Stock shear

Types of stock shears

Stock shear is a device that cuts metal sheets and strips. They are heavy-duty and used to cut sheets of metal. The cuts are straight and can be used for various purposes. The following are different types of stock shear shears:

• Manual Shears

  Manual shears are hand-operated and rely on human effort to cut through stock. They are ideal for light to medium gauge stock and offer a cost-effective solution for small-scale or occasional cutting tasks. Manual shears provide a high level of precision and control and are commonly used in small workshops or home garages where power availability is limited or where noise and vibration must be minimized.

• Pneumatic Shears

  Pneumatic shears use compressed air to operate the cutting mechanism and are commonly found in industrial settings where air compression systems are available. They offer a high cutting speed and are suitable for medium to heavy gauge stock. Pneumatic shears provide a high power-to-weight ratio, making them efficient and easy to handle. However, their dependence on pneumatic systems may limit their use in some applications.

• Electric Shears

  Electric shears are powered by electricity and are widely used for cutting stock in various industries. They are available in both corded and cordless models, with the latter offering greater portability and flexibility. Electric shears are suitable for cutting sheet metal, plastic, and other materials and are designed for cutting stock up to 1/4 inch thick. They are ideal for cutting sheet metal and are commonly used in HVAC, automotive, and construction applications.

• Hydraulic Shears

  Hydraulic shears are powerful cutting tools that use hydraulic force to cut through stock. They are suitable for heavy gauge stock and can handle thick sheets of metal, plastic, or other materials. Hydraulic shears are commonly used in scrap yards, metal fabrication shops, and heavy industry applications where high cutting capacity and productivity are required. They offer a smooth and clean cut and are designed for cutting stock up to 2 inches thick.

How to choose stock shears

• Cutting Edge Length

  The length of the cutting edge is the most important factor when choosing a pair of stock shears. The length of the cutting edge depends on the size of the shear. Those with a cutting edge of less than 4 inches are considered small, while those 4-6 inches are medium. Those with a cutting edge of more than 6 inches are large. Large shears are suitable for cutting thick stocks of papers. Small ones are suitable for cutting a few sheets of paper. Medium ones are used for cutting a moderate amount of paper.

• Blade Material

  Stock shear blades are made from stainless steel, carbon steel, or high-speed steel. Stainless steel blades are rust-resistant and easy to maintain. They don't need sharpening often, but they may not provide the best cuts. Carbon steel blades are sturdy and provide great cuts. They are prone to rust and require sharpening from time to time. High-speed steel blades are more durable and hardier than the rest. They are not as prone to rust as carbon steel blades and provide cleaner cuts than stainless steel. However, they are more expensive than the other two types of blades.

• Blade Design

  Stock shear blades can be straight, serrated, or angled. Straight blades have a smooth cutting edge that allows for clean and precise cuts. They are suitable for cutting fabric, paper, or other thin materials. Serrated blades have ridges along the cutting edge that prevent the material from slipping when cutting. They are ideal for cutting slippery materials like silk. Angled blades are designed at a specific angle to provide more leverage and power when cutting. They are suitable for cutting thick stock or multiple sheets of paper.

• Ergonomics

  Choose stock shears with ergonomic handles. The handles should be comfortable and provide a good grip. Those with soft padding are more comfortable to use but may be pricier. The shear's weight and spring action also affect its usability. Lighter shears are easy to use for long periods, while those with heavy springs need a lot of force to open and close.

How to use, install & product safety

How to use

• Clean the Shears: Ensure the stock shear is clean before cutting. Dirt and debris can affect the cutting performance and precision.
• Prepare the Material: Lay out the material to be cut neatly. Whether fabric, paper, or another medium, proper placement will ensure clean and accurate cuts.
• Grip the Shears: Hold the stock shear comfortably with one hand on the handle and the other on the blade tip. A steady grip will give better control over the cut and reduce mistakes.
• Start Cutting: Begin cutting by inserting the shear's blades into the material at the cutting point. Squeeze the handles gently but firmly together to bring the blades together in a shearing motion, making a clean cut through the material.
• Cutting Technique: Use smooth, continuous motions when cutting along straight lines or curves. Avoid forcing the stock shear through the material, as this can lead to jagged cuts or damage to the shear.
• Stop Cutting: Once the cut is complete, release the handles of the stock shear to separate the blades. Remove the shear from the material and evaluate the cut's quality.
• Cut Finish: If necessary, the cut edge can be smoothed out using a fine-grit sandpaper or by running the shear blades over the cut edge once more to ensure a polished finish.

Product Safety

• Blunt Force: The primary injury risk with stock shears is blunt force. The cutting edges can become dull over time, making it more likely that the user will apply excess force when cutting. This excess force can result in a cut that is not clean and can injure the user.
• Incorrect Usage: Incorrect usage of stock shears can also lead to injuries. Using the shear for tasks other than cutting can damage the tool and increase the risk of injury. The user should be trained to use the shear correctly to avoid these risks.
• Material Thickness: The thickness of the material being cut can also pose safety risks. Trying to cut through excessively thick material can damage the shear and potentially injure the user. It is essential to use the shear for the material it is designed to cut.
• Regular Maintenance: To ensure the stock shear is safe for use, it is essential to maintain it regularly. This maintenance includes cleaning the shear to remove any debris or dust that may accumulate over time and checking the cutting edges for any signs of bluntness.

Functions, features and design of stock shears

Stock shear is a term commonly used to describe hair cutting shears. The design of the stock shear will determine its function and features. The primary function of the shear is to cut through stock, which can be hair or fabric. The shears come with a sharp edge and a cutting mechanism that easily slices through the stock. The shears' design ensures that they are comfortable to use and have a locking mechanism that keeps them safe when not in use. The shears' sharp blades cut smoothly and make clean cuts, which is essential when cutting hair to achieve the desired style.

Q&A

Q1. What is the difference between stock shear and blunt scissors?

A1. The main difference between stock shear and blunt scissors is the intended use and the sharpness of the blades. Stock shear is a specialized tool for cutting fabric, paper, or other materials and has long, straight blades designed to make clean, straight cuts. The sharpness of the blades ensures a smooth cut with minimal effort. On the other hand, blunt scissors are general-purpose cutting tools with shorter, curved blades that are not as sharp as those of stock shears. While blunt scissors can be used for cutting various materials, they may not provide the same level of precision or ease of use as stock shears when cutting fabric or paper.

Q2. Can stock shear cut through multiple layers of fabric at once?

A2. Yes, stock shear is designed to cut through one layer of fabric smoothly. However, depending on the fabric's thickness and the shear's strength, they can cut through multiple layers at once. Cutting multiple layers may affect the cut's smoothness or the stock shear's sharpness over time, so it is generally recommended to cut fewer layers for better results.

Q3. How to maintain stock shear to ensure its longevity?

A3. The stock shear should be kept clean by wiping the blades with a dry cloth after each use to remove any fabric lint or residue. It should be oiled regularly, about once a month, with a drop of oil along the pivot point to keep the blades moving smoothly. It should also be stored properly in a protective case or sheath to avoid any impact or contact with other tools that could dull the blades.

Q4. Can stock shear be used for cutting other materials besides fabric?

A4. Yes, stock shear can also be used for cutting paper, cardboard, yarn, or other similar materials. However, for cutting other materials like metal, plastic, or thicker cardboard, it is advisable to use shears specifically designed for those materials to achieve better cutting results and avoid damaging the stock shear blades.