Aviation Scissors Are Color-Coded for One Reason: Use the Right One.
Aircraft shears, also known as compound shears, are ideal for cutting aluminum and sheet metal. Their handles are color-coded and this is not just for decoration. Here’s how to choose the right scissors for the job using the right color coding.
Cutting curves from sheet metal is difficult. The material is uncomfortable and unforgiving, and also extremely sharp. There are three types of aircraft shears that make it much easier to make three different cuts.
Scissors with a yellow handle are designed for cutting in a straight line. They can also cut wide bends and are ideal for flat metal parts. The green handled scissors are designed for straight and right-hand (clockwise) cuts and are ideal for right-handed duct cutting. Red-handled scissors are best cut straight and to the left (counterclockwise). You can use any scissors in either hand, but they will only work well in the direction in which they were intended.
Look for offset scissors as they keep your hands up and away from sharp metal, and always wear leather gloves when working and cutting metal and aluminum. Milwaukee makes a great set of two pieces , and the set of three items from Wiss extremely popular. For people on a budget, this set of three items from Tekton costs only $ 14.