Metal shears are essential tools for anyone working with sheet metal or thin metal materials. They let you make precise cuts without needing power tools or large equipment.
Metal shears come in different shapes and sizes. You can choose from handheld snips to bench-mounted shears, each designed for specific cutting needs.
Metal shears save time and energy when you cut metal sheets, wire mesh, and other thin metallic materials. They provide clean cuts with less distortion than other cutting methods.
These shears also give you better control for intricate cuts and shapes. Other tools may struggle to achieve this level of precision.
When you shop for metal shears, check the cutting capacity. This tells you the maximum thickness of metal the tool can handle.
The handle design matters for comfort during long projects. Also, consider the type of cut you need—straight, curved, or special patterns—as different shears work best for different styles.
We researched and tested various metal shears to find models that deliver clean cuts and are comfortable to use. We focused on tools that work well for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
Best Metal Shears
We tested and reviewed the top metal shears on the market to help you find the right tool. Our list includes options for professionals and DIY enthusiasts, with choices from electric to manual models.
We rated each shear based on cutting capacity, durability, ease of use, and value for money.
Klein Tools Tin Snips
The Klein Tools 89556 Tin Snips deliver strong cutting power and durability. They are a smart investment for both professionals and DIY users.
Pros
- Cuts through various metals with minimal effort
- Comfortable grip even with gloves
- Long-lasting with replaceable blades
Cons
- Slightly heavy at 13.4 ounces
- Can be awkward for users with smaller hands
- Rounded tips make tight corner cuts harder
We tested these 12-inch Klein Tools tin snips on different materials. The high-carbon steel blades cut tin, aluminum, and 24-gauge steel quickly.
The 3.5-inch cutting surface helped us make clean, straight cuts and wide curves. The all-steel construction feels solid and durable.
While working on a metal roofing project, we liked the large handles that fit our work gloves. The design shows Klein Tools’ long experience with hand tools.
The replaceable cutting blades are a valuable feature. When the blades dull after several projects, you can replace just the blades instead of buying a new tool.
The extra weight gives you helpful leverage for tougher materials. If you work with sheet metal or thin metals often, these tin snips are a great addition to your toolbox.
Hurricane Metal Shear
The Hurricane 10-inch metal shear offers strong cutting power and durability. It works well for both DIYers and professionals.
Pros
- Cuts through multiple materials easily
- Comfortable rubber grip reduces hand fatigue
- Spring-assisted design allows one-handed use
Cons
- Locking latch can be hard to engage
- May need extra effort for thicker materials
- Not ideal for detailed cutting patterns
We tested the Hurricane 10-inch metal shear on several workshop projects. The chrome vanadium steel blades cut sheet metal with precision.
The serrated edge grips materials and prevents slipping during cutting. This made our work safer and more accurate.
The ergonomic handle design stands out. We cut metal flashing for over an hour and felt little hand fatigue.
The rubber grip gives good control, even with gloves. The spring-assisted mechanism let us make continuous cuts without reopening the tool each time.
The Hurricane handled 18-gauge cold-rolled steel and cut aluminum sheets with ease. Its straight-cut design works best for straight cuts and gentle curves.
This metal shear offers great value for anyone needing reliable cutting power for sheet metal and wire mesh.
Midwest Aviation Snip Set
This aviation snip set, made in the USA, offers professional cutting power and comfortable grips. It is ideal for serious metalworking projects.
Pros
- Cuts through 18-gauge steel with little effort
- Comfortable KUSH’N-POWER grips reduce hand fatigue
- Offset design allows longer cuts and tighter curves
Cons
- Higher price than basic snips
- Takes practice to master cutting directions
- Slightly heavier than some other models
We tested the Midwest Aviation Snip Set on several sheet metal jobs. The left and right cut snips made it easy to follow curves.
Their offset design keeps material away from the blades, which prevents jamming during long cuts. The forged blades are very sharp and cut 18-gauge steel cleanly from start to tip.
This precision helps with notch cuts and detailed work. The KUSH’N-POWER grips made long cutting sessions more comfortable.
They provide a solid grip without hurting your hands, even with strong pressure. The build quality feels sturdy and built to last for years.
Klein Tools Straight-Cut Aviation Snips
These Klein Tools metal shears deliver professional cutting performance and comfort features. They are a good investment for anyone working with sheet metal.
Pros
- Cuts 18-gauge steel and 22-gauge stainless steel with ease
- One-handed use with spring-action lock
- Comfortable grip reduces hand fatigue
Cons
- Heavier than some other models
- May be too much for occasional DIY jobs
- Made in Taiwan, not USA
We used the Klein snips on various sheet metal projects. The forged steel serrated blades cut aluminum flashing and steel sheets without bending the material.
The yellow handles show these are straight-cutting snips. The contoured grip prevented hand fatigue, even after long use.
The spring-action lock lets you open the tool with one hand while holding material with the other. The built-in hang hole makes storage easy.
At 14.4 ounces, these snips feel solid and durable. While not the cheapest, Klein Tools is known for long-lasting tools.
DEWALT Impact Ready Metal Shear Attachment
The DEWALT shear attachment turns any 18V-20V impact driver into a powerful metal-cutting tool. It saves time and reduces hand fatigue.
Pros
- Cuts 18-gauge materials with little effort
- 360° swivel head allows precise maneuvering
- Works with most major brand impact drivers
Cons
- Struggles with thicker ribbed materials
- Takes practice to make straight cuts
- Attachment clip may not fit all brands
We used this DEWALT shear attachment on a home renovation project. The 360-degree pivoting head helped us cut around corners and curves easily.
This feature is useful in tight spaces where regular snips are hard to use. The universal 1/4-inch hex shank fit our impact driver, so we didn’t need a new tool.
The attachment handled 18-gauge sheet metal, vinyl siding, and thin aluminum without problems. It made clean cuts with little edge distortion.
On corrugated metal, it worked best on flat sections. It needed slower movement and care on ribbed parts.
For DIYers working with sheet metal, this attachment reduces hand strain and gives professional results. It is a good addition to any toolbox for occasional metal cutting.
Buying Guide
When you choose a metal shear, several key factors matter. Use this guide to find the right tool for your needs.
Power Source
Metal shears come in three main types:
- Electric: Good for regular and moderate cutting
- Pneumatic: Powerful for heavy-duty work but needs an air compressor
- Manual: Portable and affordable but requires more effort
Cutting Capacity
The thickness you can cut depends on the shear’s specs. Most makers list the maximum for:
| Metal Type | Typical Capacity Range |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | 16-10 gauge |
| Mild Steel | 18-12 gauge |
| Stainless Steel | 20-14 gauge |
Pick a shear rated above your usual needs for best results and longer tool life.
Handle Design and Ergonomics
Comfort is important for long projects. Look for:
- Cushioned grips to reduce hand fatigue
- Balanced weight
- Safety locks for storage
- Easy-to-use controls
Cutting Style
Different jobs need different cuts:
- Straight cutting shears for long, straight lines
- Circle cutting shears for curves and circles
- Nibbler-style for intricate patterns
Price Considerations
Set your budget based on how much you’ll use the tool. Professional models cost more but last longer and cut more precisely.
Occasional users can find good options at lower prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Metal shears come in many types with features for specific tasks. Here are answers to common questions about durability, precision, portability, blade selection, industrial use, and power tool compatibility.
What are the most durable heavy-duty metal shears currently on the market?
Milwaukee and DeWalt make some of the most durable heavy-duty metal shears. These brands use hardened steel parts and reinforced housings to handle daily use.
Makita’s JS8000 model has a strong motor that prevents overheating during long cutting sessions. This lets you work longer without losing performance.
Baileigh Industrial shears use chromoly blades that stay sharp through thousands of cuts. Their cast iron frames resist warping and keep alignment for years.
Which electric metal shears provide the best precision and control for cutting?
Bosch’s metal shears offer variable speed controls. Users can carefully adjust the speed based on material thickness.
Their ergonomic grip designs help reduce hand fatigue. This makes detailed cutting work easier.
Makita’s JS1602 has a slim-profile head design. Operators get a clear view of cutting lines for better accuracy.
DEWALT’s DW890 uses a ball-bearing swivel head to follow curves with little resistance. The balanced weight helps users keep steady hands during intricate cuts.
What are the top-rated cordless metal shears available for professional use?
Milwaukee’s M18 cordless shears receive high ratings for battery life and cutting power. These tools cut up to 18-gauge steel on a single charge.
Makita’s 18V LXT cordless shears use brushless motors to extend runtime and tool life. The quick-change blade system allows for simple field adjustments.
DEWALT’s 20V MAX shears use intelligent power management to prevent battery drain during tough cuts. The lightweight design helps reduce fatigue during long periods of use.
How do I choose the best metal shear blades for my project needs?
For sheet metal, straight blades with fine teeth make clean, precise cuts. These blades usually have 18-24 teeth per inch for the best results.
Offset blades work better for thicker materials. Hardened steel construction and tungsten carbide tips help blades last longer.
Choose specialized blades for certain metals. Titanium-coated blades work well for aluminum, while stainless steel blades handle tough ferrous metals. The right coating extends blade life and improves cut quality.
Can you recommend a dependable metal shear machine for industrial applications?
Baileigh Industrial MS-24 power shear handles high-volume production with little maintenance. Its powerful motor cuts through 16-gauge steel sheets with precision.
JET’s JSMS-1652 features an adjustable back gauge and material support system for accurate cuts. The foot-operated design frees hands for safer material handling.
The Scotchman CPO 350 suits heavy industrial use. Its hydraulic system provides smooth operation and cuts materials up to 3/8″ thick with minimal distortion.
What features should I look for in metal shears to use with my power drill?
Choose shear attachments that connect securely to your drill’s chuck. Locking mechanisms help keep the attachment aligned during use.
Select attachments with heat-treated steel cutting heads for better durability. Replaceable blades make it easier to extend the attachment’s lifespan.
Look for attachments with adjustable depth stops to achieve consistent material removal. Sealed bearings help reduce maintenance and ensure smoother operation.