Best Tools for Cutting Sheet Metal – Your Go-To Guide

FACTS CHECKED BY  NICOLE PAV 

A good set of tools is essential for anyone working with sheet metal.

Different types of tools are available on the market, and deciding which ones are ideal for you can be overwhelming.

In this guide, I will show you the best tools for cutting sheet metal so you can choose the right one for your needs. 

Table of Contents

Best Hand Tools

1. Crescent Wiss Compound Action Snips

Crescent Wiss Compound Action Snips

Basic Features

  • 12 ounces
  • Molybdenum material
  • Warranty included
  • Serrated blade edge
  • Hand powered

Advantages & Disadvantages

  • Firstly, the ergonomic handle provides excellent control.
  • Secondly, the pivot bolt has a free-float design to stand the test of time.
  • However, this tool doesn’t cut through heavier stock effectively.

Customer Reviews

“I’m keeping these because they cut well, but I would look for smaller-sized shears if I buy again.”

2. CRAFTSMAN 12-Inch Hacksaw

CRAFTSMAN 12-Inch Hacksaw

Basic Features

  • 1.23 lbs
  • Hand powered
  • 90-degree cutting angle
  • High-speed steel blade
  • Reliable return policy

Advantages & Disadvantages

  • Firstly, the large tension knob with a full-grip handle makes for stress-free control.
  • In addition, the 4.375-inch cutting capacity is suitable for making deep cuts.
  • Conversely, this tool consumes more time during sawing.

Customer Reviews

“My husband is replacing many lost tools due to the loss of our home to fire. He was glad to get this, and it works just fine.”

3. DEWALT Impact-Ready Beverly Shears

 DEWALT Impact-Ready Beverly Shears

Basic Features

  • 1.59 lbs
  • Black/yellow color
  • Reliable return policy
  • 360-degree swivel head
  • 5.88 x 2.75 x 11.75 inches

Advantages & Disadvantages

  • Firstly, it’s compatible with most drills and impact drivers.
  • Moreover, it can cut several materials, including duct, steel mesh, and asphalt shingles.
  • Nevertheless, this tool doesn’t come with a drill; you must purchase one separately.

Customer Reviews

“Product works great for straight cuts on flat metal. Not so great for metal roofing panels with ribs.”

Best Power Tools

1. BOSCH Corded Angle Grinder

BOSCH Corded Angle Grinder

Basic Features

  • 5.35 lbs
  • Heavy-duty machine
  • 11,000 RPM
  • Electric powered
  • Reliable return policy

Advantages & Disadvantages

  • Firstly, the ergonomic design makes for a comfortable user experience.
  • Next, the tool is compact and lightweight for easy maneuverability.
  • Nonetheless, it’s not suitable for making precise cuts.

Customer Reviews

“Worked well for cutting and shaping man-made stone and mortar using a diamond wheel.”

2. BLACK+DECKER Reciprocating Saw

BLACK+DECKER Reciprocating Saw

Basic Features

  • 4.5 lbs
  • High-speed steel blade
  • Battery-powered
  • 2-year warranty
  • Reliable return policy

Advantages & Disadvantages

  • Firstly, it includes lithium-ion batteries with the order, so you don’t have to buy them separately.
  • Also, the tool-free blade change means you don’t have to use additional tools to change the blades.
  • In contrast, the long blade can damage wires or pipes if not used properly.

Customer Reviews

“I would have liked to purchase this with 2 batteries, but it only offered 1.”

3. WORX Compact Circular Saw

WORX Compact Circular Saw

Basic Features

  • 4.4 lbs
  • Brushless motor
  • 45-degree cutting angle
  • High-speed steel blade
  • 3,500 RPM

Advantages & Disadvantages

  • Firstly, it’s easily portable, so you can carry it to the job site stress-free.
  • Furthermore, it’s powerful motor cuts through workpieces seamlessly.
  • Notwithstanding, the blades aren’t strong enough and can break easily.

Customer Reviews

“Very well-made and easy to use for small jobs around the house or at work.”

4. BOSCH Top-Handle Jig Saw

BOSCH Top-Handle Jig Saw

Basic Features

  • Money-back guarantee
  • Brushless motor
  • 5.6 lbs
  • 8-inch blade length
  • 1-year warranty

Advantages & Disadvantages

  • It includes a carrying case to protect the saw during transportation or storage.
  • Additionally, the money-back guarantee means you can ask for your money back if you’re unsatisfied with your order.
  • However, this tool might not work well with thick sheets.

Customer Reviews

“The base plate is solid, the blade changes are simple, the motor has plenty of power, and the saw runs smoothly with little vibration.”

5. LENOX Tools Hole Saw

LENOX Tools Hole Saw

Basic Features

  • 0.4 lbs
  • Multi-color
  • T3 technology
  • Staircase-design speed slot
  • Reliable return policy

Advantages & Disadvantages

  • Firstly, the innovative speed-slot design makes for effortless plug ejection.
  • Next, the sharper, larger teeth make fast cuts easily.
  • In contrast, this tool is not versatile and can’t work on multiple projects.

Customer Reviews

“Excellent and practical product; I used it to make a hole in the

aluminum ceiling.”

6. Milwaukee Cut-Off Tool

Milwaukee Cut-Off Tool

Basic Features

  • Carbon-steel blade material
  • Brushless motor
  • 2.6 lbs
  • 20,000 RPM
  • Battery powered

Advantages & Disadvantages

  • Firstly, its tool-free blade system means you can change the blades without using extra tools.
  • Moreover, the tool’s ergonomic handle gives optimized one-hand control during the cutting process.
  • Conversely, the chopping wheels are somewhat fragile and may not be suitable for larger applications.

Customer Reviews

“I’ve used it twice so far, and it has worked well and made the project possible at home or the location.”

7. NEIKO Two-Blade Air Saw

NEIKO Two-Blade Air Saw

Basic Features

Advantages & Disadvantages

  • Firstly, it has durable aircraft-aluminum material to stand the test of time.
  • Additionally, the rubber-soft handle gives a comfortable grip during sawing.
  • Notwithstanding, this tool only works well with thin materials.

Customer Reviews

“I’m impressed with this unit, especially at the price point.”

8. Cordless Multipurpose Rotary Tool

Cordless Multipurpose Rotary Tool

Basic Features

  • 9.9 ounces
  • Battery powered
  • Cordless
  • Reliable return policy
  • Includes accessories

Advantages & Disadvantages

  • Firstly, the cordless design lets you move it around hassle-free.
  • In addition, the variable-speed motor makes for convenient operation
  • However, this tool is only suitable for light work.

Customer Reviews

“This product shipped quickly and was exactly as described.”

9. PORTER-CABLE 15-Amp Chop Saw

PORTER-CABLE 15-Amp Chop Saw

Basic Features

  • 32 lbs
  • 3-year warranty
  • 45-degree cutting angle
  • 14-inch blade length
  • 3,800 RPM

Advantages & Disadvantages

  • Firstly, the spindle lock lets you change the blades easily.
  • Next, the quick-release clamp allows you to remove sawdust easily.
  • Conversely, this tool may produce a lot of spikes during sawing.

Customer Reviews

“This is an excellent saw and has a lot of power.”

10. Grizzly Slow-Speed Cold Saw

8MILELAKE Oxy-Acetylene Torch

Basic Features

  • Fast-action clamping
  • 10-inch blade length
  • Reliable return policy
  • Built-in coolant system
  • Quick-angle adjustment controls

Advantages & Disadvantages

  • Firstly, it cuts through thick material effortlessly.
  • Then, it’s spark-free, so you don’t have to worry about wearing goggles.
  • In contrast, this tool doesn’t come with a blade; you will need to buy one separately.

Customer Reviews

“For the price, you would think it would come with a blade.”

11. 8MILELAKE Oxy-Acetylene Torch

8MILELAKE Oxy-Acetylene Torch

Basic Features

  • 1.81 lbs
  • Stainless steel tubes
  • Reverse-flow check valves
  • Reliable return policy
  • Flashback arrestors

Advantages & Disadvantages

  • Firstly, it works with all gas types, including propane, oxy-acetylene, and butane.
  • Moreover, it boasts heavy-duty body material to stand the test of time.
  • Notwithstanding, it may not be ideal for cutting through thin materials.

Customer Reviews

“Been using for a few days now. Works well.”

12. LOTOS 50-Amp Plasma Cutter

LOTOS 50-Amp Plasma Cutter

Basic Features

  • Automatic dual voltage
  • Pilot-arc technology
  • 19.4 lbs
  • 30-day refund policy
  • 3-year warranty

Advantages & Disadvantages

  • Firstly, it cuts through rusty, painted, and rough surfaces efficiently.
  • Furthermore, its pilot-arc technology lets you cut without touching the metal tip.
  • In contrast, this tool carries a higher price tag and might not be ideal if you’re on a budget.

Customer Reviews

“The small size should not put you off; this thing is powerful.”

Conclusion

With these tools, you can cut sheet metal like a pro! Still, if you have any burning questions or need further assistance regarding cutting sheet metal, do not hesitate to contact us.

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