Agreed, I never understood why the return spring was so strong. I have actually replaced some of mine with hand made springs with less than half the return force and saved soooo much pain.
@@RonCovell I had a vague understanding of most of the material, but backhanded cutting - and most particularly the very last tip for using both handed tools to cut an alleyway in order to minimise distortion is something I'm sure I never would have come up with . Thanks Ron, your videos are invaluable!
Very rarely does a entire work day go by that I don't use snips, I still have to think about how and what I am going to cut then hold the snips up to the work and stop and think about it before I cut.
I've been a diesel mechanic for 14 years and I don't think I've ever met someone that was able to explain how to properly use what I thought was such a basic tool. Excellent work Ron, thank you for your great videos!
The best presentation I've ever seen on the use of these snips, one thing I'd like to add, don't waste your money on cheap snips, get the best you can afford, the cheaper bargain snips don't last long and don't work nearly as well as the quality tools even when new.
Thanks for mentioning the quality - I agree completely. I bought an import set of the yellow snips for this video, since I didn't have any yellow ones, and they are horrible!
@@RonCovell I have some yellow snips that I have found usefull, I'm not sure what the correct term is for the blade configuration is but it uses a moving anvil and a cutting blade on either side, producing a cut with a waste curle much like and air or electric chisel. Chisel is probably not the correct term but that's all I've ever heard them called.
One video that can change someone's life forever. I had no idea of any of this, I always grabbed the snips and just hacked away at whatever it was I needed to cut then cleaned it afterward. This information is revolutionary to a younger audience. Thanks Ron and thanks to TOT for bringing your channel to my attention, I learn something from every video.
Brilliant, 44 years old and never knew this, I have all 3 pairs but never use them in my shop as the results are always so poor, looks like I’m going to have a play with them tomorrow 😂😂 cheers
Peter McKenzie I'm sitting here reading your comment after watching this video, and you literally wrote what I was thinking. Age...... Check Red, Yellow, Green.......Check Rarely use them cause poor results, hmmm.....Check Need Practice Tomorrow....... Check, Check, Check
I just learned that I am one of those metal workers that you were referencing Ron. I have been using them wrong for 40 years! See kids... it's never too late to learn something new. Thanks Ron👍👍
You know, had you been my tin knocker instructor at NAS Millington back in the day, more than likely Id still be in that industry for real as opposed to as my retirement gig. Your instruction is absolutely perfect, thank you
Thank you Ron! I just started using aircraft snips at work and I immediately came back you your videos. I thought the cutting interference was something you fixed later with pliers. I never thought of using the snips upside down also. I went back to work today using snips like a pro.
Ill add a little addressed tidbit about snips also. If you think your snips are getting dull because the are making crappy cuts,most likely they just need to be adjusted to close up the blade gap. Ive acquired more than a few pair of snips this way,because the previous owners thought they were junk.
I was lucky to have a skilled tradesmen teach me how to use snips, and this video is the first one that used the snips how he showed me. Great video, he always said its the way you use them not the snips...
Love it! I'm a simple IT guy but the tips I get from watching your tool skills will help me in my projects for years! Thanks Ron! Also 3 dislikes? Obviously from those people whove been using tin snips wrong for their entire life.
48 DAMN Years old and THIS ONE VIDEO finally taught me what ALL my shop teachers completely and UTTERLY FAILED to do!! This is going to yield MASSIVELY significant results in the quality of my work.. Now, tomorrow morning, I shall go out and get two new pairs of Aviation Snips!! This video piece JUST got added to my arsenal of "videos to KEEP!! Great work Ron!!
If there is a person that should have the Nobel-prize in educating others, you ´re it. And thank you for explaining this so easily and understandable, now i don´t need to use as much band-aids cutting corrugated roof-sheets by hand. Thank you again from Sweden!
Yup. If I want to cut a circle out of aluminum, I always cut the circle out around a 1/4" big around the whole circle. Then I cut on the line. Almost 0 warpage.
I've been searching for an hour to understand exactly how left/right handed snips function and from this video it finally makes perfect sense. One of the two blades is always the waste side and one is the good side. As for left/right labels, whether the waste blade is left or right depends entirely on what angle are looking at the snips. But we call one left-handed and one right-handed just as a convention to distinguish them as chiral objects. It's not that the snips magically can only bend the metal only on one side. In fact depending on the precise angle you hold the tool it will bend both sides in varying amounts. The key point is that when you hold the tool at a good angle you can have three nice things happening all at once: 1) you 'zero out' the deformation on the good side so it is straight, and 2) the good side will miss the pivot even though it is straight 3) the waste-side metal will deform and move away from the pivot. So not only does the right tool angle give you a clean cut but you won't have to fight the material as you push the tool deeper in the cut. All the funky bends and curves in the tin snips are carefully put there to let you get great results but you need good technique.
Thanks Ron, Please more! This should be required reading for Gr 9 shop class EVERYWHERE!! I've been in the trades for 35 years, never known anyone to use these correctly. Met a lot of people with opinions,....
One tip I can think of is if you are ever cutting metal with the intent to fold it over itself like kicking a downspout for example. You need the top section to go inside of lower for water lap purposes, and you can use that effect of the snips end going past eachother he mentions at the end of you cuts for the kick, to tuck the section you want inside inward and the lower section outward. This prevents the metal hitting the other edge as you bring them together and warping the corner. It's a great way to make the metal naturally want to come together as intended.
User comments provide evidence that shop classes are still valuable today. Far too many people lack basic skills with hand tools. Our schools are to blame for eliminating trade classes. Great video!
Great video! Thanks for sharing your methods of getting the most from aviation snips. In aircraft mechanic school in the 80’s at Embry-Riddle in FL I was taught “snips” have serrated cutting jaws and “shears” have smooth jaws. The issue with cutting aluminum for aircraft structural repairs with snips is that they leave a serrated edge prone to creating stress risers which can create cracks which must be completely removed by filing or sanding. Hand shears leave a clean edge requiring only minor deburring. The convention of red to left (port) and green to right (starboard) applies to aircraft navigation lights as well
Well, thank you, but if you watch some of the other videos out there, you are sure to pick up some additional tips. Here's a good one: ua-cam.com/video/io3XF74QVFE/v-deo.html
Thanks Ron, that was fantastically awesome as usual! Never thought about using them upside down. The “doorknob” trick was genius! Here’s a snip-it... ...you correctly used the analogy about boating using left/port/red and right/starboard/green. Aircraft also use left/port/red, right/starboard/green. So considering the boating analogy, wouldn’t the snips you were using be “boating” snips? 🤣 ...just kidding... Former USAF airframe mechanic. PS: For non-boaters, just put the smaller words together and the bigger words together. 👍
I bought right handed aviation snips to cut some thin gauged steel because I didn’t know any better. Walked away with messy edges, frustration and bandaids. Thank you for showing me the beauty of tin snips, Mr. Covell.
I’ve been a Sheetmetal worker for 32 years and have always identified snips by the top blade, top blade on the right are right hand snips. But happy to be told otherwise. New sub here.
So basic. But SOOOO what I needed. For the infrequent use I make of my aircraft snips I've never taken the time to test like you showed. But you nailed it down to the basics which are easy to remember. Big Thanks! ! ! !
I got blown away in this video so many times. I know I've never put too much thought on cutting metal with snips, but I do know sometimes the cut is ugly and sometimes not. This made things so much clearer!
Excellent video. You are only the second person I have ever heard who could both explain with words and demonstration how to use these tools. I plead along with This Old Tony for additional videos on tools and their use. Thank you.
I just had my Furnace replaced, and the guys let me keep the extra sheet metal, and this video came out just a few days later! I have since made the straightest cuts in sheet metal ever. Thank you! Brilliant video. TOT is right, more tool tips/guides!
@@RonCovell That’s the big question isn’t it. I’m pretty comfortable with most tools, and the tips on snips really helped. I’m trying to think of other commonly used (hated or frustrating) tools, you might have insight into. What else do people often use with sub par results, hmmm. If I think of something I’ll be sure to let you know! Otherwise honestly just keep making videos that you want to, when you want to.
Thanks for clearing that up. I knew they were left and right but I didn't know all of the logic behind it. Watching you demonstrate and explain at the same time, made it very clear to me. Thank you Ron.
Great to learn this. It seems like the big distinction is that one side of the metal is the good side, the other is the sacrifice side. So it’s a matter of knowing which side of the snips are the good side.
Ron, When I was very young my Dad was a furnace man. He used the red and green handled snips a lot for making and modifying air ducts and flue pipes. I was taught to call them aviations. I of course use them for making car body parts and patches. I am 50 and I am still figuring out new ways to use them. Thanks for sharing.
Ron, your presentations are fantastic. You transfer such a great depth of understanding at a steady, easy to absorb pace, without leaving anything to our imagination. Thank you.
Thanks Ron! I'm grateful you chose my topic of aviation snips. I'm left handed, so know how the lay of the hinge affects cutting with scissors, forget about trying to use locking forceps.
Mr. Covell, once again teaching me things I didn't know I didn't know. I'd have never guessed I'd be waking up today excited about aviation snips, but here I am! Thank you, sir.
Thanks for the detailed explanations and visuals of how to use "Left" and "Right" Snips properly, and what can go wrong and why. 👍👍 Now I know to watch where the center pin is (up or down) and which cutting blade is at the keeper section before cutting and watch how and where the metal bends (or would bend), no matter what metal I'm cutting or cutting with, to be sure the keeper part is not deformed. I watched it 4 times to absorb it all. Thank you, Sir!!!
Yep, I'm happy to admit, I had no idea what I was doing wrong, and I've always been amazed when I see people use aircraft snips correctly. Now I know, Thanks Ron!
I've always used the handles up, I wonder if it's because I use Midwest snips that are at a more aggressive pitch than some other brands. I've always switched between pairs rather than flipping my snips.
A huge THANK YOU, Mr. Covell!!! I knew something was missing when I studied mechanics 10 years ago at a mechanic school, they gave us an aircraft metal cutter, and didn't explain all this tips and tricks!! If you cut it wrong, just fix it with the hammer... Didn't cut much metal either, just fixing dents in doors and that kind of stuff... I'm going to practise right now!!!
Fantastic video Ron. The first time I used snips to cut 18ga. steel I sliced my thumb open. now I always cut with the handles down. Been doing it that way for 44 years. I might have to do some more experimenting !
To add to all the "Thank Yous" Ron - Thank you so much. I could never figure out why some cuts came out perfectly and others mangled the metal. This video explained it perfectly
Ron that was a great tutorial on cutting sheet metal, I used to own a S/M shop HVAC and walk in manufacturing of whatever there needs, I have a problem with someone using my snips most can't tell if someone used there snips, but after years of metal work I can and they just bought a pair of snips and a leave my tools alone speach. Great tutorial first time watcher.
Well over 40 years of aviation mechanics. Now ready to retire yet, today i learned how to use the simplest tool in the box? BANG-Head! Thanks for posting this video, Great Info! Very well explained!
Own all three, and now I can start to use two of them in a proper fashion. Hand cramps will be much more bearable with decent results. Thank you Ron, Masterful video as always.
several years ago I bought all three because we had all 3 in our high school metal shop , quickly found that you only really need the red & green ...love your channel
@ I live in the present, Ron : ). Glad to see you’re here too! In Melbourne, the Australian one, just taking a guesstimate of the distance. I went straight to the shop and bought red & green snips to add to my evidently useless yellow one! When I get up I’ll find out how well I was paying attention! Thanks again, hope the present’s treating you well.
@@RonCovellHaha, yes you’re right, I am still in the future, but you’re catching up! I’m finally putting the snips to work, just some practice cuts first. I must say, it’s a bit tricky trying to reverse my brain because I’m not looking at it from your side, though I’ve slowed it down to 1/4 speed, so that helps. All this just for garden edging! 😂 But hopefully I’ll have a new skill. Thanks again 👍😁
Ron, that parallel red/green cut to get two undistorted parts was a very very good tool tip! This gave me the chance to live in peace with this type of snips since I gave my first set away ,brandnew, to a fried for free. I'll buy a new pair of red'n green😊
@@RonCovell Your easygoing nature and mastery of your tools + medium make it simple to understand. Look at how many viewers appreciate this lesson! What may seem intuitive for us is like handing someone a Rosetta stone. Suddenly it clicks and they _understand_ why they've been struggling.
Thanks, Mr Corelli. I taught aircraft sheet metal for many years and you are absolutely right. Many seasoned aircraft mechanics did not understand (or use) these two shears correctly. You are an EXCELLENT instructor! Thanks, again.
do more tool tips, Ron!
p.s. the scientific name for these tools is "hand cramps".
Tony - your comment literally made me break out laughing! I love your unerring sense of humor!
@@RonCovell it's especially funny when I imagine it in TOT's voice.
Hand cramps is right. Gotta say though, if you wanna give stronger handshakes these are the way to do it haha. Mind the carpal tunnel!
Agreed, I never understood why the return spring was so strong. I have actually replaced some of mine with hand made springs with less than half the return force and saved soooo much pain.
Cramps are what my girlfriend has.
I would never admit to using snips wrong but I just learned something new today.
Glad it was helpful!
@@RonCovell I had a vague understanding of most of the material, but backhanded cutting - and most particularly the very last tip for using both handed tools to cut an alleyway in order to minimise distortion is something I'm sure I never would have come up with . Thanks Ron, your videos are invaluable!
@@Gottenhimfella YES - THAT WAS GREAT - NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE
Very rarely does a entire work day go by that I don't use snips, I still have to think about how and what I am going to cut then hold the snips up to the work and stop and think about it before I cut.
@@ericsimpson1176 not any more😉
Your like the grandfather we all wished we had, thank you Ron🇦🇺👌
Wow, thank you!
I think my Grampas would both highly approve of Mr Covell's efforts to pass on his expertise, so I second.
I've been a diesel mechanic for 14 years and I don't think I've ever met someone that was able to explain how to properly use what I thought was such a basic tool. Excellent work Ron, thank you for your great videos!
Wow, thank you!
The best presentation I've ever seen on the use of these snips, one thing I'd like to add, don't waste your money on cheap snips, get the best you can afford, the cheaper bargain snips don't last long and don't work nearly as well as the quality tools even when new.
Thanks for mentioning the quality - I agree completely. I bought an import set of the yellow snips for this video, since I didn't have any yellow ones, and they are horrible!
@@RonCovell I have some yellow snips that I have found usefull, I'm not sure what the correct term is for the blade configuration is but it uses a moving anvil and a cutting blade on either side, producing a cut with a waste curle much like and air or electric chisel.
Chisel is probably not the correct term but that's all I've ever heard them called.
Buy Wiss brand the good ones .
Chinese ones don't last or work well.
Tin snips aren't a tool where you can cheap out.
@@bipedalbob They are normal called nibblers as they nibble a strip out.
One video that can change someone's life forever. I had no idea of any of this, I always grabbed the snips and just hacked away at whatever it was I needed to cut then cleaned it afterward. This information is revolutionary to a younger audience. Thanks Ron and thanks to TOT for bringing your channel to my attention, I learn something from every video.
Wow - that's a very strong comment!
Brilliant, 44 years old and never knew this, I have all 3 pairs but never use them in my shop as the results are always so poor, looks like I’m going to have a play with them tomorrow 😂😂 cheers
I think you'll have fun tomorrow!
I'm currently wondering how I can get some aluminium out of the scrap bin at work to practice at home!
Peter McKenzie I'm sitting here reading your comment after watching this video, and you literally wrote what I was thinking.
Age...... Check
Red, Yellow, Green.......Check
Rarely use them cause poor results, hmmm.....Check
Need Practice Tomorrow....... Check, Check, Check
I just learned that I am one of those metal workers that you were referencing Ron. I have been using them wrong for 40 years! See kids... it's never too late to learn something new. Thanks Ron👍👍
Rock on!
This explains a few jobs that went south as an apprentice. Thanks!
I am 71 years old and have used these snips since I was 16. From Ron, we all can learn. Thank you and well done. Jim
Isn't it great that we can keep learning - at any age?
You're a font of knowledge, Ron. Even with the simplest tool, you always have something new that I didn't know
I think a lot of people can benefit from knowing how to properly use a tool they may already own.
I have used snips for a long time. This is the first time I have any instruction. Thank you.
It often helps if you understand the principles involved!
I learned something today that I'm going to teach my son tomorrow like I knew it all of my life.
That's great!
I have almost zero need for snips, but man you made a video as clean, clear, and efficient as those metal edges. Bravo!
Thanks 👍
3:16 Unconsciously locks the snips back after opening them. Those hands know the tool.
You're right - I didn't even notice I did that!
You know, had you been my tin knocker instructor at NAS Millington back in the day, more than likely Id still be in that industry for real as opposed to as my retirement gig. Your instruction is absolutely perfect, thank you
Thank you so much for the kind words!
As fellow sheet metal worker, i appreciate any and all tips that you give. No matter what i always learn something new. Thank you!
Thanks for watching!
Thank you Ron! I just started using aircraft snips at work and I immediately came back you your videos. I thought the cutting interference was something you fixed later with pliers. I never thought of using the snips upside down also. I went back to work today using snips like a pro.
Great to hear!
Great video! For Christmas I got the red, And my brother got the green snips. Well looks like we have to get along forever now...
Have fun!
Ill add a little addressed tidbit about snips also.
If you think your snips are getting dull because the are making crappy cuts,most likely they just need to be adjusted to close up the blade gap.
Ive acquired more than a few pair of snips this way,because the previous owners thought they were junk.
Yes, that's true! You can also sharpen snips. Here's a great video on the subject by my pal, Jere Kirkpatrick:
ua-cam.com/video/mytBXVE18bo/v-deo.html
@@RonCovell That was great video. Thanks.
I wish somebody had showed me this years ago. Thank you so much.
Well, you know now!
I was lucky to have a skilled tradesmen teach me how to use snips, and this video is the first one that used the snips how he showed me. Great video, he always said its the way you use them not the snips...
I agree!
Love it! I'm a simple IT guy but the tips I get from watching your tool skills will help me in my projects for years! Thanks Ron!
Also 3 dislikes? Obviously from those people whove been using tin snips wrong for their entire life.
Awesome, thank you!
Haha lol
It's probably this old Tony actually you know how he gets
48 DAMN Years old and THIS ONE VIDEO finally taught me what ALL my shop teachers completely and UTTERLY FAILED to do!! This is going to yield MASSIVELY significant results in the quality of my work.. Now, tomorrow morning, I shall go out and get two new pairs of Aviation Snips!! This video piece JUST got added to my arsenal of "videos to KEEP!! Great work Ron!!
Very cool!
I'd noticed the interference with the pivot but not realised this was the system. Thank you Ron!
Now you know!
If there is a person that should have the Nobel-prize in educating others, you ´re it. And thank you for explaining this so easily and understandable, now i don´t need to use as much band-aids cutting corrugated roof-sheets by hand. Thank you again from Sweden!
Great!
Great video, I hadn't thought about them being limited to around 1/2" per cut, some of my past errors now make total sense.
In certain situations you can cut off more, but it gets tricky - especially with the thicker gauges of metal.
Yup. If I want to cut a circle out of aluminum, I always cut the circle out around a 1/4" big around the whole circle. Then I cut on the line. Almost 0 warpage.
I've been searching for an hour to understand exactly how left/right handed snips function and from this video it finally makes perfect sense. One of the two blades is always the waste side and one is the good side. As for left/right labels, whether the waste blade is left or right depends entirely on what angle are looking at the snips. But we call one left-handed and one right-handed just as a convention to distinguish them as chiral objects.
It's not that the snips magically can only bend the metal only on one side. In fact depending on the precise angle you hold the tool it will bend both sides in varying amounts. The key point is that when you hold the tool at a good angle you can have three nice things happening all at once: 1) you 'zero out' the deformation on the good side so it is straight, and 2) the good side will miss the pivot even though it is straight 3) the waste-side metal will deform and move away from the pivot. So not only does the right tool angle give you a clean cut but you won't have to fight the material as you push the tool deeper in the cut.
All the funky bends and curves in the tin snips are carefully put there to let you get great results but you need good technique.
You got it - exactly!
Finally someone explained this to me! Thanks Ron!
You bet!
Thanks Ron, Please more! This should be required reading for Gr 9 shop class EVERYWHERE!! I've been in the trades for 35 years, never known anyone to use these correctly. Met a lot of people with opinions,....
Yeah, there are a lot of people who are clueless about using aircraft snips correctly!
Wow, life-changing, next time I need to cut sheet metal - THANKS!
Happy to help!
A simple and extremely clear explanation of how we should be using such snips. It will make such a difference- THANKS!!!!
Thank YOU for watching, and commenting!
One tip I can think of is if you are ever cutting metal with the intent to fold it over itself like kicking a downspout for example. You need the top section to go inside of lower for water lap purposes, and you can use that effect of the snips end going past eachother he mentions at the end of you cuts for the kick, to tuck the section you want inside inward and the lower section outward. This prevents the metal hitting the other edge as you bring them together and warping the corner. It's a great way to make the metal naturally want to come together as intended.
That's a great tip, indeed! Thanks for sharing.
The last tip of using both left and right to make a cut down something long just answered a question that has perplexed me for decades. Thank you.
Excellent!
FINALLY! It's like somebody turned on the light! Thank you!
We aim to please!
User comments provide evidence that shop classes are still valuable today. Far too many people lack basic skills with hand tools. Our schools are to blame for eliminating trade classes. Great video!
I'm very glad you like the video, and I completely agree with everything you say!
I never knew they have a difference nor that I need to look about that plus damn amazing
Yes, the red and green snips are completely opposite. Forget about the yellow-handled snips. They really don't do anything well.
Really thank you for sharing the knowledge :D Thank you
Excellent tips. I've been using snips like this wrong like 99% of everyone else. Thanks for taking the time to clear this up.
Glad you liked the video! Actually, because of the laws of probability, people use snips incorrectly only about HALF the time (smile)!
@@RonCovell LOL, Yeah I guess so 😁
Great video! Thanks for sharing your methods of getting the most from aviation snips. In aircraft mechanic school in the 80’s at Embry-Riddle in FL I was taught “snips” have serrated cutting jaws and “shears” have smooth jaws. The issue with cutting aluminum for aircraft structural repairs with snips is that they leave a serrated edge prone to creating stress risers which can create cracks which must be completely removed by filing or sanding. Hand shears leave a clean edge requiring only minor deburring. The convention of red to left (port) and green to right (starboard) applies to aircraft navigation lights as well
Thanks so much for that! I have always wondered what the difference was between shears and snips. Your explanation makes a lot of sense!
Brilliant :) Especially the double cut (8:30) is so nice to learn.
Came here for this old tony, stayed here for your craftsmanship!
As did I.
Awesome, thank you!
"UA-cam has a variety of videos on the proper use of tin snips"
...I'm going to use them any way master craftsman Ron Covell says to.
Well, thank you, but if you watch some of the other videos out there, you are sure to pick up some additional tips. Here's a good one: ua-cam.com/video/io3XF74QVFE/v-deo.html
I just watched a video on metal snips and actually learned something. Bravo.
It's a good day when we learn something new!
This was very helpful, thanks! - I've suspected my straight cut snips were the least useful of all of them HAHA :)
They make a good door stop!
Good for cutting banding metal , that is about all .
Straight cut snips are excellent for cutting hardware cloth and other "general purpose" needs :-)
I know mine are the least useful because I've never been able to cut a straight line with them
@@kennethnevel3263 it's really the only use for them. It helps save the life of your other snips, but not worth the extra weight.
Thankyou. When all else fails...read the instructions. 50yrs with all 3 snips I now understand.
Great news!
Thanks Ron, that was fantastically awesome as usual! Never thought about using them upside down. The “doorknob” trick was genius!
Here’s a snip-it...
...you correctly used the analogy about boating using left/port/red and right/starboard/green.
Aircraft also use left/port/red, right/starboard/green.
So considering the boating analogy, wouldn’t the snips you were using be “boating” snips? 🤣
...just kidding...
Former USAF airframe mechanic.
PS: For non-boaters, just put the smaller words together and the bigger words together. 👍
Hmm - maybe I will try calling them 'boating' snips, and see how people respond!
That is always how I remembered them, small words and big words. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
I bought right handed aviation snips to cut some thin gauged steel because I didn’t know any better. Walked away with messy edges, frustration and bandaids. Thank you for showing me the beauty of tin snips, Mr. Covell.
I'm so glad you 'figured it out'!
And here I thought 'Left' and 'Right' were referring to which side the top jaw was on.
I love reading the comments on these vids. So many good souls learning and thankful for it.
Absolutely!
In the US military (Navy) tech schools they teach this correctly (at least they did in the '70s)
I'm glad you had a good experience. Sone others in the military report they were schooled incorrectly on these tools!
Nice explanations and many things most folks don't consider.
Glad you think so!
Thank you Ron!! I didn't even know that right and left Snips exsisted. Shame on me !!
Hey, knowledge is power, so you got just a little more powerful today!
I’ve been a Sheetmetal worker for 32 years and have always identified snips by the top blade, top blade on the right are right hand snips. But happy to be told otherwise. New sub here.
Right on!
Why even listen to anyone else? Just do what Ron says.
Well thanks for the 'vote of confidence', but there are a LOT of people making great videos on UA-cam. I learn something new every day!
So basic. But SOOOO what I needed. For the infrequent use I make of my aircraft snips I've never taken the time to test like you showed. But you nailed it down to the basics which are easy to remember. Big Thanks! ! ! !
Glad it helped!
One of the best explanations on the use of aircraft snips I have seen Ron. Very well done and accurate.
Wow, thanks!
The very last point with citing down the middle of a sheet - game changer, thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
I got blown away in this video so many times. I know I've never put too much thought on cutting metal with snips, but I do know sometimes the cut is ugly and sometimes not. This made things so much clearer!
Fantastic!
Wonderfully clear explanations. Your are a natural teacher. Thanks for the lesson.
Many thanks!
Excellent video. You are only the second person I have ever heard who could both explain with words and demonstration how to use these tools. I plead along with This Old Tony for additional videos on tools and their use. Thank you.
Wow, thanks!
I just had my Furnace replaced, and the guys let me keep the extra sheet metal, and this video came out just a few days later! I have since made the straightest cuts in sheet metal ever. Thank you! Brilliant video. TOT is right, more tool tips/guides!
What tools would like to see tips/guides for?
@@RonCovell That’s the big question isn’t it. I’m pretty comfortable with most tools, and the tips on snips really helped. I’m trying to think of other commonly used (hated or frustrating) tools, you might have insight into. What else do people often use with sub par results, hmmm.
If I think of something I’ll be sure to let you know!
Otherwise honestly just keep making videos that you want to, when you want to.
Thanks for clearing that up. I knew they were left and right but I didn't know all of the logic behind it. Watching you demonstrate and explain at the same time, made it very clear to me. Thank you Ron.
Glad to help!
Great to learn this. It seems like the big distinction is that one side of the metal is the good side, the other is the sacrifice side. So it’s a matter of knowing which side of the snips are the good side.
Great point!
Ron, When I was very young my Dad was a furnace man. He used the red and green handled snips a lot for making and modifying air ducts and flue pipes. I was taught to call them aviations. I of course use them for making car body parts and patches. I am 50 and I am still figuring out new ways to use them. Thanks for sharing.
Very cool!
Ron, that was some of the best information I have seen online ever, simple yet seemingly unknown to the majority of us. Thank you kindly.
Thanks - this video has become MUCH more popular than I imagined. That's a GOOD thing!
Ron, your presentations are fantastic. You transfer such a great depth of understanding at a steady, easy to absorb pace, without leaving anything to our imagination. Thank you.
Wow, thanks!
Thanks Ron!
I'm grateful you chose my topic of aviation snips.
I'm left handed, so know how the lay of the hinge affects cutting with scissors, forget about trying to use locking forceps.
Right on!
Mr. Covell, once again teaching me things I didn't know I didn't know. I'd have never guessed I'd be waking up today excited about aviation snips, but here I am! Thank you, sir.
It's a bright new day in the snipper's world!
Good info for all. I used both my port AND starboard snips last week.
Jere - glad you liked it! I remember the excellent video you did on snips, and I've sent the link for your video on sharpening snips to many people!
I've worked with "snips" for 30 years or so, and always wondered the true, correct usage for each. Going to the shop now to practice!! Thanks Ron!!
Good for you - practice makes perfect!
I have been using these for decades. And I think I just learned a ton more. Nice and simple explanation. Thanks Ron.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for the detailed explanations and visuals of how to use "Left" and "Right" Snips properly, and what can go wrong and why. 👍👍 Now I know to watch where the center pin is (up or down) and which cutting blade is at the keeper section before cutting and watch how and where the metal bends (or would bend), no matter what metal I'm cutting or cutting with, to be sure the keeper part is not deformed. I watched it 4 times to absorb it all. Thank you, Sir!!!
Glad it was helpful!
Brilliant demo on using snips, you are the master Ron.
Thanks!
Yep, I'm happy to admit, I had no idea what I was doing wrong, and I've always been amazed when I see people use aircraft snips correctly. Now I know, Thanks Ron!
Glad I could help!
I've always used the handles up, I wonder if it's because I use Midwest snips that are at a more aggressive pitch than some other brands. I've always switched between pairs rather than flipping my snips.
That is a fine solution.
A huge THANK YOU, Mr. Covell!!! I knew something was missing when I studied mechanics 10 years ago at a mechanic school, they gave us an aircraft metal cutter, and didn't explain all this tips and tricks!! If you cut it wrong, just fix it with the hammer... Didn't cut much metal either, just fixing dents in doors and that kind of stuff... I'm going to practise right now!!!
A little knowledge can go a long way when it comes to cutting with snips!
Thanks Ron, that was great! I watch this from time to time to make sure I'm doing it right.
Hey, a little refresher never hurts!
Fantastic video Ron.
The first time I used snips to cut 18ga. steel I sliced my thumb open. now I always cut with the handles down.
Been doing it that way for 44 years. I might have to do some more experimenting !
Hey, if it works for you, there is no need to change.
To add to all the "Thank Yous" Ron - Thank you so much. I could never figure out why some cuts came out perfectly and others mangled the metal. This video explained it perfectly
Glad you learned something useful!
I have been making Armour and Car Parts for 35 years I’ve never seen someone explain it this well before thank you so much for posting this video
Glad you liked it!
This tip was wildly helpful for me. Honestly, I had no idea of all these factors. Thank you so much!
Glad it was helpful!
Concise, workmanlike, informative, and very useful. Thank you so much.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I can't stop watching your videos this channel is perfect. Thank you.
Wow, thank you! More to come.
I have no intention of doing any metal work, but can't stop watching.
WOW!!!! THANKS, AGAIN, RON!!!! YOUR GREAT TIPS, AND ADVICE, ARE MUCH APPRECIATED!!!...
Thanks for watching!
Ron that was a great tutorial on cutting sheet metal, I used to own a S/M shop HVAC and walk in manufacturing of whatever there needs, I have a problem with someone using my snips most can't tell if someone used there snips, but after years of metal work I can and they just bought a pair of snips and a leave my tools alone speach. Great tutorial first time watcher.
Thanks for watching, and commenting! More videos on the way.
Well over 40 years of aviation mechanics. Now ready to retire yet, today i learned how to use the simplest tool in the box? BANG-Head! Thanks for posting this video, Great Info! Very well explained!
Very cool!
This is one of the most helpful videos I've ever watched. And to think I thought my snips were not working! No, it was just a dummy using them.
I'm glad you know how to use them correctly now!
Own all three, and now I can start to use two of them in a proper fashion. Hand cramps will be much more bearable with decent results. Thank you Ron, Masterful video as always.
Sounds great!
Just when you have done it all and know everything. . . . . . .Ron comes along. Keep up the tips.
Thanks, will do!
several years ago I bought all three because we had all 3 in our high school metal shop , quickly found that you only really need the red & green ...love your channel
Very cool!
That was sooo helpful! Thank you from 3 years in the future and 13,000 kms away!
Glad you liked the video. Where (and when) do you live, exactly?
@ I live in the present, Ron : ). Glad to see you’re here too! In Melbourne, the Australian one, just taking a guesstimate of the distance. I went straight to the shop and bought red & green snips to add to my evidently useless yellow one! When I get up I’ll find out how well I was paying attention! Thanks again, hope the present’s treating you well.
Oh, you're not as far away as I first thought, but although you and I both live in the present, I know you are one calendar day ahead of me!
@@RonCovellHaha, yes you’re right, I am still in the future, but you’re catching up!
I’m finally putting the snips to work, just some practice cuts first. I must say, it’s a bit tricky trying to reverse my brain because I’m not looking at it from your side, though I’ve slowed it down to 1/4 speed, so that helps. All this just for garden edging! 😂 But hopefully I’ll have a new skill. Thanks again 👍😁
Ron, that parallel red/green cut to get two undistorted parts was a very very good tool tip! This gave me the chance to live in peace with this type of snips since I gave my first set away ,brandnew, to a fried for free.
I'll buy a new pair of red'n green😊
You'll do better next time!
File this one under things that I didn't know that I needed to know. Thanks Mr. Covell.
Excellent!
Overwhelmingly positive responses.
You've hit this one out of the park, Ron!
Thanks so much - seems like there was a need for this video, even though several others are already out there.
@@RonCovell Your easygoing nature and mastery of your tools + medium make it simple to understand.
Look at how many viewers appreciate this lesson!
What may seem intuitive for us is like handing someone a Rosetta stone.
Suddenly it clicks and they _understand_ why they've been struggling.
Thank you much, Mr. Covell for making and posting this video. (You're a great teacher & craftsman). God Bless you. tonyd\.
Thank you kindly!
Really good simple and straightforward tips some great advice thanks Ron !
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks, Mr Corelli. I taught aircraft sheet metal for many years and you are absolutely right. Many seasoned aircraft mechanics did not understand (or use) these two shears correctly. You are an EXCELLENT instructor! Thanks, again.
Thanks for the kind words!
Wow!! Awesome video!! I have learned alot over the years with Ron Covell!! Thank you so much!!!!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I am so glad I stumbled across your videos. I am learning a lot from them.
Glad you like them!
Excellent info I have never seen elsewhere. Thank you very much.
Glad you enjoyed it!