Craftsman Offset Right Cut Aviation Snips

Cutting through metal can be a demanding task, but with the right tools, it becomes significantly easier. Recently, I had the opportunity to use the Offset Right Cut Aviation Snips from Craftsman, model CMHT73560, and I must say, it was a game-changer in my metalworking projects. These snips are designed to handle various thicknesses of stainless and cold-rolled steel, offering both functionality and comfort.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that struck me about these snips was their robust construction. They feature an induction-hardened cutting edge, which promises longer-lasting sharpness. The overall build feels sturdy without being overly heavy, weighing in at just around 1 pound. This balance of sturdiness and lightweight design makes the snips easy to handle during extended use.

The offset blade design is a thoughtful feature. It effectively keeps the material away from your hands while cutting, which not only enhances safety but also improves the cutting accuracy. Whether you're working on a straight line or a curve, the offset blade ensures that the material flows smoothly, reducing the need for constant adjustments.

Comfort and Ease of Use

One of the standout features of these snips is the comfort they offer. The large handle rings and double-dipped grips make them exceptionally comfortable to hold, even during prolonged use. The grips are designed to prevent slipping, which is crucial when working with materials that require precision.

The auto-release mechanism is another feature that adds to the ease of use. This allows for fast, one-handed operation, making it convenient when you need to make quick cuts without putting the tool down. The spring-assisted latch is smooth and reliable, ensuring that you can quickly get to work without fumbling with the tool.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the Craftsman aviation snips excel. They are capable of cutting up to 18-gauge cold-rolled steel or 22-gauge stainless steel with ease. The sharpness of the blades is immediately apparent, making it easy to follow a given line and achieve accurate cuts. I tested these snips on a variety of materials, including metal flashing and vinyl tiles, and they performed admirably in each case.

Cutting through 18-gauge studs was almost effortless, and the snips handled the task with precision and ease. The length of the cut travel is adequate for most tasks, although it may require a few additional passes for longer cuts. However, the sharpness and ease of cutting more than make up for this minor inconvenience.

Durability

Durability is often a concern with tools that see heavy usage, but the Craftsman snips have held up well. The induction-hardened cutting edge has maintained its sharpness through multiple projects, and the overall construction shows no signs of wear or tear. Given the full lifetime warranty that Craftsman offers, I feel confident in the long-term reliability of these snips.

Applications

These snips are versatile and can be used for a variety of applications. Whether you're trimming metal flashing, cutting drywall corner pieces, or working on more intricate metalworking projects, they prove to be an invaluable tool. The ability to handle both straight and curved cuts with ease makes them suitable for a wide range of tasks.

Comparison to Other Brands

Having used other brands in the past, I can confidently say that the Craftsman aviation snips hold their own. Compared to brands like Stanley, these snips offer better performance and comfort. They cut through materials more smoothly and are generally easier to handle. While some users might prefer specialized brands like Midwest, I found the Craftsman snips to be more than adequate for most tasks.

Potential Drawbacks

While my experience with the Craftsman snips has been overwhelmingly positive, there are a few minor drawbacks to note. Some users might find the length of the cut travel to be a bit short for longer cuts, requiring multiple passes. Additionally, while the snips handle lighter materials with ease, they might struggle with thicker, more robust materials outside their specified capacity.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

In conclusion, the Craftsman Offset Right Cut Aviation Snips, model CMHT73560, offer a blend of performance, comfort, and durability that makes them an excellent addition to any toolkit. The thoughtful design features, such as the offset blade and auto-release mechanism, enhance both safety and ease of use.

For anyone working with metal or other similar materials, these snips are a solid investment. They provide precise, clean cuts with minimal effort and are built to last. While there are minor drawbacks, they are far outweighed by the benefits.

I would highly recommend these snips to both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. Their performance, comfort, and reliability make them a standout choice in the realm of cutting tools. Whether you're working on a small project or tackling more extensive metalwork, the Craftsman aviation snips will undoubtedly prove to be a valuable asset.