Tool Detail
Vintage WISS-9 Forged Steel Tin Snips
13" Tinner’s Shears USA
Vintage WISS-9 forged steel tin snips, about 13" long. Lightly cleaned, sharpened, and protected while keeping the original patina. One blade tip shows an old break that’s been dressed smooth and does not affect the cut—ready for sheet-metal work or classic shop décor.
Detailed description
Tool details
- Maker: WISS
- Model: WISS-9 (stamped on handle)
- Type: Straight tin snips / tinner’s shears
- Overall length: approx. 13 in (see photo with ruler)
- Material: Forged steel
- Country of origin: USA
- Era: mid-20th century (likely 1940s–60s; Etsy requires a decade so listed as 1950s)
Condition
- Blades meet squarely along the full cutting length and cut smoothly in testing.
- One blade has a small historic tip break; the broken area has been carefully rounded and smoothed.
- Honest cosmetic wear: age darkening, light staining, and minor pitting consistent with use.
- Handles are straight with no bends, cracks, or repairs.
- Pivot is tight with smooth action and no noticeable side play.
- Stamps “WISS-9” and “FORGED STEEL” are clear and legible.
- Please review all photos for close-ups of the tip, blades, and markings; they are part of the description.
Restoration & care
- Tool was wire-brushed and cleaned with WD-40 and a 3M pad to remove loose rust and shop grime while preserving the original finish.
- Broken tip was lightly dressed with a file to remove the sharp point and blended into the existing profile.
- Cutting edges received light file work on the bevels and a kiss on the flats to remove burrs.
- Tested on thick cardboard—cuts cleanly from heel to tip.
- Finished with a light coat of mineral oil and paste wax for corrosion resistance.
- Comes with a printed care sheet so you can keep it working for decades.
Ideal uses
- Functional tin snips for sheet metal, flashing, or HVAC work.
- Period-correct tool for a vintage metalworking or auto shop setup.
- Display piece for a garage, workshop wall, or industrial-style décor.
Bullet highlights
- Vintage WISS-9 forged steel tin snips
- Approx. 13" overall length
- Made in USA, mid-century era
- Blades tuned; cuts smoothly in testing
- Old tip break dressed smooth (does not affect use)
- Original patina with light staining and wear
- Pivot tight with smooth action
- Cleaned, lightly sharpened, and wax protected
- Great user tool or industrial shop décor
- Includes printed care sheet