Rating of TOP-9 electric metal shears of 2022

Expert: Andrey Nikolaevich Kuznetsov

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Metal shears are actively used on construction sites, when renovating apartments and houses, as well as in various workshops. With their help you can cut in a straight line or cut aluminum, copper, galvanized steel, cermets and other materials. The tool is used for cutting profiles for drywall, trimming metal tiles, and corrugated sheets. Other models are capable of cutting steel bars, nails, and bolts.

To navigate this diversity, we have prepared a rating of the best metal scissors, based on reviews from craftsmen, builders and ordinary users. Our experts contributed to the assessment of goods by examining the characteristics of the instrument. The information provided will help you choose the right scissors for cutting metal of a specific thickness and shape.

How to choose metal scissors

Before studying the rating, we will briefly highlight the main criteria for choosing metal scissors. By understanding these parameters, the buyer will be able to better understand the quality of the product and its suitability for a particular job. Scissors for cutting metal are selected according to the following characteristics:

1. Cutting direction.
   The tool can be right-handed (held in the left hand and cuts straight and to the right), left-handed (cuts straight and left, held with the right hand) and straight (placed in either hand and cuts straight only).
2. Connection point
   . The two halves of the scissors are secured with a bolt or axle with a rivet. The centrally located fixation is convenient for short cuts (5-30 mm), trimming ends, and trimming. A tool with an offset center allows you to make long longitudinal cuts (up to 10-100 cm) without resting against the edges of the iron workpiece.
3. Blade material
   . The cutting edge is made of chrome-molybdenum and chrome-vanadium alloy. The most durable option will be chrome-nickel or high-carbon steel.
4. Cut thickness
   . Must always be indicated on the packaging and indicates the maximum cross-section of steel that they are capable of cutting. The indicator varies from 0.3 to 16 mm. If these recommendations are not followed, the cutting edge will quickly become dull or deformed.
5. Handle type.
   If you have to work only periodically, then a one-component handle that softens the pressure is sufficient. For daily use, it is better to choose two-component handles with an ergonomic grip due to cutouts for the fingers, which will allow you to hold the tool securely even in sweaty hands.
6. Total length
   . Scissors come in lengths from 17.5 to 95 cm. The higher the number, the longer the cut can be made in one press or the more powerful the pressure from the levers. In some processes, long scissors save time or effort, but carrying them on a belt is less convenient.
7. Type of drive
   . Metal shears can be small hand-operated for thin sheet steel or rods. Other models are placed on the table and have an extended drive, allowing you to cut workpieces with a cross-section of up to 1.6 cm. For even greater thicknesses, there are products with a hydraulic drive.

In addition to the parameters described above, scissors are divided by purpose, which is described in detail in the categories of our rating.

What it is

Roller or disk shears are a specialized tool for cutting sheet metal into strips of any length and width. In addition, a curved cut is possible (if the design of the tool and the relief of the sheets allow).

Externally, this is a compact device in the form of double rollers, placed one above the other with a slight axial displacement. The edges of the rollers touch each other, ensuring cutting of the material that falls under the influence of the cutting edges.

Cutting metal (or plastic) occurs when the rollers rotate in different directions. Various forms of drive mechanisms are used, both internal motors and external drive mechanisms.

Most hand-held circular shears are available as attachments for an electric drill or screwdriver.

There are also stationary industrial installations that operate on the same principle. As a rule, they are part of production lines and ensure the execution of certain work operations.

Rating of the best metal scissors

Tool structure

The design resembles an angle grinder in appearance. The body is made of ABS plastic. An engine is installed inside it. The front part is equipped with a multi-stage gearbox, which is protected by a metal casing. Its function is to convert the rotational motion of the spindle into reciprocating motion. Thanks to this, the equipment comes into action.

The working unit consists of a static element and moving parts. When metal is passed between them, its structure is destroyed along the cut line.

The design of electric scissors also includes:

• protective plate-shield;
• handle;
• electrical cable.

Best Shears for Sheet Metal Cutting

Products in this rating category are designed for cutting or trimming sheets of aluminum, galvanized steel or copper plates. Most often, this tool is used by tinsmiths or drywall workers. It is also actively used in the production of ventilation systems and drains.

Hazet 1961R-1

Rating: 4.9

The first place in our rating is occupied by a product from the German brand Hazet. The scissors are made of two metals, where the cutting part is made of high-carbon steel, and the drive is made of a stainless alloy. This design reliably protects the material from corrosion and extends its service life. The product is suitable for making straight and curved cuts. To prevent the hand from slipping off, high stops are provided. To prevent pinching of fingers, there is a stop on the drive.

Our experts rated the product as the best in several areas at once. Due to the thick jaws, the tool is capable of cutting through a section of ordinary metal up to 1.8 mm. It will also be possible to cut out reinforced sheet metal up to 1.2 mm thick. In addition to the power, users in the reviews like the ease of holding due to the thick handles. They evenly distribute the load when pressed. Another advantage of the product is high build quality and long service life. If handled correctly, they will withstand up to 10 years of active use.

Advantages

• compact length 26 cm;
• comfortable grip;
• serve up to 10 years;
• cuts through metal up to 1.8 mm.

Flaws

• there is no lock in the closed position (they can open on the belt and injure the body);
• high price;
• the coating of the handles is not dielectric;
• This model needs to be held in the left hand, which is inconvenient for right-handed people.

Features of metal tiles

This material is presented in large sheets, which are based on galvanized steel. A polymer coating is applied on top of the base, providing effective protection of the product from rust or various other damages.

Important! The polymers used to create the top coating have a low melting point, so it is not allowed to use a grinder or other abrasive tools to cut sheets that destroy the protective layer, which negatively affects the service life and quality of the entire coating.

If you choose a tool incorrectly, this can lead to significant negative consequences:

• if a grinding disc is used that moves at high speed, then the polymer coating will melt at the cut points, so areas of metal unprotected by polymers are formed on the coating;
• if an abrasive tool is used, it operates at high speeds, so at the edges the metal tile sheets are heated to a high temperature, which negatively affects the quality of the steel, and the zinc layer also melts;
• After several years of using the material, after poor-quality cutting of the sheets, the corrosion process begins, leading to the destruction of the structure of the metal tile.

Important! It is allowed to work with metal tiles exclusively using cold cutting methods, so you cannot use a grinder or welding.

The best metal nibblers

Nibblers differ from other types in their ability to cut not a thin line, but a wide strip in one pass. The device cuts material along two lines at once, forming a passage with a width of 1 to 3 mm. In addition, the knives have equipment for breaking chips and removing them, which immediately forms a ready-made hole for installation. Such models from the rating are useful for creating various grooves and cutouts in metal used when installing slopes, ebbs or electrical panels.

KNIPEX KN-9055280

Rating: 4.9

In this rating category, we have identified only one high-quality model from a German manufacturer. The Knipex company has equipped the scissors with double knives that allow you to cut metal with a thickness of 1.2 mm. It will be possible to cut a groove in plastic even with a workpiece thickness of 2 mm. The drive and working part are made of chrome-vanadium alloy, which is not subject to corrosion. On the nose, the manufacturer placed a chipbreaker in the form of a bracket with a protrusion, which ensures a clean cut without additional processing of the edges. The maximum grip width for the model is 2.7 mm. The tool steel was oil-hardened to maintain its edge longer.

Our experts liked the nibblers for their quality and long service life, for which they were included in the rating of the best. With this model, cutting through metal and breaking chips is carried out in one click, which reduces the number of manipulations with the workpiece and does not require further processing. The blades in the model are replaceable, so after their service life is exhausted, you will not have to buy a new tool, but only accessories for it.

Advantages

• trusted manufacturer;
• two-component handle;
• high stops that prevent the hand from slipping;
• built-in chipbreaker.

Flaws

• high price;
• you need to practice a lot on rough blanks to master the work;
• low performance.

What methods can be used to cut metal tiles?

For this material you can use different tools:

• a hacksaw for metal products, which is affordable, but working with it requires a special workbench, and even cuts can only be achieved with straight cutting;

• shears for metal tiles are considered the ideal solution, and they can be perforated, die-cut or electric, and working with these tools is simple, the process does not take much time, and smooth and high-quality cuts are obtained;
  Read also:  Miter saw with broach: purpose and application
• an electric circular saw easily copes with sheets of metal tiles without damaging their protective layer, but you need to choose a saw equipped with a disk made of hard alloy with teeth curved back, but the cuts can be torn and uneven;

• an electric jigsaw that allows you to get beautiful and shaped cutting, but you will have to spend a lot of time on this work.

Important! The most commonly chosen scissors are for cutting metal tiles, which easily cut metal, provide good quality results and high speed of the process.

Best lever shears

Lever metal shears have a rigid and movable blade. The latter is driven by a long lever that transmits pressure through a gear mechanism. Due to this design, small operator pressure is converted into enormous force. A tool from this rating category can cut sheet iron, rods, squares, corners and strips of metal. But due to their large weight and dimensions, they are only suitable for stationary placement in workshops and factories.

Purpose

In a home workshop, hand-held roller shears are used to cut thin steel sheets, galvanized sheets, and corrugated sheets. Depending on the design, the device allows you to quickly cut strips with smooth edges and cut out shaped parts with smooth contour lines.

In production, roller shears are used for additional processing of edged parts, cutting corrugated sheets during roofing work, and cutting other types of materials. The compact device does not require a special place for operation. Metal roofing material is cut according to markings in any position.

The best hydraulic shears

Hydraulic shears are equipped with a rod inside that is driven by oil pressure. A blade is attached to the end of the piston. The response side is stationary. The working part is made in the form of a C-shape or with long parallel knives. The operator pumps up the pressure manually by operating the handles.

KVT BRG-12

Rating: 4.9

A tool in this category is specific and is useful only under certain conditions, so we have singled out only one model from a Russian manufacturer in the ranking of the best. Hydraulic shears produce a force of 5 tons, so they can easily cut rebar, square or rod with a diameter of 12 mm. To do this, they have an inflating handle and a cylinder with a piston. The entire body is metal (except for the second handle), which reduces the likelihood of damage if dropped. To quickly relieve pressure, there is a valve with labeled arrows. It is convenient to transport the scissors from site to site in the plastic case included in the kit.

The experts in the reviews like that the product is not subject to mandatory certification according to technical regulations (an official letter from the manufacturer on the sellers’ website), so its use is not limited in any way at facilities subject to state control. And our experts liked the product because it is easy to cut reinforcement with a cross-section of up to 12 mm, which is practical when tying armored belts during construction work. This will not require stringing power lines to the top of the building, and hydraulics will protect your hands from overwork.

Advantages

• valve for quick pressure release;
• durable body;
• cutting force 5 tons;
• practical transport case.

Flaws

• uncomfortable handle;
• the work proceeds slowly (pressure needs to be pumped up);
• The hand gets tired faster from the weight of 2.3 kg.

Questions and answers

It is normal for questions to arise at the initial stage of getting to know a new tool. At the same time, different people often have the same questions that should be answered immediately.

Let's consider a few of the most common points that will help remove misunderstandings when choosing or using roller scissors:

What to choose, mechanical or electric? What to choose, mechanical or electric driven tools? driven tools?

The hand tool does not require power supply. This allows you to use it in the field without saving battery power. However, using hand tools requires muscular effort, and the quality of cutting is directly related to the physical condition of the worker. The electric drive eliminates these problems and allows you to focus on cutting accuracy, but requires a power supply.

What size rollers do you prefer?

The larger the diameter of the rollers, the easier and cleaner the metal is cut. Therefore, you should choose a tool with a maximum diameter of cutting edges. This choice will increase the operating time without the need for sharpening, reduce the load on the electric drive, and improve the quality of the cut.

Which is better, a hand tool or a stationary machine?

Manual roller shears are mobile and can be used in the field, on a construction site or at any other site. However, a stationary machine has greater productivity and adjustment accuracy. Therefore, it is impossible to say unequivocally which design option is better. Here they choose based on working conditions and quality requirements.

What is the durability of roller shears?

Most manufacturers make cutting edges from hard tool steel. A resource of 25 km for a straight cut with a metal thickness of 0.5 mm is considered the norm. Based on this indicator, you can approximately calculate the durability of the tool for a certain type of material. At the same time, it is necessary to take into account possible additional loads - a curved cut with a complex configuration, heterogeneity and variety of materials.

If you plan to cut curved parts with small radii, which tools are best to choose?

In this case, the best option would be a tool with small diameter rollers. They turn easier at small radii and are not too resistant to changing the direction of the cut. There are few such devices on sale, so it will not be easy to find a tool for this task.

The best rebar shears (bolt cutters)

Rebar shears are designed for cutting bolts, rods and reinforcement due to large levers that convert forces from manual squeezing by the operator. The longer the lever, the more powerful the pressure.

KNIPEX KN-7182950

Rating: 4.8

In first place in this rating category is a product from the German company Knipex. The bolt cutter comes in a red color that is easily distinguishable among building materials, so it is easy to find on site. Experts in reviews praise it for its thick handles, which soften the pressure from the levers during operation. The metal part is made of chrome-vanadium alloy and has a rod thickness of 11 mm. The material was additionally oil-hardened to increase strength. The hardness of the cutter is 62 HRC, which not all competitors demonstrate. The cutting part can be set according to the opening width in 12 different positions, which increases productivity during the same type of manipulation.

Our experts included the model in the rating due to the special shape of the headband. Unlike other metal scissors, these cutting jaws are designed for lateral insertion of the part. This makes it easier to use in narrow places, since the master needs to position them not perpendicular to the plane, but parallel. This option is great for working with rolled meshes.

Advantages

• powerful handles, diameter 11 mm;
• flat design of jaws and hinge;
• the metal body is powder coated;
• thick two-component handles.

Flaws

• high price;
• inconvenient to carry around the construction site due to its size;
• weight 4.11 kg tires your hands faster;
• The coating of the handles allows electric current to pass through.

STAYER 2330-090 900 mm

Rating: 4.7

In second place in the ranking are products from the Stayer brand, owned by the German corporation Kraftool. The tool is capable of cutting through non-hardened steel (HRC 20) with a cross-section of up to 1.6 cm in one click. In the case of hardened rods (with a strength of HRC 30), the scissors will cut through a cross-section of up to 1.1 cm. To ensure such strength of the blades, the tool steel was hardened with high-frequency currents. Great force is possible due to the long arms of 90 cm.

We highlighted this model in the rating as the most powerful and suitable for harsh construction conditions. The bolt cutter will cope with thick reinforcement without damaging the jaws. Craftsmen, judging by the reviews, like their reinforced connector, which extends the life of the product despite regular loads. The headband is phosphated, so you can use it in the rain or in damp weather without fear of ruining the expensive device.

Advantages

• there are holes in the handles for tying the lace;
• stop-limiter so as not to crush your fingers;
• adjustment of the degree of closure of the jaws;
• additional coating against corrosion.

Flaws

• weight 5 kg;
• large dimensions;
• high price;
• a perpendicular approach to the part is required (enough space is required).

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of roller shears include:

• high efficiency, ease of cutting sheet metal and plastic;
• the tool provides a fast and clean cut without burrs or notches;
• work safety;
• small size, light weight;
• ease of setup and operation;
• can cut steel and non-ferrous metals;
• it is possible to choose the appropriate model.

Disadvantages of roller shears:

• the thickness of the sheets is limited, and as the thickness increases, productivity sharply decreases;
• scissors with one cutting element can only perform straight cuts;
• when performing figured cutting, you cannot make contours with a small radius of curvature;
• if processing is done along the internal contour, you have to make a starting hole for insertion.

Despite some disadvantages, roller shears are highly valued by specialists and home craftsmen. The cleanliness of the cut, ease of operation and precision of work far exceed the quality of alternative tools. At the same time, the worker does not have to exert physical effort, which ensures stable quality and high productivity.