Cut Sheet Metal Without Curling

Tin snips or aviation snips are one of the most widely used tools to cut sheet metals.

Cut sheet metal without curling.

If you want the speed of a power tool you can get an electric metal shear and get straight cuts without curling your metal. Another tool that will be an effective choice for cutting sheet metal is a hacksaw. Plus a plasma torch can be used for thick metal too so they are really handy. When set to a low amperage a plasma torch won t warp the metal and can yield quick clean cuts that help you get the job done quickly.

You will sacrifice about a quarter inch strip of metal with each cut but that s less waste than i got with hand tools. Such as straight cut snips left cut the right cut etc. To cut straight lines use an electric saw. The method you choose to cut sheet metal depends on the thickness of the metal and the type of cut you plan to make.

The fastest way to cut sheet metal in complex shapes or straight lines without a shear is a plasma torch. They look like scissors and work fine with sheet metals like brass aluminum tin steel etc. If you use metal shears to cut thin sheet metal such as duct metal it curls and can be difficult to flaten properly. There are some cuts that you can do with decent tin snips.

Start by taping both sides of the sheet metal directly over the line you want to cut and clamp the metal to a work station so it doesn t move. These photo steps show that it can be done using a utility knife.