Description
Ivy Classic 10 in. compound-leverage aviation snips in the full industry-standard color set: Yellow (Straight), Green (Right), Red (Left). Cr-Mo (chrome molybdenum) steel jaws on all three, compound-leverage linkage for low hand effort, ANSI-spec dimensional + proof-load conformance. Bi-injected ergonomic handles with the standard color-tab grip identifier so the right type pulls out of the tool pouch every time.
The Yellow / Green / Red Color Code
Aviation snip color isn't decorative — it's the universal industry convention every brand follows:
- Yellow handles = Straight cutting — cuts in a straight line; works for both light curves left and right but doesn't excel at tight curves either direction
- Green handles = Right cutting — cuts straight lines AND tight right-hand curves cleanly; the upper jaw is offset to clear the workpiece on right curves
- Red handles = Left cutting — cuts straight lines AND tight left-hand curves cleanly; mirror of the green
Tradies typically own all three — the right pair for the cut you're making clears the metal so your hand stays out of the way and the cut comes out smooth. Trying to cut a tight right curve with left snips puts your knuckles in the cutoff path.
What You Get on All Three
- Cr-Mo (chrome molybdenum) steel jaws — the alloy that stays sharp under sustained sheet-metal cutting; harder than plain carbon steel, less brittle than tool steel
- Compound-leverage linkage — the two-pivot design multiplies hand force ~5× over a direct-action snip, so you get through 18-gauge cold-rolled steel with a single squeeze
- Bi-injected ergonomic handles — soft-grip overmold on a structural skeleton; non-slip even with sweaty or oily hands
- Integrated latch — hooked spring at the rear of the handles to lock the snips closed for safe pocket storage
- Spring-loaded jaw return — the snips open between cuts without you actively opening them; speeds repetitive cutting
- ANSI-spec performance — conforms to ASME B107.16M dimensional and proof-load requirements
What These Cut
- Cold-rolled steel up to 18-gauge (.048 in.) — the standard duct, flashing, and trim-metal range
- Stainless steel up to 22-gauge (.030 in.) — ductwork stainless, light food-service sheet
- Aluminum, copper, brass sheet up to comparable thickness
- Sheet plastic, vinyl, fabric, leather for non-metal use cases
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Ivy Classic Industries
- Models: 20000 (Straight / Yellow), 20002 (Right / Green), 20004 (Left / Red)
- Overall length: 10 in. (compound-leverage standard)
- Jaw material: Cr-Mo (chrome molybdenum) steel, hardened
- Cutting capacity: 18-gauge cold-rolled steel, 22-gauge stainless
- Handle: bi-injected ergonomic overmold with color-coded grip
- Spring-loaded jaw return; integrated latch
- Standards: ANSI / ASME B107.16M dimensional and proof-load conformance
- Origin: imported
Use Notes
Pick the right pair for the cut. Straight cuts → yellow. Cutting a curve to the right or cutting metal that needs to fall away to the right of the cut line → green. Curve / fall to the left → red.
Cut from the right side of the line if you're using green snips, left side if you're using red. The offset jaw is engineered to keep the cutoff piece clear of your hand — this only works if you align the snip with the cut line correctly.
Don't try to cut wire, nails, or hardened steel. These are sheet-metal snips. Wire and pin stock will chip or roll the jaw edge.
Keep the pivot lubricated. A drop of light machine oil at the bolt every few months keeps the action smooth and prevents wear at the pivot.
Lock the latch before pocketing. The spring-loaded jaws will open if unlatched in a tool bag, and the points are sharp. The integrated latch is there for exactly this reason.
What’s in the Box
- One pair of Ivy Classic 10 in. compound-leverage aviation snips in your selected cutting type, on retail blister card
Compatible Accessories — Sold Separately
- Cut-resistant gloves — cut sheet metal edges are extremely sharp; gloves are mandatory PPE for this kind of cutting
- Sheet metal layout marker / scriber for accurate cut-line layout
- Sheet metal hand seamer / folder for finishing edges after cutting
- Ivy Classic flexible tape knife (for drywall mud touch-ups around metal trim installations)
Stop by Garoppo’s to pick one up, or schedule local delivery within our service area.