What are snips?

Snips are a type of hand shears which are designed for cutting thin sheet metal and other tough materials. They resemble a pair of scissors but will be made of stronger metal, so they can cut sturdy materials.

Snips are fairly simple tools, incorporating two blades and handles which work as levers to produce a cutting action.

Originally, snips were used primarily for cutting sheets of tin and other sheet metal. Now they are also used to cut various sheets of tough materials, such as plastic, rubber and cardboard. The exact materials they are suitable for cutting will depend on the individual snips.

The two types of hand snips available are tin snips and aviation snips.

For more information see:  What are the different types of snips?