[awert]

I thought i would ask here instead of blindly picking a shears. I see basically 3 types of shears out there, the scissors type (hate the things) the curling up type (????) or the nibbler type. any others ???? The type that cut a 1/8" kerf that exits out the top of the blades, looks to be a good choice, I would like some pro/con advice. I will be looking at electric, 16 or 18 ga max. is fine.I always do a search but i ALWAYS get lots of article that have nothing to do with the subject.

[35WINDOW]

Here is (in my opinion) the best Shear out there-it's the Kett KD-200

http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/S...htm?E+coastest

I also like these(for tighter cuts):

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=92148

as far as Pros/Cons, the Ketts are better for long cuts and don't like to "turn"-the others are a little harder to control, but will turn on a dime, and have lasted a long time-

[malc]

These are the best type, the metal curls away nicely without getting hung up in the blades.
These were old when they came into my possesion in 1970.
The difference in the two is one curls the metal away to the left the other to the right.
Some call them left or right handers but they´re not.



Ooh ! did´nt realise we were talking ´lectric.

[OneMoreTime]

I had to have both types..The nibbler for tight turns and such and the Kett style for those long straight cuts..One does not replace the other..I also have the hand scissors (aviation snips) that I use for some things..

Sam

[awert]

Yea, that weird looking HF one, I was wondering about that one. which of the two are good at cutting up a sharp valley or ridge.

[LCAAR]

if you're really gonna do a lot of metalwork you will need both. In addition I would buy a right and a left compound action tin snip. Prosnips is my personal favorite. While your at it I'd buy a beverly shear and perhaps a 4 foot foot shear!! LOL I'm kidding about the last couple items, although I wouldn't be without them either.

Mark

[SPORTINWOOD56]

I would go with the Kett brand. We sell them daily to A/C and Mechanical contractors and they hardly ever come back for repair. New side and center blades are readily available. In the past they used Black & Decker Industrial
grade power units. Don't know for sure if they still do since DeWalt bought B&D. Anyway, the Ketts are a good, made in U.S.A. product

[35WINDOW]

Originally Posted by SPORTINWOOD56

I would go with the Kett brand. We sell them daily to A/C and Mechanical contractors and they hardly ever come back for repair. New side and center blades are readily available. In the past they used Black & Decker Industrial
grade power units. Don't know for sure if they still do since DeWalt bought B&D. Anyway, the Ketts are a good, made in U.S.A. product

+1

I purchased an extra set of Blades for my Kett when I got it and have never used them, and I've sheared a lot of 18 Gauge-

[awert]

Yea good one....LOL... I would love to have a brake, 8 footer will do. and a few other goodies.....but for now i think i will ebay it and see if i can find something, anything is better than my snip, it's good for small stuff, but.................