Tools for Sheet Metal and Metal Roofing - Cutting, Bending and Installing

Fein Slitting Shear

Best for: Flat Surface Cuts

Fein Slitting Shear BSS 1.6 E: This slitting shear, as well as Trumpf Tools slitting shears, are the very best out there. While these tools are not cheap, these are the choice of the professionals for a reason. They make working extremely easy, are reliable and last a long time. Cutting is easy with excellent view of the cutting line through the open-front cutting head. These shears also allow for easy left and right curve cuts distortion-free. Featuring a 16' cable, and cutting up to 19 gauge stainless, Fein Slitting Shears and Trumpf Slitting Shears are the best choice available in the market for cutting sheet metal products and metal roof panels.
This shear works best on flat surfaces, however, it also works well on corrugated wavy roof panels.
Tip: If you're a professional, stick with Trumpf or Fein. There are cheaper models out there, such as attachments for drills. While these may get the job done, they are not long lasting, reliable products as the ones mentioned above.

Fein Nibbler

Best for: Cuts on Corrugated Roof Panels

Fein Nibbler BLK 1.3 CSE The Fein Nibbler, as well as Trumpf Nibblers are the very best choice for cutting corrugated panels. One of the biggest advantages of the slim body and head, is that this can cut very easily in curves, fitting is most any spots, and there is no material wasted on cuts, unlike the slitting shears.
7.5' per minute is the minimum cutting speed. With optimum ergonomics, and rapid change system, it delivers outstanding performance and stability.
Tip: If you're a professional, stick with Trumpf or Fein. Cheaper models are available from different brands, while these may get the job done, they are not long lasting, reliable products as the ones mentioned above.

Stubai Snips

Best for: Flat Surface Cuts

Stubai Snips: Not all cutting can be done with electric shears or nibblers. For manual cutting of sheet metal, such as copper, aluminum, zinc, galvanized steel and even stainless steel (not the best cut, or the best option for you snips) we prefer Stubai Snips. These snips come in a variety of lengths, shapes and are sold in left and right sides. Stubai snips are the pros choice, they are however, tricky to get used to.
Tip: Professionals prefer Stubai, but there is a learning curve that comes with the product. If you casually need to cut metal, stick with the option below, Wiss snips. However, if you want to own the best, even if that means it is hard to get used to, you need these snips. Stubai is certainly known in the roofing industry as one of the best, if not the very best supplier of roofing tongs and snips as well. They offer incredible quality and reliability, for tools that may last even a lifetime.

Wiss Snips

Best for: Flat Surface Cuts

Wiss snips are very well known in the industry, specially for their aviation snips. These bigger snips are great for cutting when electric shears don't work. unlike Stubai snips, these are easy to use out of the box, with virtually no learning curve.
Tip: It is good to own both, the Stubai and the Wiss snips. Professionals prefer Stubai, but these snips are also great. They get the job done, and are easy to use the first time you use them. They are are sharp, offer great quality and durability. With replaceable blades, these may last a lifetime.

Wiss Aviation Snips

Best for: Small Cuts on Flat Surfaces

Wiss aviation snips are the choice of the professionals for smaller cuts on sheet metal, such as copper, aluminum, and even stainless steel, amongst others. These snips are great in any shape. Angled ones are also sold, as well as ones specially for stainless steel. The major difference between these and the bigger snips, besides the obvious, is that these don't leave smooth cuts, which is usually not an issue for something that is will be soldered, for example. Other brands are available as well, some even a lot cheaper.
Tip: If you're going to be using these a lot, stick with Wiss.

Fairmont Angled Tongs

Best for: Easier Bends

The Fairmont Angled Tongs are very well known by anyone who has worked with thinner gauge metals before. This is usually the first pair of tongs any metal worker will own. They are versatile, well built and will usually last a lifetime. They do have their limitations, but for what they are, they are great.
Tip: while straight handle ones are also available, if buying only one of these, go with the angled ones. These are more versatile and can get more done for you.

Stubai Angled Tongs

Best for: Easy / Intricate Bends

Stubai Tongs are on a class of their own. These are the tools trusted by the professionals and for a good reason. Reliability. If you take care of your tools, these will last you a life time.
Plenty of tongs are available form Stubai and each serves an exact purpose. If you work with metal everyday, these are you're go-to tools. Starter Pack: Stubai 45° Pliers, Stubai Flat Nose Pliers and the Stubai Straight Pliers.
Tip: When working with metal daily, these are the best tools you can get. The more you use them, the more you'll realize the ability each one offers, and you'll be going back for more.