Shears
Metal Shears, Nibblers, and Tin Snips
Shears cut sheet metal, siding, and roofing without the sparks of a grinder. Power options include double cut and single cut shears from Milwaukee M18 and DeWALT 20V MAX, swivel head shears rated for 14 or 18 gauge, and DeWALT fiber cement shears. Nibblers from Milwaukee M12 FUEL, Makita, and Metabo HPT punch through 16 gauge and heavier steel. Milwaukee tinner snips cover hand cuts, and the Jet SBR-30M combines a shear, brake, and roll for the shop.
What to Look For
- Gauge rating. Match the tool to the thickest metal you cut. Titles list ratings from 18 gauge up to the 10 gauge Makita JN3201 nibbler.
- Shear or nibbler. Shears leave a clean edge on straight and gentle curves. Nibblers turn tight radii and start cuts in the middle of a sheet.
- Material. Use fiber cement shears for cement siding. They cut without the dust of a saw blade.
- Swivel head. A swivel head lets you follow a line without twisting your wrist or the sheet.
Shop shears and nibblers at The Tool Nut, an authorized dealer since 1994, with free shipping on most orders and rewards points on every purchase.
Shears FAQ
Double cut or single cut shear?
A double cut shear removes a narrow strip, so the sheet does not bind or curl on long cuts in ductwork and panels. A single cut shear leaves no waste strip and turns tighter curves.
When do I need a nibbler?
Choose a nibbler for tight curves, notches, and cuts in corrugated or ribbed panels. It punches small slugs as it goes. Replacement punch and die sets are listed for the Milwaukee M12 FUEL nibbler.