DeWalt Left, Right and Straight Aviation Snips Set (3-Pack)

Why this set earns a spot in my bag

On jobs where I’m trimming duct, slicing vinyl siding, or roughing in sheet metal patches, I reach for a dedicated three-snips set so I’m not fighting the tool to follow a line. This DeWalt snips set has been in my rotation for a while now, and it checks the boxes I care about: controlled cuts, less hand fatigue, and hardware that doesn’t snag on the work.

Design and build

Each snip in the set—straight, left-cut, and right-cut—uses forged steel jaws with serrated cutting edges. The serrations matter more than you think; they grab the sheet just enough to keep it from sliding, especially when you’re pushing through paint or thin oxide films on aluminum. The blades are paired with a compound (double-pivot) linkage that boosts leverage. That, combined with the reduced handle span, translates to real-world effort savings.

The handles are a bi‑material cushion grip that strikes a good balance between tack and durability. Some cushioned grips feel great but tear up quickly around a jobsite; these have held up to banging around in a pouch without chunks peeling off.

A couple of small but meaningful touches: the hardware is low-profile and flush, so I’m not catching screw heads on the workpiece mid-cut, and the external latch is easy to flick one-handed without popping open in the bag. I can grab a snip with a gloved hand, squeeze lightly, thumb the latch, and I’m cutting—no two-handed fiddle.

Overall fit and finish are solid. The pivots came tight with no side-to-side wobble, and the blades were well aligned out of the package.

In use: straight lines and long rips

The straight snip is what I use for long, straight rips in thin aluminum, galvanized sheet, and plastics. The compound action and reduced handle span keep my forearm from burning out on two- to three-foot runs. On 22–20 gauge mild steel, I can keep a steady tempo without having to bear down hard at the end of each stroke.

Cut surfaces are clean for an aviation snip. Serrations always leave a faint tooth pattern on softer metals, but the edge is consistent and requires only light deburring with a file or Scotch-Brite if you need a pristine edge for a visible seam.

For vinyl siding, screening, and corrugated plastics, the serrations help prevent skidding on the first bite. I’ve had less “walk” when starting holes or notches, especially overhead. If you’re cutting delicate plastics where marring matters, a strip of painter’s tape along the cut line helps.

Curves, notches, and control

The left- and right-cut snips are where the set pays off. If you’re newer to aviation snips, here’s the quick rule of thumb I follow:
- Left-cut snips naturally follow curves to the left and let the waste curl out to the left.
- Right-cut snips mirror that to the right.

Using the correct hand for the curve keeps the waste from bunching against the blade and makes it much easier to see your line. On register boots, outlet cutouts, and duct transitions, I can trace arcs without the usual stop-start “chewing” you get when you force a straight snip to do curve work. The flush hardware helps here; there’s less for the material to hang up on as it curls away.

Ergonomics and fatigue

The reduced handle span is noticeable. With a lot of snips, especially in thicker stock, I find myself opening my grip uncomfortably wide, which fatigues the base of my thumb and the inside of my hand. These close that gap. I can keep a natural grip through the full cycle, which means longer runs before fatigue sets in. The cushioned handles are firm enough not to squirm in the hand, and they maintain traction even with a light dusting of metal fines.

The latch location is dialed in. It’s recessed enough that I’m not bumping it mid-cut, yet it’s easily found by feel. When closed, it stays closed in the bag; when I want it open, it’s a single thumb movement. That sounds minor, but over a day of intermittent cutting, it’s a quality-of-life upgrade.

Materials and capacity

These are rated for typical sheet work—think 18 to 22 gauge mild steel, with easier going in thinner stock. In my use:
- Mild steel: Confident up to 18 gauge for shorter cuts and notches; for long rips, 20–22 gauge feels effortless.
- Aluminum and copper sheet: No issues; clean, controlled cuts.
- Plastics, vinyl siding, screening: The serrations help start cuts; keep a steady pace to avoid chattering.
- Cardboard and leather: Overkill, frankly, but handy in a pinch when I don’t want to swap tools.

I avoid cutting hardened wire, nails, screws, or thick round stock with any aviation snip, and that applies here. These are sheet tools. Occasional nips on soft round copper are fine, but repeated wire cutting will nick any serrated edge over time.

Cut quality and visibility

Blade alignment out of the box was on point, and the snips track straight without steering. Visibility down to the cutting line is decent; the jaw geometry gives you enough sightline to hug a scribe. On thin galvanized, the exit side has minimal burr if you keep the material supported and let the serrations do the work rather than forcing the cut.

One observation: like most serrated snips, the finish cut can carry a slight texture on very soft metals, especially if you’re rushing. A quick pass with a deburring tool cleans it up.

Durability and maintenance

Forged blades take abuse better than stamped ones, and the pivots on my set have stayed tight with no discernible play. The serrations are still biting well after several jobs on 22–20 gauge material. As with any snip, a touch of light oil at the pivot and a wipe-down after cutting galvanized helps keep things smooth and corrosion-free. If you’re working in wet or coastal environments, that habit pays off fast.

I appreciate the flush hardware; there’s less to snag and less to get bent if the tool gets dropped. The grips show minor scuffing but no splitting. The latch still engages positively.

Quibbles and wish list

• No storage roll. Out of the carded blister, you’re on your own. A simple nylon pouch or tool roll would make it easier to keep the three together and protect the serrations.
• Weight is confidence-inspiring, but if you’re working overhead for long stretches, you’ll notice it. Not a deal-breaker, just physics.
• Serrated edges are fantastic for control, but they do impart a micro-tooth finish on soft sheets. That’s expected; worth noting if you need cosmetically perfect edges without post-processing.

Tips for better results

• Use the right snip for the curve. It’s faster and produces smoother edges.
• Keep the waste curling away from the body of the snip to prevent binding.
• Don’t over-open the handles; short, consistent strokes maintain control and reduce fatigue.
• For cleaner edges in soft metals, place masking tape along the cut line to reduce surface scuffing.
• Support the work as you finish a cut to avoid tearing the last millimeter of material.

Value

For a three-piece set with forged blades, compound leverage, and thoughtful ergonomics, the price sits in a comfortable middle ground. The 1‑year limited warranty is standard for the category. More importantly, the performance and comfort justify bringing all three to site instead of cherry-picking a single universal snip and hoping it can do everything.

Who it’s for

• HVAC and sheet metal installers who live in 20–26 gauge stock and need reliable curve control.
• Remodelers and general trades who cut a mix of vinyl, aluminum trim, and light steel.
• DIYers looking for a proper introduction to curve-specific snips rather than fighting a single all-purpose cutter.

If you routinely cut thicker steel or stainless, you’ll want to step up to tools rated for those materials. For typical residential and light commercial sheet work, this set hits the mark.

Recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt snips set. The combination of forged, serrated blades, compound leverage, and a reduced handle span translates to real cutting efficiency with less hand fatigue. The external one-handed latch and flush hardware are thoughtful touches that improve daily use. While I’d love to see a storage roll included and you’ll still want to deburr for pristine edges on soft metals, the set performs reliably across the materials it’s designed for. If you want a straightforward, durable trio for straight cuts and controlled curves in 18–22 gauge sheet and common jobsite materials, this set belongs in your bag.