SHALL Electric Metal Cutting Shear, 4.0-Amp Corded Sheet Metal Cutter, Variable Speed with 360 Degree Swivel Head, Continuous Cutting, Clean Cut for 14GA Sheet Metal & 16GA Stainless Steel, 2500 SPM

A compact workhorse for clean, controlled sheet work

I put the SHALL EXD-1 shear to work across a mix of jobs—automotive patch panels, corrugated roofing, coil stock, wire mesh, and even a few non-metal experiments—and it has earned a place on my cart. It’s a 4‑amp, corded, double‑cut shear with a 360° swivel head and variable speed up to 2,500 SPM. The headline with this style of tool is always the cut quality, and here it delivers: smooth edges, minimal burrs, and very little distortion compared to single‑cut nibblers or aggressive abrasive methods.

Build, setup, and ergonomics

Out of the box, the tool feels solid but not unwieldy. The grip is comfortable, the trigger is progressive, and a side lock-on button is positioned where I can engage it without contorting my hand. Adjusting the head angle is straightforward—loosen the three hex bolts, rotate the head to the angle you need, and snug it down. The 6.5 ft cord is average; in a garage it’s fine, but on a roof or long run I grabbed an extension.

Mine shipped with a spare set of carbon brushes, which I appreciate on a corded motor. The double‑cut blades arrive centered and ready to go; there’s no finicky setup beyond making sure the head is aligned to your intended path of cut.

How it cuts: mild steel and stainless

On 18‑gauge mild steel the shear is in its element. It advances quickly while remaining controllable, producing two clean edges and a 1/4‑inch curled strip that peels out of the center. That strip is exactly why these are nicer to live with than single‑cut nibblers: no shower of needle‑like chips, less cleanup, and fewer surprises embedded in your shoes. Edge burrs are tiny—often a quick pass with a Scotch‑Brite wheel is all that’s needed.

Pushing into thicker stock, it handled 16‑gauge stainless within its rated capacity, although speed becomes more about patience and guidance than brute force. Variable trigger control matters here. I kept the speed midrange to avoid skittering on smooth stainless, then eased up to full SPM once the cut was established. If you’re routinely cutting near the top of the tool’s capacity, expect slower progress and a bit more forearm. For production-level stainless work, a heavier-duty unit would be the right call; for occasional patches and trim, the EXD‑1 gets it done cleanly.

Accuracy and control

I like that I can follow a scribed line closely. The throat visibility is decent, and the offcut curls away from the cut so it doesn’t obscure the path. The swivel head is the unsung hero here: rotate it so the waste strip falls naturally away from your wrist and the tool stays planted. For long, straight cuts—say trimming down a roofing panel—the lock-on button reduces fatigue and keeps feed pressure consistent.

The minimum curve the tool can navigate is tighter than what you can achieve with straight snips but not as tight as a small nibbler. Large sweeping curves and circles are comfortable. For tighter radii, orient the head and plan your approach so the waste curl doesn’t trap itself against the work. Starting a cut in the middle of a panel requires a pilot hole large enough for the blades to enter; otherwise, start from an edge.

Roofing, body panels, and curved profiles

Corrugated and ribbed roofing always tests a shear’s composure. With the head rotated to follow the ribs, the EXD‑1 kept a steady pace through typical roofing sheet. It’s easier to maintain a straight line than with handheld snips, and far cleaner than an angle grinder—no hot sparks, no burnt paint. On automotive sheet (commonly 18–20 gauge), the tool gives you clean seams for mig welds with almost no edge dressing. The double‑cut action also helps limit “oil canning” that single‑cut tools can introduce by pushing the metal one way.

One caveat: if you force the tool or fight the natural curl of the offcut, you can induce a gentle arc in the scrap—and occasionally in the workpiece, depending on how you support it. Supporting the panel and letting the waste curl freely avoids that.

Cleanliness and finish

The absence of chips is a big quality-of-life improvement. The curled strip is continuous and easy to manage, though it’s springy and razor sharp—wear gloves and be mindful of where it falls. Edge quality is consistent. I rarely saw anything more than a whisper of a burr, and the kerf remains uniform even across slight undulations in sheet.

Speed control and the 360° head

Variable speed is genuinely useful. I feathered the trigger for plastics and laminate, and ran near full speed for long mild-steel cuts. The head rotation is robust; once tightened, it stays put. I recommend taking the minute to adjust it for each job. Straight cuts feel more relaxed when the head is aligned with your forearm, and curves behave better when you avoid forcing the curl toward the tool body.

Beyond metal: mesh, plastics, and odds and ends

Wire mesh cuts quickly, though angle matters. Approach at a slight bias so the blades “bite” each strand instead of bouncing on a crossing. On plastic laminate (Formica-type), keeping speed moderate prevents chipping and the cut is crisp. PVC pipe is doable in a pinch—best supported and cut in sections—but a dedicated saw is cleaner. Thin leather, carpet, and cardboard are easy; just go slow to avoid wavy edges. The takeaway: it’s versatile, but it truly shines on flat sheet material.

Noise, vibration, and maintenance

Noise is moderate for a motorized shear—well below a grinder’s shriek and easy to tolerate with basic hearing protection. Vibration is present but not fatiguing; most of what you feel is the rhythmic action of the blades rather than harsh buzz. Keep the blades clean, don’t run dry through gritty stock, and check the blade screws periodically. Brushes are user-replaceable; I also routinely inspect the cord strain relief after extended use.

Limitations and things to watch

• Capacity is real, not optimistic, but it’s still a 4‑amp shear. If you’re frequently in 14‑gauge steel or 16‑gauge stainless, feed steadily and let the tool work. For regular heavy-gauge use, step up in class.
• The throat opening isn’t generous. For thick coated wire or stacked materials, you’ll need the right angle to initiate the cut.
• Like all double‑cut shears, it removes a 1/4‑inch strip. Be mindful of layout—your finished dimension sits 1/8‑inch from your line on each side of the strip.
• Jams happen if you outrun a tight bend or feed into a bind. If it stalls, release the trigger right away and clear the path; don’t muscle it.
• Power is 120V AC. If you work in regions with 220–240V mains, you’ll need an appropriate transformer or a different model.

Value and who it’s for

This is a practical, no‑nonsense shear for shops and DIYers who want clean edges and less mess. It’s faster than hand snips, far cleaner than abrasive wheels, and more controllable than many single‑cut nibblers. For HVAC trim, roofing, automotive patching, shop fixtures, and general sheet work, it’s a meaningful upgrade. It’s not a production-floor behemoth, and it won’t replace a throatless shear for perfectly straight, die-straight edges—but it bridges that gap between hand tools and big stationary gear very well.

Recommendation

I recommend the SHALL EXD‑1 for anyone who regularly cuts thin sheet metal and wants cleaner edges with less cleanup. Its double‑cut design, variable speed, and 360° swivel head make it accurate and approachable on a wide range of materials. The corded 4‑amp motor keeps it consistent cut after cut, and the lock‑on button helps on long runs. Be realistic about capacity, plan for the 1/4‑inch waste strip, and give yourself a few minutes to learn the right approach angles—especially on mesh and thicker coatings. If your work lives at or beyond the top end of its gauge rating, consider a heavier‑duty shear; otherwise, this is a capable, tidy, and cost-effective solution that’s easy to recommend.