Comparison STAYER 23055-S flat cut vs Yato YT-1962 flat cut

The cut thickness of scissors is the largest thickness of metal that they can handle normally.

This parameter is directly related to the type of instrument (see the relevant paragraph). So, manual shears for sheet metal mainly have a cut thickness of up to 1.5 mm (with some exceptions), and in powerful lever models and bolt cutters this figure can exceed 15 mm. When choosing, note that, other things being equal, a large cut thickness means a larger, heavier and more expensive tool. So it’s worth choosing with some margin, in case of unforeseen situations, but this margin should not be too large.

Also note that in the basic characteristics, the cut thickness is usually indicated for a certain type of metal, and when working with other materials, it may be less than the claimed value. These nuances must be specified according to the instructions and other detailed information of the manufacturer.

The length of the cutting part of the scissors; in manual and similar models (see "Type") the cutting part is called sponges, in lever and guillotine models — blades.

When working on sheet metal, the long blades/jaws allow you to make a long cut in one bite, but impair the manoeuvrability of the scissors. Therefore, models with relatively long jaws (from 50 mm) are mainly used for straight cuts, and short scissors are more convenient for curly lines. Also note that in bolt cutters and other tools designed for large thick parts, the jaws are also made short — this design is optimal for working at high forces.

The grade of steel from which the scissors are made — or at least their cutting part (in some models, the material of the handles may differ from the material of the knives).

This parameter is most often indicated by the type of steel or by the main alloying components included in its composition. For example, the designation CS stands for "carbon" and refers, usually, to traditional unalloyed tool steel. Such steel is prone to corrosion under the influence of moisture, including atmospheric, so it is advisable to periodically lubricate such a tool and keep it in a place with low air humidity. Markings Cr-V and Cr-Mo denote steel with chromium-vanadium and chromium-molybdenum alloying additives, respectively. Both of these varieties are highly resistant to corrosion, while the addition of molybdenum allows you to also reduce weight without sacrificing strength. There is also a tool made of stainless steel marked SS; such an alloy contains only chromium as an alloying additive. Other types of steels are rarely used in metal shears; a description of such materials, if necessary, can be found in special sources.

The hardness of the steel from which the scissors are made — or at least the cutting part of the scissors (handles and other elements can be made of other types of metal, softer). Indicated on the Rockwell scale in points; the higher the score, the harder the steel.

The general rule is that the hardness of the cutting edges should not be lower than the hardness of the material being cut — otherwise the quality of the work will noticeably deteriorate, up to the complete impossibility of making a cut. The minimum hardness found among metal shears is 40 HRC, and the highest is about 65 HRC. Most often, this is quite enough: most of the metals that you have to work with with scissors, without special hardening, have a hardness of up to 25 – 30 HRC. But if the tool is planned to be used for high-strength alloys, it is worth clarifying whether its hardness will be enough for this.

Also note that higher hardness increases the overall efficiency of the tool and allows it to retain sharpness for a long time; on the other hand, as hardness increases, the metal becomes more brittle and harder to sharpen. Conversely, softer steel is relatively quickly wrinkled and blunted, but it is also restored without much difficulty.

The total length of the tool.

This parameter is specified for manual sheet metal shears (see "Type") and tools of a similar design. In addition to dimensions, it determines another important point — the working force. The greater the length of the scissors, other things being equal, the greater the length of the lever that the user acts on, and the greater the force transmitted to the jaws with the same pressing force. Accordingly, tools for working with thick and hard materials inevitably turn out to be long (for example, the length of a bolt cutter can exceed 1 m). And short handles make the scissors easy to store and transport, but require more effort when working.