Why Is the Shear Not Cutting Properly?

If your shear is not cutting cleanly or straight, the issue likely stems from misalignment or inadequate lubrication.

The shear is extremely dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury or death. Always keep the guard in place during operation. Remove it only for maintenance when the machine is unplugged or locked out / tagged out.

Signs of shear misalignment

• The shear cuts metal unevenly or jaggedly.
• Cut panels catch on or hit the exit shear die.
• A worn-out center mandrel.
• A broken shear die.

How to adjust the entry and exit shear dies

Entry and exit shear dies are profile-specific and require adjustment when changing profiles. The outside vertical leg of the male and female entry dies should be approximately 1/32″ away from the outside of the vertical legs of the panel.

1. Run material through until approximately 6 inches from the shear; shut off and disconnect power.
2. Sight down the panel legs to locate the entry shear dies; hold with “C” bolts (don’t tighten yet).
3. Start the machine and carefully jog material forward while viewing through the dies; adjust if needed.
4. Continue jogging until material is 1–2 inches past the shear dies; power down.
5. Adjust entry shear dies to 1/32″ from the panel’s outside vertical leg; tighten “C” bolts.
6. If the entry shear die has a mandrel, position it per your manual; loosen “E” bolts if needed and adjust.
7. Install exit shear dies positioned about 1/32″ outboard of the entry shear dies; tighten “C” bolts.
8. Adjust the exit shear die mandrel as needed.

Blade adjustments

1. Position top blades so the #2 blade tip is inside the male leg and the #1 blade tip is inside the female leg, creating a scissor action. Loosen the seven “D” bolts to reposition if necessary, then retighten.
2. Start the machine and shear a 12-inch panel; jog forward a few inches. Inspect for scraping and cut quality; make corrections as needed.

Maintaining the shear

Clean and lubricate the top blades, bottom dies, and male/female dies approximately every 30 cuts during regular use, or when cutting surfaces appear dry. Proper lubrication is essential to clean cuts, rust prevention, and longevity of the shear. Super Lube® Multi-Purpose Synthetic Lubricant is recommended. Do not use WD-40.