Tools

Quick tip,
by The Duct Shop

I need a Sheet Metal Snip, but which is the right one?

There are several types of snips used for cutting sheet metal. In this article, The Duct Shop will explain the differences so that you can choose the right snip for your project. When you are needing to cut a round hole into a sheet metal plenum or piece of rectangular duct, it is easiest if you use the right tool.

Most manufactures of Sheet Metal Snips make snips specifically for people that are right handed or left handed. With the snips sold at The Duct Shop, you will find snips with three different color handles. The three colors are Yellow, Red and Green.

If the snips have a Yellow handle, they are designed to cut straight lines in sheet metal. These Yellow handled snips should be used when you are cutting a square or rectangular hole in a sheet metal plenum, air conditioning or heating ductwork.

If the snips have a Red handle, they are designed to cut either straight lines or curving to the left. These Red handled snips are most comfortably used by Right Handed people, as the snips will be cutting to the left, from the outside toward the center of your body.

If the snips have a Green handle, they are designed to cut either straight lines or curving to the right. These Green handled snips are most comfortably used by Left-Handed people, as the snips will be cutting to the right, from the outside toward the center of your body.

In most instances, you should use the tool that works best in your dominant hand. There are instances where the sheet metal that you are cutting a hole in is obstructed by some part of the building it is installed in. In these instances, it may be more convenient to use the color for your non-dominant hand. It seems awkward but may be necessary at times.

If you have any questions, or need help in selecting the right tool for your project, please feel free to contact me at (800) 380-6861 or [email protected]

Jon Collins – The Duct Shop, America’s Trusted Supplier for your HVAC projects.