Best Metal Shears
Compare metal shears by performance, capacity, accuracy, durability, compatibility, safety, and value to find the right option for your workshop.
Our shortlist
Milwaukee M18 2635-20 is the first option we'd compare for cordless sheet-metal work. The alternatives intentionally solve different versions of this purchase: Makita JS3201 for corded heavier sheet cutting, DeWALT DW890 for corded 18-gauge fabrication, Malco TurboShear HD for drill-powered occasional work. Choose by job fit first, then current price.
Quick comparison
| Model | Best for | Key configuration | Main drawback | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee M18 2635-20 | cordless sheet-metal work | 18-gauge M18 double-cut shear | Do not buy from maximum capacity alone. Consumables, cut quality, setup time and the material you cut most often can change the better choice. | Price |
| Makita JS3201 | corded heavier sheet cutting | 10-gauge corded shear for mild steel | Do not buy from maximum capacity alone. Consumables, cut quality, setup time and the material you cut most often can change the better choice. | Price |
| DeWALT DW890 | corded 18-gauge fabrication | swivel-head 18-gauge shear | Do not buy from maximum capacity alone. Consumables, cut quality, setup time and the material you cut most often can change the better choice. | Price |
| Malco TurboShear HD | drill-powered occasional work | sheet-metal cutting attachment driven by a compatible drill | Do not buy from maximum capacity alone. Consumables, cut quality, setup time and the material you cut most often can change the better choice. | Price |
Milwaukee M18 2635-20
Key configuration: 18-gauge M18 double-cut shear.
18-gauge M18 double-cut shear. That cutting format makes it a better match for cordless sheet-metal work; material type, thickness and cut geometry are the decision points.
Where it loses: Do not buy from maximum capacity alone. Consumables, cut quality, setup time and the material you cut most often can change the better choice.
Check Current PriceMakita JS3201
Key configuration: 10-gauge corded shear for mild steel.
10-gauge corded shear for mild steel. That cutting format makes it a better match for corded heavier sheet cutting; material type, thickness and cut geometry are the decision points.
Where it loses: Do not buy from maximum capacity alone. Consumables, cut quality, setup time and the material you cut most often can change the better choice.
Check Current PriceDeWALT DW890
Key configuration: swivel-head 18-gauge shear.
swivel-head 18-gauge shear. That cutting format makes it a better match for corded 18-gauge fabrication; material type, thickness and cut geometry are the decision points.
Where it loses: Do not buy from maximum capacity alone. Consumables, cut quality, setup time and the material you cut most often can change the better choice.
Check Current PriceMalco TurboShear HD
Key configuration: sheet-metal cutting attachment driven by a compatible drill.
sheet-metal cutting attachment driven by a compatible drill. That cutting format makes it a better match for drill-powered occasional work; material type, thickness and cut geometry are the decision points.
Where it loses: Do not buy from maximum capacity alone. Consumables, cut quality, setup time and the material you cut most often can change the better choice.
Check Current PriceBefore you choose
Own the 'best metal shears' intent. Keep examples, subquestions, and recommendations tightly scoped to this page's exact query.
Frequently asked questions
What matters most when choosing metal shears?
Start with the material, operation and capacity you use repeatedly. Then compare control, accuracy, consumables, setup and ownership cost.
Is the most expensive option automatically better?
No. Premium equipment is worthwhile when its precision, durability or workflow advantage solves a real bottleneck.
How should I compare the shortlist?
Use the 'Best for' role to eliminate poor fits first, then compare the remaining model's limitation, current configuration and price.