Hand metal cutting shears

Types of hand metal cutting shears

The hand metal cutting shears is a hand tool with two blades for cutting metals. They come in different types.

• Guillotine shears

  This is an awesome big machine that can cut through thick metals easily with just one single cut. It is done by using a big and heavy top blade that comes down onto the metal, which is held in a steady position by the base. They are great for cutting big pieces of metal that are flat like sheets or plates. This tool can also cut things that are thin, fat, or thick, but only if they are flat and have no curves or twists in them at all. Some of these super cool machines work by themselves and have their own power source to make cuts easier and faster.

• Single-hand shears

  These cutting tools come in two forms like the guillotine ones do: powered or not. The motorized ones are great because they slice through thick metal using less effort. But normal ones without motors are good for cutting thin metals. A great thing about single-hand shears is that they are very light and small, so people can bring them around anywhere they want.

• Double-hand shears

  People often call double-hand shears the same thing as dykes. They are good for notching, shaping, and cutting thin materials like aluminum, tin, and thin sheet metal. The great thing about them is how easy it is to control the cuts precisely and how they are very easy to use in tight spaces.

• Nibblers

  Many people think that nibblers are the same as shears, but they actually work by cutting different types of metals in little pieces. Even though the cut is very small, they are great for making very good cuts. This is especially true for noise output when they are cutting through strong and tough metals. However, their cutting capacity is limited to how thick the metals are and how big the cutter head is.

Specification & Maintenance

• Cutting Thickness:

  Heavy-duty hand metal cutting shears can generally cut through thicker metal. The cutting thickness may vary based on the tool's capacity and design. For instance, some can cut 2mm stainless steel, while others might cut up to 5mm for carbon steel.

• Blade Material:

  Is usually made of high-carbon tool steel or alloy steel. An advanced alloying might include Tungsten or Molybdenum for added strength, ensuring it doesn't easily dull or chip even after prolonged use.

• Overall Build:

  The overall build, weight, and dimensions of a shear determine how easy it is to cut metal. Ergonomic grips and well-balanced designs enhance cutting power. A typical dimension could be 300-400 mm length with a weight of around 1.5-3 kg.

• Cutting Capacity:

  This refers not to the thickness but also to the types of metals the shear can handle, such as mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, etc., depending on the blade material and design.

• Safety Features:

  Some shears might have features like blade guards or locking mechanisms that ensure safe storage and use.

Maintenance

For the shears to always provide clean cuts even after years of use, a regular maintenance routine is critical. An effective routine begins with cleaning. This removes all cutting residues and metal shavings from the blade surfaces. One can use a wire brush and soapy water for this. After the blades are clean and dry, apply a light coating of machine oil to prevent rusting.

Maintaining the cutting edge is also essential to keep the tool performing optimally. Regularly sharpening the blades has two major benefits. It extends the lifespan of the shear and ensures it continues to provide clean cuts. If the blades go dull, they will start tearing the metal rather than cutting through it. Many hand metal shears are designed with easy-to-access blade edges for convenient sharpening.

It is also crucial to periodically inspect the shear for signs of wear or damage. Pay close attention to the blades and the pivot bolts. If chips or nicks appear on the blades, have them repaired sooner rather than later. Also, lightly lubricating the pivot points and moving parts of the shear helps to prevent premature wear and ensures smooth operation. In addition, always ensure the shear is stored in a dry place that's free from dust to prevent rust.

Applications of hand metal cutting shears

Despite their simple design, hand metal shears are effective and indispensable tools used across several industries.

Before delving into some typical uses for metal shears, it is crucial to understand that metal shears come in a variety of types and sizes, each made to cut various forms of metal. This means that regardless of the kind or style of metal shear, all tools will find their use in various scenarios.

• Fabrication shops: this is perhaps the most common application for hand metal shears. In a given metal fabrication shop, shears are used for trimming, making notches and straight cuts on metals. Because of this, metals are precisely shaped to suit various specifications.
• The HVAC industry: hand metal shears can and are used in the HVAC industry to cut through metal ducts swiftly and efficiently. This is particularly true when discussing electric shears that are easy to handle and come with various features that allow for easy duct cutting. In most cases, HVAC technicians will use shears to make quick and precision cuts on metal panels to create or repair air funnels and vents.
• Automotive industry/ vehicle repair: vehicle repair technicians can use metal shears to cut plastic parts, body panels, and even metal components. This is especially true for small, handheld shears that are easy to maneuver and handle, enabling the user to make precise cuts in tight spaces.
• Jewelry making: this application is common for smaller, handheld metal shears. Shears can be used to cut through intricate metal designs and delicate pieces while making jewelry. They provide the jeweler the ability to make precise cuts, and when used, they eliminate the need for further smoothing or filing of the cut edges.
• The arts and crafts industry: metal shears can easily cut through a variety of metal materials used in arts and crafts, including aluminum and copper. What’s more, the shears ensure that the user makes precise, clean cuts, allowing for the seamless creation and assembly of artworks and crafts.
• Construction industry: hand shears, particularly when discussing aviation shears, are common tools in the construction industry. They are used to make precise cuts on various construction materials, including, but not limited to, metal rods, pipes, and roofing sheets. This is common especially when talking about scenarios that require cutting in a confined space or tight corners.

How to choose hand metal cutting shears

When choosing the right pair of hand metal cutting shears, it is important to first define the scope of usage and then consider the shear's build quality, design, and features.

Users should first identify their most frequent cutting tasks. This includes the type of metal they cut frequently, the thickness of the metal, the size and shape of the metal workpieces, and the cutting frequency. Once the scope of usage has been identified, it should be easier to choose a pair of shears suited to specific cutting tasks.

Choosing the right size of shears is also important to ensuring comfortable usage and cutting precision. Users should opt for hand shears that are sized to fit their hands. This is the same as choosing a tool with a comfortable gripping surface. When the shears fit snugly in the hands, the precision cutting of metal workpieces is made easy.

Users should opt for metal shears with a robust build quality. The construction material of the shears is also important to the tool's longevity. Usually, metal cutting tools are built with high-quality steel. Tools with a robust build quality do not bend or break easily, even when used to cut tough metals.

Depending on the cutting task, users can choose between manual and power shear types. Power shears are more suitable for frequent cutting tasks and for cutting thicker metals. On the other hand, manual shears are more suitable for users that cut metal occasionally.

Finally, users should consider the maintenance requirements of the shears they intend to purchase. Generally, tools with high maintenance requirements can be quite inconvenient. Low-maintenance tools are usually more convenient and user-friendly.

FAQ

Q1: Are hand shears better than power shears?

A1: Hand shears have the advantage of low cost, portability, and cutting precision. Some metals require precise cutting, so operators prefer hand shears. This includes situations where close cuts to a workpiece are required and when there is an inability to produce excessive noise.

Q2: Can shears cut metal other than steel?

A2: Yes, there are types of hand shears better suited to cutting specific metal types. Aluminium is thin, so standard shears can cut it. Brass is slightly more complex because of the thickness. Hand shears can cut brass, but the quality and precision will depend on the tool's design. Copper hand metal cutting shears can cut copper, but the quality will depend on the tool's design.

Q3: What thickness can hand shears cut?

A3: Hand shears can generally cut sheet metal of up to 1.2 mm. This includes steel, brass, and aluminum.

Q4: Can hand shears cut curved lines?

A4: Yes, shears can cut straight and curved lines. The ability to cut curves is one of the advantages of using hand shears. The type of curve they can cut depends on the tool. Fine curves require tools with finer blades.