Prototype Engineers – creating and modifying small-scale components and test pieces

Choosing The Right Jewellers Snips

Blade Configuration: Straight blade snips offer the most versatility for general cutting tasks and straight lines. Consider blade length for adequate cutting capacity whilst maintaining manoeuvrability for your typical projects.

Build Quality: Professional-grade snips constructed from hardened steel maintain their edge far longer than economy alternatives. Check that blades align precisely when closed and that cutting action feels smooth throughout the full range of motion.

Handle Design: Spring-loaded handles significantly reduce fatigue and improve cutting rhythm during extended use. Ergonomically designed handles should fit comfortably without creating pressure points during repetitive cutting work.

Cutting Capacity: Most jewellers snips handle materials up to 0.8-1.2mm thickness in soft metals and non-ferrous materials. Attempting to cut beyond the tool's capacity will damage cutting edges and reduce precision.

Safety Information

Always wear safety glasses when cutting, as small metal fragments or wire ends can fly off unexpectedly. Keep fingers clear of the cutting line and always cut away from your body. Store snips with blade guards or in protective cases to prevent accidental cuts. Never attempt to cut materials exceeding the snips' rated capacity, as forcing the tool can cause blade damage, slippage, and potential injury. Maintain a clean, well-lit workspace and dispose of sharp offcuts safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between jewellers snips and standard tin snips?

Jewellers snips are smaller, lighter tools designed for precision work with materials up to approximately 1mm thick. They feature finer blades and delicate cutting edges engineered for accuracy. Standard tin snips are heavier-duty tools for sheet metal work up to 1.2mm or thicker, with compound leverage for greater cutting force.

Can jewellers snips cut hardened wire or steel?

Quality jewellers snips available at MyToolShed.co.uk can cut soft to medium hardness wire and non-ferrous metals like copper, brass, silver, and gold. However, they're not designed for hardened steel wire or stainless steel. For hardened materials, use purpose-made wire cutters to avoid damaging the cutting edges.

How do I maintain jewellers snips?

Keep snips clean and dry after use, applying a drop of light machine oil to the pivot point occasionally. Only cut materials within the specified capacity to prevent edge damage. Store in a protective case or tool roll to preserve cutting edges, and seek professional resharpening if blades become dull.