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If you’re a DIY enthusiast, you’ve probably needed to cut metal at some point and considered using a pair of regular scissors instead of tin snips. If you’re still deliberating, this article on how to cut metal with scissors might help put things into perspective.
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How To Cut Metal With Scissors
Unfortunately, regular scissors are not up to the task of cutting metal or even cutting round holes in a sheet metal. While they can cut foil, they are ill-suited to anything thicker.
Sheet metal shears are oversized scissors specially designed for cutting gutters and downspouts, thin sheeting, and similar items made of stainless steel, copper, tin, and aluminum pipe (soft metals).
Although they require a bit more effort than when cutting through the fabric, the method is similar, thanks to the sharp blade edge and the softness of the metal.
Step One: Selecting The Correct Scissors For The Job
Preparation is essential! While to the idle on-looker, all tin snips like you use in cutting metal roofing look the same; you’ll be surprised to hear that there are several types of snips, each designed to fulfill a specific function.
Your first choice is between tin snips (one pivot point) and aviation snips (two pivot points), among others. The best pair of snips depends on the type of metal and what patterns/shapes you’re cutting.
The different tin snips include:
- Straight-cutting shears: as the name implies, these snips are great for cutting copper sheets and metal in a straight line. They are often identifiable by their yellow handles.
- Left/right-cutting shears: these are classified as “offset tin snips” and are ideal for cutting in a clockwise (with a green handle) or counter-clockwise (red handle) direction.
- Vertical/right-angled cutting shears: reminiscent of a bird’s head, these shears have perpendicular blades (at 90°) to the handle. They are ideal for cutting in awkward spaces. They also come in a left and right design.
| Tin Snips Types | Ideal Application |
|---|---|
| Straight-cutting shears | Cutting metal and copper sheets in straight lines |
| Left/right-cutting shears | Cutting clockwise or counter-clockwise |
| Vertical/right-angled cutting shears | Cutting in awkward spaces |
Selecting the correct shear type is important to avoid frustrations during the process. Equally important is knowing if you’ll require a left and right cutting shear to complete the job.
You must also factor in how thick the metal you’re cutting is. Most snips can cut steel between 18 and 26 gauge (roughly ⅙” thick), while some are only suited to higher gauge metal.
Step Two: Measure And Mark Where You Need To Cut On The Metal
Once you’ve selected the snips you’ll use for the job, you must prepare the metal for cutting. It is essential to make accurate measurements before cutting to avoid waste and cutting off too much.
Using a marker pen or pencil, measure and mark off the metal. Alternatively, use a utility knife or other hard and sharp metal object to scribe the metal. Whatever you use, ensure that the markings are (clearly) visible.
When drawing the lines, use a ruler, T-square, or other straight-edged tool to work accurately.
Step Three: Cutting The Metal With The Appropriate Shears
Once you’ve drawn the lines, you’re ready to start cutting. If you’re new to using metal shears, it’s wise to practice on a scrap piece of metal to get a general feeling and idea of how to use this tool.
Once you know what you’re doing, move to the actual metal. If you’re cutting from an existing hole or trimming off close to the edge of the metal, cut from the end down to the line and follow it.
Start at one side and cut through if you’re cutting a metal sheet.
As you cut along the line, you’ll find that part of the metal pushes upwards on one side. Bend this up and out of the way as you cut to avoid injuries.
Patience is essential, and slow, steady cuts produce neater results.
Follow the line around when cutting a tube (like a downpipe).
Alternatively: Cutting From A Hole/In The Middle Of The Metal
While roofing sheets are easy, cutting through a downpipe in the middle of the pipe is often more challenging.
Start by marking two parallel lines around the metal (with enough space between the lines to accommodate the snips).
Next, make an incision on both lines a few inches apart (using a drill is often the easiest). Insert the appropriate shears in the correct hole and cut a few inches toward the second hole on the opposite line.
Switch to the other line and cut back toward the first hole. This action removes the middle metal between the two lines and makes cutting easier without the metal bending at awkward angles.
Once you have a gap, cut in the same direction with both pairs of snips, alternating every few cuts and bending the metal in between up and over (out of the way). Continue cutting around the object.
Try to hold the shears at a slight angle (not upright), allowing the blade to cut while bending less of the metal.
Step Four: Neatening The Edges And Removing Sharp Slivers
Using snips to cut metal (much like any other DIY activity) is an art that improves with practice.
You may end up with untidy metal with several burs during your first few cuts.
Using a file, grinder (with a flapper disc), or sanding paper, smooth the rough edges until you’re satisfied with the outcome.
Cutting Metal With A Regular Pair Of Scissors
Suppose you need to cut sheet metal but don’t have tin/aviation snips (and your budget doesn’t allow purchasing any). In that case, you can use a regular pair of scissors, provided that the metal you’re cutting is thin enough (high gauged) and a soft (malleable) material like aluminum (foil).
A large, strong pair of scissors can cut through roughly 1/64” metal. While you won’t replace roofing sheets, you will manage to cut through craft materials.
Follow the same process as when using a pair of tin/aviation snips. Start by marking out where you want to cut, position the blade of your scissors carefully at the point and start cutting.
Cut slowly and carefully. If your scissors do not cut through the material, you must not try and force it. The force will break the scissors and potentially injure you (either the blade or the metal you’re cutting).
Hardened steel kitchen scissors are your best bet; however, we strongly advise investing in a pair of tin or aviation snips for any metal cutting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Tin Snips To Cut Wire?
Although not designed for cutting wire, sheet metal shears can cut thinner gauged, soft wire (like wire mesh); however, you might blunt or break the blades. These shears are best reserved for softer metal sheets that are ductile.
What Are The Safety Requirements For Using Tin Snips?
The first step to using tin and aviation snips safely is to use the correct protective equipment. Good gloves, safety goggles, and appropriate clothing are quintessential to protect yourself from sharp edges and metal splinters that may become dislodged.
Do I Need To Sharpen Tin Snips?
These scissors become blunt during use, so you’ll need to sharpen older pairs occasionally. A sharp pair of snips is essential for efficient and effective working. A blunt pair of snips is a health and safety risk as they are more prone to slipping on the metal while cutting.
How Do I Sharpen Metal Cutting Scissors?
There are several ways to sharpen tin and aviation snips, including a grindstone (fixed or on an angle grinder), a grinder with a flapper disc, or a hand file. Open the snips wide (you must remove the front bolt of aviation snips) and pass the tool along the edge several times.
Conclusion
While regular scissors are not practical for cutting metal, tin, and aviation snips are. They make short work of soft metal sheets thanks to their strong, hard blades. Various snips suit different needs, so you’ll need to plan what you want to achieve, as some are better for cutting straight, while others cut left or right.
