Q: What is the best tool to cut sheet metal?
A: Sharp tin snips or “aviation snips” with compound leverage can usually cut sheet metal up to 18 gauge. For detailed cuts, you can use a Dremel or similar rotary tool. A metal nibbler can often cut materials up to 1/8-in. thick, depending on materials, and these tools are now sold as attachments that fit onto the head of an electric drill. For straight cuts, you can use a metal-cutting circular saw blade with a high teeth-per-inch count. And if you plan on doing a lot of sheet-metal cutting in the future, you might consider purchasing some electric metal shears.
