Principles of selection and operation of metal shears and drill attachments

An electric drill is one of the most popular tools that beginners have in enterprises, but many do not know that with the help of this power tool you can perform not only drilling, but also other technological operations. There are tin snips that come in the form of a drill attachment that are used to cut sheet metal.

Tools

Design and principle of operation

Before you start using a device for cutting metal, you need to familiarize yourself with its design in order to understand how workpieces are cut. The tool consists of several elements:

1. A bearing with a freely rotating shaft that transmits force to the blades of the equipment.
2. Two blades. One of which is fixed to the frame, and the other to the axis.
3. Handles.
4. Fastening elements.

The operating principle can be compared to a crank mechanism, but in this case energy is supplied for rotation.

You cannot operate a power tool without a special handle, which is included with the equipment. When cutting metal parts, a drill or screwdriver may rotate around its axis under the influence of torque. The workpiece will be damaged and the master will be injured.

Cordless scissors (Photo: Instagram / men_instryment_)

No need for extra sacrifices

The modern man has a lot of hand and power tools in his arsenal, which, at first glance, can do an excellent job of cutting anything. But when working with metal tiles, it is better to avoid unnecessary experiments. Let's take a closer look at some of the possible options.

What if you try to cut metal tiles using these tools:

• jigsaw? This tool is good for many things, but not for metal tiles - a jigsaw will tear it, and besides, it can break its saw;
• hand scissors for metal? You may get down to business right away, but after a while you will look for other options to cut metal. In fact, this is very difficult to do with hand tools;
• Bulgarian? Here it is, the most logical option that comes to mind. It cuts sheets with ease, however, there is a downside to the coin that needs to be described separately.

Specifications

Any device for cutting metal has certain technical characteristics, on which the performance and accuracy of the cuts depends. Parameters to consider when choosing devices:

• type of processed metals;
• dimensions of working parts;
• the optimal number of revolutions for the normal functioning of the equipment;
• what force should be applied when cutting the workpiece.

The cutting parts of the equipment must be made of metals of increased hardness.

Bracket for receiving drilling machine

The multifunctional bracket will help you convert a standard hand drill (corded, with battery) into a stationary drilling machine. The body is made of heavy-duty aluminum alloy. Massive, allows you to securely install the drill for subsequent drilling. The fasteners are designed in such a way that they are suitable for all modern power tools.

The sole is equipped with a vice, which allows you to fix the workpieces in the desired position and avoid their displacement while drilling holes. The adjustable bracket allows you to set the desired height, taking into account the size of the tool itself. For convenient operation, there is a handle with a rubber pad that smoothly lowers the drill.

Multifunctional bracket for drill and screwdriver

Varieties

Kinds:

1. Cricket - die-cutting shears that are used for cutting profiles, plastic, and metal sheets. The permissible steel thickness for cutting is 1.2 mm. Plastic layer - 2 mm. Often used for cutting metal tiles. The optimal rotation speed of the electric motor is up to 2500 rpm. There is no need to straighten the workpieces after cutting.
2. Steel beaver is an improved accessory for power tools, with which you can cut sheets of metal, profiles, and fittings. The blades can separate parts up to 1.8mm thick. A punch with a replaceable matrix is ​​installed on it. The optimal number of revolutions is up to 3000.
3. EDMA NIBBLEX equipment. Makes it possible to cut metal profiles up to 1.2 mm thick, aluminum sheets up to 1.5 mm. The optimal number of revolutions is from 3000.
4. SPARKY nibblers. The maximum thickness of the material to be cut is up to 2 mm. The optimal number of revolutions is 3000.

Disc shears for screwdrivers are included in a separate group. They are the least popular because they are not suitable for making curved cuts. The bevel gear transmits force to the movable cutting disc. The second disk, installed opposite, presses the metal sheet and guides the tool.

Steel beaver for cutting metal (Photo: Instagram / redtool.pro)

Special equipment for metal cutting

In production and construction, you need to regularly cut metal sheets, cut holes in them, and cutouts of various shapes.

Tools for cutting corrugated sheets

Many types of tools and equipment can cope with such tasks:

• Angle grinder. She's Bulgarian. Using special cutting wheels, it is possible to cut sheet metal and reinforcement. It is often used precisely for these purposes. But there are disadvantages. Burrs remain on long cuts; it is not suitable for corrugated sheeting, as it damages the polymer coating; it requires constant purchase of cutting discs, which quickly wear out.
• Guillotine. Performs cutting of rolled metal with a fairly wide range of thicknesses. Has high performance. They are mainly used only in enterprises due to the high cost of equipment.
• A circular saw. It is possible to cut metal at different angles and with high precision. It is not possible to make complex cuts; after working with it, a lot of waste remains.
• Jigsaw. Allows you to cut material at different angles. Suitable for cutting sheet metal.
• Electric shears for metal. There are different types. For sheet steel - intended only for simple cutting of metal. Nibblers - in addition to straight and shaped cutting, makes a variety of holes. Slotted scissors - do an excellent job of cutting shapes and perform their task most accurately and accurately. The disadvantage of such tools is their rather high cost. Suitable for those who are professionally involved in construction and renovation. For one-time work and small volumes, purchasing electric scissors is not practical.
• Drill attachments for cutting metal. There are two types - “cricket” and “steel beaver”. The operating principle is similar to electric cutting shears, but several times cheaper in cost.

Drill attachment “steel beaver”

There are undeniable advantages of using a drill for cutting rolled metal. Every craftsman has this tool - both a professional builder and a summer resident.

The drill is a universal equipment due to the ability to change attachments. They can be for drilling holes, grinding, milling, sharpening, etc.

Selection principles

Criteria for choosing scissors for a screwdriver and drill:

• maximum permissible steel cutting thickness;
• the ability to make curved cuts;
• permissible angle of rotation of cutting parts;
• blade material, blade;
• optimal number of revolutions.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

• no overheating of the material when cutting;
• high maneuverability compared to bulky machines and grinders;
• ease of maintenance;
• no sparks when processing metal;
• high cutting speed.

Flaws:

1. Difficulty of work. To make accurate cuts, a beginner needs to practice several times.
2. When working, you need to use two hands. Press the power tool start button with one, and hold the additional handle, which is installed on the equipment, with the other. Because of this, it is impossible to independently hold the sheet being cut.

Easy to use (Photo: Instagram / helpertool)

Manufacturers and cost

Manufacturers:

1. SPARKY 181874 - manufactured in Bulgaria. Cost - 2000 rubles.
2. ENKOR 14209 — Cricket scissors. Cost - 1900 rubles.
3. Steel Beaver - simple but reliable attachments. Price - 1500 rubles.
4. EDMA NIBBLEX - expensive equipment. Price - 5000 rubles.
5. Malco turboShear TS1 is a professional nozzle from the USA. Cost - 7000 rubles.

Finally

And yet, if you are not a professional roofer, then you won’t find a better option than a drill attachment . It can be an excellent help both on the roof and in everyday life. If you need to cut metal without squealing and fiery splashes, like from an angle grinder, please do so. In addition to the convenience of operation, the fact that you do not need to buy an expensive device is captivating. The attachments themselves are not that expensive and fit on any drill. For professional work with metal tiles, such attachments are rather weak, but for home use they are the best option.

Whatever you use to cut, it is better to treat the cut edges with paint , such as façade paint.

Exploitation

When using an electric drill attachment, you must follow safety precautions to avoid injury and maintain the integrity of the material:

1. Use safety glasses and gloves.
2. Before starting work, check the quality of fastening of the equipment on the power tool and the reliability of fixing the workpiece.
3. Remove chips from the treated area in a timely manner.
4. Store the nozzle in a dry place.
5. Buy equipment only in specialized stores.
6. Do not touch the cut parts for a minute after work.

The scissor-shaped drill attachment is used for straight, shaped cutting of metal parts. They are less cumbersome compared to grinders and allow you to carry out work silently. When cutting, you need to take into account safety regulations.

Why not Bulgarian?

If you carefully read the instructions for metal tiles and their installation, then, of course, you found a point where it is stated that cutting with a grinder is prohibited . In this case, the product warranty is simply voided. Why is that?

The metal tiles are protected on top by a special polymer that does not tolerate high temperatures. And when using an angle grinder, the metal will heat up just to those critical temperatures, so that both the zinc coating and the polymer layer will melt in certain places. The result is deformation of the protective layers; such tiles will be damaged by rust and may even leak.

In addition, sparks from the contact of the abrasive disc and the tiles will fly in different directions, causing damage . These points will become small, and in the future more dangerous islands of corrosion.

Advice: if you decide to cut with a grinder, then try to protect the tile sheets from sparks. And cover the cut areas with facade paint. Although this is not the best, it is a tolerable option.

Drill attachment for sharpening drills

This device consists of a plastic case, inside of which a specially shaped sanding wheel rotates. It is this that allows you to form the required sharpening angle on the working part of the tool. The circle is mounted on a shaft, which is connected to the drill with a special coupling. It is activated when the tool is turned on.

Many modern models have an end cap on the body, in which there are holes of different diameters for sharpening drills of different sizes. These holes are made in such a way that the sharpening element comes into contact with the emery wheel in a certain position.

The principle of operation of the attachment for sharpening drills is simple - when you turn on the drill, the chuck rotates the sharpening stone located inside

The drill sharpening process is performed as follows. The product is inserted with the cutting part into the hole of the nozzle of the appropriate diameter. After starting the drill, the emery wheel begins to rotate, sharpening half of the drill bit. Next, the product is turned over in the hole 180 degrees, and the procedure is repeated. This sequence of actions is performed several times until the required parameters of the cutting part of the drill are achieved.

The drill attachment for sharpening drills, which can be bought for an average of 350-500 rubles, has 15 holes with diameters from 3.5 to 10 mm. Products can be sharpened at an angle of 180 degrees due to the special shape of the stone. The simple design of the device allows you to perform work quickly and without special skills.

Related article:

Disc cutting machine for metal: product classification

Types of structures, their characteristics and features. Review of the best machine tool manufacturers. Comparative characteristics of prices.

However, it should be remembered that the device is intended for sharpening sagging cutting edges. To fully sharpen heavily worn products, an emery wheel will not be enough for a long time.

Helpful advice! When purchasing an attachment of a certain model, you should take into account the diameter of the drill chuck.

There is also another type of additive. This is an attachment for a drill for sharpening knives and scissors, which is presented in the form of two sanding wheels mounted on the shaft and located at a certain distance from each other. The price of such a device is about 250 rubles.

The attachment for sharpening knives and scissors for drills is easy to use and does not require special skills in its use.

Master Class. How to make a lathe from a drill

You might be surprised, but a drill can also be used to create a simple lathe. All structural elements are made by hand (with the exception of screws and bearings). There is nothing superfluous - only the most necessary!

Step 1. The first thing you need to do is prepare everything you need for the job.

What you need for a lathe

Step 2. Next, you need to decide what the dimensions of the tabletop will be. It is not necessary to take the sizes given in the example - you can have your own.

Tabletop dimensions

Step 3. After this, the center of the drill is determined. It is placed on the tabletop, then the distance from it (the tabletop) to the center of the chuck is measured. Take a square piece of wood and make a hole in it for the neck of the drill. The center of this hole will be the previously measured distance. This will ensure the drill stays level.

Step 4. All excess is cut off, after which the mount must be put aside for a while.

Excess is cut off

Step 5. We begin assembling two corner pieces, which are a pair of rectangular pieces of wood glued together.

Assembly of corner partsCorner parts

The smaller part (headstock) will hold the rotating workpiece from the opposite side, and the larger one is the bed, the tool itself will rest on it

It is important that the height of the headstock is approximately 1.5 times greater

Then guides are created on both workpieces - holes are drilled along the line, which are then connected at an angle.

The holes are connected at an angle. Headstock and bed

Step 6. 3 important elements are ready. If you want, spray paint them.

Three important details

Step 7. A hole for the bearing is drilled in the headstock (it should not be through). A bolt is inserted into the bearing itself and tightened with a nut. Glue is applied to the seat, then the bearing is installed (it should be with the nut facing out).

First, a small hole is drilled. The seat is applied. Glue is applied. The bolt is inserted with the nut outward.

Step 8. The rail guides are attached to the tabletop. Holes (3 pieces) are drilled for long bolts, the mount for the drill is fixed with self-tapping screws. You also need to install a small wooden rectangle under the handle of the drill. All parts are screwed on.

Rail guides Mount for a drill Rectangle for a drill handle

Step 9. The drill itself is fixed with self-tapping screws - it should “sit” rigidly.

Drill inserted, fixed with self-tapping screws

Step 10. The design is almost ready, all that remains is to make a clamp to hold the workpiece. For this purpose, a round piece is cut out, self-tapping screws are inserted into it, as well as a bolt and nut.

A round piece is cut out and self-tapping screws are screwed in. Ready-made latch

Step 11. The finished part is mounted in the chuck.

Fastening the clamp in the chuckTesting the lathe

Drill attachment for grinding

Using a grinding attachment on a drill, old coatings, corrosion, nicks, and scale are removed from the surface of the product. It is used for grinding the edges of glass, metal parts and products made from other materials. Thanks to the small size of the equipment, hard-to-reach areas can be processed. The average cost of a product is 500 rubles.

Drill attachments for grinding are used for preliminary rough preparation of the base for future polishing. It is made in the form of a rod on which grinding material in the form of a brush or sandpaper is fixed. There are various types of such devices that are used for specific tasks.

A cup attachment for a drill for grinding wood or other material is represented by a rod mounted on a chuck and a cup-shaped body filled with light or hard bristles. The body is made of metal or durable and lightweight plastic. Typically this attachment is used to remove old coating or corrosion from a surface.

The drill attachment for grinding is designed to clean metal surfaces from rust and dirt.

Another variation is a disk attachment on a drill for grinding metal, where the bristles of the grinding material in the form of a brass brush or steel wire are directed towards the edges of the disk from its center. This additive should be used very carefully, as it can easily damage the coating. The plate attachment has a movable or fixed rod, which is fixed to the cartridge. Sandpaper is attached to it using Velcro.

Helpful advice! It is better to purchase attachments with a movable rod, which allows you to adjust the angle of the drill while smoothly following the contours of the material.

A flap or fan sanding attachment is represented by a rod on which pieces of sandpaper or other abrasive material are attached. It is used for radius grinding or surface processing with a complex profile. It can also be used for grinding holes, like carbide cutters or cutters that work on the principle of a file.

Grinding abrasive stones mounted on a rod are used to remove sagging, burrs, boring holes or leveling a weld.

Many craftsmen, when purchasing a drill, immediately choose a set of attachments that make it possible to do the grinding themselves.