Which tool is used for cutting sheet metal?

The use of shears or snips for cutting sheet metal is essential due to their design, which allows for precise and clean cuts in various thicknesses of metal. These tools are specifically made to handle the characteristics of sheet metal, which requires a cutting tool that can navigate curves and make straight cuts without distorting the material.

Shears can be manual or powered, providing versatility depending on the scale of the job, and offer a high degree of control, minimizing the risk of jagged edges that could occur with other cutting methods. Their blades are crafted to slice through metal rather than tear, making them ideal for achieving the desired finish and dimensions.

In contrast, alternatives like drilling machines are not intended for cutting and are used to create holes rather than slices. Band saws might be acceptable for thicker materials but are less commonly used for thinner sheet metal due to their inability to provide the fine control required for intricate shapes. Hammers are not cutting tools and serve a different function entirely in metalworking, such as shaping or forming metal rather than cutting it.