Final answer:
Tin snips have long handles and short blades to increase the overall mechanical advantage or leverage of the tool. The longer handles allow the user to exert more force with less effort, making it easier to cut through metal. The shorter blades help to concentrate the force on a specific point, making it easier to start and control the cut.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tin snips, designed for cutting metal, have long handles and short blades to increase the overall mechanical advantage or leverage of the tool. The longer handles allow the user to exert more force with less effort, making it easier to cut through metal. The shorter blades help to concentrate the force on a specific point, making it easier to start and control the cut.
For example, imagine trying to cut a piece of metal with short-handled snips. It would be much harder to generate enough force to cut through the metal. But with the longer handles, you can apply more force and increase the cutting power of the snips.