Snips Bessey
All Snips Advanced filters → |
Popular modelsCompare using chart →
for sheet metal, left, cutting thickness 1.2 mm, long continuous cut, spring, lock, scissors length 250 mm
bolt cutters, cutting thickness 6 mm, spring, lock, scissors length 200 mm, weight 370 g
for sheet metal, left, cutting thickness 1 mm, long continuous cut, spring, lock, scissors length 180 mm, weight 200 g
for sheet metal, straight, cutting thickness 1.1 mm, spring, lock, scissors length 290 mm
for sheet metal, rights, cutting thickness 1.2 mm, long continuous cut, spring, lock, scissors length 260 mm, weight 560 g
for sheet metal, left, cutting thickness 0.78 mm, long continuous cut, spring, lock, scissors length 225 mm, weight 556 g
for sheet metal, left, cutting thickness 1 mm, long continuous cut, scissors length 280 mm, weight 580 g
for sheet metal, rights, cutting thickness 1.5 mm, long continuous cut, spring, lock, scissors length 240 mm, weight 550 g
for sheet metal, rights, cutting thickness 1.2 mm, long continuous cut, spring, lock, scissors length 260 mm, weight 510 g
for sheet metal, rights, cutting thickness 1 mm, long continuous cut, scissors length 280 mm, weight 580 g
You might be interested in
Snips: specifications, types
Type
— For sheet metal. Classic manual metal scissors, the main format of which is already clear from the name. In most models, the thickness of the cut (see the relevant paragraph) does not exceed 1.5 mm, although there are also more powerful tools that can work with sheets 2 mm thick and thicker. Scissors of this type can be designed for both straight and curly cuts, depending on the shape of the blades. They are usually relatively small in size and weight.
— Bolt cutters (reinforcing). Manual scissors designed for cutting thick metal parts. The cutting thickness (see the relevant paragraph) for such tools can exceed 10 mm, which makes it easy to cope with bolts, cables, metal rods, padlocks, etc. Externally, bolt cutters are very long — this is necessary in order to ensure sufficient leverage and achieve the desired pressure on the material without undue effort on the part of the user. At the same time, the width of such tools is relatively small, and they can be used even in rather cramped conditions, where a grinder or other cutting device cannot be reached.
— Slotted (nibbled). Scissors with a specific cutting method: they do not just cut through the metal, but cut out a strip of a certain width from it (usually about 1.5 – 2.5 mm). One of the advantages of such a tool is that when using it, you can start cutting without much difficul...ty even from the middle of the sheet. Among other things, nibblers are well suited for shaped cutting, including in situations where high precision is required: they give a smooth, neat cut without burrs and notches.
— Lever. Scissors of this type have a stationary design: they are mounted to a workbench or other work surface, and cutting occurs by pressing a special lever. This tool is heavier and more bulky than conventional manual sheet metal shears, but it can handle thicker materials — in many models, the cut thickness exceeds 10 mm, which brings such models closer to bolt cutters (see related paragraph). Some lever shears are even initially claimed as reinforcing shears, although most often the purpose of such devices is to work with sheet metal. The disadvantage of lever scissors is that they are designed mainly for straight lines and are very poorly suited for curly cuts.
— Hydraulic. In shears of this type, the force required for cutting is created by the pressure of the fluid in the hydraulic cylinder on a special piston. Pressurization is most often carried out by means of a built-in hand pump. Working with such scissors is as follows: the user shakes the pump handle, and due to the increase in pressure, the cutting edges gradually converge. In terms of application, hydraulic shears are similar to bolt cutters (see the relevant paragraph), they are mainly intended for cutting bars, pipes and other large objects. This is due to the fact that this principle of operation is poorly suited for sheet metal, but it allows you to create a tool with high pressure on the cut.
— Guillotine. Scissors operating on the principle of a guillotine: one of the knives is installed on a fixed base, and the second is lowered when cutting, closing with the first. Such tools are most often stationary structures installed directly on the floor and designed for a long cut length — the length of the blades (see below) can reach 1 m. Also note that the movable knife usually has a characteristic curved shape, specially selected to provide optimal cutting cut.
— Bolt cutters (reinforcing). Manual scissors designed for cutting thick metal parts. The cutting thickness (see the relevant paragraph) for such tools can exceed 10 mm, which makes it easy to cope with bolts, cables, metal rods, padlocks, etc. Externally, bolt cutters are very long — this is necessary in order to ensure sufficient leverage and achieve the desired pressure on the material without undue effort on the part of the user. At the same time, the width of such tools is relatively small, and they can be used even in rather cramped conditions, where a grinder or other cutting device cannot be reached.
— Slotted (nibbled). Scissors with a specific cutting method: they do not just cut through the metal, but cut out a strip of a certain width from it (usually about 1.5 – 2.5 mm). One of the advantages of such a tool is that when using it, you can start cutting without much difficul...ty even from the middle of the sheet. Among other things, nibblers are well suited for shaped cutting, including in situations where high precision is required: they give a smooth, neat cut without burrs and notches.
— Lever. Scissors of this type have a stationary design: they are mounted to a workbench or other work surface, and cutting occurs by pressing a special lever. This tool is heavier and more bulky than conventional manual sheet metal shears, but it can handle thicker materials — in many models, the cut thickness exceeds 10 mm, which brings such models closer to bolt cutters (see related paragraph). Some lever shears are even initially claimed as reinforcing shears, although most often the purpose of such devices is to work with sheet metal. The disadvantage of lever scissors is that they are designed mainly for straight lines and are very poorly suited for curly cuts.
— Hydraulic. In shears of this type, the force required for cutting is created by the pressure of the fluid in the hydraulic cylinder on a special piston. Pressurization is most often carried out by means of a built-in hand pump. Working with such scissors is as follows: the user shakes the pump handle, and due to the increase in pressure, the cutting edges gradually converge. In terms of application, hydraulic shears are similar to bolt cutters (see the relevant paragraph), they are mainly intended for cutting bars, pipes and other large objects. This is due to the fact that this principle of operation is poorly suited for sheet metal, but it allows you to create a tool with high pressure on the cut.
— Guillotine. Scissors operating on the principle of a guillotine: one of the knives is installed on a fixed base, and the second is lowered when cutting, closing with the first. Such tools are most often stationary structures installed directly on the floor and designed for a long cut length — the length of the blades (see below) can reach 1 m. Also note that the movable knife usually has a characteristic curved shape, specially selected to provide optimal cutting cut.
Cut
The cut format for which the scissors are designed. This parameter is relevant only for manual models for sheet metal (see "Type").
— Direct. A tool designed primarily for straight cuts. Usually has a symmetrical shape of the sponges.
— Right. A tool with characteristic curved jaws, which is held in such a way that the lower cutting edge is to the right of the cut line, and the right side of the cut is bent upwards. It can be used both for straight lines and for right radii — arcs directed from left to right. Note that with a curved cut, it is most convenient to hold such a tool in the left hand, therefore such scissors are often called "left-handed scissors".
— Left. A tool with characteristic curved jaws, which is held in such a way that the lower cutting edge is to the left of the cut line. It can be used both for straight lines and for left radii — arcs directed from right to left. With a curved cut, such a tool is most convenient to hold in the right hand, so this option is considered intended mainly for right-handed people.
— Universal. Knife type hand shears, equally well suited for both straight and curved cuts, both left to right and right to left. They have symmetrical jaws, like straight cut tools (see related paragraph), but these jaws are designed to provide the...necessary manoeuvrability on curved lines.
— Direct. A tool designed primarily for straight cuts. Usually has a symmetrical shape of the sponges.
— Right. A tool with characteristic curved jaws, which is held in such a way that the lower cutting edge is to the right of the cut line, and the right side of the cut is bent upwards. It can be used both for straight lines and for right radii — arcs directed from left to right. Note that with a curved cut, it is most convenient to hold such a tool in the left hand, therefore such scissors are often called "left-handed scissors".
— Left. A tool with characteristic curved jaws, which is held in such a way that the lower cutting edge is to the left of the cut line. It can be used both for straight lines and for left radii — arcs directed from right to left. With a curved cut, such a tool is most convenient to hold in the right hand, so this option is considered intended mainly for right-handed people.
— Universal. Knife type hand shears, equally well suited for both straight and curved cuts, both left to right and right to left. They have symmetrical jaws, like straight cut tools (see related paragraph), but these jaws are designed to provide the...necessary manoeuvrability on curved lines.
Cutting thickness
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.
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.
Blade length
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.
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.
Steel grade
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.
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.
Steel hardness (HRC)
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 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.
Pressure
The pressure exerted by the cutting edges on the material being cut.
This parameter is indicated mainly for lever and hydraulic shears that develop a very high force, which, moreover, does not practically depend on the force of the user's influence on the tool. The pressure on the cut is measured in tons and can reach very impressive figures — in some tools up to 12 – 13 tons. Many manufacturers use this information for advertising purposes. Indeed, theoretically, higher force means being able to handle harder and thicker materials. However, in fact, these possibilities also depend on other features of the tool — in particular, on the hardness of the cutting edges and the strength of individual nodes. So, when choosing, the pressure on the cut is more of a reference than a practically significant parameter, and it is worth focus mainly on characteristics that are closer to reality — in particular, on the thickness of the cut.
This parameter is indicated mainly for lever and hydraulic shears that develop a very high force, which, moreover, does not practically depend on the force of the user's influence on the tool. The pressure on the cut is measured in tons and can reach very impressive figures — in some tools up to 12 – 13 tons. Many manufacturers use this information for advertising purposes. Indeed, theoretically, higher force means being able to handle harder and thicker materials. However, in fact, these possibilities also depend on other features of the tool — in particular, on the hardness of the cutting edges and the strength of individual nodes. So, when choosing, the pressure on the cut is more of a reference than a practically significant parameter, and it is worth focus mainly on characteristics that are closer to reality — in particular, on the thickness of the cut.
Long continuous cut
The ability to use scissors in through cut mode, in other words, the ability to make a cut of any length with a tool. It is achieved due to the fact that the point of connection of the halves of the scissors is slightly shifted to the side relative to the cut line — thus, the edges of the cut metal do not rest against the tool and do not prevent it from moving along the sheet of material. Models with this feature are colloquially referred to as "pelicans".
Spring-loaded
The presence in the scissors (usually manual for sheet metal, see "Type") of a special spring that works to open the jaws. In other words, the working stroke of the handles (for cutting) in such a tool occurs due to the effort of the user, and they are pushed back (to open) by a return spring. This feature provides additional comfort when working, in fact, relieving the user of the need to make efforts to open the jaws.
Blade lock
The ability to lock the scissor blades in the closed position — it is in this position that the tool is most secure, it is also prescribed for storage and transportation (to avoid contact of the blades with foreign objects). Locking is usually done by means of a device that holds the handles of the scissors together — for example, a loop that connects the ends of the handles and is removed for the duration of work.
Replaceable blades
Detachable scissor jaw design for easy replacement. This feature is found mainly in professional tools of a stationary design, in particular, lever scissors. If the detachable blades become dull, they can be removed for sharpening or replaced with new ones — this is cheaper and more rational than changing the entire tool.
Finger loop
The presence of loops for fingers in the design of scissors. Such loops are two rings mounted on the ends of the handles — as in ordinary stationery or tailor's scissors. They allow you to control the blades as accurately as possible, which is especially important for curly cutting. Actually, scissors with loops are just designed primarily for precise cutting along curved lines; for long straight cuts, tools with classic straight handles are more convenient.
Rubberized handles
The presence of rubber pads on the handles of the scissors. This feature provides additional comfort when holding: elastic rubber is quite pleasant to the touch and does not slip in the hand.
Case
The presence of a cover in the scope of supply of scissors. Such a case is very convenient for storage and transportation: it closes the instrument, protecting it from dirt, moisture and contact with foreign objects. Improvised packaging can also be used for the same purpose; however, the "native" case is much more convenient, because it optimally fits a specific instrument model.
Length
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.
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.
