Reader Finds: The TurboShear HD
By Chuck Cage
DennisL sent us a heads-up about this product from Malco — an attachment that turns your 14.4V or larger cordless drill into a metal shear that can handle up to 18-gauge galvanized steel. I’d imagine this would be pretty handy for an HVAC pro, leveraging an already-purchased coredless drill and eliminating a high-cost second tool all in one shot.
One advantage over a standard shear: You can reposition the TurboShear on the drill so it’s upside-down, which could be handy for tough-to-reach cuts.
Though some places want $100 or more for this, we found it for much less, starting at around $70 via Froogle and even $65 from Amazon. It looks like some hardware stores (like DoItBest) carry it as well.
The TurboShear HD [Malco]
Street Pricing [Froogle]
Buy It Now from Amazon
February 14th, 2007 at 7:41 pm
thats pretty neat, I love accessories that make use of tools you already own
February 14th, 2007 at 8:46 pm
That is really cool looking but I would have to see a hands-on review before moving on one, particularly where it is a tool that I never knew I even needed.
If effective, and coupled with a Sawzall, you could be in demo heaven.
February 15th, 2007 at 9:34 am
I have seen this for fiber cement! looks real handy so you are not dragging cords just for a good shear.
February 15th, 2007 at 9:42 am
I have pneumatic shears and a nibbler. I think they both cost me $80. This thing looks pretty clumsey to me. If I was going to make the investment I think I’d go with electric shears. Kett is it, makes good ones?
When the accessory costs more than the dedicated tool I have to favor the dedicated solution myself.
March 18th, 2007 at 12:37 am
I have had one for a couple of years but hardly ever use it. It does save my wrist when im tired, but I still use the hand shears for most work as it is much more precise. It is a good tool for the price, but first get good left and right aviation snips and big malco “andie” snips for straight cuts. Nibblers are also great to have.
April 21st, 2008 at 10:56 am
Our guys use this for cutting metal roofing. Its awesome. It goes over the ribs, cross cuts, and everything.
Pays for itself in one job.