Milwaukee 13" Lightweight Tinner

As a professional who spends a considerable amount of time working with sheet metal and similar materials, finding the right tools for the job is crucial. The 13" Lightweight Tinner from Milwaukee caught my attention due to its promising blend of features and the reputable brand behind it. After putting it through its paces, here's my comprehensive take on this tool.

Design and Build

The first thing that stands out about the Milwaukee 13" Lightweight Tinner is its design. The tool features 40% larger handles, which immediately makes it more comfortable to grip and use for extended periods. The all-metal contoured handles are not just about comfort; they also add to the tool's durability. This is a significant advantage, especially when working on tough materials like 24-gauge cold rolled steel and 26-gauge stainless steel.

The tool is relatively lightweight, which is a blessing when you're making numerous cuts. Despite its lightness, it doesn't feel flimsy. The frame is rigid, and the tool steel blades are robust, making it a reliable choice for medium-duty work. The rust-resistant feature is another plus, ensuring that the tool remains in good condition even when exposed to the elements.

Performance

One of the most impressive aspects of this tinner is its cutting ability. The replaceable 3 1/2" blades are sharp and make clean cuts through a variety of materials. I used it to cut through an 8' section of 24-gauge corrugated metal roofing, and it performed admirably. The deep 3 1/2" throat allowed for quick and efficient cuts, and the extra leverage provided by the length of the shears made the task easier than expected.

The tool's ability to cut through thin drip edges, drywall corner beads, and aluminum patio covers is noteworthy. It feels more like using a large pair of scissors rather than traditional snips, which adds to the ease of use. The oversized handle loops are another thoughtful design feature, accommodating gloved hands comfortably, which is essential for safety when handling sharp metal edges.

Durability and Maintenance

While the tool performs well, there are some concerns regarding its durability over the long term. The screw and bolt on my unit did become loose after some use, requiring periodic tightening. This isn't a deal-breaker, but it's something to be aware of if you plan to use the tool frequently.

Another point to consider is the longevity of the blades. Although the blades are replaceable, they tend to get dull quicker than I would have liked. This means you'll need to keep spare blades on hand if you're using the tool regularly. For light to medium-duty tasks, this might not be a significant issue, but for heavy-duty use, it could become a recurring inconvenience.

Comfort and Usability

Comfort is a crucial factor when using hand tools, and the Milwaukee 13" Lightweight Tinner excels in this area. The larger handles and contoured design make it less taxing on the hands and wrists, even during prolonged use. The lightweight construction also reduces fatigue, which is a big plus when you have a lot of cutting to do.

The tool's design seems to be aimed at professionals who need a reliable, comfortable, and efficient cutting tool. It looks and feels like a high-quality product, which is what I've come to expect from Milwaukee.

Final Thoughts

The Milwaukee 13" Lightweight Tinner is a solid tool that performs well in a variety of cutting tasks. Its design and build quality make it comfortable to use, and it cuts cleanly through different materials. The replaceable blades are a practical feature, though they do dull relatively quickly, which is something to keep in mind.

For medium-duty work, this tool is more than adequate. It offers a good balance of comfort, performance, and durability. However, if you're looking for a tool for heavy-duty use, you might need to consider the maintenance aspects, like tightening the screw and bolt and replacing dull blades.

Recommendation

Would I recommend the Milwaukee 13" Lightweight Tinner? Yes, but with some reservations. If you're a professional or a DIY enthusiast who needs a reliable tool for light to medium-duty cutting tasks, this tinner is a great choice. Its comfort, ease of use, and clean cutting ability make it worth considering.

However, if you require a tool for heavy-duty, frequent use, you might want to look for something with more robust blade longevity and fewer maintenance issues. The tool's tendency to get dull quickly and the occasional need to tighten the screw and bolt could be drawbacks for more intensive use.

In conclusion, the Milwaukee 13" Lightweight Tinner is a commendable tool that lives up to Milwaukee's reputation for quality and performance, with some minor caveats.