Shears for cutting metal

Types of shears for cutting metal

Metal shears, commonly known as metal scissors, come in two main types depending on the power source - manual and powered. Each offers distinct advantages based on the metal's thickness and the project demands.

Like regular scissors, manual shears require physical operation and are best suited for light tasks such as cutting thin sheets of metal. Manual shears to cut metal can be off the line, pneumatic, or hydraulic, mainly for heavy-duty projects that require intensive cutting. Pneumatic shears are powered by air compressors, while hydraulic shears use hydraulic systems to cut through the toughest metal sheets. Battery-operated shears provide power without cords, balancing portability and performance.

Editor’s note: It’s worth highlighting that while scissors can manage light metalwork like foil or wire, heavier tasks necessitate specialized shears. Basic metal scissors may become blunt or warped if subjected to heavy-duty materials.

Features of shears for cutting metal

When looking for shears that cut metal, consider blade type, cutting capacity, and durability, as these are important features of this equipment. Also, look for weight and ergonomics if the job will take long.

• Blade material: Blades are made from stainless steel because of its high durability and rust resistance. There are also carbide-tipped blades which offer exceptional hardness for long-term precision cutting. Steel alloy blades balance toughness and sharpness retention well.
• Cutting capacity: The thickness of the metal shears can cut directly correlates to the shears’ type. Manual shears are best for cuts not thicker than 1 millimeter. In contrast, pneumatic and hydraulic shears can slice through sheets exceeding 10 millimeters with ease.
• Durability: Quality shears should withstand the strain without frequent maintenance or replacements. Metals should be resistant to chipping and corrosion. Pneumatic and hydraulic shears are built to withstand heavy industrial use, hence more durable than their manual counterparts.
• Ergonomics: The grip design should allow one to cut for prolonged periods without straining one’s hands. Straight handles suit those used to scissors as they are similar in design. Pistol grip handles give more control but may become uncomfortable with extended use.

These features ensure that buyers get shears for metal that can withstand various cutting tasks, from light to heavy.

How to use shears for cutting metal

The best metal scissors are user-friendly provided safety precautions are adhered to. However, familiarity with different shears models and cutting techniques is crucial to achieving neat cuts.

• Familiarization: It is important to read through the manual and understand how to use hydraulic and pneumatic shears with manuals and electric shears. Users should become accustomed to the type of cut it does and its operational style before using it to cut metal. Power shears require an air compressor or hydraulic pump, whereas hydraulic shears rely on manual operation that requires a pull on a lever.
• Preparation: Wear safety glasses and gloves before starting to cut. Ensure the metal piece to be cut is lying flat and firmly secured using clamps or a vise.
• Cutting: For manual shears, firmly grasp the handles and steadily apply pressure to make the cut. This is repeated until cut through. Pneumatic shears are activated by a trigger, while hydraulic shears require a lever that compresses to cut.
• Control: Maintain control of the metal piece while cutting, as it may shift or vibrate. Metal scissors must follow the cut line closely. Take cuts slowly to avoid jagged edges or uneven cuts. Rushing distorts the metal or damages the blade.

With practice, metal shear users can learn to make clean, safe cuts on various metals.

How to choose shears for cutting metal

Choosing metal shear scissors requires buyers to consider the metal's thickness, type, and shear usage. For small metal sheets or light jobs, hand shears, manual shears, and snips suffice. Battery-operated shears suit cutting on the move, where electrical sources are unavailable. Pneumatic and hydraulic shears handle heavy and thick sheets and large metal blocks for heavy jobs. Hydraulic shears are preferable over pneumatic ones for large static projects. A hydraulic shear is a better option for cutting large metal sheets at once and is generally more effective than pneumatic shears in these scenarios.

Moreover, one must consider ergonomics when using shears for long hours. Pistol grip shears give more control, while straight handles are easier to use since they're similar to regular scissors. Powered shears tend to add more vibration than manual ones, which can be uncomfortable after extended use. Material and build quality are equally important, given the need for shears to withstand rigorous daily usage. Blades in battery-operated shears should be titanium-coated for maximum sharpness retention. High-strength steel shears should be wear-resistant for long-term durability.

Maintenance and Repair of shears for cutting metal

To go with the shear blades for metal that last longer, they require maintenance and repair.

• Blade maintenance: Blades are the heart of metal shears and require utmost care. For battery-operated and manual shears, oil the blades regularly using a light machine oil. This minimizes metal shavings from accumulating on them. A buildup forces the blades to work harder and causes them to overheat, leading to dull blades. Clean the blades after every use with a wire brush or compressed air to remove any debris.
• Straight blades: Use a sharpening stone or blade sharpener to maintain cutting edges. Thinner metals corrode blades faster than thicker ones, and a dull blade exerts more pressure on the operator’s hands and on the metal.
• Pneumatic shears: Inspect the air compressor connection and hose for leaks or damage. Shears should be lubricated with air by an experienced technician to avoid moisture buildup in the line. Moisture damages internal components by rusting them. Users are advised to replace any frayed air hoses.
• Hydraulic shears: Periodically check oil levels and replace oil that has accumulated in the reservoir for prolonged use. Look out for any external oil leaks or damaged hoses. Worn hoses decrease the pressure, affecting blade movement.
• Wear and tear: Often, snips and shears experience worn-out blades over time, while hydraulic shears have bolts that need tightening and non-replaceable parts that wear out fast. In manual shears, pop the pivot pin and replace it if too loose or rusty. Dull blades need sharpening, which mixes sand and water to sharpen by hand or on a grinding machine. Clogged blades should be cleaned with a wire brush or tweezers.
• Powered shears: it is crucial to inspect worn belts or clutches further because these are signs of coming metal block failure. Contact a qualified technician for servicing. Hydraulic fluid should only be topped up or changed by qualified technicians.

In learning how to maintain and repair metal shears, business owners increase the shears’ lifespan, protect their investment, and ensure they’re always ready to cut efficiently.

Q&A

Q1. Can heavy-duty scissors cut metal?

A1. Simply put, there are scissors designed for cutting metal. They are called manual metal shears. While some people use ordinary scissors for light metalwork, specially designed shears cutting limits the damage. Metal scissors have tougher, sharper blades that cut through heavy sheets without bending or breaking. Ordinary scissors become dull or warped over time if cutting heavy-duty materials. Besides, metal shears have various blades suitable for the thickness of the metal that needs cutting.

Q2. What are metal shears used for?

A2. Metal shears are used to cut metal sheets, angles, or rods, saving the need to use a hacksaw or metal-cutting blades. They are handy when cutting aluminum composite panels and sheet metals. Snips are meant for intricate patterns on thin copper or brass. Pneumatic shears speed up production cutting through heavy-gauge steel. Hydraulic shears slice massive sheets in metal fabrication shops..

Q3. Are scissors or shears better for metal cutting?

A3. For cutting metal, go with shears instead of scissors; scissors are intended to cut paper and cloth. When cutting metal, metal shears that have been built to the job have tougher, sharper blades that can handle the strain. Pistol grip shears control cutting to add comfort during the cut. Straight blades are best angled toward regular scissors for following cut lines. Power shears are suitable for heavy jobs.

Q4. Do metal shears need sharpening?

A4. Yes, metal shears require periodic maintenance. If not sharpened, users risk cutting with a dull blade, damaging blades at the same time. Grime buildup on blades can also cause the same effect. Blades on pneumatic and battery-operated shears require oil after every use with a machine oil brush.

The blades on hydraulic shears are cleaned, and hydraulic oil is replaced by certified personnel. Manual metal shears require routine sharpening using a sharpening stone to enable them to cut correctly.