I too am a HVAC installer. I started with weiss, but soon tried Midwest and never looked back. I use the red offset and green offset. The yellow short nosed are called buldogs, for tougher, thicker sheetmetal. I use them everyday. I don't know the cost differance, but thats my 2cents worth.
Klenk -- The First Name in Aviation Snips Klenk aviation snips originated when Karl Klenk, their inventor, designed and patented the tools for the aviation industry. Aviation snips became the term to describe snips used to cut sheet metal. Klenk aviation snips are designed and engineered for durability and fast, easy, and accurate cutting. Over the years, Klenk developed and manufactured new tools to meet the evolving needs of the HVACR industry, and new markets into which Klenk eventually expanded -- construction, roofing, and siding. Today Klenk continues to provide products that make Klenk a recognized quality leader. These snips are a little harder to find but I like them the best. I had a pair at a place I worked a while ago and I will soon get a pair of my own. While we are talking about snips. I was told by Fay Butler during a seminar that any tin snip is only designed to take off about a 1/4" at a time. When you take a 1/4" or less the material will roll off out of the way. If you take too deep of a cut it will roll back over the blades. Later Brick
Thats probably why the last couple pair of Wiss snips I bought were dull within a week. Literally. Thats what converted me to Midwest...
my favorites are Klenks also, wiss just don't stay sharp cutting rusty metal. The chrome plated sears from the 70's were the best i've used, but they fade in 20 yrs, if they don't break cutting S- clips. tt
Klenk, most definitely! I was converted by accident - my left and right Klenk snips were donated by Fay Butler as a door prize at MetalMeet '06. They beat everyting else, hands down! Second place goes to Irwin brand snips. I haven't had any luck at all with Wiss' snips.........to me they just don't feel right or cut right. I generally prefer offset snips, but with the Klenk's the regular snips work out just fine! As I read through this, I was beginning to think I would be the first to say Klenk. Tim D.
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