Alligator shears are a type of heavy-duty scissors used for cutting thick materials like metal, plastic, wood, and more. They are an essential tool for many tradespeople and DIYers looking to make precise cuts through tough materials. The alligator shear refers specifically to the unique scissor design which uses a lever mechanism to greatly increase the cutting force and allow these shears to slice through objects regular scissors cannot.
The powerful jaws of alligator shears resemble the strong bite of an alligator, hence the name. The cutting blades utilize a compound leverage system – when you squeeze the handles together, it causes the hinged joint connecting the two blades to open wider than normal scissors. This allows the shears to exert over 10 times more cutting force! Most models can cut through steel up to 16-gauge, stainless steel up to 18-gauge, aluminum up to 1/8 inch thick, copper up to 1/4 inch thick, and wood up to 3/4 inch thick.
Alligator shears are used for a wide variety of cutting applications across many trades and hobbies. Here are some of the most common uses:
Metalworking
Alligator shears are frequently used by metalworkers to precisely cut sheet metal, steel rods, metal tubing, expanded metal sheets, wire mesh, and more. Their ability to cleanly cut through thicker gauges of metal makes them far superior to regular tin snips when working with metal.
Automotive
Mechanics often use these shears to cut brake lines, exhaust pipes, electrical wiring, radiator hoses, and other automotive components. The cutting jaws can easily slice through tubing, cables, and soft metals found on vehicles.
HVAC and Plumbing
HVAC technicians and plumbers rely on alligator shears when working with sheet metal for ductwork, copper tubing for water lines, steel pipes, and PVC/ABS plastic pipes. The versatility to cut through all these materials saves them from having to switch tools constantly.
Construction and Roofing
Roofers, framers, and other construction trades utilize alligator shears to accurately cut sheet metal, aluminum soffits and siding, hardware cloth, rebar tie wire, and more. The ability to bring one tool that can cut through various construction materials is a huge time saver.
Crafting
Artists and crafters choose these shears for cutting thick materials like leather, foam, thick cardboard and paper, felt, and more than normal scissors can’t handle. Scrapbookers use them to professionally cut embellishments and decorations with precision.
DIY and Home Use
Around the home, alligator shears are great for cutting wire, stripping cables, slicing through plastic packaging, cutting tough roots in the garden, pruning thicker branches, and general material cutting. They make an excellent addition to any home toolbox.
Compared to using multiple specialized scissors like tin snips, aviation snips, bolt cutters, and more, alligator shears are a versatile, do-it-all cutting solution. Models like the heavy-duty alligator shears from Solid Equipment Co. are built to withstand frequent professional use while also being affordable enough for the casual DIYer. Key features that enable alligator shears to cut through thick, hard materials include:
- Heat treated steel alloy blades
- Compound leverage design
- Comfortable rubber grips
- Blade lock for safety
- Reinforced pivot bolt
- Precision aligned blades
Alligator shears may look like regular scissors but their uniquely engineered design allows them to slice through materials that no other hand scissors can. Their versatility, cutting power, and precision make them an essential addition to any toolbox. Whether you’re a businessman, or DIYer, alligator shears are useful for snipping through tough materials quickly and easily.