Shears

For quick and efficient metal cutting, choose from our wide range of metal shears online. We stock both single and double-cut shears to make fast work of any job, with replacement blade sets available for quick turnaround when you're on site.

Here at Cromwell, we stock power tools from market-leading brands, like Bosch®, Makita® and DeWalt®.

What are metal shears?

This compact and lightweight power tool allows the operator to cut through sheet metal in straight lines and gentle curves.

Why buy metal shears?

There are other tools available that can cut through various metals. However, only metal shears can provides a quick cut and a precise finish with minimal metal distortion.

When are metal shears used?

Metal shears are used in metal fabrication, aerospace construction and other similar industries.

Metal shear types

Metal shears deliver quick and effective metal cutting action and are available in corded, cordless and air-powered variants. Making quick work of sheet metals, shears should always be CE marked and compliant with ISO 28927-7:2009.

• Single cut shear   -   Very quick and efficient, this type of shear features two blades, where one cuts and the other remains fixed. It's ideal for cutting through ribbed metal profiles but doesn't provide as clean a cut as the double-cut shears

• Double cut shear   -   These models feature three blades, one that moves while the other two remain fixed. This cuts with a scissor-like cutting motion and creates a spiral of waste material during its cut but leaves both cut edges straight and smooth.

Considerations when choosing metal shears

• Power source - choose between air-powered, corded or cordless metal shears. Cordless models have the convenience of portability and operator movement, while the corded and air-powered versions prevent worry over battery charge.

• Cutting capacity - technical datasheets often give the achievable cut measurements for multiple materials including steel and aluminium, which is very handy when making this choice.

• Comfort - consider the weight of the product before purchase and whether it will cause strain during the time you'll be using it. Also, go for an ergonomic and soft grip to prevent discomfort.

• Speed - some models have a variable speed feature, which ensures full operator control and safety.

• Curve radius - if you want to cut more than straight lines in metal, then consider the minimum curve radius provided by the shears.

• Safety - metalwork often leaves sharp edges on waste material, and the correct PPE such as cut gloves should always be worn during operation to protect against injury.

Metal shear jargon buster

To keep you up to date on portable power-tool standards, we've broken down and explained a standard associated with nibblers and shears.

What does safety standard ISO 28927-7:2009 mean?

ISO 28927-7:2009 outlines the testing method for the measurement of vibrations transmitted by power-driven nibblers and shears to the hand of the operator. This allows for comparisons between models.

Let's break it down...

• ISO - the Institution of Standardization is the European regulatory body for quality and safety standards.

• 28927 - this is the publication number.


• 7 - this identifies the document section which covers nibblers and shears.

• 2009 - this standard was reviewed and confirmed in 2020 and remains current.

FAQs

What's the difference between power shears and nibblers?

While both power tools are used to cut through metal, a nibbler utilises a small punch to remove notches of material with each stroke, essentially nibbling away at the metal. Power shears, on the other hand, cut the metal in a scissor motion using two blades.

How should I align and hold the metal when using powered shears?

Most metal shears will come equipped with a squaring tool to square up the cut location on the sheet metal with the blades. Single cut shears can be aligned directly over the cutting line, while double-cut shears should be placed on one side of the cutting line or the other depending on which side is required. This is because of the spiral of waste metal created by the double-cut shears.