How To Use Sheet Metal Shears

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One of the most basic operations in sheet metal work is the use of sheet metal shears. Shearing is one area where I see a lot of students having a problem getting the results they need for a nice looking finished project. By watching this video you will gain some insight into getting the results you are after. I will also show you how you can get in some practice time in without using expensive materials to get some time in using your shears.
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[@IowaMercMan]

I’ve been using shears incorrectly for 40 years! Going to the shop with my cereal box right now to practice what I learned. Excellent video.

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Thanks. I learned this in 1963 from Phil Remington. Thought I'd pass it on. Look at my latest video. You will get some inspiration from Aaron Greene. Jere

[@srsawant123]

Excellent video, i am not in to this but got aware there is left and right shears and there is a science behind every work.

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Learning new things is good. Jere

[@axelpaillaud7542]

A really valuable video, as a beginner, I learn a lot ! Thank you very much from France !

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

I'm glad it was help full. Jere

[@alanmony1582]

Jere, I CANT believe how much I've just learned. One of your best videos ever!

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Hello Alanmony: Thank you very much. Just little things can make a big difference. Thanks for your comment and for watching. Jere

[@elizabethramos6454]

I was looking for a video with the lesson😀. Love your clear smooth Instructions👍👍.

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Thanks for watching and please subscribe. Jere

[@bigd2203snuffy]

The best advice I have gotten in a long time. I will be sharpening my grandfathers shears after seeing the last video. The tilting of the shears makes it much easier to use. Thank you!

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Hello Donald: That makes my heart sing. And that would make your grandfather proud. Those shears are probably better than anything you could buy today. You can imagine how many have been thrown away because they were old and dull. Tilting has been the most commented upon. Thanks for watching and be sure to share this video with your friends. Jere

[@aaaaaa-lt2tl]

Very educational, i now have a big pile of sheet metal scrap on my table Thanks

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

That's how you get better at anything. Practice. Good for you. Jere

[@billmaguire6216]

I never knew about the tilt technique. Thank you very, very much. What a big help that is!!

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Hi Bill: It's the little things that people don't think about that can make a big difference. That's why I like making these videos. I have had the good fortune to learn from the best fabricator ever (Phil Remington). Google his name. I enjoy passing on my skills and knowledge. Thanks for watching. Jere

[@johnbaker3549]

Excellent video instruction. As my master machinist told me years ago as an apprentice, you got to learn to do it right before you can do it fast. Thx so much!

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Hello John: You were lucky to have such a wise instructor. I was lucky enough to be taught by Phil Remington. Google his name and you will see why. Thanks for watching. Jere

[@Wheel_Horse]

I always cut so that the 'drop' is on the BOTTOM, that way there's less chance for a piece to fly up and hit me in the face (eye!), and as you say, it makes it way easier to see the line of cut!

[@josephburgess4285]

Drop cuts are always cleaner. The reason is not because you might get something in your eye though.

[@wookieecantina]

Jere, this video was very helpful. Thank you for creating and posting.

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Just small changes in how you use your snips will make them much easier to use with better results. Jere

[@jasonfikes9514]

Great video Jeremy. I found learning new tricks and saying "why didn't I think of that". Thank you for sharing this.

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Hello Jason: I hate to see good tools be thrown away because they get dull and just by using them properly it makes the job much easier. Thanks for watching. Jere

[@jimpeters8662]

Aways good to see your videos. I made your bead roller and it works great.

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Hi Jim: Thanks. I'm glad that you are pleased with the results. Thanks for watching and your comment. Jere

[@jeffbourne6015]

An extremely well explained and demonstrated video showing the correct usage of tin snips to produce highly accurate cuts. The many tips you share are so useful, particularly for novices, and clearly demonstrate the accuracy one can attain. Thanks so much for taking the time to produce these videos and share your knowledge- they are of real help!!

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Hi Jeff. Thanks. I am glad you got some info from this video. Thanks for watching and please subscribe. Jere

[@adambergendorff2702]

so glad I subscribed, always something to learn, even though I don't use shears very much anymore.

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Hello Adam: If there was something that you came away with knowing, that you didn't know before, my job is done. Thanks for watching. Jere

[@siamaklighvani3951]

Thank you very much Mr. Jere for your teaching, a lot of points have been covered , once we learn the task , we can get benefited with our tools , God Bless You.

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

I hope this makes your work go easier. Jere

[@maciekm7953]

That's a bunch of nice tips 👍Thank you for sharing.

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Hello Maciek: If you got just one or two I am thank full. Thanks for watching and please subscribe. Jere

[@janq-h8139]

Good information, I did not know the twist of the wrist, I just tried, it is really easier to cut. Thanks.

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Hello Jan: It's the little things that can make a huge difference. Glad I could help. Don't forget to tell your friends about this little trick. Thanks for the comment and for watching. Please subscribe. Jere

[@RonCovell]

Jere - I don't eat Shredded Wheat, will Cherrios boxes work as well? Seriously, that is an excellent video that clearly shows the 'fine points' of using metal shears!

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Hi Ron: Google says use Captain Crunch for best results for your application. So far the most comments are on twisting the shears to the side. Thanks. Jere

[@joell439]

Another gem by Jere. Thank you! Despite whatever I think i know, I always learn something from the master. 👍👍 Joel.....

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Hello Joel: It has been my great fortune to learn from some of the best fabricators when you learned to make and maintain your own tools. Thanks for your comment. Jere

[@JunkMikesWorld]

Jere, I have been using hand shears for over 30 years. I got a couple tidbits from this video that I can not wait to try out on my next sheet metal project. I purchased my first ones in the 90s and I am going to take a good look at them to see if they are like your old set or are they the newer style. If they are the new style I will be watching the flea markets for an older set. I agree, I don't like the yellow handled ones either. I was watching a video of Gene Winfield the other day and he turned down a pair of yellow handled ones while doing a demonstration for Eastwood. It made me smile. When I was growing up we always referred to them as aviations. My guess is because they are used for skinning air craft.

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Hello Mike: I think the feel of the handle in your hand is as important. If you find a better pair at the flea market check for how they feel as well as the condition of the bits. Yes I was making a 50 Merc. lower fender with Gene and I noticed that he didn't have a yellow pair in his shop. Thanks for watching.

[@scottpella7419]

Awesome video! I learned so much from your demonstrations. This information is getting locked in. I've been using them wrong all these years, getting frustrated.

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Hello Scott: I am glad you got something out of this video you can use and pass it on to your friends. Thanks for watching. Jere

[@The_Joker_]

I’m cutting leaves 🍃 from sheet metal for a project, I’ve learned a lot here. Thanks from ireland ☘️🙏

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Your welcome Joker. Jere

[@aliposhtpazan2625]

God bless you for sharing with us your useful experience and skills with us

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Hi Ali. Lots of years of learning. Jere

[@cliffwill]

good stuff as usual. jere for the win!

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Hi Portabull: This one is getting quite a few comments. I must have hit a nerve. Thanks for watching. Jere

[@drawinglab2031]

thanks a lot for your explanation

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Glad you liked this video. Jere

[@outsidescrewball]

Great discussion/demonstration/lessons

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

I learned from the best in 1963 while working at Shelby American. Phil Remington. look him up.

[@hermangibbons8181]

Thanks for sharing , I've been fighting that angle thinking it would spread the jaws and thinking that I should be using the full length of the blade to wear them evenly ..... made me smile hearing someone calling them Dutchmans again

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Hello Herman: Yes. Almost everyone gets a pair of "dutchmans" at the local hardware store and just gets after it. Heck I've been using scissors since 1st grade, must be the same. Your comment put a big smile on my face. Thank you for sharing this info with your friends. I really appreciate your input. Thanks for watching. Jere

[@kutitupkustomsfabrication756]

Thank you for this video sir

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

My pleasure. I hope this serves you well for many years. Pass it on to your friends. Be sure to subscribe. My next few videos will be on bending sheet metal. Jere

[@jeffanderson1653]

Good job. I was taught to refer to these as aviation snips? Metal shop, late sixties, early 70’s

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Hi Jeff: Yes. That is another of many terms used for the very use full tools. Thanks for watching. Jere

[@kenbro2801]

Good solid advice 👍

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Thanks Ken. I was lucky enough to be taught be the best in the 1960's. Thanks for watching and be sure to subscribe. Jere

[@garagemaudaz]

Thanks! It was a great class. Thumbs up!

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Hello Claudio: I'm glad you found some usable info in this video. Please share with your friends. Thanks for watching. Jere

[@PetePuebla]

Thanks for the video! Great info!

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Hi Pete: Thanks. Look at the "how to sharpen" video also. Thanks for watching and be sure to subscribe. Jere

[@JoeAnshien]

Thanks - Great Video

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

I hope you learned some use full stuff. Be sure to watch "How to sharpen your sheers" Video. It will save you lots of money over the years. Thanks for watching. Jere

[@kimknowles3681]

Great video Jere I,m an old hack but still got something out of it.

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Hello Kim: That makes me happy. One of my greatest joys is learning from others. Thanks for watching. Jere

[@serdiefgotreb]

Coming from Covell's video :)

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Hello Francisco: Ron mentioned he was going to mention my sharpening video. Thanks for coming over. Go to my channel and click on videos. You may see some other interesting stuff if you are interested in building cars. Thanks for watching and please subscribe. Jere

[@larrystrayer8336]

Thanks, I often use it upside down, so I could see. Great teaching video. 5 stars.

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Hello Larry: Thanks for your comment. That's what gives me the incentive to continue to make them. Thanks for watching. Jere

[@larrystrayer8336]

Jere Kirkpatrick I’m still struggling with the bead roller but getting better. I’m using aluminum flashing to make wind spinners using bicycle wheels / axles.

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

@@larrystrayer8336 Hi Larry. Have you watched my video "Bead Roller Practice". I think your spinners would be a perfect piece to get some practice on. Flashing is made from 5052 H32 and because of the Magnesium and Chromium in it you may have to anneal it in order to get much movement out of it. Keep plugging away. The more scrap you make the better you get. The only difference between you and me is my pile of scrap is bigger. Jere

[@mojo-kef8937]

Excellent advice….

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Thanks

[@tonypires8816]

I've owned a set of shears for 40yrs and never had them explained in detail. Didn't know about "cramming", makes sense. DOH!

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Hello Tony: It's the little things that make the job easier. That's why at the start of the video I suggested older users may get something out of it. Thanks for watching and be sure to subscribe. Jere

[@tonyv1952]

I didn’t realize that cramming them over was important but maybe I did unconsciously. Great video

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Hello Tony: Leaning them over is seldom taught when people show you how to use shears. Glad you liked the video. Jere

[@Joe.Doucette]

Hi Jere. I hope your "Willit's Crud" is all gone... Only one note I'd make on using the cereal boxes or any cardboard for practice is to make sure that it's good and dry. Also don't try to cut on a folded area or use thin cardboard/stock if you are trying to be accurate (unless your blades are well sharpened). Like most of us "older" folks, I've used CAD (Cardboard Aided Design) for years. Camming, using the cutters upside down, not cutting to the end of the blades and finding the "crotch" of the cut when restarting are the tips that people need. That, alone with the previous video of sharpening them makes for great instruction. I'm going to look for one of those Sharpies. Thanks for that. Great video, as usual.

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Hi Joe: Willits crud is gone---thanks. CAD (Cardboard Aided Design). That's great. Can I use that? And if I can where do I send the royalty checks? Thanks a lot for your comment, it's nice to get quality feedback. Jere

[@Joe.Doucette]

@@jerekirkpatrick2092 "Quality feedback" .. hmmm How about you send that comment to my former idio....err I mean boss. ;) Sadly, "Cardboard Aided Design" isn't mine to control. It's something many folks say. But, hey! Use it. I given you my blessing. For what it's worth. Royalty checks.. sigh. If only. Quality instruction deserved quality feedback. Yes. That IS mine. And yes.. you can use it. :) I'm glad the Willit's Crud is gone. It sounded other-worldly. Joe

[@khndenmark]

Thanks

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Your welcome. Lots of years learning from excellent fabricators. Jere

[@GibClark]

👍👍👍👍 good info ! Yep yellows unnecessary

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Hello Gib: I hope you gleaned something from this video, no matter how slight. Thanks for your comment and for watching. Please subscribe. Jere

[@Dave51262]

Jere - Your videos are excellent. I also was doing incorrectly and did not have sharp cutting surfaces. I also watched your sharpening video too which was great. How would you go about cutting a large piece of 24 gauge sheet metal in half? I have a piece that is 6' long x 36" wide that I need to cut into smaller pieces. I won't be able to get that nice curl that you can push out of the way to continue the cut. Do you have instruction & tips on that? When I start the cut, I can't go anymore after about 1 inch. I guess I have to lift up the left side piece as I go?

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Hi Dave. In order to make a long cut in the field and not on an edge you will have to pull up on one side depending on the shears you are using. If there is a sheet metal shop near you you could ask them if they would mind helping out. Thanks for watching and your comment. Glad I could help. Jere

[@robertduncan6796]

I picked up some old ones,all I need is carboard or a beer can.I will be an expert soon.

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Be sure to follow my "How To Sharpen Your Sheers" video. It will make learning much easier. Jere

[@reaperwayne]

Love the video very useful info just one thing that metal scribe you use i like that any info on where i can order from ? thanks

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

It is just a Sharpie. You should be able to pick up one at your local stationary store. I just bought 4 at Staples. Jere

[@KelikakuCoutin]

Subscribed. Thanks for the content. Keep up the good work. בס'ד

[@monoastro]

how do I cut a extremely concave radius with the shears?

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Practice! Take very short "bites" as you move along the line. Don't let the shears leave the cut as you move forward. Practice! Jere

[@TrashCanDo]

I've been running on guesswork up until now.

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Glad to have helped Brandon. Jere

[@akc7100]

A++

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Hi akc. I'm glad that you may have gotten some new info from this video. Jere

[@mikeeagle2653]

Well this right here will dull the snips faster. If your cutting cardboard with your snips all the time. They will get dull faster. Cardboard is very abrasive

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Hello Mike: You are correct. Those who have been using shears for any length of time will not be cutting card board except for maybe cutting patterns. The newer fellows working out of their garage may not access to material to learn on. Once they have practiced and gained some confidence in their ability they will not be afraid to tackle a project. Thank you for your input and thank you for watching. Jere

[@mikeeagle2653]

Some tips for you. NEVER store snips with the lock on. Keeping the spring under tension decreases the life of the snips. I remove the lock from all my snips. Next tip. get serrated snips they cut 10 times better and you don’t have to sharpen them Snips are meant to cut straight up n down not on an angle. That is not true and you went on in your video cutting some aluminum with the snips straight up n down. On EVERY shear tool fro snips to a foot shear the blades MUST be straight up and down. EVEN on the Beverly shear there’s a hold down to make sure the material stays flat when going thru the blades.

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Hello Mike: I thank you for your tips. Thanks for watching. Jere

[@horacerumpole6912]

"The shears must be laid over' WHY?

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Hello Horace: Sorry for the delay in my response. I just saw your question this morning while answering another question. If you look at the shears straight down the blade you will notice they are not made at a 90 degree angle. If they are laid over to match the angle of the blade, it gives the cut area more support and allows the teeth to bite into the material being cut. Thanks for watching and be sure to subscribe. Jere

[@tonyv1952]

That should be camming

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

I know. Jere