sheet metal shears...
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New User
Joined: Apr 2008
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sheet metal shears...
I'm about to begin a pretty extensive bit of body repair on my 66, and am confused about which kind of shears to buy. I've seen 2 types, a straight type, almost like heavy duty scissors with d shaped handles, and the kind with a second hinge in the middle and a lock that swings over. I believe the second type to be spring loaded as well. I don't know which type is easier on the hands, lasts longer, cuts easier, anything. Tell me the pros and cons of each and your preference. Thanks!
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Williamson, NY
What you use to cut sheet metal depends on the gauge of metal being cut. I only use my metal cutting shears on the thinner stuff ~22 gauge and they tend to distort the metal, so you need to straighten the metal after the cut. I like to use my jig saw with a good bi-metal blade to cut my sheet metal and I will also use my die-grinder to cut and massage a piece of sheet metal to shape. I've wanted to get a pneumatic sheet metal nibbler, but it has not made it to the top of my wish-list yet. :-)
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Fredericton N B Canada
The tin snips - there are many types. The D handles are great for long straight cuts. The aviation snips - compound lever type - as you described are great for finer cuts etc. You will note that these snips come in left and right hand cut (yellow and green handle). If you google WISS sheet metal snips you may find valuable information as well. Hope this helps.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2007
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I've tried and own probably about every style od hand held metal shears known to man and yes on thinner metals they do work ok but if you want to save your hands from cramping up and cut your time down to a minimum, let me suggest buying a pneumatic air nibbler. It will cut thicker material and if you're some crazy artsy type fella and want to cut nifty designs and spiral shapes in your steel, you can do that too.
Oh, btw, they're really not all that expensive and the nibbler blade rarely needs replacing.
Oh, btw, they're really not all that expensive and the nibbler blade rarely needs replacing.
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