In-line air shear (Harbor Freight)

[slipperyd12]

Has anyone tried the harbor freight inline air shears they claim they will cut 18 guage sheet metal and aluminum. I am using .032 on the sides and .050 on the top. The top will be a little thicker than 18 guage. They are on sale for 29.99.
Thanks John

[dhazard]

That’s what I used to cut .040 Aluminum. I found that for me it cuts better pulling it then when I tried to push it. Regards Dan

[Sierrajack]

Used this type of shear quite a bit - got mine from HF also. I found that if you lube the jaws with WD-40 often during the cut, they work pretty slick.

[halfdome, Danny]

I have their pistol grip shearer and like said before WD40 makes the thing work. I found the air hose at the base of the handle hit the aluminum and I couldn't make full contact with the aluminum to make it cut continuously. I installed a brass elbow to direct the air hose up and away. In retrospect I would get the one without the handle. Danny

[BILLYL]

Got the same one Danny mentioned above and it is nice. Do agree about the handle - but it does a nice job.

And remember - WD-40 is your friend

Bill

[tonyj]

I bought the orange one. That is, the one that is mated to a pistol grip hand drill motor. No complaints. Cut through .032 aluminum with no problem and made the cutest little curly-Q's.

[Lone Wolf]

I have their pistol grip shearer and like said before WD40 makes the thing work. I found the air hose at the base of the handle hit the aluminum and I couldn't make full contact with the aluminum to make it cut continuously. I installed a brass elbow to direct the air hose up and away. In retrospect I would get the one without the handle. Danny

Danny you can loosen the 2 bottom allen screws on head and rotate it to any position.

[halfdome, Danny]

I have their pistol grip shearer and like said before WD40 makes the thing work. I found the air hose at the base of the handle hit the aluminum and I couldn't make full contact with the aluminum to make it cut continuously. I installed a brass elbow to direct the air hose up and away. In retrospect I would get the one without the handle. Danny

Danny you can loosen the 2 bottom allen screws on head and rotate it to any position.

For me that would be very painful to operate it that way. I have one of their cut off air tools what a piece of crap, keeps falling apart no matter what I do. Harbor Freight just sells junk. I tried to return two items today that were never opened and they wanted my full name full address and phone number, I refused, it's none of their business. I'll probably give the items to my son or donate it. They lost a sale and a customer. Went to Lowes and bought a metal cut off saw for 20% off since someone used it slightly and returned it. Went to Home Depot and bought a nice Makita 4" grinder, no more Harbor Freight garbage for me. Danny