Varieties of lever scissors and recommendations for use

Lever shears are a popular tool for cutting various materials from metal to wire. To make high-quality processing with a hand tool, you need to choose it correctly. One of the most important parameters of such products is the length of the executive blades.

Lever shears are simple and compact products equipped with a manual or electric drive. The equipment is considered universal, but belongs to the forging and stamping type. Such scissors are placed in private workshops, used in enterprises that process high-quality iron.

The design features of the lever scissors are hidden in the rotational direction of the cutting knife. There are also guillotine shears, the action of which is often progressive. The main servo drive of the lever scissors is a crank-slider element. Lever scissors for metal are divided into locksmith and chair.

Manual single-arm products are designed for cutting sheets of 0.7-0.8 mm, the second copies are usually longer, and also provide for the possibility of using an additional gear transmission. It affects the trajectory of the moving part, increasing it. However, more effort is required for work, which is especially important if the tool is equipped with a hand drive.

The length of the qualified blades is an important feature of the lever cutter. Depending on this parameter, there are three main types:

• short;
• long;
• combined.

The first ones are the smallest in size, so they can only perform continuous cutting of metal.

The second fixtures can provide cutting. In this case, a minimum amount of time is spent on processing.

Combined products can be used in various ways. This tool can cut sheets, profiles and rods, and you can also make contour cuts.

The operation of lever scissors is wide, especially common in plumbing. Cutting and notching metal, other than a tool, requires some skill. The sheet must be correctly positioned between the tip of the scissors. Correct pressure of the upper knife is important. Even the sharpness of the blade matters. For example, the harder the sheet, the better it should be sharpened. The taper angle should be calculated by the following parameters:

• for a soft sheet - 65 degrees;
• medium sheets - 70-75 degrees;
• hard sheets - 80-85 degrees.

The average size is 56 * 18 * 45 cm, and the weight is about 30 kg. The sharp edges not only of the scissors themselves, but also of the cut metal sheet, can cut. Therefore, it is imperative to use protective gloves when working. The principle of operation assumes:

• fixing the tool on the edge of the desktop;
• placing the base perpendicular to the blades;
• one-handed hold;
• smooth and precise pressing on the tool with a movement from top to bottom.

The described principle is one of the simplest hand cutters that you need to manipulate with your own hands. Less muscle tension is needed for an electric tool.The load in this type of scissors falls on the electric motor. The accuracy of the cut is higher, and there are less distortions in the work.

Modern lever-operated shears, equipped with an electric motor, are powered both from the battery and from the mains. The scissors have a start lock against unintended activation. Among the battery and network options, the former are more often chosen for home use, and the latter for installation in workshops, at construction sites.

For large scale construction, a hydraulic lever cutter is the best option. The principle of the tool is similar to the previous versions. The difference lies in the voltage applied to the tip from the hydraulic cylinder or pump. The weight of such a tool of modern samples varies from 4 kg, and the pressure on the metal is about a ton. The scissors provide the best cutting quality. It is safer to work with the tool, and they have the best mobility.

Lever shears are not limited to types for cutting bulky sheet bases. Filigree work with the preparation of patterned edges and decoration can be done by hand, rather than table-top scissors for metal. The creation of parts with this device is not an easy job, and tabletop versions equipped with a double gear are unacceptable for shape cutting purposes.

The types of portable lever scissors are divided into:

• knife;
• carved.

The knife scissors are equipped with two single-edged knives. Cutting metal with the device is possible only along the edge of the sheet.

These products are conventionally subdivided into two more groups:

• along the incision (left / right);
• by the shape of the cut (rounded / straight).

Straight scissors can be used to prepare semi-finished products with straight edges. With curly products, you can get a beautifully crafted detail that can be used for decoration. Manual scissors for metal are more widespread than stationary ones, and they also come in several additional subspecies.

For example, there are modifications for roofing iron that attach to a locksmith's workbench. This allows the owner to spend less effort. The tool is compatible both with profiled metal of regular shape, and with shaped bases, which differ in complex shapes.

The die-cut tool works according to the gouging theory of the base to be cut. The products are suitable for processing profiled or corrugated iron. Blanks can be cut into any options.

In order for the blank of sheet iron to really turn out to be of high quality, you need to understand the nuances of operating a particular cutting device. Metal workpieces are stiff. However, profiled and sheet products do not have to be processed with professional elements.

The approach to work related to metal processing is characterized by the use of hot or cold cutting. If the workpiece is cold worked, there is no structural change. A functional device for this work is selected with increased strength. It should be more durable than a regular blank.

With the hot processing method, the material is exposed to temperature. This work involves the use of machines of classic dimensions with autogenous. Household operation of such tools is impossible. But there are equipment options that are equipped with a laser for cutting, which also have a temperature effect.

It is better to choose household lever scissors with plastic attachments on the handles. Ribbed handles provide a more grippy grip. If the processing operation is critical, it is better to choose a tool equipped with an electric drive.The motors of such products are on average about 500 watts. The performance of the variants is high and the accuracy is better.

If metal workpieces are of increased hardness, it is better to choose machine equipment for processing them. The design of the equipment can easily handle workpieces of about 100 mm. In this case, the machine processes parts at an increased speed. A power tool will also save sheet material, since the consumption of chips will turn out to be small.

Lever shears can be useful if you need to periodically cut sheet metal and cut wire. Their use is relevant in the presence of sheets with a thickness of over 0.5 mm. Among the masters, this tool is called power scissors, as they are "stronger" than ordinary ones.

For successful operations, the lever scissors must be properly secured to a serviceable surface. The steel base should be positioned strictly perpendicular to the cutting part. The movable part descends smoothly, without jerking. It is imperative to hold it by the handle.

The main advice for using the tool is to observe safety precautions. Even experienced locksmiths experience cuts on their fingers due to forgetting to wear protective gloves. Sheet metal, especially when cut, is usually very sharp. Therefore, if the leaf accidentally falls on its edge, it may even cut off the limbs. The work requires exceptional accuracy.

It is necessary to monitor the good condition of the scissors, as well as the health of the desktop, which should not wobble, but be well fixed. The device itself must be kept clean, and work on a faulty device is completely prohibited.

Since the operation of the equipment carries risks, it is important for the craftsman to choose the right clothes, which should not be with bulging parts. Long sleeves, pockets and other details can be pulled into the device. It is best to keep a distance from moving parts.

Do not use lever devices for unsuitable tasks. For example, for cutting wood or plastic surfaces.

For the best performance of parts, moving parts must be lubricated periodically. This will eliminate premature corrosion, and the scissor blades need to be sharpened periodically. When cleaning, do not use solvents or varnishes, as these substances damage the painted parts of the scissors.

If there are drive belts in the design of the machine, they require special attention, as they usually wear out quickly. Parts should be monitored for wear and tension and, if necessary, periodically renewed.

If the equipment is purchased for personal use, its adjustment, adjustment and maintenance are the sole responsibility of the buyer.

See below for an overview of the lever cutter.