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Our content is meticulously curated through independent research, testing, reviews, and AI-driven recommendations, all designed to present you with the finest product choices. When you make a purchase through our links, it could result in us earning a commission.The Best Power Shears to Crop Metal Sheets Seamlessly
From large-scale roofing to classy metalware and artifacts, metalworking is captivating, both as a career and as a hobby. As an ever-growing industry, metalworkers are widening the scope when it comes to machinery. Nowadays, metal fabrication is becoming more advanced than ever thanks to state-of-the-art innovations, like power shears. In fact, the best power shears of 2024 both facilitate and streamline the entire process.
Since power shears are at the root of these innovations, it’s wise for those who work with metal to familiarize themselves with what these tools can do. Even though shearing is arguably one of the oldest processes in the metalworking industry, power shears are a massive upgrade, especially our #1 pick, the WEN Power Shear!
View all ContentsThe Best Power Shears
Best Overall
Whether you need to cut through a 20 gauge stainless steel sheet or make angled cuts on an 18 gauge metallic sheet, the Wen 3650 Corded Metal Shears do the job precisely and smoothly. These power shears have a 4-amp high-power motor equipped with pressure-sensitive speed adjustments varying between 0 to 2,500 strokes per minute (SPM) depending on the thickness of the metal sheets you are working on.
Unlike straight-head clippers, these metal shears come with a 360-degree rotatable swivel head that sets the stage for making angled cuts. It features a three-inch turning radius that proves effective in making curved cuts. The double-cut blade configuration allows you to make ¼-inch curled metal cuts. Since the metal shears weigh only 4.7 pounds, you won’t feel any fatigue despite working for hours, making these our #1 choice for power shears.
Pros
- Lightweight design for ease of handling
- Variable speeds up to 2,500 SPM
- Features a three-inch turning radius
Cons
- Not made for heavy-duty industrial use
Most Durable
If you are looking for power shears that cut through cement sidings and large-sized metal sheets up to 14 gauges, the Genesis GES40 has everything you need. Backed by a 4-amp motor, this pair of power shears is laden with sharp and high-precision, preventing metal deformations while making angular and curled cuts.
These sharp blades can be driven with variable speeds up to 2,500 SPM, making it easier to carve different metal surfaces, including 14-gauge aluminum and 20-gauge stainless steel, while keeping emissions to the minimum. Whether you want bevel cuts on the sides or need to design curved edges, the 360-degree rotatable swivel tip suits every requirement.
Pros
- Four-amp motor for variable speed setup
- Tri-blade formation prevents metal deformation
- Can slice through aluminum and stainless steel
Cons
- Has a small turning radius
Most Portable
DEWALT is always at the forefront of manufacturing industry-grade, efficient, and ergonomic hardware tools related to wood and metalworking, and these metal shears are nothing short of amazing. The Dewalt Max Metal Shears feature a 360-degree swivel head that gives you an edge when cutting metal sheets in sharp angles and tight quarters.
The blades are also sharp enough to easily cut 7/32-inch metal strips that smoothly curl out of the surface-emitting no metal dust. It is also embedded with an LED at the tip, facilitating work in dim light conditions. These metal shears are cordless and features lightweight construction, making them a perfectly suitable handheld pair of power shears for beginner workers. Despite its relatively higher price tag, you’d need to source batteries separately.
Pros
- Embedded LED for improved visibility
- Efficiently cuts through thick metal sheets
- Cordless and lightweight for convenience
Cons
- One of the more expensive options
Best Design
The Ryobi P591 is a one-size-fits-all to slice through different materials. Unlike its counterparts designed to take up specialized materials — mostly metal — the Ryobi Gauge Offset Metal Shears have uniquely designed blades that allow smooth cutting through sheet metal, vinyl siding, plastic structures, shingles, and even chicken wire!
These specialized blades have a higher durability factor that can cut sheets up to 1,000 feet long. While the offset rotating head streamlines angle cutting. With the help of a variable speed trigger, you can determine different SPMs for different materials to maximize the longevity of the blade. Its ultra-lightweight design with battery compatibility that enhances portability to remote construction sites ranks it at the top in the power shears league.
Pros
- Can cut through 1,000 feet of sheets
- Specialized blades for versatile cutting
- Offset shear head for precision
Cons
- Cannot cut through Hardie boards
Buyer’s Guide: The Best Power Shears
What To Consider When Shopping For the Best Power Shears
Metal shears are not some recent invention. Though unpowered, it’s one of the oldest tools, being used to cut and shape metal sheets for centuries. From simple manual versions to advanced handheld power shears, metal shears come in various types and versions.
In case you have been associated with the metalworking industry for some years now, you’d definitely have the old manual shears lying somewhere in your workshop. With the metalworking industry on the rise, it’s high time you equip yourself with advanced tools with power shears at the top of your list.
Whether you are simply assembling metal roofing or you have a passion for entering the meal handicraft and metalware industry, the need for specialized and efficient power shear remains vital from start to end.
What to Consider When Buying Power Shears
To get power shears that are efficient, durable, and versatile to use, you need to consider the following factors.
Intended purpose
Power shears are not one-size-fits-all in terms of versatility. While some can perform various tasks and are compatible with multiple materials, other power shears are only good for specific jobs and materials.
For instance, construction workers who are associated with roofing will need a different pair of metal shears than the ones who specialize in automotive repair and will require one better suited to their needs. Make sure you determine what you need power shears for before purchasing.
Type
Electric power shears come in two main types: corded and cordless. Considering each has its own set of pros and cons, inspect to determine which one would work best for you.
Corded power shears
Like many other powered tools in your workshop, corded metal shears must be plugged into a power source to operate. They usually feature a four- to six-amp power motor that requires between 110 and 120 volts of current on average.
They specialize in taking up extensive and pressure-inducive tasks with their effective cutting capability. Corded power shears can effectively cut through a stainless-steel sheet, averaging anywhere from 18 GA and 22 GA.
Cordless power shears
A more lightweight and convenient version of power shears, cordless shears operate distinctively through either rechargeable or replaceable batteries. Even though they require just as much power as their corded counterparts, cordless metal shears use the power more efficiently.
With cutting through thick metal sheets, these versions appear lacking. A standard pair of cordless power shears can cut materials up to 14 GA in thickness, making them ideal for beginners and DIYers.
Gauge rating
Like power, gauge rating is another factor used to determine the performance of a metal shear. Gauge rating describes the ability of power shears to cut through a metal sheet of a particular thickness.
The thickest metal sheet power shears slice through is identified by its gauge rating. The gauge rating of most power shears ranges between 22 GA to 14 GA, with the latter being the superior grade.
Models with a higher gauge value can only work with thinner metal sheets. Since the power rating of each metal varies, the rating is marked alongside each metal type in the product description.
Blade type
Apart from the motor, the power shear blade is one factor determining the cutting power and longevity of a power shear. Since they are the ones in contact with the material, blades should be sturdy enough to last longer.
Even though blades are replaceable, try to make the best out of the ones installed. Besides the strength and durability, a blade should be intricately sharp for a smoother and finer metal cutting experience.
Pay attention to the blade formation as well. The number of blades and their positioning determines the smoothness and uniformity of sliced metal sheets. It also helps in etching shapes or making curved cuts on the sheet.
Should You Choose Double-Cut Shears, Single-Cut Shears, and or Unishears?
Beginners often get confused between double-cut and single-cut power shears, mistaking them for the number of blades. Read on to learn about the differences between differently cut shears.
Single-cut shears
Like your regular scissors, single-cut shears or unishears feature a moving blade against a fixed blade attached to the shear head. The moving blade cuts the metal sheet as it slides against its surface onto the fixed blade. Although unishears do not produce any waste or dust when cutting, they may distort or bend the edges of the metal sheet.
Double-cut shears
Double-cut shears have two distinctive cutters that move against each other to slice through a metal sheet. Unlike its counterpart, a double-cut shear leaves behind residue but keeps the uniformity of the metal structure from any distortions.
Important Tips To Apply When Using Power Shears
Mark clear and accurate lines on the metal sheets showing the areas you need to cut through for guidance. Keep your eyes 1/2 inch ahead of the blade to improve your accuracy and precision.
In case you are a beginner, make sure you practice enough with the power shear before using it on your project. Keep the blade always sharp.
Blunt and thick blades can not only minimize efficiency but may also deform the metal sheet as well. Take necessary preventive measures before initiating your work.
People Also Asked
What materials can I cut with a power shear?
A power sheer can easily cut through copper, aluminum, stainless steel, mild steel, zinc, and corrugated steel sheets. However, there are different gauge ratings for each type of metal, so keep this in mind.
Are power shears worth it?
We think so! Power shears allow you to make straight, clean, and precise cuts through metal surfaces. They ensure that your cuts are efficient and consistent, resulting in uniformity while keeping waste to a minimum.
Can I make curved cuts with a power shear?
Yes! You can make curved cuts with a power shear. In fact, power shears with 360-degree rotatable swivel heads make it possible for you to cut at an angle when working with metal sheets.
