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To evenly cut metal sheets, manual or electric metal scissors are used. The tool is presented in a wide variety of types, which makes it possible to select a specific model according to the required characteristics. However, to choose the right metal scissors, it is important to study the advantages and disadvantages of the devices and consider popular models.
Metal shears, both manual and electric, are used to cut metal sheets.
Manual metal scissors: characteristic features of the tool
Metal shears are a tool that is designed to evenly cut metal sheets without forming iron chips. The cutting process is carried out through deformation. When acting on the levers of the tool, high pressure occurs, due to which the piece of iron is divided into several elements.
Manual metal shears are made of HSS steel
To obtain a uniform cut, the blades of the scissors must be positioned at a certain angle and have a small gap. These parameters are selected for the tool based on the sheet material and its strength.
Important! The blades of the scissors are sharpened at an angle of 60-75 degrees, which helps to obtain smooth edges without burrs.
Metal shears can be manual or electric. The first type is used for conventional cutting of steel sheets up to 1 mm thick and aluminum elements (up to 2.5 mm). The device is represented by two cutting bases and two long handles, thanks to which the necessary pressure is created during the cutting process.
Important! The longer the handles, the easier it is to cut metal products.
To cut a sheet of metal evenly, the blades of the scissors must be positioned at a certain angle.
Electric tools are primarily used for processing corrugated and other sheet metal with complex configurations. This tool is not used for normal cutting.
Manual types of scissors are mainly equipped with a rigid blade made of HSS steel with a hardness of 65 HRC. There are less durable models that are made from alloyed 59 HRC or tool 56 HRC steel, which reduces the price of hand-held metal shears. To improve the performance of many tool options, each blade is coated with a special substance in the form of titanium nitride, which gives the product additional hardness, making it possible to process very thick metal sheets.
The blade of metal scissors can have a smooth or serrated edge. The first option is used to make a straight cutting line, but during the cutting process the sheet may slip out. The serrated edges prevent the product from falling out. However, this type of blade does not provide a smooth cut.
Scissor jaws can have different profiles. In the first case, when cutting a sheet, a piece of metal will bend, without interfering with cutting the product further. In the second case, the cut-off metal product is blocked on one of the jaws.
The blades of hand metal scissors can have either a smooth or serrated edge.
Electric scissors
This brand has been producing electric scissors for quite some time. There are many battery modifications on the market today that can boast of their versatility. However, it is the models that deserve special attention that operate on a 220 V power supply. Electric scissors from this company are most suitable for professionals.
Their cutting inserts are included in the standard set of various shapes. Thus, you can work with a variety of metals. It should also be noted that many devices are compact. They feel very comfortable in the hand, and vibration from the punch is practically unheard even at high speeds. Due to this, metal cutting with electric shears is performed very accurately. In this case, you can cut out using templates. Replacement of plates in all models is quite simple. The quality of the protective covers deserves special attention. On average, manual, professional electric metal shears from the above-mentioned company cost around 21 thousand rubles.
Which manual professional metal scissors to choose?
When considering different tool options, you should immediately decide which metal scissors are better to buy – right or left. The difference between the devices can be understood by how the tool functions. Right-handed scissors perform a straight or curved cut from left to right, and left-handed scissors cut from right to left. There is a separate type of tool in the form of straight metal scissors. They are used to make straight cuts. These scissors have a yellow handle.
Helpful advice! From a practical point of view, left-handed metal scissors are more ergonomic and comfortable due to the fact that the wrist is on the inside, and this eliminates rapid hand fatigue and increases comfort when cutting.
Before choosing hand shears for metal, you should familiarize yourself with the options for making the tool. Depending on this criterion, there are forged, cast and composite models. The first type of tool is characterized by great strength and high cost. Thanks to the sharp cutting bases, fast and high-quality cuts of any sheet metal, including aluminum and thick steel, are ensured. The handles of the product are made of durable polyamide.
To make cast scissors, less durable material is required than to create forged products. They are characterized by low cost, fragility, but work quite effectively.
Hand-held metal shears can be forged, cast or composite
Composite scissors are equipped with a lever mechanism, which ensures uniform pressure on the cutting surface. The opening of the handles occurs thanks to a reverse spring mechanism, which makes the process of using the scissors simple and convenient. The blades of these lever metal shears are made of durable steel, and the handles are made of soft plastic.
For cutting mild steel and low-carbon tin, tin hand shears, equipped with short blades and long handles, are used. Tin models perform a straight cut with a smooth bend. You can also make circular patterns on a metal sheet.
Main technical characteristics of electric scissors
The most important parameters that you should pay attention to when choosing electric scissors are:
- Power supply. Depending on its type, the tool is divided into mains and battery.
- Power. The higher it is, the better. But remember that powerful models are quite heavy and have a larger turning radius.
- Knife stroke frequency. This parameter affects the speed of cutting and its cleanliness. The high speed of the cutting surface ensures accurate cutting.
- The value of the maximum possible thickness of the material that can be processed.
- Maneuverability.
- Ergonomics.
- Launcher design.
- Protection against injury.
Which metal scissors are better: an overview of different types of tools
The most common option is universal metal scissors. The tool is compact in size and light in weight. With its help, you can cut and form small and large metal sheets, process corners and the center of workpieces.
Helpful advice! The versatile tool can be used to cut small cables.
The most common are universal metal scissors.
For cutting thin metal sheets no more than 5 mm thick, metal corners and iron rods, manual lever metal shears are usually used. This tool has two flat blades that are connected by a large screw. The lower part of the knife is mounted on the workbench, and the upper part is fixed in the handle area. This arrangement promotes deformation of the dense surface.
The cutting iron is fixed in the area of the lower knife. In this case, there is a guide marking in the area of the upper blade. The mechanism is driven by a lever.
A good professional handheld metal scissors for cutting long metal pieces is the alligator type tool. The tool received this name due to the presence of a hinged jaw for cutting. The device is driven by a hydraulic cylinder. This type of tool is strong, durable and low cost, but produces inaccurate cutting and rough finishing.
Other types of metal scissors, their characteristics
For cutting rough shaped pieces of sheet metal, you can use a tabletop mechanism that produces a clean, burr-free cut. It is used for processing square and round rods, with its help making corner cuts and T-shapes.
Guillotine shears for metal can be used in mass production
For medium-sized mass production, it is rational to purchase manual guillotine shears for metal. In them, the workpiece is clamped using a plunger. One of the blades begins to move downwards along the stationary knife, making a cut. The moving blade can be straight or at a certain angle, which is necessary for cutting a large piece of metal.
For high-performance processing of thick, resistant material, it is advisable to use large manual metal shears with a lifting mechanism, in which the serrated knives are mounted on a special tripod. A specialized tool with curved blades is used for cutting the edges of a metal sheet. The scissors are capable of processing metal profiles up to 4 mm thick.
There are roller scissors in which the role of knives is played by super-hard rollers. Due to the minimum distance between them, when passing a sheet of metal, it is compressed and separated.
Another type of tool designed for direct cutting is Pelican metal scissors. They are very convenient to use, because during operation the tool handles are located on top of the metal, as a result of which there is no need to bend the material being cut upward.
Metal scissors "Pelican" are designed for straight cutting
Review of the best models of sheet metal shears
Metal scissors Kraftool 2325-L are recognized as popular. The tool is made of chrome-molybdenum alloy. It is capable of processing sheet metal up to 1.5 mm thick. The tool is characterized by convenience and ease of use, which is achieved thanks to the complex design. During operation, no additional pressure is required.
Metal scissors "Kraftul" are equipped with high stops on the handle, which facilitates safe work with the tool, which will not slip from your hands. The knives are attached using staples. This model is used for cutting corrugated sheets and metal tiles. The cost of the tool is on average 1 thousand rubles.
Noteworthy are the Gross 78327 metal scissors, made of chromium-molybdenum alloy. The tool can cut stainless steel and non-ferrous sheet metal. Scissors are a product, all elements of which are fastened with bolts. The model is compact, versatile, and easy to use. The shears can cut sheet metal up to 1.5 mm thick. You can buy the tool for 900 rubles.
The model made of chrome-molybdenum steel Suanley 2-14-563 has proven itself well. The tool has a strong and durable design. For comfortable use, the spring is reinforced with a chrome-plated fastener. Thanks to the ergonomic handle, the tool is comfortable to hold in your hand.
Metal scissors Kraftool 2325-L are made of chromium-molybdenum alloy and cut metal up to 1.5 mm thick
Metal shears have a hardened serrated blade, which prevents the metal sheet from slipping during cutting, making the process quick and easy. The cost of the tool is on average 850 rubles.
Important! This model of scissors can be used for cutting copper, aluminum and plastic.
Cutting rules
When cutting metal with scissors, you need to take into account some features, follow a number of rules and remember about safety:
- You can cut thin metal without additional equipment. To do this, you need to place the sheet on a workbench, hold one edge with your hand, and cut the other along the intended line.
- When cutting thick metal, you need to secure one handle in a vice so that there is a stop. The pressing force increases, therefore, thicker sheets can be cut.
- Using straight scissors, you can cut holes in the center of the sheet. To do this, you need to make a hole in the center of the circle or at its edge.
When working with metal wire, you must wear protective gloves. To protect your eyes, you must use glasses and a mask. Direct the cut pieces of wire towards the workbench. Check the sharpness of cutting edges before work. Pass the device to other people only with the sharp ends facing you.
Metal scissors are necessary for construction, household, and industrial work. They help to perform a number of operations with metal sheets when it is impossible to use a grinder or a hacksaw. When choosing a tool, you need to pay attention to the technical characteristics of the product, and when working with it, take into account the rules.
Design features of electric metal shears
When studying what types of scissors there are, you should consider the advantages and disadvantages of an electrified tool. In appearance, electric metal scissors are similar to a grinder. Small models are equipped with a narrow, oblong body, making them comfortable to hold in the hand. Larger, more powerful options have a remote handle for ease of use.
The body of the electric metal shears is made of impact-resistant structural ABS plastic, in the internal cavity of which the motor is located. The front part has a multi-stage gearbox in a metal casing. In this unit, the rotational motion of the spindle is converted into reciprocating motion, due to which the cutting equipment begins to work.
In appearance, electric metal scissors resemble a grinder
The working body of electric scissors works on the same principle as that of manual models. When sheet metal passes between static and moving elements, it is cut.
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Electric metal shears have a number of advantages over hand tools. No effort is required during sheet metal processing as the process is automatic, increasing productivity. Since there is no need for tactile contact during operation, the likelihood of injury is minimized.
Helpful advice! If you want to save money, you can purchase an attachment for a drill instead of metal scissors, which will serve as a cutting tool.
Electric shears can be used to cut thick metal workpieces up to 5 mm thick. This ensures an even and clean cut. The possibility of deformation or damage to the integrity of the workpiece is eliminated. Such a tool is capable of processing non-ferrous alloys, composite and polymer materials that a manual tool cannot handle. Electric scissors can cut not only smooth sheets, but also profile materials. Using the tool, you can make complex curved elements according to a template.
Electric metal shears can cut workpieces up to 5 mm thick
Safety precautions
Working with any power tool requires strict adherence to safety precautions. Metal scissors are no exception.
Here is a list of basic rules:
- Before turning on the tool, carefully inspect it for damage. If the scissors or wire and plug are damaged, it is prohibited to use them.
- Check the network voltage - it should be 220V.
- When working, use special protective equipment - glasses and gloves.
- Avoid touching the cut - there is a high risk of cutting yourself.
- Do not touch the gearbox of the device - it becomes very hot during operation, which can lead to burns.
Before you go to the store to buy electric metal shears, carefully study the information presented in this article. This will help you avoid making mistakes when purchasing a tool. Good luck!
Types of electric shears for metal, characteristics of the tool
Depending on the method of deformation of the material being processed, electric shears for metal can be sheet, slotted, or notched. The first type of tool is most similar in principle to a hand tool. The static knife is securely mounted on a rigid support element, which has a horseshoe-shaped design. The movable blade operates in a vertical plane through reciprocating movements.
Electric sheet metal shears can cut sheet metal of different thicknesses. The device is first configured by reinstalling the support platform, thereby adjusting the gap between the lower and upper knives.
Sheet metal tools are characterized by high speed and productivity, and accuracy of straight cuts. It is capable of cutting through materials in the form of wire or folds. During the processing of the material, no waste is generated in the form of small and long spiral chips. Due to the fact that the knives have a square shape with cutting edges along the edges, if one of them becomes dull, you can change the position of the blade by placing it on the sharp side.
Among the disadvantages, it should be noted that the workpiece can only be processed from its edge. Scissors are characterized by bulkiness and do not have the maneuverability necessary for curved cuts and profile workpieces. The price of sheet metal scissors starts from 6 thousand rubles.
Electric shears for metal come in sheet, slot and notch types
Characteristic differences between slotted metal shears
The slotted design is equipped with two knives. One of them is stationary and is fixed on top. It is made in a U-shaped design, equipped with two cutting edges. The lower blade of the tool performs reciprocating movements in a vertical plane with entry into the groove of the stationary knife of electric scissors.
The tool can be adapted to different thicknesses of sheet metal, which is done thanks to the option of adjusting the gap between the knives. When cutting a metal workpiece, thin spiral chips are formed that flow upward and to the side. Periodically it needs to be trimmed with pliers.
Slotted metal shears can cut the workpiece in any part of it, while deformation of the sheet is eliminated, and the cut is smooth and clean. The tool can be used to make holes, which is very important when deciding how to enlarge a hole in metal without a drill. Thanks to the narrow nose, the device is convenient to work in hard-to-reach places. Scissors work well with folded steel sheets.
Important! Slotted metal shears can be used to cut metal sheets with a thickness of no more than 2 mm.
Slotted metal shears are used for cutting metal with a thickness of no more than 2 mm
Characteristic features of metal nibblers
Electric metal cutting shears are a compact cutting press that can be moved manually along the blade in a given cutting direction.
The design consists of a matrix and a punch. The first element has a round or square shape and is mounted on a matrix holder. The punch acts as a punch. It is a movable structural element. The punch is fixed in the slider, performing reciprocating movements transmitted by a crank mechanism.
Important! Since the matrix and the punch have the same shape, if one of the elements fails, they are replaced in pairs.
Square-shaped electric metal shears are designed for processing sheet material more than 3 mm thick, while round ones can cut metal up to 3 mm thick. During the cutting process, the punch will make holes in the sheet that form a continuous path. Its width is equal to the diameter of the cutting element. The matrix and punch are equipped with the option of stepless rotation of 360 degrees, which ensures ease of performing curved cuts. To reach hard-to-reach areas, the matrix is fixed at an angular interval of 90°.
Metal nibblers provide a clean cut and do not deform the workpiece
Metal cutting shears are characterized by versatility, good maneuverability, minimal turning radius, expanded functionality, and good visibility of the work area. The tool is capable of making curved cuts, various holes and cutting according to a template. He can start work not only from the edge, but also from the central part of the workpiece. The tool provides a clean cut without deforming the workpiece. Thanks to the significant power of the device, the scissors can process thick workpieces.
One of the disadvantages of the tool is its ability to strictly maintain a given straight line. It has difficulty coping with differences in thickness on the workpiece. During the work process, a large amount of metal waste is generated in the form of sharp crescent-shaped shavings.
Types of scissors and their purpose
The universal hand tool has a wide range of applications.
There are many types of scissors, each of which differs in design features, appearance, size, weight, and technical characteristics.
Hairdressers
Hairdressers use straight models with a standard sharpening.
The tool provides a perfectly even trim of hair, beard or mustache.
Thinning devices with a serrated cutting edge are designed for thinning hair, trimming bangs, and performing a stylish, modern haircut.
There are also universal flag scissors with shaped blades.
They are widely used by stylists and hairdressers; they are suitable for both cutting and thinning.
Garden
Tools with a reinforced design and reliable blades are used for cutting branches and giving an aesthetic shape to bushes.
This type also includes special devices for cutting grass.
They are, of course, inferior to lawn mowers.
But with their help you can carefully remove excess in hard-to-reach places, near stones, statues, near the curb.
For metal
There are two types of scissors.
Monolithic models have a one-piece construction.
Working parts are made of durable steel.
Such devices are able to cope with increased loads.
Compound scissors are intended for professional use.
They can be used to cut roofing materials into pieces.
Kitchen
You can't do without scissors in the kitchen either.
Models that belong to this type are used for cutting rabbit, chicken, and quail carcasses.
They cope with the task faster and more accurately than conventional knives.
For cutting greens, there are products with several cutting blades.
Stationery
They can be equipped with long or short blades and always have comfortable handles.
The scope of application of products of this type includes cutting sheets of paper, cutting out figures, appliqués, handicrafts, etc.
Hydraulic
This type of scissors is used for cutting metal rods and wires.
They can be used to make perpendicular or angled cuts.
Lever design systems ensure a smooth transition of pressure from the drive to the cutting elements.
Handles are needed to secure the device.
Medical or surgical
These scissors are designed for cutting soft tissue, bones, and cartilage during surgical operations.
Products are divided into the following types: guillotine, hinged.
These in turn are divided into many different types.
For each type of operation, a different tool is used.
Electric scissors
The instruments are presented in several modifications and are divided into several types.
Sheet shears are used to dismantle metal structures and cut sheets up to 5 cm thick.
According to the principle of operation and design features, they resemble household ones, they are distinguished by high productivity, compact size, reliability and functionality.
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Splined ones are equipped with several knives, cope with folds, and do not deform the steel sheet.
Electric scissors of various types are convenient to use, productive, and increase the productivity and effectiveness of the work of the master.
Die-cut or die-cutting models are widely used for metal processing.
Their design consists of two main elements: a matrix and a punch.
Models can be used to make a variety of cuts: according to a template, straight, curved.
Nibblers produce a clean cut and there are no signs of deformation on the workpiece.
In addition, you can cut not only from the edge of the sheet, but also from the middle, but first you need to make a hole in the metal.
These are not all types of scissors, but only the main and most popular ones.
An interesting variety are knife models designed for straight and shaped cutting of metal.
The power tool is equipped with two knives: movable and fixed.
The cutting is smooth, precise, without waste.
But roller ones are used in roofing and fence construction.
With their help, you can easily and quickly cut metal up to 1 mm thick into pieces of the desired size.
There is a wide range of sewing or tailor's scissors.
There are models for cutting thin and thick fabrics, shaping edges of products, cutting threads, cutting out patterns, etc.
Popular models of electric metal cutting shears
The Hitachi CN16SA electric model for cutting corrugated sheets is in demand among consumers. The tool has a power of 400 W. Capable of cutting 1.6mm thick metal sheet. Scissors can work in three directions. The tool is characterized by ergonomics, making it convenient to hold it with one hand during operation. When making a cut, sawdust is thrown down, which eliminates the possibility of waste getting into the eyes. You can buy the tool for 8 thousand rubles.
Another popular model is the Makita JN1601 metal notching shears, which are used for processing regular and corrugated metal sheets. The instrument is characterized by a power of 550 W. It has compact dimensions and an ergonomic shape, which contributes to the efficient operation of Makita metal scissors.
For cutting corrugated sheets, the Hitachi CN16SA electric model is very popular among users.
The tool carries out straight and shaped cuts of sheet and corrugated material, the thickness of which does not exceed 2.5 mm. It has a built-in thickness gauge, making it easy to operate. The cutting head can rotate 360° and can be installed in four positions. The cost of Makita electric metal shears averages 18 thousand rubles.
The BISON ZNL-500 model with a power of 500 W, designed for straight and shaped cutting with a radius of up to 40 mm of sheet metal with a thickness of no more than 2.5 mm, has proven itself well. The tool provides a clean and even cut. Thanks to the rubberized body, the device is comfortable to hold in one hand.
Metal shears “ZUBR” are equipped with knives with four cutting edges, which contributes to the efficient and productive operation of the device. The model is equipped with a set of probes for adjusting the device to different metal thicknesses. The cost of the tool is 5 thousand rubles.
Electric metal nibblers Status NC380 are popular. The tool can carry out straight and shaped cutting of metal sheets with a thickness of no more than 2 mm, and works with metal tiles. The cutting process can be performed both in a horizontal and vertical position, while the material is not deformed, and the cut is smooth and clean. You can buy the tool for 7 thousand rubles.
Metal cutting shears Makita JN1601 have compact dimensions and ergonomic shape
Model "Makita JS 1000"
Electric metal shears "Makita JS 1000" are excellent for cutting steel sheets. In this case, their maximum thickness can be 2.1 mm. This power tool can also handle aluminum and copper materials easily. The anti-vibration system of the electric shears is quite high quality.
Additionally, it should be taken into account that the handle in the standard set is completely rubberized, and its shape is very ergonomic. The cutting radius of the presented device is 43 mm. Some professionals purchase the presented model to work with soft materials. Thus, plastic is processed quite quickly with these electric scissors. The presented model costs about 21 thousand rubles on the market.
What are hydraulic metal shears?
Hydraulic shears are similar in principle to traditional hand or electric tools. The only difference is in the method of applying force to the cutting element, which is done through a pump or hydraulic cylinder. As a result, the force on the blade increases several times. This contributes to a significant increase in efficiency, facilitating the process and increasing work efficiency.
Hydraulic shears consist of a hydraulic cylinder with a piston, a rod, knives, a pressure hose, a rotary coupling, a drain valve, and handles. The hydraulic drive is fixed to one lever, and the second element is connected to a lever that builds up pressure in the cylinder, and in this case a compressor or a manual lever can be used.
Hydraulic shears are characterized by autonomy, mobility and safety in operation. The tool provides a clean, high-quality cut. Since the blade moves at a low speed, it makes it easier to control the work process. The price of manual hydraulic shears for metal starts from 4 thousand rubles.
Hydraulic shears, depending on the principle of operation, can be knife or nibbler. The first option is used to process the edges of the workpiece. Perforated metal shears allow you to cut from the middle of the sheet.
Hydraulic metal shears are characterized by mobility, autonomy and safety
Depending on the design, there are manual, stationary and guillotine metal shears. The first option is represented by a compact tool that cuts thin steel sheets, reinforcement and rods. A stationary tool is a high-power equipment in which a hydraulic drive is connected to a compressor. This device produces all options for cutting metal parts of any complexity, and also performs cutting.
Guillotine shears quickly cut and form smooth seams. They are compact in size and have good power, which is enough for work in workshops. This type of tool allows you to cut exclusively in a straight line.
Who is the Makita JK1050 suitable for?
These electric metal shears (photo shown below) are suitable for both beginners and professionals. They allow you to work with steel sheets up to 1.2 mm thick. The rated power of the presented model fluctuates around 13 kW. These electric shears operate from a mains voltage of 230 V at a frequency of 40 Hz.
The dimensions of this power tool are very modest, and the assembled device weighs only 3.2 kg. Due to this, you can hold them in your hand for a long time. At the same time, fatigue in the hand is practically not felt during cutting. This was largely achieved due to the unique anti-vibration system. Additionally, it should be taken into account that the height of the carved plate is only 3.2 cm. The presented electric scissors cost about 22 thousand rubles in the store.
