5 Best Tin Snips for Metal Roofing 2026
Precision cuts, ergonomic grips, and durability tested. Whether you’re fitting corrugated sheets or intricate flashing, these are the top aviation snips available in the USA.
The Difference Between a Clean Edge and a Rust Trap
When working with metal roofing in the USA—whether it’s traditional standing seam zinc, corrugated galvanised steel, or modern plastic-coated sheets—the quality of your cut matters immensely. A jagged edge isn’t just unprofessional; it exposes the metal core to the damp British climate, accelerating rust and compromising the roof’s lifespan.
While angle grinders are fast, they generate heat that can burn protective coatings (like Plastisol). That is why professional roofers rely on high-leverage aviation snips (often called tin snips). They cut cold, preserving the galvanisation and ensuring a watertight fit around roof flashing and chimneys.
In this guide, we evaluate the 5 best tin snips for 2026, focusing on blade hardness (for cutting up to 18-gauge steel), leverage ratios (to save your grip strength), and corrosion resistance.
Midwest Tool & Cutlery Aviation Snips
The Gold Standard. Ask any seasoned roofer in the US, and they will likely point to Midwest snips. These are widely considered the benchmark for durability and cutting ease. Forged in the USA, the blades utilise a “Kush’n-Power” grip that reduces hand fatigue significantly during all-day use.
The key differentiator is the compound leverage action. Midwest snips multiply your hand force by 8x, allowing you to slice through 18-gauge cold-rolled steel or 22-gauge stainless steel with surprising ease. The serrated blades grip the metal firmly, preventing it from slipping out of the jaws as you compress handles.
We recommend buying the Left (Red) and Right (Green) offset pair. The offset design keeps your hand above the material, preventing nasty cuts from the sharp metal edges you just created—a vital safety feature when cutting long sheets for painted metal roofs.
Pros
- Unmatched blade longevity.
- Offset handle protects knuckles.
- Cuts tight curves and straight lines.
- Comfortable for large hands.
Cons
- More expensive than standard DIY brands.
- Spring can occasionally come loose.
Wiss M-3R MetalMaster Snips
The Classic Straight Cutter. While offset snips are great for curves, sometimes you just need to make a long, straight cut down a valley flashing or ridge cap. The Wiss M-3R (Yellow Handle) is designed specifically for straight lines and wide curves.
Wiss has been a staple brand for decades. The M-3R features serrated jaws made from molybdenum steel to hold the material firmly. The latch design allows for quick one-handed operation—essential when you are holding onto a ladder with your other hand. They are slightly more compact than the Midwest models, making them easier to store in a standard roofing tool belt.
However, be aware that straight-cut snips (yellow) are harder to use for trimming sheets in the middle of a panel because your hand stays in line with the metal, risking scratches.
Pros
- Excellent for long straight cuts.
- Rugged pivot bolt reliability.
- Affordable price point.
- Compact handle span.
Cons
- Not suitable for tight left/right turns.
- Hand can drag on material (no offset).
Bessey D16S Erdi Shape Snips
German Engineering. When you are dealing with intricate detail work—such as cutting around a plumbing vent pipe or fashioning a custom chimney cricket—you need agility. The Bessey D16 snips are famously compact with a smaller head than standard aviation snips.
This compact head allows for incredibly tight radius cuts without distorting the metal. Despite their size, the double-leveraged design ensures you don’t lose cutting power. The handles are ergonomically shaped (ERGO-handle) to fit comfortably in the palm, reducing the risk of blisters during repetitive trimming.
They are particularly good for harder metals like stainless steel mesh often used for pest control (see roof rat prevention).
Pros
- Superior maneuverability for curves.
- High grade steel construction.
- Very low hand fatigue.
- Fits easily in small pockets.
Cons
- Short cut length (takes longer for long cuts).
- Not for thick gauge structural steel.
Ox Tools Pro Aviation Snips (Blue/Chrome)
The Tradesman’s Favourite. Ox Tools has taken the market by storm, offering “pro” quality at a price point that makes sense for the general builder. Their aviation snips feature Chrome Molybdenum steel blades which resist rust exceptionally well—a major plus in the damp climate.
The handles are slightly chunkier than Midwest or Wiss, offering a solid grip for those wearing thick winter gloves. While they might not hold an edge quite as long as the Midwest pair over 5 years, for the price, they perform exceptionally well on standard corrugated sheets and flashing. They include a simple latch and decent compound leverage.
If you are equipping a team or just need a pair for a single extension project, Ox Tools offers the best balance of cost vs. performance.
Pros
- Excellent rust resistance.
- Very affordable.
- Robust build quality.
- Widely available in USA merchants.
Cons
- Heavier than premium brands.
- Pivot bolt can loosen over time.
Malco Andy 12″ Aluminium Handled Snips
The Tinner’s Choice. Sometimes, you need to make a very long cut on a flat sheet of aluminium or copper, and compound snips are too slow and leave a serrated edge. Enter the “Andy” snip. Unlike aviation snips, these do not have compound leverage, but they have huge 3-inch blades that glide through metal like scissors through paper.
The frame is made of lightweight cast aluminium, making them feather-light (ideal for carrying up roof ladders). The blades are replaceable steel, meaning you can swap them out when dull rather than buying a new tool. They leave a smooth, non-serrated edge, which is preferable for architectural metalwork where the edge might be visible.
Note: These require more hand strength than compound snips and are not meant for thick steel.
Pros
- Fast, long, smooth cuts.
- Extremely lightweight.
- Replaceable blades.
- Ideal for aluminium/copper/vinyl.
Cons
- Requires strong grip (no compound leverage).
- Not for tight curves.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Right Snips
Walking into a tool shop and seeing a wall of snips can be confusing. Here is the simple breakdown of what the colours mean and what you need for roofing.
1. The Colour Code (It’s Universal)
- RED Handles (Left Cut): Designed to cut straight and to the left. These are most comfortable for right-handed users because the waste metal curls away from your hand.
- GREEN Handles (Right Cut): Designed to cut straight and to the right. Essential for making cuts on the right side of a sheet or for left-handed users.
- YELLOW Handles (Straight Cut): Designed for straight lines and wide curves only. They struggle with tight corners.
Recommendation: For roofing, buy a set containing both Red and Green offset snips. You will need both to navigate complex flashing details.
2. Offset vs. Standard
For metal roofing, always choose Offset Snips. Standard snips force your hand to travel in line with the metal you are cutting. As the metal separates, the sharp edges can slice your knuckles. Offset snips have a cranked handle that elevates your hand above the material, keeping you safe and allowing for longer continuous cuts across large sheets.
3. Blade Material
Look for Forged Molybdenum or Chrome Vanadium steel. These alloys hold a sharp edge longer against the abrasive zinc coating found on galvanised roofing sheets.
Safety & Maintenance
Maintenance Tips
- Clean the Pivot: Roofing dust and moisture will stiffen the joint. Clean regularly with WD-40.
- Adjust the Bolt: If the blades start to fold the metal instead of cutting it, tighten the pivot bolt slightly.
- Don’t Cut Wire: This is the fastest way to ruin snips. The serrations will chip, and the tool will snag forever after.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but check the gauge. Most aviation snips are rated for up to 18-gauge steel. If your roofing material is thicker than that, you will struggle and may damage the tool. For very thick sheets, an electric nibbler or shears might be better.
This usually happens for two reasons: the pivot bolt is too loose, allowing the blades to separate, or the blades are dull/chipped. Try tightening the bolt first. If that fails, it’s time for a new pair.
It is difficult. Most aviation snips have serrated blades to grip the metal. Grinding them smooth removes these serrations, reducing performance. It is usually more cost-effective to replace them.
Aviation snips use a compound leverage system to multiply your hand force, making it easier to cut thick metal. Tinners snips (like the Malco Andy) are like large scissors—single pivot, smoother cut, but require more strength.
Ridge caps often involve cutting through multiple layers or thick hems. A high-quality pair of offset aviation snips (Midwest) is usually sufficient, but having a pair of bulldogs (notch cutters) can help with thick seams.
Yes, absolutely. The Malco Andy snips are particularly good for vinyl as they leave a very smooth edge and the long blades speed up the work.
It is generally discouraged. The heat from the abrasive disc burns the protective galvanised or paint coating, leading to premature rust at the cut edge. Snips or nibblers cut cold, preserving the material’s integrity. Learn more about maintaining metal roofs here.
You need “Curve” or “Radius” snips. Standard offsets can do wide curves, but specialist curve snips (often with a red handle for anti-clockwise circles) allow for tight 90-degree turns needed for vent pipes.
Final Verdict
For the professional roofer or the ambitious DIYer, there is no substitute for quality. The Midwest Aviation Snips remain the undisputed king for general versatility, longevity, and comfort. If you have a lot of long straight cuts to do on thinner material, add a pair of Malco Andy Snips to your bag.
Remember, a small investment in good snips saves you hours of frustration and ensures your metal roof remains rust-free for decades. Happy roofing!