Air Shears

About Air Shears

Air shears are pneumatic cutting tools designed for precisely cutting through sheet metal, plastic, and other materials with minimal effort. Powered by compressed air, these versatile tools deliver faster, cleaner cuts than manual tin snips, making them essential equipment for metal fabricators, roofers, and HVAC engineers. Air shears excel at creating straight cuts, curves, and intricate shapes without distorting the material or creating excessive burr, whilst maintaining consistent cutting power throughout extended use without operator fatigue.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks professional-grade air shears from trusted brands including Sealey and Draper, available in both standard in-line designs and gun-style configurations. These pneumatic shears typically handle mild steel from 1.0mm to 2.5mm thickness and require connection to a suitable air compressor delivering 90-100 PSI at 4-6 CFM for optimal performance.

Applications

Air shears are essential tools across various trades and industries requiring precise metal cutting:

• Sheet Metal Workers – fabricating ductwork, flashing, and metal roofing components
• Roofers – cutting corrugated metal sheets, metal tiles, and flashing materials
• HVAC Engineers – fabricating and modifying ductwork on site
• Vehicle Body Repair Technicians – cutting and trimming body panels and repair sections
• Fabricators and Welders – preparing metal components and trimming welded assemblies
• Maintenance Engineers – modifying and repairing metal enclosures and equipment
• Cladding Installers – cutting metal cladding panels to size
• Automotive Restorers – fabricating custom panels and repair sections
• DIY Enthusiasts – home workshop projects involving metal fabrication

Choosing The Right Air Shears

Cutting Capacity: Determine the maximum material thickness you'll work with regularly. Most air shears handle mild steel from 1.0mm to 2.5mm, but ensure your chosen model has adequate capacity with margin for tougher materials like stainless steel.

Air Compressor Compatibility: Verify your compressor's specifications match the tool's requirements. Air shears typically need 90-100 PSI operating pressure and consume around 4-6 CFM. An undersized compressor results in poor performance and pressure drops during operation.

Tool Design: Standard in-line shears offer excellent control for straight cuts and gentle curves, whilst gun-style shears provide a different grip angle suited to specific applications. Consider which design suits your typical cutting tasks.

Build Quality: Professional-grade tools from established brands like Sealey and Draper available at MyToolShed.co.uk offer superior durability, consistent cutting performance, and longer service life. Look for robust housing, quality cutting blades, and readily available replacement parts.

Safety Information

Always wear safety glasses or a face shield to protect against flying metal chips and fragments. Cut-resistant gloves should be worn when handling sheet metal, and hearing protection is recommended as pneumatic tools can exceed safe noise levels. Inspect air shears before each use for damaged components, particularly cutting blades and air connections. Never operate tools with worn or damaged blades. Always disconnect the air supply before changing blades or performing maintenance. Use the correct operating pressure as specified by the manufacturer and regularly lubricate with proper pneumatic tool oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size air compressor do I need for air shears?

Most air shears require a compressor capable of delivering 4-6 CFM at 90 PSI continuously. A compressor with at least a 50-litre tank capacity and 2-3 HP motor is recommended for professional use to maintain consistent performance during continuous operation.

Can air shears cut stainless steel?

Yes, air shears can cut thin stainless steel, but maximum thickness will be approximately 20-30% less than for mild steel due to stainless steel's greater hardness. Ensure blades are sharp and properly maintained for best results.

Do I need to lubricate air shears?

Yes, regular lubrication is essential for pneumatic tools. Add a few drops of pneumatic tool oil into the airline connector before each use, or install an inline lubricator. Proper lubrication prevents premature wear and significantly extends tool life.