Sheet metal snips are used to cut sheet metal.
Sheet metal snips are a type of tool used to cut sheet metal, such as aluminum, steel, bronze, brass, and copper. Despite the name, sheet metal snips are also a popular device for cutting or shaping plastic sheeting. Unlike traditional blades or cutting devices, sheet metal snips have relatively square edges. Regular sharp-edged blades are generally not strong enough to cut through sheet metal, so scissors have square-edged blades for added strength and durability.
There are many different types of shears available for cutting sheet metal, from small hand-held units to large floor-mounted models. Manual sheet metal shears can be pneumatic or electric to provide extra force and power to cut thicker or stronger metals. Other hand-operated units resemble large paper cutters and use a guillotine-type blade to cut through thin sheets of metal. Small sets of manual tin cutters are also sometimes used for simple sheet metal cutting jobs.
For larger projects, floor or bench mounted units are available. They can be operated by foot pedal or control panel, and can be electric or pneumatic. Most large floor-mounted sheet metal shears feature a programmable cutting mechanism, which can use a blade or a laser to cut through the metal. Lasers use heat to melt metal, resulting in clean, smooth cuts. Operators activate the machine through a computerized panel, which enables precision cutting and shaping.
Sheet metal snips can be throated or throatless. A throat snips can only accommodate a specific range of sizes, while non-throat units can accommodate any size item. The difference between these two models is in the design of the machine and also in the way the metal passes through the cutting mechanism. Some units are designed to cut straight lines only, while others can make angled or curved cuts. Most types of snips are rated for a specific thickness or gauge of metal, and only the strongest and most durable units can be used for heavy-duty projects.
These tools are used in a wide variety of industries, both in factories and in the field. They can be used to cut automotive and aircraft parts, building materials, or components used in manufacturing and industry. Many builders use some form of sheet metal shears in the field to cut metal panels for roofing, siding, or HVAC ductwork. Sheet metal snips can also be used to punch, score, or forge a series of holes or patterns in sheet metal, rather than cutting it.