I have a secret. I’ve actually been using the Milwaukee straight cutting aviation snips for over 4 years now. I just never bothered to review them. The other day I used them yet again for something I take for granted—cutting some small pieces of flashing for a decking project. It was then I realized my mistake. When you find a tool that’s really durable and useful, you should tell others.
This is me telling others.
That’s really it in a nutshell, but I’ll delve a bit further into this review and tell you that this tool has lasted quite a long time without any significant corrosion. That’s in spite of it residing in a humid shop for over 4 years with no real effort to protect the tool. I took that for granted until I stopped to consider how many other tools I own have begun to look a tad corroded. Shame on me for not applying some tool oil—but I digress.
Comfort and Ergonomics
In terms of comfort, the handles of the Milwaukee straight cutting aviation snips are nice and long. You have a great finger lock that curves out to give you additional control when cutting. Like the rest of Milwaukee’s hand cutting tools, these use comfortable rubber grips that far exceed dipped handles. Also, these are appropriately color coded aviation snips handles so know you’re grabbing a straight snips when you see the yellow markings.
Milwaukee used colored accents on the grips (as opposed to coloring the whole grip). It’s intuitive if you’re familiar with aviation snips: Red is left cutting (counter-clockwise curves), yellow is straight cutting, and green is right cutting (clockwise curves). Crimpers and seamers have a white accent. Sheet metal is dangerous and sharp—use the right snips for the job.
Locking the tool down when you’re done with it is easy. The thumb lock activates with one hand and unlocks just as easily.
Milwaukee Straight Cutting Aviation Snips Features
While presenting the ease of use of the Milwaukee 45 degree offset snips, these straight cutting aviation snips are easy to control in thinner sheet metal. I love the thumb and forefinger slots in the rubber grip handle that lets you drive forward into the sheet metal as you cut. Milwaukee also did a good job keeping the bolts from sticking out to far and creating problems as the tool moves forward. If you don’t do this, the bolts get hung up on the material while you cut.
In between cuts, I stuck the snips in the outside pocket of my Armed work wear pants. They went in easily and are very easy to grip, unlock, re-lock, and release.
The Milwaukee straight cutting aviation snips are made from forged metal. The company states this is ten times stronger than comparable cast heads. The snips are also chrome plated. All Milwaukee snips are backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
There are several types of snips available:
- Straight Cutting (48-22-4032)
- Left Cutting (48-22-4012)
- Right Cutting (48-22-4022)
- Tradesman Set (48-22-4023)
All models and the 2-piece set are offered as 10 inch tools. Plan on paying around $12-$18 for individual tools and $30-$35 for a set.
Milwaukee Aviation Straight Cutting Snips Specs
- Model: 48-22-4030
- One-hand locking
- Flush bolt design
- Forged alloy steel blades
- Hard chrome plated blades
- Ergonomic handles
- Serrated jaws
- Capacity: 18 ga. cold rolled steel; 22 ga. stainless steel
- Size: 10 in.
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
- Pricing: $12.97
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