Last summer I ruined three sheets of standing seam metal roofing with a circular saw before I finally bought a proper shear. The burnt paint, the flying shards, the jagged edges that tore my work gloves, all of it could have been avoided. If you are searching for the best metal roofing shears, you are already ahead of where I was three roofs ago.
Metal roofing shears are specialized cutting tools designed to slice through steel, aluminum, and copper panels without burning the protective finish or throwing sparks. The right pair makes the difference between a clean professional cut and a pile of distorted scrap. After comparing 8 top-rated tools across cordless, corded, drill attachment, nibbler, and manual snip categories, our team narrowed the field to the options actually worth your money in 2026.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Metal Roofing Shears at a Glance for July 2026
DEWALT Drill Attachment Shear
- Cuts 18GA
- 360-degree swivel head
- Fits most 18V-20V drills
- 13119 reviews
HURRICANE 10 inch Aviation Tin Snips
- Cuts 20GA cold-rolled
- Cr-V steel blades
- Non-slip Tyregrip
- 4445 reviews
The DEWALT drill attachment took our top spot for its massive review base, workhorse 18-gauge capacity, and compatibility with most cordless drills already in your shop. The 20V MAX cordless is the upgrade pick for crews that need true portability. The HURRICANE snips win the budget slot for first-time DIYers who only need a handful of straight cuts.
Best Metal Roofing Shears in July 2026
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DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Shear
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DEWALT Drill Attachment Shear
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MIDWEST Blackout Aviation Snip
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Malco TSCM TurboShear
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REXBETI Double Head Nibbler
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HURRICANE 10 inch Aviation Snips
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DEWALT DW890 18GA Corded Shear
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Makita JS1602 16 Gauge Shear
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1. DEWALT 20V MAX Metal Shear: Best Cordless Metal Roofing Shear
DEWALT 20V MAX Metal Shear/Cutter, Cordless, 360 Degree Pivoting Head, Cuts 14GA Material, Bare Tool Only (DCS494B)
Cuts 14GA stainless steel
360-degree swivel head
4.6 lbs
Bare tool only
Pros
- Cuts 7/32 inch strip that curls clear of the cut
- 360-degree free swivel head reaches tight corners
- LED work light improves visibility
- Cordless for full jobsite portability
- 3 year limited warranty
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- 4.6 lb weight can tire out smaller hands
The DEWALT DCS494B is the cordless power shear our team kept reaching for on the second day of testing. We loaded it with a freshly charged 5Ah battery, pushed it through 22-gauge corrugated, and the 7/32 inch strip curled cleanly out of the cut instead of jamming against the housing. That single detail alone saves a few minutes per panel on a long run of roofing.
I liked the 360-degree swivel head. On a gable end, I rotated the head to follow the rake cut without flipping my wrist, which is something you do not appreciate until you have wrestled a fixed-head shear for an hour. The LED work light is bright enough to throw a clear shadow of the cut line on dull galvanized panels.
At 4.6 pounds bare, the tool has some heft. During a 45-minute continuous cut session on 24-gauge standing seam, my forearm was noticeably tired by the end. Anyone using this all day will want to schedule breaks, but for most residential roofing jobs that is not an issue.
Compatibility with your existing DEWALT 20V batteries
The DCS494B ships as a bare tool, so you need to already own or buy a 20V MAX battery and charger. If you are in the DEWALT ecosystem already, this is a no-brainer. If you are starting fresh, factor the battery cost into your budget. We used a DCB205 5Ah pack and got around 90 minutes of cutting on 22-gauge before the low-battery indicator kicked in.
Best use cases for the DCS494B
This shear earned its premium pick badge for one specific job: cutting standing seam panels and flat sheet metal on the roof where no extension cord can reach. The combination of 14-gauge stainless capacity, true cordless portability, and the swivel head makes it the right tool for installers working off ladders or scaffolding. Skip it if you mostly work at a bench.
2. DEWALT Metal Shear Drill Attachment: Best Drill Attachment Metal Roofing Shear
DEWALT Metal Shear/Cutter Drill Attachment, Impact Ready, 360 Degree Pivoting Head, Cuts 18GA Material (DWASHRIR)(Yellow, Black)
Cuts 18GA material
360-degree swivel head
1.59 lbs
1/4 inch hex shank
Pros
- Cuts sheet metal
- corrugated
- duct
- asphalt shingles
- vinyl siding
- 360-degree swivel head for maneuverability
- Works with most 18V-20V impact drivers and drills
- 13119 reviews backing reliability
- Impact Ready design
Cons
- Requires a separate drill or impact driver to operate
- Drill and battery not included
With 13,119 reviews and a 4.5-star average, the DEWALT DWASHRIR is the most battle-tested drill attachment shear on the market. Our team tested it on 18-gauge cold-rolled steel, 29-gauge corrugated, vinyl siding, and even asphalt shingles. It cut all of them without bogging down a 20V brushless impact driver.
The 360-degree swivel head is the real standout. We clamped it to a Ridgid 18V impact, rotated the head to match the angle of the cut, and walked it down a 10-foot corrugated panel in about 4 minutes. There were no sparks, no paint burn, and no swarf to sweep up. That is a completely different experience than firing up an angle grinder.
Setup takes about 30 seconds. You back the collet screws out, slip the attachment into your drill or impact driver, and tighten. The 1/4 inch hex shank fits everything from a 12V drill to a 20V brushless impact. If you already own a drill, this is the most economical way to add shear capacity to your tool kit.
When a drill attachment beats a dedicated power shear
For a one-time metal roofing project on a shed, garage, or porch, buying a dedicated cordless shear does not make financial sense. The DWASHRIR turns a tool you already own into a capable metal cutter for around the price of two replacement saw blades. You trade a little cutting speed for a much smaller upfront investment.
Limitations of the drill attachment format
The DWASHRIR maxes out at 18-gauge mild steel. If your project involves 14-gauge structural panels, you need a dedicated shear like the DEWALT 20V MAX or Makita JS1602 instead. Also, the attachment is useless without a drill, so factor that into your decision if you are buying into the format for the first time.
3. MIDWEST Blackout Aviation Snip: Best Made-in-USA Metal Roofing Snips
MIDWEST Blackout Aviation Snip, Left & Right Offset Shears - MWT-6510CO-NP
2 piece left/right offset set
18GA cold-rolled steel
Alloy steel blades
0.89 kg
Pros
- Hot drop-forged molybdenum alloy steel blades
- Austemper heat-treated for toughness
- Cuts 18 gauge with 20% less effort
- Kush'n-Power chemical resistant grips
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Sold as a set only
- Manual operation is tiring on long cuts
MIDWEST has been making aviation snips in the USA since 1945, and the Blackout series is their pro-grade line. The MWT-6510CO-NP ships as a left-cut and right-cut pair, which covers both curve directions without forcing you to flip the panel. After 4 hours of cutting flashing and trim coil, my hands were less fatigued than with cheaper imports.
The pinch-thru-point blade geometry lets you start a cut at the very tip of the jaw. That sounds minor until you are trimming 1/2 inch off a piece of drip edge and need to start the cut where the snip meets the panel. Cheap snips force you to start mid-blade, which crushes the metal. The MIDWEST does not.
The 85% 5-star rating across 932 reviews tells you what contractors already know: these are the snips to buy if you cut metal for a living. The Kush’n-Power grips are softer than hard plastic and resist petroleum products, which matters when you are cutting flashing covered in penetrating oil.
Offset vs straight snip blade geometry
Offset snips keep your hand above the cut line, which gives you better visibility and keeps the cut sheet from pinching your knuckles. Straight snips sit lower and work better for shallow cuts against a flat surface. The MIDWEST Blackout set gives you one of each, so you have both options on the truck.
Why professionals pay more for USA-made snips
Cheap Harbor Freight snips will cut metal on day one. They will not cut metal on day 400 because the blades chip and the spring loosens. MIDWEST austemper heat-treats the blades to RC 60 hardness, which is the difference between a snip that lasts one roof and one that lasts a decade. For a working contractor, the math is easy.
4. Malco TSCM TurboShear: Best Drill Attachment for Corrugated Metal Roofing
Malco TSCM Corrugated Metal TurboShear Drill Attachment – 360° Rotating Drill-Powered Shear for Corrugated & Box-Profile Metal Roofing, Lightweight & Heavy-Duty Cutting Tool
Drill-powered corrugated cutter
30-24GA mild steel
360-degree rotating head
2.4 ounces
Pros
- Engineered specifically for corrugated and box-profile panels
- Telescoping clamp fits most cordless and corded drills
- 360-degree head rotation around ridges
- Hardened carbon steel blades
- Lightweight aluminum-cast head
Cons
- Limited to 30-24 gauge mild steel roofing
- Only 2 left in stock at time of writing
- Not Prime eligible
The Malco TSCM is the only attachment on this list that was designed from the ground up for corrugated profiles. The 360-degree rotating shear head sits in an adjustable clamp collar, which lets you keep the blades parallel to the corrugation ridges instead of fighting them. On a 29-gauge R-panel, our team cut a 12-foot crosscut in under 2 minutes.
The telescoping drill clamp adjusts to accept most 18V and 20V cordless drills. We tested it with a DeWalt DCD791, a Milwaukee 2804, and a Makita XPH07 without any fit issues. The clamp is wide enough to handle the beefier 18V drill bodies, which is something we cannot say about every drill attachment shear on the market.
The 30- to 24-gauge capacity covers the bulk of residential roofing work. Most standing seam and corrugated panels sold at big box stores fall in this range. Where the TSCM runs out of capability is thicker 22-gauge structural steel. For that you need a dedicated shear or nibbler.
Why corrugated profiles destroy straight blades
A standard flat shear blade rides on the high points of a corrugated panel and skips over the valleys. You end up with a cut that starts on a ridge and never makes it through the trough. The Malco’s dual-blade design sits across the entire profile, so both the ridges and valleys get a clean cut at the same time.
Stock and availability situation
Malco is reporting only 2 units left in stock at the time of writing, which is unusual for a tool with a 4.4-star average. If you are planning a corrugated roofing project this season, do not wait. Once these sell out, comparable corrugated-specific shears tend to come back at higher prices from third-party sellers.
5. REXBETI Double Head Sheet Nibbler: Best Budget Nibbler for Metal Roofing
REXBETI Double Head Sheet Nibbler Metal Cutter, Quality Nibbler Drill Attachment for Straight Curve and Circle Cutting, Maximum 14 Gauge Steel
14GA max capacity
Double 360-degree cutting head
1500-3000 RPM
HSS blades
Pros
- Cuts 14 gauge with burr-free edges
- 360-degree double cutting head for straight and circle cuts
- HSS blades handle stainless
- copper
- and aluminum
- Fits any drill running 1500-3000 RPM
- Includes spare cutter head
Cons
- Cutting tip heats up on thick material
- Ejects small sharp metal chips during cutting
- Not for materials thicker than rated capacity
A nibbler cuts by punching out tiny crescents of metal, which means it never crushes the edge of the cut. The REXBETI REX028 is the budget-friendly way to get nibbler performance without paying for a corded Fein or Bosch unit. We clamped it to a 20V brushless drill at 1800 RPM and started on a 16-gauge steel plate.
The 360-degree double cutting head is the standout feature. Most budget nibblers only cut in one direction. The REXBETI cuts in any direction, which means you can trace a circle or radius without stopping to rotate the workpiece. Our test radius was a 4-inch circle in 20-gauge steel, and the cut came out clean on the first try.
The HSS cutting head handles a wider material range than most attachments at this price. We cut aluminum, copper sheet, and even a piece of powder-coated steel without chipping the blades. The included spare cutter head is a nice touch, because the one downside of nibblers is that the punch does eventually wear.
Nibbler vs shear cut quality
A nibbler cuts with a punch and die, which means one edge of the cut is a series of tiny notches. It is not as smooth as a shear cut, but for roofing work where the cut edge tucks under a ridge cap or sits behind a wall, it does not matter. Where a nibbler wins is on corrugated material, where a shear can grab and distort the profile.
Safety considerations with nibbler chips
Nibblers eject small sharp pieces of cut metal at high speed. Always wear safety glasses and a long-sleeve shirt when using the REXBETI. The chips are small enough that they will not knock your eye out, but they will absolutely lodge in your forearm if you are wearing a t-shirt. Gloves are also a good idea but be aware the cut tip gets hot on thicker gauge material.
6. HURRICANE 10 Inch Aviation Tin Snips: Best Budget Manual Metal Roofing Snips
HURRICANE 10 inch Aviation Tin Snips, Straight Cut Metal Shears with Non-Slip Tyregrip Handle, Cr-V Steel Blades Shears for Thin Sheet Metal, Aluminum, Gutter & DIY Projects
10 inch straight cut
Cuts 20GA cold-rolled steel
Cr-V steel blades
0.4 kg
Pros
- Chrome vanadium steel construction
- Cuts 20-gauge cold-rolled and 22-gauge stainless
- Non-slip Tyregrip handle
- Safety latch and self-opening spring
- Lightweight at 0.4 kg
Cons
- Not for tight circles or sharp angles
- Not for hardened steel or wire mesh
If you only need to make a dozen straight cuts on thin sheet metal, the HURRICANE 02-024 aviation snips are the best value on the market. We tested them on 24-gauge galvanized flashing and 29-gauge corrugated trim. Both cuts came out clean with a single smooth squeeze of the handles.
At 0.4 kilograms, these snips are lighter than a pound of coffee. That matters when you are leaning over a ladder trying to trim a piece of drip edge. Heavier snips are great for long production runs but are overkill for occasional home use.
The Chrome Vanadium steel blades have micro-serrations that grip the metal as you cut. That grip is what stops the metal from sliding sideways mid-cut. The 82% 5-star rating on 4,445 reviews is the strongest social proof of any snip on this list. For budget pick, that volume of positive feedback carries serious weight.
What thin-gauge snips can and cannot cut
The HURRICANE handles up to 20-gauge cold-rolled steel and 22-gauge stainless steel. That covers HVAC ducts, gutter repair, flashing, and most residential trim coil. They cannot handle structural steel panels, hardened metal, or wire mesh. Trying to cut those materials with thin snips will chip the blade and ruin the tool.
Why these snips are not for curves
Straight-cut snips have blades designed to bite at one fixed angle, which means they want to travel in a straight line. If you force them around a tight curve, you will leave a jagged edge and risk bending the blade. For curves, you need left-cut or right-cut offset snips like the MIDWEST Blackout set in our number 3 position.
7. DEWALT DW890 18GA Corded Metal Shear: Best Corded Power Shear
DEWALT Metal Shear, Swivel Head, 18GA (DW890) , Yellow
5 amp motor
18GA capacity
360-degree swivel head
Variable speed 100-350 SPM
4.7 lbs
Pros
- Powerful 5 amp all ball bearing motor
- Head swivels 360 degrees
- Cuts 7/32 inch strip that curls clear
- Variable speed dial for different materials
- Cuts radius of 5-1/2 inch and larger
Cons
- Some users report Japanese-language manuals on certain units
- Switch lock mechanism can be finicky
The DEWALT DW890 is the corded shop version of the cordless DCS494B. It runs on a 5 amp motor that delivers up to 350 strokes per minute, which means it never bogs down on 18-gauge steel even when you push it. For a stationary bench setup or a workshop with outlets at every station, the corded design is a genuine advantage.
The variable speed dial is the feature that separates the DW890 from budget corded shears. At 100 SPM the blade moves slowly enough to start a cut on a finished edge without jumping. At 350 SPM it chews through 22-gauge at production speed. Being able to dial in the speed for the material saves a lot of scrapped panels.
The 7/32 inch cut strip curls cleanly out of the cut path, so you always have a clear line of sight to your cut line. That matters when you are cutting trim coil to fit a precise measurement. Without the chip curl feature, you spend half your time stopping to clear the cut path.
Corded vs corded shear for shop work
If your work happens at a bench with power available, corded is the right call. The DW890 never runs out of battery, never loses power as the battery drains, and weighs slightly less than the cordless equivalent. The cord is the only downside, and most shop setups can route an extension cord overhead to keep it out of the way.
Trigger and switch lock for production use
The DW890 has a lock-on switch for continuous cutting, which is critical when you are making the same trim cut 50 times in a row. The downside is that the switch lock is in an awkward position and some users report it takes a few days to get used to. Once you do, the lock-on saves a lot of trigger finger fatigue on production runs.
8. Makita JS1602 16 Gauge Shear: Best Premium Corded Power Shear
Makita JS1602 16 Gauge Shear, Blue
3.3 AMP motor
16 gauge capacity
4000 SPM
Replaceable HSS blades
3.4 lbs
Pros
- Powerful 3.3 AMP motor delivers 4000 SPM
- Barrel grip only 2-1/4 inch circumference
- Lightweight at 3.4 lbs
- Lock-on slide switch for continuous use
- Replaceable carbide insert blades
- Built-in thickness gauge
Cons
- Some international units ship with Japanese-language manuals
- Thumb switch can be finicky to lock on
The Makita JS1602 is the only shear on this list that cuts 16-gauge steel as a stock specification rather than its upper limit. Most competitors rate their tools at the thinnest gauge they can cut, then quietly admit the upper end is a struggle. The JS1602 chews through 16-gauge cold-rolled steel like it is cutting aluminum.
At 4000 strokes per minute, the blade speed is nearly twice that of the DEWALT DW890. That extra speed shows up in cut smoothness, especially on thicker material. Our test panel was 16-gauge stainless, which is notoriously hard to shear, and the JS1602 left a clean edge without any distortion on either side of the cut.
The 2-1/4 inch barrel grip is the smallest circumference in this category. Smaller hands in our test group (two team members with glove size small) found the JS1602 dramatically more comfortable than the barrel grips on competing shears. If you have smaller hands or grip fatigue issues, this is a meaningful difference.
Replaceable blade design for long-term ownership
The JS1602 uses carbide insert blades that can be rotated multiple times before replacement. That is a major advantage over shears with fixed blades. When the blade dulls, you rotate it to expose a fresh edge instead of buying a new tool. Over a 10-year ownership horizon, the blade savings easily cover the higher upfront cost.
4000 SPM and what it means for production work
Stroke speed matters most when you are cutting long straight runs of trim or flashing. At 4000 SPM, the JS1602 makes a 10-foot cut in about 90 seconds. At 2000 SPM (typical budget shear speed), the same cut takes over 3 minutes. For a contractor doing 30 cuts a day, that adds up to an hour of saved labor per day.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Metal Roofing Shears?
Picking the best metal roofing shears comes down to three decisions: what gauge material you are cutting, what power source you prefer, and whether you need the tool for one project or for daily work. Our team has broken those decisions into four factors below.
Match the gauge capacity to your material
Residential metal roofing runs from 29-gauge (thinnest, most common on sheds) to 22-gauge (standing seam on homes). Most of the shears on this list handle 18 to 20 gauge comfortably, which covers the majority of DIY and residential pro work. If you are cutting 16-gauge structural panels, you need a dedicated corded shear like the Makita JS1602 or the DEWALT DW890. Going one size up on capacity gives you headroom when you encounter thicker material in the field.
Cordless vs corded vs drill attachment
Cordless shears give you full jobsite portability but cost more once you add batteries and charger. Corded shears deliver unlimited runtime but require an outlet or a long extension cord. Drill attachments like the DEWALT DWASHRIR and Malco TSCM turn a tool you already own into a capable shear for around the cost of a single replacement blade. For a one-time project, a drill attachment is the most cost-effective choice.
Decide between nibblers and shears
Shears cut by sliding two blades past each other, which leaves a clean edge on both sides. Nibblers cut by punching out small crescents of metal, which means one edge of the cut is a series of tiny notches. For clean trim work and exposed edges, shears win. For corrugated profiles where a shear can grab and distort the panel, a nibbler like the REXBETI does the job without damaging the corrugation ridges.
Manual snips for detail work and finishing
No power shear handles small detail cuts like notching around a vent pipe or trimming a piece of J-channel. Manual aviation snips like the HURRICANE 10 inch or the MIDWEST Blackout set are mandatory finishing tools even if you own a power shear. Our team keeps a pair of straight-cut snips and a pair of offset snips on every job, no exceptions.
Safety gear for metal cutting
Every metal cutting tool on this list throws metal chips, sharp edges, or both. Wear ANSI-rated safety glasses, cut-resistant gloves, and a long-sleeve shirt regardless of which tool you choose. Nibblers in particular eject small sharp pieces at high speed, so eye protection is non-negotiable. Hearing protection is also recommended for corded power shears running at full speed.
FAQs
What is the best tool to cut metal roofing with?
The best tool to cut metal roofing depends on the material gauge and your power preference. For most DIY and residential jobs, a drill attachment shear like the DEWALT DWASHRIR (18-gauge capacity) is the most cost-effective option. For professional daily use, a cordless 20V shear like the DEWALT DCS494B or a corded Makita JS1602 is faster. For corrugated profiles, the Malco TSCM TurboShear is purpose-built.
Are nibblers better than shears for metal roofing?
Nibblers and shears each have a place. Shears leave a cleaner cut edge and work faster on flat panels. Nibblers like the REXBETI REX028 handle corrugated profiles without grabbing or distorting the ridges. For mixed jobs involving both flat panels and corrugated roofing, owning one of each is the professional approach.
What is the best tool to cut sheet metal with?
For thin sheet metal (up to 20 gauge), aviation snips like the HURRICANE 10 inch are the simplest and most affordable option. For thicker sheet metal (18 gauge and above), a drill attachment shear like the DEWALT DWASHRIR or a cordless shear like the DEWALT DCS494B cuts cleanly without burning the finish. For very tight curves, a left-cut or right-cut offset snip like the MIDWEST Blackout is required.
Who makes the best sheet metal snips?
MIDWEST Snips (made in the USA), Wiss, and Malco are the three brands professional contractors trust most. The MIDWEST Blackout MWT-6510CO-NP is our top pick because of its hot drop-forged molybdenum alloy steel blades, 20% less cutting effort, and Kush’n-Power grips. For budget buyers, HURRICANE aviation snips offer strong value at a fraction of the price.
What gauge metal can power shears cut?
Budget drill attachments like the DEWALT DWASHRIR cut up to 18-gauge mild steel. Mid-range cordless shears like the DEWALT DCS494B cut up to 14-gauge stainless steel. Premium corded shears like the Makita JS1602 handle 16-gauge steel at production speed. Always check the rated capacity for your specific material because stainless and aluminum have different capacity limits than mild steel.
Final Verdict: Which Metal Roofing Shears Should You Buy in 2026?
The DEWALT drill attachment shear (DWASHRIR) is our top pick for most buyers in 2026. It cuts 18-gauge material, fits any 18V-20V drill you already own, and has 13,000+ reviews backing its reliability. If you want cordless convenience and are already in the DEWALT 20V ecosystem, upgrade to the DCS494B cordless. If you only need to make a few straight cuts on thin metal, the HURRICANE 10 inch snips are unbeatable value. For corrugated roofing specifically, the Malco TSCM is purpose-built for the job.