The best shear
Shears – Buying Guide, Opinions and Analysis
If you usually work with metals, it is necessary that you have your complete tools, including cutting tools such as shears. For this reason, we have selected some good quality models to make it easier for you to search for them online. The Kraftmann 1908 shear comes in different sizes so you can choose one based on the diameter of the metal you want to cut. In addition, it has ergonomic handles for a better grip. On the other hand, there is the CGoldenwall YM 124C that has a robust plastic body and a force of 60 KN that will allow it to cut cables up to 6.5 centimeters thick very easily. Additionally, its C-shaped swivel head gives you many possibilities to maneuver to work more comfortably.
The 8 Best Shears – Opinions 2022
Now, we will present you different types of shears, where we will detail their most outstanding characteristics, as well as their disadvantages, which will allow you to select a model that meets your expectations.
manual shear
1. Kraftmann 1908 Cutting Shears with Hardened Jaws
This manual shear has been made with CR-V steel, which is an alloy of chrome and vanadium. For this reason, it offers high load tolerance, corrosion resistance, and high hardness to easily cut ferrous metals. In this sense, it is useful for cutting bolts, chains, wires and most padlocks.
It has a solid construction, which allows to make a very robust first grade lever. In this way, it manages to keep the structure intact when cutting very hard materials. In addition, marks do not appear on the blades easily as with other models.
As for the design, it has a size of 30 cm and can cut pieces with a diameter of up to 4 mm. However, it is also available in a 60 cm version to cut 8 mm and a larger 76 cm version that supports up to 10 mm thickness.
To acquire the best shear, it is important to carefully review the fundamental characteristics of each model. For this reason, we present you the pros and cons of this product.
Pros
Blades: It has chrome vanadium steel alloy blades, so it offers enough hardness, resistance and durability.
Versatility: It is used to cut different pieces made of ferrous metals, such as chains, bolts, padlocks, among others.
Handles: It incorporates ergonomic and non-slip handles that allow a good grip for a more comfortable use.
Cons
Lever: The lever mechanism to open and close the blades may be a bit hard at first. However, it softens with constant use.
2. Optimum PS 300 Hand Shear
If what you want is to acquire one of the best shears of 2022, you must take into account the cutting characteristics, as well as the stability and robustness of the tool. Here we detail what the Optimum PS 300 model can offer you.
This is a manual metal shear that will allow you to do your blacksmithing work very easily, since it has a comfortable size so that you can handle it comfortably. Additionally, this tool stands out for being able to cut different thicknesses of metal, so you won’t have to make much effort to get clean results.
On the other hand, it has a compact structure with holes in its base so that you can fix it on a surface and thus prevent the shear from moving. In addition, it has a powerful spring that will prevent the cutting system from closing alone; being a very useful aspect to avoid accidentally cutting.
Shears are products that should not be missing in the garage or in the toolbox of blacksmiths. Here we mention the highlights of the PS 300 model.
Pros
Design: Its compact design and high lever will allow you to make cuts without any effort.
Stability: It has holes in the lower part so that you can fix it on the surface of any structure and avoid movements.
Cut: It is capable of providing clean and precise cuts without you having to exert much force.
Cons
Handle: Its handle does not have rubber to keep your hands protected.
Protection: It does not have protection against rust or corrosion.
hydraulic shear
3. CGoldenwall YM 124C Electric Hydraulic Cable Shear
As for hydraulic shears, these are mostly used to make cuts in wires and thicker metal parts. Therefore, if among the products on the list you still do not know which is the best shear, we invite you to consider this CGoldenwall model.
Presented with a cutting force of 60 KN, this hydraulic shear is capable of cutting wires, copper, aluminum or armored cables that have a thickness of 6.5 centimeters. In addition, it has an open type C head which is capable of rotating 360 degrees so that you can adapt the shear to the work you are going to do.
On the other hand, it has a lithium battery, light and LED screen, so you can see the area even if there is little lighting. Additionally, it has an ergonomic handle and a trigger that is at finger height so you can work more comfortably.
In order for you to know which would be the best shears for you, you must know its details in depth. Here we mention the most characteristic of the CGoldenwall YM 124C.
Pros
Strength: It has a force of 60 KN, so it is enough to make good cuts.
Visualization: It has LED light so you can visualize the work you are going to do even if there is low lighting.
Head: Its rotating head will provide you with good levels of grip and versatility to reach narrow spaces.
Cons
Price: Compared to other models of shears present in the comparison, this one has one of the highest prices.
Casing: The lower casing that protects the motor is made of plastic, making it highly susceptible to impacts.
electric shear
4. Bosch Professional GSC 75 16 Electric Metal Shear
If you are looking for an electric shear that you can use to cut almost any metal structure, we recommend that you evaluate the good features offered by this Bosch product.
With a 750W motor, this shear is capable of providing you with precise cuts on different pieces of metal. In addition, you can also make curves, so it is a tool that cannot be missing to do your work at home in a professional way.
On the other hand, it has 5200 cpm, which will allow you to easily penetrate metals that are up to 1.6 mm thick. Additionally, it has a compact design of only 38.9 x 15.9 x 8.8 centimeters, so you will be able to easily manipulate the equipment with one hand. Also, on the sides it has air vents that will help prevent it from heating up so that it is not damaged.
Bosch has a long history of producing products with good quality standards, which is why it could be the best brand of shears in this comparison. Here we detail the most important aspects of one of its most outstanding models.
Pros
Design: Its compact size will allow you to handle it very comfortably.
Cut: You can easily cut steel structures thanks to its 750 W motor.
Protection: It has vents that will help circulate the air and thus the equipment does not overheat.
Cons
Noise: Since its acoustic power is 98 dB, you will have to use ear protectors.
Weight: It weighs 1.7 kilograms, so it could tire your hand if you use it for long periods.
lever shear
5. Dahle 00533-21247 Lever Shear
If what you need is a lever shear to cut paper and cardboard, then you may be interested in this machine, which is capable of making an exact cut of 15 sheets of 70 g/m². In this sense, it is useful for the home, but it also works in small offices. In addition, it does not cost too much money, which is why many users consider it to be the best value for money shears.
It incorporates a very resistant metal table, but with rounded edges for greater safety. Similarly, it has non-slip feet made of rubber, to increase stability and provide a clean cut.
Although it is robust, it is also compact, since the support table measures only 45 x 28.5 cm. However, it offers a maximum cutting length of 34 cm, so it is compatible with blades of different sizes. As if that were not enough, it includes formatting lines on the surface that serve as guides.
Cutting paper can be easy if you have a handy and efficient guillotine. Let’s review in more detail the most relevant features of this model.
Pros
Pressing: It comes with a manual pressing system and incorporates finger protection in order to avoid accidents.
Blades: Includes an upper and a lower ground blade that work in alignment for a precise cut.
Resistance: It has a robust construction, since it is made of impact-resistant metal.
Cons
Metal: This shear is not suitable for cutting metal sheets, which reduces its versatility.
pneumatic shear
6. Silverline 793750 Pneumatic Sheet Metal Shear
Being one of the cheapest products in this comparison, the 793750 model has attractive advantages that we think might be of interest to you.
On this occasion, Silverline presents its pneumatic shear model that is specially designed to cut plastic and metal structures that have a thickness of 2.5 centimeters. In addition, you can handle it very easily thanks to its ergonomic handle, easy access trigger and its compact size of 23 x 5 x 16 centimeters.
On the other hand, this Silverline shear works at a speed of 25,000 rpm and consumes 140 liters of air per minute, making it a very powerful and practical tool for making clean and precise cuts.
Also, it should be noted that the blades are made of treated metal and it is hard enough to prevent them from bending when you are doing your blacksmithing work.
If you want to make fast, clean and precise cuts in metal or plastic, but you don’t know which shear model to choose, this product presented by Silverline has striking advantages that could be of special interest to you.
Pros
Speed: Work at high levels of speed so you can finish in less time.
Blades: Its steel blades will allow you to make cuts in plastic and metal.
Design: It has a compact and ergonomic design, so you can work comfortably with just one hand.
Cons
Compressor: You will need a minimum 50 liter compressor to cut effectively.
Protection: It does not have any protection system against rust and corrosion.
small shears
7. Workpro Bolt Cutter 8″ CR MO
This shear is made from Chrome Alloy Steel (CR-MO), a material that is heat-treated for strength and durability. For this reason, you can use it to cut iron and copper wires, steel rings, among other very hard metals. In this way, it is a useful tool to carry out different projects at home.
It incorporates a classic lever mechanism with aligned blades to cut with precision and power, but with minimal effort on the part of the user. It also has ergonomic handles made of PP+TPR rubber, which offer a more comfortable grip. In addition, they have a non-slip texture for added safety.
The blades offer a maximum opening of 6mm for a cutting capacity of 2.3mm. Design-wise, though, it’s a small shear that’s just 21cm long, so it’s easy to move around.
If you still don’t know which shears to buy, we invite you to analyze some of the most important features of this tool before deciding, since it offers great quality and is one of the cheapest.
Pros
Material: It is made mainly of chrome steel alloy, which has been treated at high temperatures to improve hardness and resistance.
Ergonomics: It is comfortable and safe, thanks to its ergonomic and non-slip handles made of PP+TPR.
Opening: The blades can be opened a maximum of 6 mm for greater practicality.
Cons
Capacity: Due to its compact size, this shear does not have enough capacity to cut thick bolts.
mechanical shear
8. Estink Electric Cable Shear Steel Bolt Cutter
If you are looking for a shear to cut different metal objects very easily without breaking, you have to consider its manufacturing materials. Therefore, we invite you to evaluate the characteristics of this Estink model.
Forged in carbon steel and treated with high levels of temperature to increase its rigidity, this mechanical shear is capable of cutting bolts, chains and metal structures with ease. In addition, it has an ergonomic wear-resistant rubber handle that will provide comfort, as well as rigidity to hold it, since it has a non-slip structure that will help you avoid accidents.
Additionally, this model has rivets that reinforce the structure of the shears, which gives it a longer useful life. On the other hand, it has dimensions of 88 x 16.5 x 10 centimeters so that you can easily access narrow spaces.
If you are interested in acquiring a robust and sharp shear that can cut almost any metal structure, we invite you to evaluate what this Estink product offers.
Pros
Rigidity: It is forged from carbon steel with heat treatment, which gives it good levels of robustness.
Cut: Its blades are made of T8 steel, which allows you to make clean and precise cuts.
Safety: Its ergonomic non-slip rubber handle will prevent it from slipping from your hands.
Cons
Rust: Although it is heat treated and powder coated, it is made of carbon steel, so there is a chance of rust.
Paint: The electric blue color of the paint can be easily scratched with any friction, which would cause poor aesthetics.
Shopping guide
In the following space you will find a guide to buying the best shears, where we will highlight the most relevant features to help you choose a product that is capable of meeting your expectations.
Materials
The first characteristic that we will evaluate in this comparison of shears are the manufacturing materials, since, depending on them, you will be able to select a robust and resistant model.
There are endless models of shears on the market, which are made of different types of materials, but each one has a specific purpose. From those specially designed to cut plastic to conventional bolts. However, the stiffness of the shear is based on the materials with which it is forged, since there are some models that are made of steel and various alloys and that will be what will help you decide on a specific model.
The shears that have carbon steel are usually lighter, although the resistance and robustness are greater, but they are more likely to rust more easily. Therefore, if they do not have protective layers against corrosive agents, they could be affected and shorten their useful life.
As for those that are forged with steel and heat treated, they are more robust and durable than those made of carbon alloy, but they also do not have a treatment that protects them from corrosion.
On the other hand, the models that are made of stainless steel are, as their name indicates, more resistant to oxidizing agents, but they are weaker than the others. Therefore, if what you want is to acquire a good shear, we advise you to select one that is forged in carbon steel or those that are heat treated, since the robustness will be greater. However, you must keep it away from humid environments to prevent it from rusting, as well as providing it with some protector on your own to prevent corrosive agents from affecting it.
types of shears
Before you worry about how much a shear costs, you should keep in mind that there are shears that are designed to make cuts in less dense structures. Therefore, we invite you to consider both the cutting power and the type of shear, since this way you will be able to select one for the job you plan to do.
Shears are designed to cut metal, but there are models that were specially designed to work with plastic, as well as others that can make cuts in both materials without any problem. The latter are more versatile, since the possibilities to do your work will be greater.
On the other hand, when you go to select a shear designed to cut metals, you should keep in mind that there are models that can only cut in straight lines. However, there are shears that are capable of making curves in plastic or metal structures, which will allow you to do your work with more flexibility and versatility. Thus opening an almost infinite field of work to enjoy clean cuts with almost professional finishes.
Additionally, it should also be mentioned that there are some models that work with electricity, gas or a pneumatic system, but you must select a model that meets your cutting expectations, since there are shears that are designed to cut thin cables and others for structures. of greater thickness.
Size
When it comes to choosing a shear that is versatile, you have to consider its dimensions, as there are various sizes of shears and each of them has a specific use. Therefore, in order for you to find the ideal one for you, you must evaluate from weight to size.
When it comes to selecting a shear for home work, those that have a compact size are the most indicated, since you can take them with you anywhere, as well as store them in your toolbox without much trouble.
Ergonomics
To select a good and economical shear, you must take into account several aspects such as materials, size, cutting thickness, as well as comfort. Therefore, another feature that you should take into account is whether the handle is ergonomic enough to protect your hands from the lever force you exert.
Not only should you select a model to have good cuts, but it also has to have a good handle to fit the contours of your hands, as this way you will be able to enjoy greater comfort and also be able to hold the shears firmly without slipping. slip out of your hands.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: How to use a shear?
First you have to protect your hands, so you should put on gloves even if the shears have a rubber handle, since these will greatly reduce friction and avoid hurting yourself. Now, if you’re going to cut a chain, you have to hold the shears, gently expand it and close it firmly.
On the other hand, if it is a shear for weaker structures, you should keep in mind that you have to hold what you are going to cut, since these can move more easily when the blades begin to do their job.
In addition, we also recommend that you use a marker to mark the places to cut and thus avoid removing more than necessary, as well as prevent an accident from occurring.
Q2: What is the best scrap shear?
In order for you to determine which is the best scrapbooking shear, you have to consider several aspects, including the hardness of the blade, non-slip feet, if it is light, it has a good size to be able to move it and the thickness that it is capable of cutting. Taking into account all the aspects mentioned above, you will be able to select an ideal shear for your work.
Q3: What is the roller shear used for?
Roller shears are specially designed to make cuts in paper regardless of whether they are small or large, the blade is sharp enough to penetrate the paper and give clean and almost perfect results. However, for you to be able to do this in the best possible way, you have to practice many times with recycled paper, since this way you will avoid having margins of errors that could damage the page.
Q4: How to sharpen the blades of a shear?
To do this, the first thing you should do is disassemble the shears and remove the blade. Next, you’ll need a whetstone, a cloth, and water. First, you must clean the blade with plenty of water and proceed to dry it. Then, place the stone on the cloth and rub the blade according to the angle of the cut. Do the same sharpening procedure with the back side and reassemble the shear.
Q5: Which is better, shear or guillotine?
In order for you to determine which is better between a shear and a guillotine, you have several factors that you should consider. First of all, shears are designed to work on robust structures such as metal or plastic, so if these are your most frequent work options, you have to know that shears are capable of making clean and precise cuts. That is, they can easily penetrate the structure of a chain, bolt or any object.
On the other hand, there are the guillotines, these are designed to work on paper or cardboard, so they are a fundamental tool in offices and stationery stores. Therefore, so that you know which one is best for you, we invite you to select the one that fits your work environment.
Q6: How to cut a padlock with a shear?
First of all, you should make sure you are equipped with the safety tools to protect your hands and eyes, so goggles and gloves don’t hurt.
If the padlock is loose or put on a chain because you have lost the key and you want to remove it to save yourself the trouble of going to a locksmith, we invite you to do the following:
Hold the shears with both hands and expand it to its maximum expression so that you can then proceed to place the blades on the stem or closing ring. Next step, close the handle of the shears little by little so that its tips hold what you are going to cut from the padlock and, firmly and in a single movement, finish closing so that the process has a clean finish and you do not have to make any more effort. than expected.
Q7: How to make a manual shear?
Manual shears are made with complex blacksmithing procedures in terms of cuts and welding, as well as physics, since they must have exact measurements to be able to perform the leverage effect and thus be able to do their job without breaking. Therefore, the material to be used has to be hardened steel and treated with special ovens to provide it with good levels of rigidity and prevent it from bending easily.
Therefore, although it is not impossible, it is a very complex process that is not recommended if you do not have the necessary knowledge mentioned above, since it is a dangerous method and could threaten your physical integrity, so we recommend that you acquire a shear in the market so that you avoid any accident, as well as the expense of investing in other expensive tools and materials.
