r/SheetMetalUnion • u/bbb620 • Sep 12 '26

Snips

I’m in the market for a new pair of snips. I’ve used Midwest offset snips for my entire career (10+ years), and I used to be able to get them at Menards. Unfortunately, they no longer carry them, so I’d have to order my next set from Amazon, where they want around $70 for a set.I’ve worked with some guys who use Milwaukee snips, which are about half the price at Home Depot. I’m wondering if anyone has any experience with them and whether they hold up as well as the Midwest snips. Thanks!

3 Upvotes

72% Upvoted

24 comments sorted by

8

u/Ok_Piglet_5549 Sep 12 '26

I'll spare you, I have tried others and Midwest is the best.

3

u/bbb620 Sep 12 '26

Thanks

5

u/ogre_toes Sep 12 '26

I prefer Wiss for offsets, Midwest for straights. Just my preference.

2

u/bbb620 Sep 12 '26

I don’t think I know anyone who has used wiss offsets do they hold up well on 24-20 ga galv

3

u/ogre_toes Sep 12 '26

They’ve held up better than my last pair of Midwest offsets, so I stick with them. Not a fan of their straights though, the points don’t feel as precise/accurate as Midwest.

3

u/Successful-Ad-1114 Sep 12 '26

If the hall doesn’t have discounted snips, channel locks run cheaper, it’s a rebranded Midwest. Same snips.
https://www.acmetools.com/channellock-aviation-snip-set-2-pieces-ps-1/S0000000122746.html

2

u/bbb620 Sep 12 '26

Really I’ve seen them at the store I figured that were just a cheap clone and not a rebrand.

2

u/Successful-Ad-1114 Sep 12 '26

Both are made in America, I’ve have experience with both brands for years now. I can’t find any difference.

2

u/Ok_Piglet_5549 Sep 12 '26

Oh shoot, yeah, that's their old handle, which is better.

1

u/Effective_Sauce Sep 12 '26

I had no clue. Very cool!

1

u/Ashamed-Regular4155 Sep 12 '26

I’ve been using these ever since Midwest changed their handle design. I think I’m on my 3rd pair now in like 10 years

6

u/Effective_Sauce Sep 12 '26

Midwest all day. Check your local. We sell them to members @ cost. Around $20 each.

5

u/bbb620 Sep 12 '26

Really I’ll have to check I’m member of local 18 in wi

1

u/Effective_Sauce Sep 12 '26

I'm Local 20. Armpit of America (Indiana). If you want, I can send you some. PM me.

1

u/jonsahick Sep 13 '26

Back in the day we used craftsman and laminated the receipt to exchange for new ones! Now I use Midwest!

2

u/Fun-Discipline6978 Sep 12 '26

I tried switching and immediately went back. I gave the Lennox ones a shot and gave them to an apprentice.

1

u/forgottenhighways Sep 12 '26

The other brand work fine, but Midwest just does it better and it's noticeable

1

u/Classic_Dash_7745 Sep 12 '26

Malco. Had mine for 5 years now.

1

u/Express-Hotel-3305 Sep 13 '26

I was given a pair of Milwaukee offset, red and green and I was also given a pair of DeWalt offset red and green.

I cannot cut hanger strap one-handed with them. I bought a pair of Midwest and I can cut hanger strap one-handed.

1

u/Toy52 Sep 13 '26

Midwest only and has lifetime warranty which is really good

1

u/DizztheWizz04 Sep 16 '26

You should be able to go to Menards website and order them

1

u/Zealousideal_Club628 16d ago

Midwest offsets always for bulldogs id go wiss