Makita Metal Shears
Makita metal shears are for fast, clean cuts in sheet steel without wrecking discs or burning paint, ideal for ducting, roofing trims, and cladding work.
When you're trimming flashings, cutting trunking lids, or knocking up duct runs, you want a cut that stays straight and doesn't leave the edge looking like it's been chewed. Makita shears 18V give you that controlled, one-hand cut with less noise and sparks than a grinder, and they're easier to keep accurate on long runs. Pick the head style that suits your access, then get the right tool on site and crack on.
What Jobs Are Makita Metal Shears Best At?
- Cutting roofing flashings, barge trims, and cladding sheets where you need a tidy edge without scorching coatings like a grinder can.
- Trimming galvanised ducting and sheet for HVAC installs, especially when you're working off steps and want controlled one-hand cutting.
- Cutting site-fabricated brackets, trunking lids, and light-gauge sheet on refurbs where sparks and noise are a problem around finished areas.
- Doing repetitive straight cuts in the workshop or on the van tailgate, where Makita 18V shears keep the pace up without trailing leads.
Choosing the Right Makita Metal Shears
Match the shear to the cut you're doing most, because access and control matter more than headline numbers on sheet work.
1. Straight cuts vs tight curves
If you're mainly ripping long straight runs in sheet, go for a shear setup that tracks true and feels stable in the hand. If you're constantly cutting around corners, notches, and penetrations, a nibbler-style option is often easier to steer without distorting the sheet.
2. 18V platform and battery size
If you're already on Makita shears 18V, stick with it and save money on batteries and chargers. For all-day cutting, don't kid yourself with tiny batteries; a higher Ah pack keeps the tool pulling cleanly through cuts without constant swaps.
3. Sheet type and finish
If you're cutting painted, coated, or stainless sheet where the finish matters, prioritise a tool that gives a controlled cut with minimal burr, because that saves you time dressing edges and reduces the chance of rust starting on damaged coatings.
Makita Metal Shears FAQs
Which is better, nibbler or shears?
Neither is "better" across the board. Shears are usually faster and leave a cleaner edge on long straight cuts like trims and ducting. A nibbler is the better shout for tight curves, circles, and awkward cut-outs because it turns easier without twisting the sheet, but it creates small waste pieces you need to clear up.
How thick can sheet metal shears cut?
It depends on the specific Makita metal shear and the material, because mild steel, stainless, and aluminium all cut differently. Use the tool's stated max capacity as your limit, and if you're near the top end in stainless, expect it to slow down and wear blades quicker. If you regularly cut thicker sheet, you're often better stepping up to a tool designed for that gauge rather than forcing it.
Do Makita shears 18V replace a grinder for sheet cutting?
For sheet and light-gauge work, yes, a lot of the time they're the cleaner option because you're not throwing sparks or burning paint. A grinder still has its place for heavier steel, cutting fixings, or when you need to get into a spot the shear head physically can't reach.
Will a Makita metal shear distort the sheet or leave a burr?
If the blades are sharp and you let the tool do the work, distortion is minimal on the right gauge of sheet. Burrs can still happen depending on material and thickness, so plan on a quick deburr on anything that's handled a lot or needs to sit tight to another part.
What's the real-world advantage of Makita 18V shears on site?
It's the control and the lack of faff. You can make accurate cuts without trailing leads, and you're not filling the area with sparks and noise like a grinder, which matters on refurbs, occupied buildings, and anywhere you're working near finished surfaces.
Who Uses Makita Metal Shears?
- Roofers and cladders cutting trims and sheet cleanly on the roof, where sparks from grinders are the last thing you want near membranes and coatings.
- HVAC and ventilation fitters making duct and sheet adjustments on install day, so runs fit first time without jagged edges.
- Sparks and maintenance teams trimming trunking, panels, and thin sheet on refurb jobs, where you need quick cuts without dragging mains power through occupied areas.
The Basics: Understanding Metal Shears vs Nibblers
Both get you through sheet metal without the sparks of a grinder, but they behave differently in the cut. Here's what matters on site.
1. Shears (fast, tidy straight cutting)
Metal shears slice the sheet like powered snips, so they're great for long, straight cuts in roofing trims, ducting, and cladding where you want a clean edge and quick progress.
2. Nibblers (better for curves and awkward shapes)
A nibbler punches out small sections as it moves, which makes it easier to turn corners, cut circles, and work around fixings without twisting the sheet, but it leaves waste that needs managing.
3. What this means for your job
If your day is mostly straight runs and trimming to length, a Makita metal shear is usually the quicker, cleaner option. If you're constantly doing cut-outs and tight turns, look hard at a nibbler so you're not fighting the tool.
Accessories That Keep Makita Shears Cutting Clean
A couple of sensible add-ons stop downtime and keep your cuts tidy, especially when you're working on coated sheet.
1. Spare blades and cutting heads
Blunt blades drag, distort the sheet, and leave a nasty burr that you end up filing for ages. Keep spares so you can swap and carry on instead of forcing it and ruining the finish.
2. LXT 18V batteries and charger
If you're cutting all day, a second battery is what stops you standing around while the pack charges. It's even more important when you're up a roof or moving room to room and can't keep nipping back to the van.
3. Edge deburring tool or file
Even a good shear cut can leave a sharp edge on certain metals. A quick deburr keeps hands safe, helps parts sit flush, and stops snagging cables, gloves, and membranes during install.
Shop Makita Metal Shears at ITS
Whether you need a Makita shear for quick straight cuts or you're comparing Makita 18V shears for regular site work, we stock the range ready to go. It's all held in our own warehouse for fast dispatch, with next day delivery available so you're not losing a shift waiting on kit.
