Shears are used in many metalworking plants and are a common piece of fabricating equipment. They are one of the most critical tools used in metal fabricating. They range in size from hand-held metal shears to foot-operated trim shears and high-production in-line flying cutoffs and have been used as a tool for high-production metal cutting. If you’re using mechanical shears and want to know how to improve uptime and reduce maintenance when using shears, follow these tips.

It’s important to understand your tools. The function, design, and operation of your tools are part of this. One of the main causes of shear failure is overloading it beyond its parameters. While shears are designed to cut metal, each shear is designed for a specific thickness and width and damage can occur when these limits are exceeded. Regular adjustments and scheduled service should be followed carefully. You can also cause damage by misusing lubricants and other fluids. Always ensure fluids are used as specified by the OEM.

Make sure you are doing scheduled inspections. Inspect that the shears can perform all functions of operation. On the mechanical variation, ensure all bearings are checked for lost motion and wear and examine all emergency and safety functions.

Always make repairs as soon as possible. If your shears are damaged or worn, the shear should be repaired or adjusted immediately. Most of the biggest failures are a result of putting off simple repairs. Most of the time repairs are quick and easy and are far less expensive to fix rather than wait for a failure.

Follow a basic maintenance plan for your machine. Maintain the air system, the lubrication system, the clutch and brakes, and the counterbalance cylinders. These items should be maintained, cleaned, properly filled, examined, and tested to ensure proper functionality.

Caring for your tools is a process nobody should skimp on. Ensure you get the longest life possible out of your equipment by following all recommended care and maintenance guidelines. Your tools are an investment, and they should last a long time if treated properly.

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