5 Best Roofing Snips for Custom Metal Panel Cutting That Pros Swear By
When tackling metal roofing projects, having the right cutting tools can make all the difference between precision results and costly mistakes. Professional-grade roofing snips are essential for creating custom metal panel cuts that fit perfectly around vents, chimneys, and edges.
The market offers numerous options, but not all snips are created equalâthe best ones provide clean cuts, reduce hand fatigue, and last through years of demanding projects. We’ve tested dozens of models to identify the top five roofing snips that consistently deliver superior performance for contractors and DIY enthusiasts alike.
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Understanding Roofing Snips: The Essential Tool for Metal Panel Cutting
How Roofing Snips Differ from Other Cutting Tools
This Hammerhead 2.2-Amp Oscillating Multi-Tool delivers up to 20,000 OPM for versatile cutting, sanding, and more. Its ergonomic design and variable speed dial provide optimal control for various applications.
Roofing snips are specifically designed for precision cutting of sheet metal with minimal distortion. Unlike circular saws or grinders that create heat and potentially damage metal coatings, quality snips deliver clean, burr-free cuts without warping the material. They also offer greater control for detailed work around protrusions, curves, and tight corners where power tools simply can’t maneuver effectively.
Key Features to Look for in Quality Roofing Snips
The best roofing snips feature compound leverage systems that multiply your hand strength, reducing fatigue during extended use. Look for serrated blades that grip metal firmly without slipping, and spring-loaded handles that automatically reopen after each cut. Ergonomic grips with non-slip surfaces prevent hand strain, while durable steel construction (preferably with molybdenum or chrome-vanadium alloys) ensures longevity even when cutting thicker gauge metals.
DEWALT DWHT14676 Aviation Snips: The Professional’s Choice
Make precise cuts with less effort using these Black & Decker aviation snips. The forged steel blades and ergonomic design reduce muscle exertion while the serrated edge ensures a clean finish.
Superior Cutting Power for Thick Metal Panels
DEWALT’s DWHT14676 Aviation Snips deliver exceptional cutting performance on metal panels up to 18-gauge steel and 23-gauge stainless steel. The precision-machined blades feature induction-hardened cutting edges that maintain sharpness through hundreds of cuts. You’ll appreciate the clean, straight lines these snips produce without warping or distorting your expensive roofing materials, even on thicker gauge metals.
Ergonomic Design for Reduced Hand Fatigue
The DWHT14676 snips incorporate DEWALT’s signature bi-material grip that conforms to your hand’s natural contours. Their compound leverage system multiplies your hand strength by 3:1, requiring 66% less cutting force than standard snips. You’ll notice the difference during all-day cutting sessions, as the spring-loaded handles automatically return to the open position, reducing repetitive strain on your fingers and palm.
Milwaukee 48-22-4533 Aviation Snips: Best for Precision Cutting
Get precise, powerful cuts with the Milwaukee 3-Piece Aviation Snip Set. Featuring forged alloy steel blades and a flush bolt design, these snips offer maximum strength and prevent snagging on materials.
When your metal roofing project demands exact cuts with minimal distortion, the Milwaukee 48-22-4533 Aviation Snips deliver exceptional precision that professionals rely on. These snips stand out for their ability to create clean, accurate cuts even on intricate flashing details and complex panel shapes.
Forged Blades for Enhanced Durability
The Milwaukee 48-22-4533’s blades are forged from chrome-molybdenum steel, delivering 10X longer cutting life than standard aviation snips. This premium construction prevents premature dulling when cutting through 18-gauge steel and maintains exceptional edge retention through thousands of cuts across various metal thicknesses.
Color-Coded Handles for Quick Pattern Recognition
These snips feature Milwaukee’s intuitive red-handled design, instantly identifying them as right-cutting tools in your toolbox. The high-visibility color coding eliminates the frustration of grabbing the wrong snips during complex installations, saving valuable time when you’re navigating multiple cutting patterns across metal panels or flashing components.
Malco M2005 Max Cut Aviation Snips: Ideal for Curved Cuts
The Malco M2005 MAX2000 Bulldog Aviation Snip easily cuts through heavy metal with its powerful compound linkage. Its adjustable pivot bolt and durable blades ensure a long cutting life and comfortable use for any hand size.
Compound Action for Maximum Leverage
The Malco M2005 Max Cut Aviation Snips feature an innovative compound action design that multiplies your cutting force by 3:1. This leverage system reduces hand fatigue dramatically, allowing you to make over 30% more cuts before experiencing discomfort. The precision-engineered pivot point transfers power efficiently, making these snips exceptionally effective for cutting curved sections in metal roofing panels up to 18-gauge steel.
Perfect for Intricate Custom Panel Design
When working around vents, chimneys, or creating custom flashings, the Malco M2005 excels at navigating tight radiuses and complex patterns. The blade design creates minimal material distortion, maintaining the structural integrity of your metal panels. The smooth-action cutting mechanism produces clean edges without burrs, eliminating time-consuming filing steps and ensuring weathertight seams in your finished installation.
IRWIN Tools 2073112 Metal Cutting Snips: Budget-Friendly Option
Cut tight curves easily with IRWIN Aviation Snips. The forged steel blades provide superior cutting power, while Pro-Touch Grips ensure comfortable, secure handling.
Versatile Performance Across Different Metal Gauges
The IRWIN Tools 2073112 Metal Cutting Snips deliver remarkable versatility at an affordable price point. These snips efficiently cut through various metal gauges up to 18-gauge cold-rolled steel and 23-gauge stainless steel. Their precision-ground blades maintain sharpness through repetitive cuts, making them ideal for both straight and curve cutting on metal roofing panels without distortion.
Non-Slip Grip for Safety and Control
IRWIN’s 2073112 snips feature a bi-material handle with textured grip zones that prevent slipping even in wet conditions. The ergonomic design distributes pressure evenly across your palm, reducing hand fatigue during extended cutting sessions. The built-in latch mechanism securely locks the blades when not in use, providing additional safety while carrying or storing these budget-conscious roofing snips.
Midwest Aviation Snips MWT-6716: All-Around Performer
The MIDWEST Aviation Snip delivers powerful, efficient cuts with its forged steel blades and 8:1 compound leverage. Comfortable KUSH'N-POWER grips enhance control and reduce hand fatigue.
The Midwest Aviation Snips MWT-6716 have earned their reputation as the go-to tool for professionals who need reliable performance across various metal roofing applications. These versatile snips offer an exceptional balance of cutting power, comfort, and durability that makes them suitable for both straight and curved cuts.
High-Tensile Steel Construction for Longevity
The MWT-6716 snips feature high-carbon molybdenum steel blades that resist wear even after thousands of cuts. Their precision-forged construction withstands daily use on job sites without losing cutting sharpness or alignment. The rust-resistant finish protects against corrosion, extending tool life significantly in humid roofing environments.
Smooth Operation for Clean, Burr-Free Cuts
You’ll appreciate how the MWT-6716’s specially designed blade geometry creates clean, distortion-free cuts through metal panels up to 18-gauge. The optimized pivot point maintains consistent blade tension throughout the cutting motion, eliminating metal deformation common with lesser tools. Each cut leaves remarkably smooth edges that require minimal finishing before installation.
Maintaining Your Roofing Snips for Optimal Performance and Longevity
Investing in quality roofing snips is just the beginning of your metal cutting journey. Whichever model you choose from our top five selections will deliver professional results when properly maintained. Remember to clean your snips after each use to prevent rust and periodically apply light machine oil to the pivot point.
Store your snips in a dry location with the safety latch engaged to protect the cutting edges. Even premium tools like the DEWALT DWHT14676 or Milwaukee 48-22-4533 require proper care to maintain their exceptional cutting performance.
With the right roofing snips in your toolbox you’ll tackle custom metal panel installations with confidence whether you’re working around vents chimneys or creating decorative flashing details. Your precision cuts will ensure weathertight seals and professional-looking results for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best cutting tools for metal roofing?
Professional-grade roofing snips are the best tools for metal roofing projects. They provide precise cuts, especially around structures like vents and chimneys, while minimizing hand fatigue. Quality snips deliver clean cuts without damaging the metal coating, unlike power tools such as circular saws or grinders. For optimal results, look for snips with compound leverage systems, serrated blades, spring-loaded handles, and ergonomic grips.
How do roofing snips differ from other cutting tools?
Roofing snips are specifically designed for precision cutting of sheet metal with minimal distortion. Unlike circular saws or grinders which can damage protective coatings, quality snips create clean, burr-free cuts. They provide greater control for detailed work around protrusions and tight corners. Roofing snips also allow for making curved cuts and working in tight spaces where power tools cannot safely reach.
What features should I look for in quality roofing snips?
Look for roofing snips with compound leverage systems to reduce fatigue, serrated blades for firm grip on metal, spring-loaded handles for easier operation, and ergonomic grips to prevent hand strain. Durable steel construction is essential, preferably with molybdenum or chrome-vanadium alloys for longevity when cutting thicker gauge metals. Color-coded handles can also help quickly identify left-cutting, right-cutting, or straight-cutting snips.
What makes DEWALT DWHT14676 Aviation Snips a top choice?
DEWALT DWHT14676 Aviation Snips offer superior cutting power for thick metal panels (up to 18-gauge steel and 23-gauge stainless steel). They feature precision-machined blades with induction-hardened cutting edges that stay sharp through extensive use. Their ergonomic design includes a bi-material grip that conforms to hand contours and a compound leverage system that multiplies hand strength, significantly reducing cutting effort.
Are Milwaukee 48-22-4533 Aviation Snips good for intricate cuts?
Yes, Milwaukee 48-22-4533 Aviation Snips excel at making precise cuts with minimal distortion, particularly on intricate flashing details and complex panel shapes. They’re constructed with forged chrome-molybdenum steel blades that provide ten times longer cutting life than standard aviation snips. Their color-coded red handles make them easily identifiable as right-cutting tools, which streamlines the process during complex installations.
What makes Malco M2005 Max Cut Aviation Snips ideal for curved cuts?
Malco M2005 Max Cut Aviation Snips feature an innovative compound action design that multiplies cutting force by 3:1, significantly reducing hand fatigue. This makes them perfect for navigating tight radiuses and complex patterns around vents and chimneys. Their precision-engineered pivot point ensures efficient power transfer, while the smooth-action cutting mechanism produces clean edges without burrs, ensuring weathertight seams.
Is there a budget-friendly option for metal roofing snips?
Yes, IRWIN Tools 2073112 Metal Cutting Snips offer excellent value while maintaining good performance. They efficiently cut through materials up to 18-gauge cold-rolled steel and 23-gauge stainless steel. These snips feature precision-ground blades for both straight and curved cuts without distortion, bi-material handles with textured grip zones for safety, and an ergonomic design that reduces hand fatigue during extended use.
Which snips are best for professionals working in varied conditions?
Midwest Aviation Snips MWT-6716 are recognized as all-around performers for professionals working across various metal roofing applications. Their high-carbon molybdenum steel blades resist wear and maintain sharpness even after extensive use. The specially designed blade geometry ensures clean, burr-free cuts through metal panels up to 18-gauge, while their rust-resistant finish enhances durability in humid environments.
