Craftsman Right Cut Aviation Snips

The Craftsman Right Cut Aviation Snips, model CMHT73557, is a tool that I was eager to put to the test given its promise of precision and durability. Designed for cutting through various thicknesses of stainless and cold-rolled steel, these snips boast features that immediately caught my attention, such as a spring-assisted latch for one-handed operation and induction-hardened cutting edges.

Design and Build Quality

From the moment I took these snips out of the packaging, I could feel their robust build. The large handle rings are double-dipped for added grip and comfort, which is a thoughtful touch for extended use. The offset blade design is particularly helpful in keeping hands away from the material while cutting, a feature that adds an extra layer of safety.

One of the standout features is the 1/4-inch blade markings for precise cuts. This is incredibly useful for tasks that require meticulous attention to detail. The overall length of 11.9 inches and a weight of just 1.0 lb make these snips relatively lightweight and easy to handle. Additionally, they come with a full lifetime warranty, which speaks to the confidence Craftsman has in the durability of their product.

Performance

The Craftsman snips perform admirably when cutting thinner gauges of material. They can cut up to 18ga (1.2mm) cold-rolled steel or 22ga (0.7mm) stainless steel, which covers a broad spectrum of common tasks. In practice, the snips sliced through thinner metal sheets with ease, delivering clean and precise cuts. The spring-assisted latch also proved useful, allowing for quick and efficient one-handed operation.

However, the performance took a noticeable dip when I attempted to cut through thicker or lapped materials. The snips struggled with 20 gauge metal, and I found the tips to be somewhat blunt and bulky, making detailed cuts more challenging. In scenarios requiring fine precision, the tool’s limitations became apparent.

Comfort and Usability

Comfort is where these snips truly shine. The double-dipped grips are not just a gimmick; they genuinely make prolonged use much more comfortable. Even with my larger hands, I found the handles spacious enough to avoid any cramping or discomfort during extended cutting sessions. The ergonomic design also minimizes the effort required to make cuts, which is beneficial for individuals with limited hand strength or conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.

One point of caution, though, is the potential for pinching fingers when applying a lot of pressure. This seems to be a recurrent issue, especially when tackling tougher materials. It’s a minor inconvenience but worth noting, as it can impact overall user experience.

Versatility

The Craftsman snips are versatile enough for a variety of applications, from cutting drywall metal corner beads to trimming sections of ductwork. They worked exceptionally well when I used them on wire fencing for a DIY project, and they effortlessly cut through gutter flashing. For these types of tasks, the snips are both reliable and efficient.

However, their limitations become more pronounced with heavier-duty tasks. For instance, when cutting through overlapping joints in ductwork or corrugated tin roofing, the snips fell short. They struggled to maintain a straight line and occasionally slipped, resulting in less than precise cuts. This limits their utility for professional-grade tasks requiring high precision and strength.

Durability

Durability is a mixed bag with these snips. On one hand, the induction-hardened cutting edges and sturdy build suggest a tool built to last. They handled lighter materials without any signs of wear and tear. On the other hand, the snips struggled with more demanding tasks, and there were instances where the cutting edge started to look ragged after repeated use.

The bolt holding the snips together also came loose during more strenuous tasks, causing the tool to crimp instead of cut. While this can be tightened, it raises questions about the long-term durability of the tool under heavy use. For light-to-medium duty tasks, the snips should hold up well, but for more intensive applications, they may not be the best choice.

Value for Money

Costing less than $20, these snips offer excellent value for money for basic and intermediate-level tasks. They are a budget-friendly option for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts who need a reliable tool for occasional use. The full lifetime warranty further enhances their value proposition, providing peace of mind for users.

However, for professionals in fields like sheet metal work or HVAC installation, investing in a higher-end brand might be a better long-term decision. The limitations in cutting thicker material and potential issues with durability make them less suitable for heavy-duty professional use.

Conclusion

The Craftsman Right Cut Aviation Snips are a solid choice for light to medium-duty tasks. They excel in comfort, ease of use, and versatility for a range of common cutting needs. The ergonomic design and thoughtful features like blade markings and a spring-assisted latch make them user-friendly, especially for those with limited hand strength.

However, they do have their limitations, particularly when it comes to cutting thicker or more demanding materials. The potential for finger pinching and issues with maintaining a straight line further diminish their suitability for professional-grade tasks.

In summary, I would recommend these snips for homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone needing a reliable tool for less demanding applications. For professionals or those working with heavier materials, investing in a more robust, higher-end pair of snips would be a wiser choice.