How to Purchase a Pair of Yellow Gutter & Downspout Snips

There are different types of yellow tin snips.

When you are installing gutters, cuts will have to be made. One of the quickest and easiest ways to get the job done is to use tin snips. There are a variety of different snips for various applications.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure

Instructions

1. Inspect the gutters you are going to install and determine the types of cuts that will be made. Look at the gutter location on the house and see if there will be angle cuts made in any direction.

2. Determine the size of your gutters and downspouts. Measure both of them. Most gutters on homes are 5 inches wide and downspouts are 2-by-3 inches in diameter. These measurements can vary slightly depending on your location.

3. Purchase yellow handled long-cut straight aviation snips for the straight cuts on your gutters and downspouts. These snips have a longer cutting edge and are perfect for cutting gutters and downspouts. Do not use multi-purpose snips for gutters and downspouts: the cutting edge is not long enough and will not give you the proper cut.

4. Find yellow handled offset snips for both right and left angle cuts. These snips are used for cutting angles and other cuts that are not straight. Purchase a pair of right offset snips and a pair of left offset snips for both angles.

References

• This Old House: How to Install Rain Gutters
• The Family Handyman: How to Install Gutters

Resources

• Aubuchon Hardware: Aviation Snips