Nuts & Bolts: The Toolfetch Blog

Gantry cranes are used in a wide range of industries, including shipping, construction, manufacturing, and warehousing. In this blog, we will explore why gantry cranes are necessary, who uses them, their pros and cons...

Keeping accurate and up-to-date records of driver activities is a critical part of ensuring safety and compliance on the road. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates

Sheet metal shears are hand tools that are used to cut and shape sheet metal. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from small handheld shears to large power shears that are used in industrial settings. Shears are designed to cut through different thicknesses of sheet metal with ease, making them an essential tool for anyone who works with metal on a regular basis. They are an essential tool for anyone working with metal. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional metalworker, a good set of shears is essential for cutting sheet metal with precision and accuracy. In this blog post, we'll discuss what they are, how they work, and what to look for when buying a set of shears.

How do they work?

What Applications are They Used for?

• Metalworking: Commonly used in metalworking shops and factories for cutting and shaping metal into specific sizes and shapes. These shears are used to create a wide range of metal products, including automotive parts, HVAC systems, electronic enclosures, and much more.
• Roofing: They are used in the roofing industry to cut and shape metal roofing materials. These shears are ideal for cutting through thin to medium thickness sheets of metal quickly and efficiently, making them an essential tool for roofing professionals.
• HVAC: They are also used in the HVAC industry for cutting and shaping ductwork and other metal components. These shears are used to create precise cuts in the metal, ensuring that the final product fits together perfectly and functions properly.
• Automotive: Shears are used in the automotive industry for cutting and shaping metal components used in cars and other vehicles. They can create precise cuts in the metal, ensuring that the final product fits together perfectly and functions properly.
• Fabrication: They are an essential tool for metal fabrication, which involves cutting, shaping, and assembling metal components into finished products. These shears are used to create precise cuts in the metal, allowing fabricators to create complex shapes and designs.
• Construction: They are commonly used in the construction industry for cutting and shaping metal components used in buildings and other structures. These shears are used to create precise cuts in the metal, ensuring that the final product fits together perfectly and functions properly.

What to Look for When Buying Shears

• Blade Material: The blades of the shears should be made from a durable material that can withstand repeated use. High-quality shears will typically have blades made from hardened steel or another strong material.
• Blade Design: The design of the blades is also important. Look for shears with blades that are sharp and have a serrated edge. This will help to prevent the metal from slipping as you cut.
• Handle Design: The handle design is another important factor to consider. Look for shears with comfortable grips that are easy to hold onto. The handles should also be ergonomically designed to reduce hand fatigue during extended use.
• Cutting Capacity: The cutting capacity is also important. Make sure to choose shears that are capable of cutting through the thickness of metal that you will be working with.
• Size and Weight: The size and weight of the shears can also be important factors to consider. If you will be using the shears for extended periods of time, look for a lightweight design that is easy to handle. However, if you will be cutting through thicker sheets of metal, a heavier set of shears may be necessary.

Types of Shears

• Handheld Shears: Handheld shears are the most common type of shears used by DIY enthusiasts and hobbyists. These shears are designed to be lightweight and easy to use, making them ideal for smaller projects. They are typically operated manually and can cut through thin to medium thickness sheets of metal.
• Electric Shears: These shears are powered by electricity and are designed to cut through thicker sheets of metal. They are ideal for industrial settings where large volumes of metal need to be cut quickly and efficiently. They come in both corded and cordless varieties and can be used for cutting thin to thick sheets of metal.
• Guillotine Shears: Guillotine shears are designed to cut through thicker sheets of metal with ease. These are typically used in industrial settings and can be operated manually or with the help of a hydraulic system. They use a large blade that moves vertically to cut through the metal, similar to the action of a guillotine.
• Nibblers: Nibblers are small handheld tools that are designed to cut through thin sheets of metal with precision. These tools are ideal for cutting intricate shapes and curves in the metal. Nibblers use a punch and die mechanism to cut through the metal, resulting in a clean and precise cut.
• Tin Snips: Tin snips are a type of handheld shear that are specifically designed for cutting through thin sheets of metal, such as aluminum or sheet metal. Tin snips have a long, narrow blade that is ideal for cutting straight lines or gentle curves in the metal.
• Rotary Shears: Rotary shears are designed to cut through thick sheets of metal quickly and efficiently. These shears use a circular blade that rotates at high speeds to cut through the metal. They are typically used in industrial settings and require a high level of skill to operate safely.
• Bench Shears: Bench shears are large, stationary shears that are designed for cutting through thick sheets of metal. They are typically operated manually and are ideal for cutting large pieces of metal. They are commonly used in metalworking shops and industrial settings.

Soil pipes are essential components of most plumbing systems, however, soil pipes may develop clogs, rust or leak over time, requiring repair or replacement

March is National Ladder Safety Month, an initiative aimed at raising awareness about the importance of ladder safety in preventing falls and injuries.

If you're a plumber, you might need to thread pipes at some point in time. Pipe threading involves cutting threads into the ends of a pipe so that it can be screwed into fittings or other pipes.

Tubing cutters are used to cut through various types of tubing. This blog reviews all of the options that are available to cut tubing to make your shopping experience that much easier.

Shutting off water at a water main or street level pipe can be difficult. This guide can help you find the right tool for your situation.

Buying a mag drill is a difficult process. These powerful machines can be expensive so you want to make sure you buy the right one for your needs. Before purchasing this machine, consider what type of applications it will be used in and how often it will be needed. Research the different brands and models available to determine which ones are best suited for your project requirements. You need to consider the type of work you will do, the size and power of the drill, and your budget. To make things easier for you, we created this guide on how to buy one which breaks down the important features that you will need to know about.

PVC pipe reamers are a money-saving tool designed to remove solvent and clean out broken or old pipe. These reamers are designed to remove a thin layer of PVC so that a new pipe can be fitted in its place.

Dry cut saws and abrasive saws are great for cutting metal but which one better suits your shop? Find out right here!