Milwaukee Aviation Snip Set

I've had the opportunity to use Milwaukee's Aviation Snip Set, model 48-22-4533, and thought it might be worth sharing my experience. This set includes three snips: left, right, and straight cutters, all designed for different cutting angles and purposes. Milwaukee, known for its high-quality tools, promises durability and precision with this set, so I was eager to test it out.

Starting with the construction, the snips are built with forged alloy steel blades that are chrome-plated for rust protection. This is a significant advantage, especially when working in environments where tools are exposed to moisture or corrosive elements. The blades feel incredibly robust, and there's a noticeable heft to the tool, giving it a sense of durability right out of the gate. However, it’s not just about sturdiness; the chrome plating ensures these snips stay rust-free and maintain their sharpness over extended periods.

One feature that immediately caught my attention was the one-handed locking mechanism. It’s a thoughtful addition, making it much easier to use the snips without fumbling around. The lock is well-placed and can be activated or deactivated with your thumb, ensuring the snips stay closed when not in use. This is particularly useful when you need to switch between tools quickly or carry them around on a tool belt.

The handles are another area where Milwaukee has put in a lot of thought. They are ergonomically designed and have a rubber-like grip that feels comfortable, even after extended use. The grips are ambidextrous, meaning they fit comfortably in either hand, though I did find them somewhat challenging to hold fully open, especially when making larger cuts. This minor discomfort could be an issue for those with smaller hands or if you’re doing a lot of repetitive cutting.

The snips are color-coded and stamped for easy identification: red for left cuts, green for right cuts, and yellow for straight cuts. This simplifies selecting the right tool for the job, especially when you’re in the middle of a project and need to switch quickly. It’s a small detail, but it adds to the overall user experience.

Now, let’s talk about performance. The snips are designed to cut up to 18 gauge cold rolled steel and 22 gauge stainless steel. During my tests, they performed admirably on roof flashing and gutters. The cuts were clean and precise, with minimal effort required. The serrated jaws grip the material well, preventing slips and ensuring a neat cut. I found the straight snips to be particularly useful for longer, straighter cuts, while the left and right snips made navigating curves and corners much easier.

One standout feature is the flush bolt design, which prevents the snips from hanging up on the material. This is a huge plus, as it reduces the frustration of having your tool snagging during a cut. Additionally, the handles have lanyard holes for convenience, though I preferred using them to hang the snips on a pegboard for easy access.

Despite all these positives, there are a few areas where the snips could improve. Right out of the packaging, the snips were quite snug, and I noticed that the left and right snips seemed to tighten up with use. This made them somewhat challenging to operate smoothly. While this could be a quality control issue, it’s something to be aware of. A bit of oil and working the snips a few times helped, but it’s not ideal to have to perform maintenance on a brand-new tool.

Another minor gripe is with the packaging. It was a hassle to open without shredding everything. For those who like to save the packaging or paperwork, this could be an inconvenience. However, this is a minor issue in the grand scheme of things.

The ergonomic design, while generally comfortable, did present a pinch hazard under extreme cutting force. If the cutting force is suddenly released, there is a risk of pinching the skin beneath your index finger. It’s a potential safety concern that could have been avoided with a different handle design.

Overall, the Milwaukee Aviation Snip Set is a solid choice for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals. The build quality is impressive, the performance is reliable, and the added features like the one-handed lock and flush bolt design make them a pleasure to use. The ergonomic handles, while not perfect, are comfortable enough for most users, and the color-coded system simplifies selecting the right tool.

Would I recommend this set? Yes, with a few reservations. If you’re looking for high-quality snips that can handle tough materials and provide clean, precise cuts, this set is a great investment. However, be prepared for a bit of a break-in period and some initial maintenance to get them working smoothly. With those considerations in mind, the Milwaukee Aviation Snip Set is a reliable addition to any tool arsenal.