HF Electric Sheet metal shears

[Von Moldy]

I bought the style similar to the bosch ones I have seen.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos/92100-92199/92148.gif
I got them for like 25 bucks. They were on sale and I had a 15% off coupon so it worked out great.
I got tired of cutting sheet metal with aviation shears so I bought these. I must say the few test pieces I cut they cut right through and had a whole lot easier time than I thought they would. I cut 20Gauge cold rolled steel. There was very little distortion of the metal and they left a nice cut edge that wouldn't need much clean up.
Hopefully these have replacement blades available. The blades look really similar to the Bosh brand so maybe those could be swapped on to Hot Rod the thing?
I really think this thing will last as it is pretty simple. My only concern is how long the blades last.

[ChevyJeep]

those are the ones rated for 18 Guage have you tried them on some 18? would be curious to see lookin at getting one to do this also or the other style that normally wastes the little 1/4 in that its cutting

JM

[BumpyDodge]

I've got a 10 ga. Bosch Unishear. The replacement inserts for mine retail @ about $60-65 a set. As long as you keep them adjusted and dont try cuttting through welds they will last for years.

You are probably best off to take the head apart and put some good grease in the gearbox and call it good. Lack of lube is usually one of HF's shortcomings. If your blades dull, they should be sharpenable.

[Todd W]

I have the HF 14GA shears they are awesome I have cut a bunch of 18ga like butter 40ft+ with them. They are no longer orange but now shop black so they have been used a bunch. For 39$ I will get another set when they die or get to dull.

[HomeGrown]

keep the blade bolt tight. i had mine loosen up and striped out the motor side. i used them for all thickness and they worked great. i will buy another one for sure when i need it.

later tj

[Von Moldy]

I've got a 10 ga. Bosch Unishear. The replacement inserts for mine retail @ about $60-65 a set. As long as you keep them adjusted and dont try cuttting through welds they will last for years.

You are probably best off to take the head apart and put some good grease in the gearbox and call it good. Lack of lube is usually one of HF's shortcomings. If your blades dull, they should be sharpenable.
Thank you those are very good points. I guess for what the Bosh replacements cost I could buy a couple more of these shears!
I drool over the Bosch stuff but can't afford it right now.
I havent cut anything but 20 Gauge they are rated for 18 but I am always skeptical of their rating honesty.

[ChevyJeep]

Well i bought one today and test cut some 18ga and it went though it like butter did one cut then read the directions and adjusted the blade and it did even better very nice got one of the 18" bead rollers too need to make a frame for it since it flexes all over the place seen a few places online of ppl modding them and being about to do 14ga in one pass with them from the 18ga there rated for

JM

[BumpyDodge]

I kept a used set of blades just in case of emegency. If you want exact dimensions, just ask. Quarter is 15/16" for scale. If you look at the blurry photo of the top blade, you can see the crack.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d82/TJshare/PBB/DSC01353.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d82/TJshare/PBB/DSC01350.jpg