Shears & Snips
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About Shears & Snips
Shears and snips are essential cutting tools for precise work with sheet metal, plastic, textiles and various other materials. From aviation snips for intricate curves to heavy-duty metal shears for straight cuts through thick gauge steel, MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of professional-grade cutting tools designed for accuracy and durability. These hand-powered tools offer superior control compared to power cutters, making them indispensable for detailed fabrication work and finishing tasks.
Whether you're a roofer cutting flashings, an HVAC engineer fabricating ductwork, or a sheet metal worker in a workshop, the right shears or snips can dramatically improve cutting quality and reduce hand fatigue. MyToolShed offers specialist options including tinsnips for straight cuts, compound action shears for increased leverage, jewellers snips for intricate detail work, and electric nibblers for high-volume cutting with minimal distortion.
Applications
Shears and snips are used extensively across multiple trades and industries:
- Roofing and cladding contractors – cutting sheet metal, flashing, and roofing materials
- HVAC engineers – fabricating ductwork and ventilation components
- Sheet metal workers – precision cutting in fabrication workshops
- Plumbers – trimming copper sheet and soft metals
- Electricians – cutting cable tray and metallic trunking
- Vehicle body shops – automotive panel work and repairs
- Jewellers and craftspeople – detailed cutting of thin materials
- DIY enthusiasts – home improvement and general metalwork projects
Choosing The Right Shears & Snips
Selecting appropriate shears or snips depends on your specific cutting requirements:
- Material type and thickness – check the maximum gauge capacity; standard tinsnips suit up to 1.2mm mild steel, whilst compound action shears handle thicker materials
- Cut direction – aviation snips are colour-coded: red for left curves, green for right curves, yellow for straight cuts
- Cutting volume – for extensive work, consider electric nibblers or powered multi-shears to reduce hand fatigue
- Blade material – forged steel blades offer longevity; carbide-edged options suit abrasive materials
- Handle design – ergonomic grips and compound leverage mechanisms reduce strain during repetitive use
- Precision requirements – jewellers snips provide control for intricate work; larger shears suit rough cutting
MyToolShed.co.uk stocks both professional trade-quality tools and entry-level options suitable for occasional use, ensuring you'll find the right tool for your budget and requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between snips and shears?
Snips typically refer to smaller, lighter tools designed for thinner materials and detailed work, whilst shears are larger, heavier-duty tools for cutting thicker gauge metals and materials. However, the terms are often used interchangeably in the industry.
Can aviation snips cut both left and right curves?
Whilst technically possible, aviation snips are specifically designed for directional cutting. Using red (left-cut) snips for right curves will cause the waste material to obstruct your cut line. For best results, use the correctly colour-coded snips for your intended cut direction.
How do I maintain my shears and snips?
Keep blades clean and lightly oiled to prevent rust. Periodically tighten the pivot bolt if blades become loose. Avoid cutting hardened materials that can damage cutting edges, and have blades professionally sharpened when they become dull rather than forcing cuts.