The 10 Best Tin Snips

Professional tradespeople need a tool that can endure years of job site abuse, and the Midwest MWT-6510C (around $33) are up to the challenge. This set features left and right offset models with soft handles that conform to the user’s hands for comfort and control.

If you have a lot of work to do on a daily basis, you are not going to want a manual tool. The DeWalt Shears (about $49) simply attach to any power drill with a standard 1/4-inch hex shank and let you cut up to 18-gauge materials with minimal effort.

The American-made Malco Max2000 (appx. $30) provide the ability to carve out sharp angles, straight lines and everything in between. The handles are long enough to provide ample leverage and comfortable enough to prevent aches and pains during a long day.

The flat-blade design of the Irwin 22012 (appx. $10) may look old school, but that doesn’t make them any less capable than models that are a bit more modern in appearance. Their drop-forged blades are effective for both straight cuts and wide curves.

Whether you’re a professional tinner or a hobbyist working on vinyl flooring or leather goods, the Finder Aviation (appx. $17) will perform admirably for the task at hand. A simple locking mechanism keeps the blades tightly closed when they’re not in use.

The serrations on the blades of the Midwest Bulldog (about $15) help prevent them from skidding off the material you’re cutting, allowing you to maintain control as you slice. You won’t need to exert a ton of effort to achieve a clean cut, either.

Super sharp right out of the box, the DeWalt DWHT14676 (around $35) will generate considerable cutting power for all kinds of jobs, as long as you oil and clean them regularly. Their compact design makes them easy to store in a pocket between tasks.

The Irwin 21304 (about $16) are a quality general purpose option, providing ample slicing leverage for fixing gutters, doing duct work, and even cutting other materials, like plastic and rubber. They’re not prone to jamming or twisting during use.

Thanks to their tough steel jaws, the Wiss MetalMaster (appx. $9) can power through cold rolled steel and heavy sheet metal without leaving any burrs or slop on the cut. The brightly colored handles allow for easy identification and make them hard to lose in a cluttered toolbox.

The strong, precise blades of the Tekton 35103 (about $13) help ensure that the edges on your finished product end up smooth and seamless. They’re designed to be used interchangeably in your left or right hand, and the thick grips feel comfortable during extended projects.