Builders’ Talk Group™️ were lucky enough to get our sticky mitts on some of these American made snips, so we sent them out to some of our members to see what they thought of them – thanks to Rollins Group for very kindly sending them!
Midwest – 250mm Straight Cut Aviation Tin Snip – MWT6716S
- Cuts straight and wide curves to the left and right
- Use in either hand
- Serrated blades
- Nominal Length: 9-3/4″
- Cut Length: 1-3/8″
- Cutting Capacity (CR/SS): 18/22
- Cuts wide left and right curves and straight
Retail Price around £18.00
What Kev says about them;
I actually have about 8 different pairs of snips so this was a good review for me! At first glance they look very nice and very well made, the grips are very comfortable and they are quite light in the hand compared to my other snips even though they are slightly bigger. They cut really well and are sharp right to the tip cutting a range of different thickness metals with ease including delicate skim beads which can be a pain to cut neatly. They feel very comfortable in either hand, cutting equally as well. I would say they are a great pair of snips and at the higher end. Quality wise they cut just as well as some of my more expensive snips. I’m impressed by the sharpness and that they cut right to the tip. If there was something to worry about I’d say the catch that locks them closed doesn’t have as much of a hook on it as others and may wear over time but thats my only concern – only time will tell. As a new set of snips go I would give these an 8 out of 10 – I quite like them. I would definitely buy these snips.
Shaun got a pair too, here is his verdict;
These snips feel very comfortable when cutting and feel sturdy in my hand, they make a nice cut too, no complaints so far, compared to my usual snips I though the Midwest performed well.
When cutting the Midwest snips left a nice clean cut on the bead, they feel a little harder to squeeze than my usual snips, but definitely matched the performance.
The best feature of these snips is the lockable catch, although I think it could be thought out a little better as it can get in the way.
The worst feature is probably just the size, they are bigger than most I’ve used, the cutting head might prove awkward when making cuts down the length of a bead etc.
If I needed new snips and mine were unavailable, then these would be my next choice.
Marks out of 10, I’d give the Midwest Snips a solid 8. I’ve used lots of brands of cutters in my time and currently find the Stanley Fat Max to be top contender, however these snips are good and solid, only time will tell how they hold out though as that’s a big factor to me too. Some snips are great for a month and quickly die. We will see.
Finally, here’s what Ben had to say;
These snips feel good to hold, they’re comfortable and fitted in my hand nicely but my first thought was that the handle felt a bit cheap and flimsy. They are light weight – which may be what makes them feel flimsy. They are sharp.
Cutting is fine and the edge was clean. Best feature is probably how sharp they are due to being new but honestly they don’t stand out amongst any others I’ve used, in fact the handle feels so much cheaper than my usual snips. I would buy them but only if they was cheaper than Fat Max.
Initially I would have given a 5 out of 10 purely because the handles felt a bit small, but having used them for a while, I’m impressed with how sharp they are – I’ve left them to go rusty on purpose and they still are really easy to use and a dream to cut with, so it’s a 7 out of 10.
For me these snips could be improved by having sturdier covers on the handles (I really don’t like them!).
I think the snips needs something to make them more than just another pair of snips. In my opinion Stanley Fat Max are the leading brand for plasterers in the UK and these are just not as good.
So, you’ve read our three reviewers opinions, want to try a pair out for yourself! BTG have an additional 3 pairs of these snips to give away. For your chance to win a pair of Midwest 250mm Straight Cut Aviation Tin Snips, check out our competition https://builderstalkgroup.com/midwest-snips-comp/ Good luck!!!!
Great reviews, gentlemen. I will pass on your comments to the guys at Midwest. Hopefully you will really see the benefits of the snips in the weeks and months ahead, with continued high performance. Thanks again for taking the time to write in with these reviews.
It’s our pleasure John, always happy to provide a fair and honest review!