How to Cut Tin With Electric Shears

Electric shears also go by the name sheet metal shears and are basically mechanical powered scissors that cut though metal sheets. They are an efficient tool that hastens many metal projects by reducing the amount of time required for cutting. Since electric sheet metal shears are designed to cut through hard steel, cutting through softer metals such as tin is accomplished with ease. Although using electric shears is similar to using other handheld saws, use caution to prevent injury.

Tin
Tape measure
Straightedge
Table clamps
Safety glasses
Gloves
Electric shears

Instructions

- 1
  Lay the tin on top of a work table that has adequate lighting above it. Use a tape measure to determine the proper cutting location. Place a straightedge at the location and draw a line across the tin using a pencil.
- 2
  Slide the tin over the edge of the table until the pencil line hangs off by at least 2 to 3 inches. Secure the piece of tin to the table using table clamps. The tin should not move at all when the clamps are tight enough.
- 3
  Put on safety glasses and gloves and plug in the cord of the electric metal shears.
- 4
  Hold the front of the shears up to the pencil line, allowing the front metal rest to sit on top of the tin.
- 5
  Squeeze the trigger on the shears and push the machine forward with smooth, slow pressure to begin cutting through the tin. Continue until you reach the other side of the tin and it separates into two pieces.
- 6
  Release the trigger and wait until the machine stops. Unplug the cord from the wall and remove your safety glasses.

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