4 Amp 18-Gauge Variable Speed Swivel Head Electric Metal Shear

The WEN 4 Amp 18-Gauge Variable Speed Swivel Head Electric Metal Shear is a pleasure to use. My test was on some thin gauge metal. I was surprised how quickly the WEN cut through the metal with little pressure applied to the tool. The tool weighs in at 4.7 pounds but really doesn’t feel heavy in the hand. The 4 Amp motor lets it cut up to 18 gauge steel. Cuts are about 7/16 of an inch wide and curl up in front of the tool as you cut. Speed of cutting is variable based on trigger pressure. One nice feature is the ability to rotate the cutting head 360 degrees on the motor. This allows you to cut comfortably on near any surface. To change the cutting head location you loosen three screws with the included hex wrench, adjust to desired location and tighten the screws.

All my life I have cut sheet metal manually with either nibbler shears or tin snips and it is hard work! It can get quite complicated too when cutting in the middle of a large sheet or a confined area. The Wen metal shear is a great addition to my tool set because it makes cutting so easy and, dare I say it … pleasurable! The tool is like a regular corded electric drill but with a cutting head instead. That makes it familiar to operate and comfortable to hold. Trigger pressure regulates the cutting head speed and, there is a trigger lock so the operator does not need to keep pressure on the trigger for long cuts. Cutting straight through sheet metal is a doddle. A space large enough to get the shear in contact with the metal is required and the 1 3/4” pre-drilled hole in my test piece was ample – see video. The cutter takes out a piece of material approximately 7/32” wide and curls it nicely out of the way. In addition to a straight cut I also cut a gentle curve – see the video here https://youtu.be/wfZLlSibqno. The cutter has ample power and will cut up to 18 gauge sheet metal and 20 gauge stainless steel. With practice I imagine that quite complex shapes can be cut and success will come through patience and not forcing the blade because that is often how they break. Replacement blades are available and can be fitted by a careful operator. The shear head can be turned through 360 degrees and this added flexibility might make the difference between achieving the cut in awkward places or not. Swiveling the head is simply a matter of loosening three hex screws (hex key supplied), turning the head and tightening the screws. The slim manual provides a lot of information and there is an exploded view providing details of all replacement parts as well as advice on changing motor brushes and bearings. So many items purchased these days are not meant to be repaired and some manufacturers make repairing their products impossible. So, it is refreshing to see a manufacturer who is forward thinking and environmentally aware. The tool comes with a two year warranty. When I un-boxed the tool I discovered that the plastic blade cover was broken. I contacted Wen customer service as much to advise that their packaging may need to be reviewed as obtain a replacement cover. However, they were very much on the ball and offered to send a replacement blade cover. Later that same day I received email confirmation that the cover had been dispatched. Great customer service.

The jaws are to small. Better off with smips

Cheap but it does the job

I said yes to recommending it but just be aware of a couple of things.You have to angle the tool just right to get it to cut. Once angled right, it does cut well. The only other thing is controlling the cut and cutting in a straight line is a bit difficult. That may not be unique to this tool. It most likely is common to this type of tool, just so you know.

Great product, real good price and works better than expected.

Very nice tool, my Boyfriend Loves it. It has worked very well for him.

Good product and light weight

Worked well, would recommend.

Pro: It cuts well. There is a learning curve find the right position to cut without jamming. Con: hard to cut small radius features.