Multi Shears

About Multi Shears

Multi shears are versatile cutting tools designed to tackle a wide range of materials and applications that standard scissors or snips cannot handle. Unlike conventional shears limited to a single purpose, multi shears feature specially engineered blades and jaw configurations that allow them to cut through multiple material types including plastics, rubber, textiles, aramid fibres, thin metals, gaskets, cables, and pipes. The robust construction typically includes hardened steel blades with various surface treatments such as hard-chrome plating, combined with ergonomic handles that provide the leverage needed for demanding cutting tasks.

The selection at Tooled-Up.com encompasses everything from compact palm shears ideal for precision work in tight spaces, to heavy-duty combination shears with profile anvil cutters designed for industrial applications. Leading manufacturers like Knipex, Bessey, and ARS have developed specialised designs including offset shears for improved access, ERGO handled models for reduced hand fatigue, and mitre shears with angle-cutting capabilities for pipe and gasket work. Many professional-grade multi shears feature innovative mechanisms such as squeeze-open systems for single-handed operation, making them indispensable for tradespeople who need reliable cutting performance across diverse job sites.

Modern multi shears have evolved significantly from basic cutting tools into precision instruments that combine multiple functions in a single implement. Whether you're working with delicate horticultural materials requiring clean cuts or tackling robust industrial fabrics and composites, quality multi shears deliver the cutting power and control necessary for professional results. The combination of specialised blade geometries, durable materials, and thoughtful ergonomic design makes these tools essential for any tradesperson or serious DIY enthusiast requiring versatile cutting capability.

Jargon Buster

• Profile Anvil Cutter: A blade configuration where material is pressed against a specially shaped anvil surface rather than a counter-blade, providing cleaner cuts in softer materials and preventing crushing of hollow profiles like cables and hoses.
• Offset Shears: Shears with handles positioned at an angle to the blades, allowing your hand to remain clear of the work surface when cutting flat materials, improving both visibility and comfort during extended use.
• Hard-Chrome Plating: A surface treatment that increases blade hardness, reduces friction, and provides corrosion resistance, extending tool life particularly when cutting abrasive or corrosive materials.
• Combination Shears: Multi-purpose cutting tools featuring interchangeable blade configurations or multiple cutting edges designed to handle different material types without requiring separate tools.
• Mitre Shears: Specialised shears designed to cut materials at precise angles, particularly useful for pipe work, gasket fabrication, and any application requiring accurate angled cuts.
• Squeeze-Open System: A spring-loaded mechanism that automatically opens the blades after each cut, enabling single-handed operation and reducing fatigue during repetitive cutting tasks.

Who Uses Multi Shears?

Multi shears are essential tools across numerous trades and industries:

• Electricians and Sparks: Cutting cables, aramid fibre sleeving, cable ties, and various insulation materials on site
• Plumbers and Heating Engineers: Trimming gaskets, cutting flexible pipes, and preparing sealing materials
• HVAC Technicians: Fabricating ductwork gaskets and cutting insulation materials to precise dimensions
• Automotive Technicians: Removing and fabricating gaskets, cutting various automotive textiles and trim materials
• Upholsterers: Cutting heavy-duty fabrics, foam materials, and industrial textiles
• Carpet Fitters: Trimming carpet backing, underlay, and gripper materials
• Landscapers and Gardeners: Pruning, harvesting, and general horticultural cutting tasks
• Manufacturing and Production Workers: Cutting technical textiles, composites, and various industrial materials
• Maintenance Engineers: General-purpose cutting across facility maintenance applications
• DIY Enthusiasts: Tackling home improvement projects requiring versatile cutting capability

How to Choose the Right Multi Shears

Blade Material and Coating: High-carbon steel blades offer excellent edge retention for demanding applications, whilst hard-chrome or ceramic coatings provide additional hardness and corrosion resistance. Consider the materials you'll cut most frequently—abrasive materials require harder, more wear-resistant blade surfaces.

Handle Design and Ergonomics: ERGO handles with soft-grip materials significantly reduce hand fatigue during extended use. For repetitive cutting tasks, models with squeeze-open systems or spring-loaded mechanisms minimise effort. Offset handles are particularly valuable when cutting sheet materials flat on a work surface.

Cutting Capacity: Check the maximum recommended cutting diameter or material thickness. Tooled-Up stocks models ranging from compact palm shears suitable for 12mm diameter materials up to heavy-duty industrial shears capable of handling significantly thicker stock. Attempting to exceed a tool's rated capacity causes premature wear and potential blade damage.

Blade Configuration: Profile anvil cutters excel with cables and hollow sections, preventing crushing. Combination shears with multiple cutting edges handle diverse materials without tool changes. Mitre shears are essential for angle-cutting applications, whilst straight-blade designs offer maximum cutting force for tough materials.

Overall Length and Weight: Longer shears provide greater leverage for cutting thick materials but may prove cumbersome in confined spaces. Compact palm shears typically measure around 210mm and weigh approximately 150g, ideal for precision work and overhead applications. Heavier-duty models sacrifice portability for cutting power.

Brand Quality: Established manufacturers like Knipex, Bessey, and Facom engineer their shears to professional standards with superior materials and precise manufacturing tolerances, ensuring consistent performance and longevity worth the investment for regular users.

Popular Accessories

• Replacement Blades: Keep spare blades for models with replaceable cutting edges to maintain optimal cutting performance
• Protective Holsters and Sheaths: Leather or synthetic carriers protect blade edges during transport and provide safe belt-mounted storage
• Sharpening Stones and Files: Maintain cutting edges with appropriate sharpening tools for your blade material
• Cutting Mats: Self-healing cutting mats protect work surfaces and extend blade life when cutting sheet materials
• Cleaning and Maintenance Products: Specialist lubricants and cleaning solutions maintain smooth operation and prevent corrosion
• Tool Rolls and Cases: Organised storage solutions protect your investment and keep multiple cutting tools accessible
• Work Gloves: Cut-resistant gloves provide hand protection when handling sharp materials and tools

Safety Information

Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear appropriate safety glasses or goggles when cutting materials, as fragments can become projectiles. Cut-resistant gloves protect your non-cutting hand from accidental contact with sharp edges, though ensure gloves don't compromise grip or dexterity.

Proper Cutting Technique: Always cut away from your body and keep your free hand clear of the blade path. Ensure materials are properly secured before cutting—never hold small pieces in your hand whilst cutting. Apply steady, controlled pressure rather than forcing cuts, which can cause blades to slip or materials to shift unexpectedly.

Blade Maintenance: Keep blades sharp and properly adjusted—dull blades require excessive force and are more likely to slip. Inspect shears before each use for loose fasteners, damaged handles, or blade defects. Never use multi shears on materials harder than their rated capacity, as this can cause sudden blade failure.

Storage and Transport: Store shears with blades closed and use protective sheaths when carrying tools in bags or pockets. Keep cutting tools away from edges where they might fall, and ensure they're inaccessible to children. Clean and dry shears after use, particularly after cutting corrosive materials, to prevent deterioration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between multi shears and standard scissors?

Multi shears feature significantly more robust construction with hardened steel blades, stronger pivot mechanisms, and ergonomic handles designed for high-force cutting. Whilst scissors suit paper and light fabrics, multi shears tackle industrial textiles, thin metals, plastics, rubber, cables, and other demanding materials that would damage conventional scissors. The blade geometry and leverage provided by quality multi shears enable clean cuts through materials up to several millimetres thick.

Can multi shears cut sheet metal?

Many multi shears can cut thin sheet metals, typically up to around 1.2mm depending on the material hardness and shear design. However, dedicated tin snips or aviation shears are generally more suitable for regular metalworking. Heavy-duty combination shears from manufacturers like Knipex and Bessey handle occasional light-gauge metal cutting, but repeatedly cutting hard materials beyond the tool's specification will prematurely dull blades designed primarily for softer materials.

How do I maintain my multi shears?

Clean blades after each use, particularly after cutting adhesive-backed or corrosive materials. Apply a light machine oil to pivot points and blade surfaces to prevent corrosion and ensure smooth operation. Periodically check and tighten the pivot bolt if blades develop excessive play. Have blades professionally sharpened when cutting performance deteriorates—attempting to sharpen complex blade profiles incorrectly can ruin the cutting geometry.

Are offset shears better than straight designs?

Offset shears excel when cutting sheet materials on flat surfaces, keeping your knuckles clear and improving visibility of the cut line. However, straight designs often provide better access in confined spaces and work well for hand-held cutting tasks. The choice depends on your primary applications—many professionals at Tooled-Up purchase both configurations for different situations.

What does the maximum cutting diameter specification mean?

The maximum recommended cutting diameter indicates the largest cross-section of material you should attempt to cut, typically specified for medium-hardness materials. Softer materials like rubber might cut cleanly at slightly larger dimensions, whilst very hard plastics or metals require staying well below the maximum specification. Exceeding these limits risks blade damage, poor cut quality, and potential injury from tool failure or material slipping.