Cutting sheet metal

[Jim Nilsen]

A few different companies make a shear that mounts in an electric drill.




Never tried one, but the theory sounds good; and I've heard good reports about them if you're cutting 18ga or lighter.

I prefer the kind that uses a "double shear" blade. It typically makes a cleaner cut, but it will produce strips of scrap, and you have to remember which side of your line to cut on!

When using either type of shear like this it is best to cut the piece close to the line within 1/4' or so and then go back and make a final cut. This helps when you are at a curve to relieve the stress that folds over the edge a bit while the other side/scrap side is fighting to stay level with the other side. It also makes a fair amount of difference on straight lines too.