Cutting through metal is easy if you have the right tools. A variety of metal cutters is available, each with its own function. Always wear gloves when cutting metal, to protect your hands from sharp edges. Straight cutters are designed to make straight or gently sloping curves (figure A). Special cutters designed especially for cutting right or left curves (figure B) may be purchased as well and are useful for cutting circles or arches in metal. With any type of metal-cutting shears, the bigger the shears, the longer the cuts they'll make.
Electric shears have teeth that work in a vertical motion (figure C). These shears make straight cuts through metal at a rapid pace.
Dovetail metal cutters have a V-shaped blade that snips perfect dovetails (figure D). They're used for notching sheet metal before it's bent or ducts or fittings are installed.
A metal bender works like a handheld clamp (figure E) and grabs onto a point of a metal surface that you want to bend.
A nibbler is an electric metal cutter used to cut sheet metal in any direction. Its adjustable head allows it to cut straight lines, curves or circles.
| 
)
)
)
)
)
