Electric shears for metal - the best assistant for a tinsmith

Manual electric scissors significantly increase productivity and reduce labor intensity, ensure safety, convenience, accuracy and quality of work performed .

What to look for when choosing electric metal shears and which models are the best today, we will look at in this review.

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Design features

In appearance, electric scissors are similar to a regular grinder.
The design of electric scissors includes the following elements:

• Housing with an electric motor inside . It has an elongated shape, thanks to which it fits well in the palm. On models with a heavy, powerful motor, an additional handle is placed on the body for convenience. Regardless of the type and cost of the tool, the body is always made of impact-resistant plastic.
• Multi-stage gearbox . Responsible for transforming the rotational movement of the motor into the reciprocating movement of the cutting head. Made of metal.
• Work node . Contains the knives or die and punch needed to cut metal.
• Metal shield . Protects the operator's hand from contact with the sharp edge of the workpiece.
• Electrical cord for supplying power to the instrument.

The way of working with electric scissors is no different from working with conventional ones. The operator smoothly guides the cutting head along the intended cutting line from the starting point to the ending point. The main rule of work: the speed of hand movement must correspond to the speed of cutting metal.

Expert opinion

Kulikov Vladimir Sergeevich

The accuracy and precision of cutting on any electric scissors depends solely on the experience and skill of the operator.

Appearance, structure

Many types of electric scissors are similar in appearance to an angle grinder. Some fit comfortably in your hand thanks to their narrow oblong body. Many models are equipped with remote handles for ease of use.

The case is made of impact-resistant ABS plastic. The tool also differs from each other in the direct design of the working body, with the help of which metal is processed.

Looking at photos of typical electric shears, you can see that the design of most existing models is similar (it differs only in the type of working unit):

• Engine (inside housing)
• Multi-stage gearbox protected by a metal casing (in the front part);
• Cutting element (sheet, spline, cutting);
• Protective screen in the form of a plate;
• Electrical cable.

A gearbox, consisting of gears, bearings, bushings, converts rotational motion into translational motion, thanks to which the sheet located between the moving and static element of the working unit is processed - cut down, cut.

Advantages of electric metal shears

Power tools provide the tinsmith with several advantages:

• Saving physical effort - no effort is required to cut metal, the process is automated.
• Possibility of cutting thick workpieces (up to 5 mm), as well as composite and polymer materials.
• High labor productivity – up to 3-5 meters per minute.

• Ease of working with profiled sheets - corrugated sheets, metal tiles, as well as ventilation ducts.
• Cut according to a template, radial cut, arbitrary cutting configuration.
• Minimal risk of injury.

Advantages

Compared to hand scissors, electric scissors are better for many reasons:

• The whole process takes place automatically;
• It is easier to accurately cut corrugated, profiled material;
• The quality and accuracy are much higher;
• Ability to work with 3 mm sheet (hand tools - up to one);
• Labor productivity increases several times;
• During processing, the metal sheet is not deformed;
• No skin cuts, more comfortable to use.

Varieties

Based on the principle of the cutting mechanism, the following types of electric scissors are distinguished:

Leafy

The working unit of sheet metal shears is designed by analogy with the working unit of household shears: two knives, one of which is rigidly fixed to a support, and the other has free movement. The product falls into the gap and breaks under the pressure of the upper knife. The size of the gap can be adjusted by adjusting the scissors to work with workpieces of different thicknesses. Ideal for rough cutting of a dimensional product at its location (for example, for dismantling metal structures).

Splined

Just like sheet ones, they have two knives:

The top one is static, U-shaped with two chamfers.

The lower one is movable, fitting into the groove of the upper one.

As the lower knife moves, a strip 3-5 mm wide is extruded from the metal blank. In this case, the cut edge is perfectly smooth, without burrs. Slotted shears are most popular among ventilation workers, who use them for cutting pipes and ducts.

Nibblers

Nibblers are similar in principle to a punching press, which is why they are also often called nibblers.
The main elements of their cutting head are:

• Matrix . A static part in the shape of a circle or square (a circle is used for thin-sheet workpieces up to 3 mm thick, a square for thicker ones).
• Punch . A movable punch made in the shape of a matrix. When the motor starts, the punch performs a back-and-forth motion, cutting out a continuous chain of holes in the workpiece, forming a cut line.

Nibblers are indispensable in car repair, roofing and ventilation work. They are perfect for cutting profile workpieces and making radial cuts.

Purpose

This is an electric metal cutting machine. In industry, a certain type of scissors is used for different operations. With their help you can do:

• cutting sheet profiles in a straight line;
• production of curved blanks, cutting according to a template;
• processing of all-metal and combined pipes;
• cutting boxes for ventilation ducts;
• cutting wire of various diameters, nails, and electrical wires;
• cutting metal mesh for fences, plaster.

Criterias of choice

When purchasing electric scissors, you need to pay attention to many different factors:

1. Power. Varies in the range of 300-650 W. A powerful tool is always better, because... it allows you to make a deeper cut. But it must be taken into account that an increase in the power characteristics of the motor is accompanied by a loss of maneuverability.
2. Knife stroke frequency. The higher this indicator, the more accurate the cut. However, with thick workpieces it is preferable to work at a low speed, so the best option would be a tool with a function for adjusting the speed of the knife.
3. Maximum metal thickness. Varies from 0.3 to 16 mm. When assessing this parameter, you should also take into account what material the scissors are intended for: soft or hard steel, aluminum, composite, etc.
4. Material of cutting elements. Most cutters are made from chrome-molybdenum and chrome-vanadium alloy, but the most durable blades are those made from chrome-nickel or high-carbon steel.
5. Maneuverability. It is inversely proportional to the turning radius of the scissors: the smaller the radius, the higher the maneuverability.
6. Ergonomics. The tool should be comfortable to hold with one hand. However, for processing thick metal, an additional removable handle will not be superfluous.
7. Launch node. The operating mode lock button must be located in an accessible place so that it can be pressed by the finger of the operating hand.
8. Power source: Built-in battery. The best option for working on the roof and in hard-to-reach places. In addition to ease of use, the advantage of such devices is that there is no risk of damage to the cord. The only but significant drawback of such devices is low power (maximum workpiece thickness is 1.5-2.0 mm, recharging is required every 50-70 meters).
9. Mains powered. They allow you to operate with a workpiece on a workbench without thinking about charging and limiting productivity.

The best universal electric scissors

Universal electric scissors will provide high-quality cutting of soft and hard materials.

This tool is lightweight, compact and mobile thanks to its battery power.

Makita CP100DZ

The Makita CP100DZ universal cordless electric shears are a reliable and powerful tool that guarantees high-quality and fast cutting of various sheet materials.

The device provides a speed of movement of the equipment up to 300 strokes per minute.

The device is equipped with self-sharpening knife blades for precise and fast cutting, an ergonomic handle with an anti-slip coating for comfortable holding of the tool when performing various tasks, a protection system against overloads and deep discharge of the battery.

The battery and charger are not included in the package and must be purchased separately.

Specifications:

• power supply - battery;
• speed - 300 strokes per minute;
• maximum cutting thickness - 6 mm;
• battery parameters - Li-Ion, 18 V;
• equipment weight - 0.88 kg.

Advantages

• light weight, compact dimensions;
• compatible with many battery models;
• high quality workmanship;
• good cutting thickness.

Flaws

• poor equipment;
• low speed;
• not a reasonable price tag.

BOSCH 0.601.9B2.904

Universal electric scissors BOSCH 0.601.9B2.904 powered by a battery will ensure fast and high-quality cutting of a variety of materials up to 11 mm thick.

The model is equipped with a productive self-sharpening knife, a protection system against overload, overheating and deep battery discharge.

The device is equipped with a two-position slide control switch, soft body pads, battery charge indicators, and built-in engine ventilation.

A special protective casing is responsible for the safety of the operator.

The device is equipped with two batteries, a charger and a plastic case. Battery charging time is 30 minutes.

Specifications:

• power supply - battery;
• speed - 700 strokes per minute;
• maximum cutting thickness - 11 mm;
• battery parameters - Li-Ion, 10.8 V;
• equipment weight - 1 kg.

Advantages

• light weight;
• high-quality cut;
• decent equipment;
• Large maximum cutting thickness.

Flaws

• high price;
• low maximum speed;
• long battery charging time.

Popular models

Experts identify several models of electric scissors that satisfy the maximum number of selection criteria:

Makita JN1601

Makita JN 1601 nibblers are equipped with a 550 W motor with an operating frequency of up to 2200 rpm. This is quite enough for high-quality cross-cutting of metal tiles or roofing corrugated sheets.

Advantages:

• The cartridge rotates 360*.
• Steel cutting depth up to 1.6 mm.
• Cuts easily and effortlessly.

Flaws:

• Leave a slightly rough cut.

Bosch GSC 75-16

Professional sheet shears with a power of 750 W. Copes with steel and aluminum up to 2 mm thick. Ideal for cutting smooth sheets and low-wave profiled sheets. They cut smoothly, without burrs or chips.

Advantages:

• Relatively light weight - 1.7 kg.
• Quiet sound of the engine.
• Convenient fastener.

Flaws:

• The quality of the cut greatly depends on the setting of the gap between the cutting edges.
• They don't like rusty steel.

Fein BLK 5.0

Professional nibblers from a German manufacturer. The 1200 W motor allows you to easily cut high-strength steel up to 2.5 mm thick and regular steel up to 5 mm thick. Speed ​​– 750 rpm.

Advantages:

• Durable die and punch.
• Extra handle included.
• 5 meter cable.

Flaws:

• Weight – 3.8 kg.
• High price.

Bosch GSC 12V - 13

Bosch cordless sheet metal shears are designed for working with thin sheet steel (0.6-1.3 mm). Weighing 1.4 kg, they have excellent mobility. The brushed motor provides an idle speed of up to 3600 rpm.

Pros:

• Battery overload protection systems.
• System to protect the device from damage when dropped.
• Ease of use.

Minuses:

• They require physical strength and concentration from the operator; with a weak grip they slip out of the hand.

MAKITA DJN161

Makita cordless nibblers allow you to manipulate in hard-to-reach places when installing roofs and facades. The device has an 18 V lithium-ion battery and an electric motor that develops up to 1900 rpm. The maximum cutting depth is 2.5 mm.

Advantages:

• Quiet operation.
• Ergonomic handle.
• Compact sizes.
• Battery charge indicator on the case.

No deficiencies identified.

Makita JN 3200

Nibbler type scissors. Allows cutting steel up to 3.2 mm thick. The 660 W engine produces up to 1300 rpm.

Pros:

• Handle holder located above the main body.
• It is convenient to change the brushes (just unscrew the special nut).
• Perfect straight cut.
• Double insulated power cable.

Minuses:

• It makes a lot of noise when working.
• It is difficult to unfold when making a figured cut.

TITANIUM PPN55-16

The best cheap nibblers. Equipped with a 550 W motor that spins up to 2000 rpm. Capable of processing metal up to 2.5 mm thick.

Pros:

• Affordable price.

Minuses:

• Chinese assembly of low quality.
• Under high loads, the cutter quickly fails.

The best die-cut models

Electric nibblers have unsurpassed maneuverability and functionality.

These are powerful and efficient devices for a wide range of applications.

Rating of the best metal cutting shears in terms of price and quality ratio.

Makita JN1601

Makita JN1601 network electric shears are a professional-level tool and are suitable for performing shaped or straight cuts of metal with a maximum thickness of 2.5 mm.

The model is equipped with a reliable metal gearbox and a powerful electric motor, the performance of which is sufficient to solve problems of any complexity.

The scissors are characterized by a high speed of 2200 movements per minute at idle speed.

The outer minimum cutting radius of the device is 50 mm, the inner one is 45 mm.

The product is equipped with a hex key, punch, matrix with holder.

Specifications:

• power supply - network, 220 V;
• power consumption - 0.55 kW;
• speed - 2200 strokes per minute;
• maximum cutting thickness - 2.5 mm;
• equipment weight - 1.6 kg.

Advantages

• high build quality;
• light weight;
• compactness;
• Suitable for working with metal tiles.

Flaws

• high prices for components;
• small cutting thickness;
• low power.

DIOLD NER-0.65-2.5

Manual cutting electric shears DIOLD NER-0.65-2.5 are an affordable tool designed for straight and shaped cutting of sheet and profile metal in domestic conditions.

The device is equipped with a powerful 650 W motor, the number of strokes of the equipment reaches 2000 movements per minute.

The product is suitable for use at ambient temperatures of -15...+35 degrees.

The overall dimensions of the model are 345×77×166 mm.

The delivery set includes a set of brushes and tools for adjustment and routine maintenance of equipment.

Specifications:

• power supply - network, 220 V;
• power consumption - 0.65 kW;
• speed - 2000 strokes per minute;
• maximum cutting thickness - 2.5 mm;
• equipment weight - 1.8 kg.

Advantages

• affordable price tag;
• compact dimensions;
• relatively light weight;
• good performance.

Flaws

• the tools included are not of the best quality;
• lack of consumables for sale;
• small cutting thickness.

VERN 0.52-P

Manual cutting electric shears VERN 0.52-P are a convenient and effective tool that allows you to perform straight and shaped cutting of material of various thicknesses and shapes.

The cutting element of the product can be rotated 90 degrees; this wear-resistant unit is convenient to change and adjust.

The scissors receive energy from an alternating current network with a voltage of 220 volts and a frequency of 50 Hz.

The unit is made in accordance with protection class II.

Its overall dimensions are 271x160x67 mm. The product allows you to make cuts without deformation, according to markings or templates.

Specifications:

• power supply - network, 220 V;
• power consumption - 0.52 kW;
• speed - 1500 strokes per minute;
• maximum cutting thickness - 2.5 mm;
• equipment weight - 2.1 kg.

Advantages

• high-quality execution;
• Ease of use;
• long power cable;
• affordable price.

Flaws

• low power;
• low speed;
• heavy weight.

Safety precautions

The metal being processed has a thin edge that can easily cause injury. In addition, notching and slotting shears produce sharp shavings during operation, which can get into your eyes.

Therefore, in order to avoid injuries and injuries, when working with electric scissors, you should follow safety precautions:

• Before turning on, check the reliability of fastening of the cutters, inspect the working unit and power cable for cracks.
• Manipulate with protective gloves and goggles.

• During operation, do not touch the gearbox to avoid getting burned.
• It is forbidden to touch a cut of metal with bare hands, especially if it is formed with sheet-type scissors - in this case, the edges of the metal are flattened and become razor-sharp.

Safety precautions are an important aspect when working with electric scissors; do not neglect them under any circumstances!

Design and principle of operation

The slicing mechanism resembles a grinding machine. Electric scissors have an oblong body made of impact-resistant plastic, which fits easily in the operator’s hand. For high-power models, manufacturers additionally install a handle.

The main parts of the device are:

• multi-stage gearbox;
• working tool (blades);
• protective screen;
• electric motor installed in the housing;
• cord for connecting to the power supply.

The housing houses a unit for converting rotational motion from the electric motor to the working tool. The mechanical gearbox will reduce the speed for the metal cutting operation. The working mechanism consists of a stationary and movable part; when installing a sheet between them, it is divided into two parts.

Advice from professionals

Following the recommendations of professionals will help you get a beautiful and even cut:

• The tool must be in a perpendicular position to the workpiece. Deflection of the cutter in any direction will lead to the appearance of nicks and herringbone.
• To speed up the work, the metal sheet can be lubricated with machine oil.
• The gap between the blades of the sheet shears must be adjusted correctly using special screws. The thicker the workpiece, the larger the gap should be.

A high-quality tool does not vibrate. The appearance of vibration may indicate either a breakdown or a discrepancy between the thickness of the workpiece and the capabilities of the machine.

Selection principles

When choosing metal scissors, it is recommended to consider the following parameters:

• food type;
• tool power;
• electric motor speed;
• maximum workpiece thickness;
• rotation angle value;
• protective equipment and additional devices;
• adjusting the gap between the blades.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of electric scissors:

• reduction of metal processing costs;
• the load is placed on the electric motor and gearbox;
• interchangeability of cutting blades;
• cutting line accuracy;
• absence of edge defects;
• reduction of cutting waste;
• injury prevention.

The disadvantages include individual shortcomings, which depend on the requirements for certain operations of cutting metal with a power tool.

Manufacturers and cost

Scissors are produced in Europe and China, as well as Russia. The price of scissors starts from 2,000 rubles and can reach 130,000 rubles. It is recommended to purchase equipment with a warranty.

Care instructions

In order for the scissors to last a long time and not cause trouble during operation, you need to devote time to their maintenance:

1. Make sure that the cutter always remains sharp and replace the blades in a timely manner. This will protect the motor from overloads.
2. Work intermittently. Ideally, for every 10-15 minutes of work there should be 5 minutes of rest.
3. Do not work in damp and dusty conditions, so as not to cause a short circuit or clogging of the ventilation holes on the device body.
4. Clean the cutting unit and ventilation grilles periodically.

What kind of electric scissors do you use?

SheetSlotted

conclusions

Electric scissors can save their owner a lot of effort and time.

Sheet shears are the simplest and most reliable, but limited in functionality.

Nibbler and spline tools are best suited for making radial cuts and working with profile workpieces.

For periodic use at home, a cheap tool like TITAN PPN55-16 will be sufficient.

For professional work with thick metal, the Fein BLK 5.0 nibblers are best suited