What do red, green and yellow handles mean?

Red cuts to the left, green to the right, yellow straight. The right type separates the offcut without bending the edge.

How thick a sheet can tin snips cut?

Capacity varies with material — galvanised rates thicker than stainless. Follow the figures on the product label.

Can I cut wire with tin snips?

You should not. The jaw geometry is made for sheet; wire notches the edges and ruins the tool.

My snips have stopped cutting — why?

Check jaw clearance at the adjusting bolt. Excess clearance bends the sheet instead of cutting it; notched edges mean replacement.

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Tin Snips

Tin snips cut thin sheet metal without curling it. There are three types by cutting direction, identified by handle colour: red cuts left, green cuts right, yellow cuts straight.

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Colour code and capacity

Red handles are for left-hand curves, green for right-hand curves and yellow for straight cuts. Using the right type lets the offcut separate without bending the edge.

Capacity is quoted by sheet thickness and material; galvanised sheet rates higher than stainless. Working above capacity spreads the snips and ruins the edges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do red, green and yellow handles mean?
Red cuts to the left, green to the right, yellow straight. The right type separates the offcut without bending the edge.
How thick a sheet can tin snips cut?
Capacity varies with material — galvanised rates thicker than stainless. Follow the figures on the product label.
Can I cut wire with tin snips?
You should not. The jaw geometry is made for sheet; wire notches the edges and ruins the tool.
My snips have stopped cutting — why?
Check jaw clearance at the adjusting bolt. Excess clearance bends the sheet instead of cutting it; notched edges mean replacement.