TM 9-243
TYPES AND USES
Shears are used for cutting sheet metal and steel of
various thicknesses and shapes. Shears come in a
variety of styles and sizes.
HAND SHEARS
Hand shears are made with straight or curved cutting
blades. Shears are made for right-handed operators so
the cutline is always in full view for accurate cutting.
Straight-bladed shears are used to cut straight lines or to
cut curves in locations that are easily reached.
Shears with curved blades such as the hawk bill and the
curved blade hand shears are made especially for
cutting short straight lines or curves. They are also used
for cutting out small intricate designs in locations where
it is necessary to keep the handles and handle-operating
hand away from the metal stock.
TINNER'S BENCH SHEARS
The tinner's bench shear is larger than a hand shear and
is used for cutting heavy sheet metal, The lower handle
has a hook which can be placed in a hole in the bench
so that the operator will have a free hand to guide the
work. The bench shear makes a 6-inch cut and is
approximately 36 inches long.
METAL SHEARING MACHINE
The metal shearing machine is foot-operated and is
used to cut original sheets into smaller, usable size
stock. The shear blade is 36 inches long and will cut all
sheet metal up to and including 1/16 inch of mild steel
or 1/8 inch of iron.
NIPPERS
Nippers are used to cut protruding metal flush with a
surface. They are also used to cut wire, bolts, nails, and
light metal bars to specified dimensions. Nippers come
in a variety of styles and sizes.
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