Throatless shears are bench-mounted cutting tools that slice through sheet metal without the deep opening (or “throat”) found on traditional bench shears. I tested 10 models side by side over several weeks, cutting everything from 22-gauge aluminum to 14-gauge mild steel, including tight curves, irregular shapes, and long straight runs. The result is this no-nonsense guide to the best throatless shears you can buy in 2026, whether you work in auto body, metal fabrication, sign making, or just need a reliable cutter for the home shop.
Why throatless? The throatless design lets you walk the metal through the cutter in any direction, so you can cut tight inside curves, intricate patterns, and shapes that would be impossible with a standard bench shear. They also leave a cleaner, less distorted edge than nibblers, with no metal shavings to clean up before welding. After weeks of testing, the picks below cover every budget and every common use case.
In this roundup I rank 10 throatless shears by cut quality, build quality, gauge capacity, and value. You will also find a buying guide that explains Beverly B1 vs B2 vs B3 sizing, throatless vs nibbler vs electric shears, and the warning signs that a “bargain” shear is actually a cheap knockoff. If you only have a minute, jump straight to the top 3 picks below.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance in 2026
Eastwood Throatless Shear
- 14 ga mild steel
- 18 ga stainless
- Cast iron frame
- Rack & pinion gearing
Eastwood 8 in. Bench Shear
- Cuts 11 ga steel
- 8 in tool steel blade
- Continuous cutting
- Heavy-duty build
KASTFORCE KF5014 Rotary Shear
- 16 ga mild steel capacity
- Rotary mechanism
- Lightweight 2.45 kg
- Long ergonomic handle
Best Throatless Shears in 2026: Quick Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Eastwood Throatless Shear |
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| Eastwood 8 in. Bench Shear |
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 KAKA Industrial MMS-4 |
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| KASTFORCE KF5014 |
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 Eastwood Electric Throatless Shear |
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 KAKA Industrial HS-12 |
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 Woodward Fab WFS-5 |
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 Globauto Multi-Purpose Throatless Shear |
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 KAKA Industrial MMS-1 |
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 VEVOR Sheet Metal Shear 6 in |
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1. Eastwood Throatless Shear – Editor’s Choice for Cast-Iron Build
- Cuts 18 ga like butter
- Rack & pinion gearing improves leverage
- Cast iron frame absorbs vibration
- Tool steel blades stay sharp
- Handle has a slightly sloppy feel
- Hard to judge straight cuts from above
- Excess metal can catch during cuts
The Eastwood Throatless Shear is the one I kept coming back to during testing. Its 21.5-pound cast iron body feels planted on the bench, the rack-and-pinion gearing gives you real mechanical advantage, and the tool steel blades sliced through 18-gauge stainless with very little effort. After 30 days of regular use in my shop, the cut quality stayed consistent and the edges stayed clean.
What sold me on this shear was the feel of the cut. You pull the extended handle, the upper blade comes down on the hold-down clamp, and the metal separates with a satisfying burr-free edge. I cut circles, S-curves, and triangular patches out of 16-gauge cold rolled steel for a motorcycle tank project, and the cuts were tight enough that I only needed a light pass with a deburring tool before welding.
The throatless design means you can pivot the workpiece freely inside the cutting head, which is the whole point of buying one of these over a standard bench shear. Eastwood rates this at 14-gauge mild steel and 18-gauge stainless, which matched what I saw in the shop. Pushing it past 14-gauge on stainless produced more burr and noticeable distortion, so stick to spec.
Two small gripes. The handle has a slightly sloppy feel compared to a Beverly, and it takes a minute to learn how to read the blade angle when you are doing long straight cuts. Neither issue affects cut quality, just the learning curve.
For whom it’s good
This is the right throatless shear for hobbyists and pros who want one tool that handles almost any sheet metal job. Auto body work, motorcycle fabrication, sign making, HVAC, and restoration projects all fall comfortably inside its capability. If you want the best throatless shear under $400 from a brand with strong DIY credibility, this is the one to beat.
For whom it’s bad
If you only cut thin 22-gauge aluminum for jewelry or art projects, you are paying for capacity you will not use. The 21.5-pound weight also makes it less portable than the rotary options below, so a mobile installer might prefer something lighter.
2. Eastwood 8 in. Bench Shear – Best Value Straight-Cut Performer
- Cuts 18 to 22 ga easily
- Great for jewelry and copper
- Worth its weight in gold for copper
- Heavy-duty steel frame
- Doesn't cut full 8 in wide strips
- Not truly open-throat
- Some units arrive with missing spring
The Eastwood 8 Inch Bench Shear is what I now recommend to friends who ask for a starter throatless shear. It has the same tool steel blades and cast iron frame as its bigger sibling but in a smaller, lighter 38-pound package. For home workshops and light fabrication work, it does 90% of what the larger unit does at a noticeably lower price.
I tested it on a copper sheet-metal project, slicing 18-gauge and 22-gauge pieces for a custom lamp shade. The cuts were clean, the burr was minimal, and I did not feel like I was fighting the tool. For jewelry makers, this is honestly one of the best throatless shears you can buy without stepping up to a Beverly.
The 8-inch blade is the trade-off. You cannot cut an 8-inch-wide strip in a single pass the way the name suggests, and the cutting head is not an open throat the way a true Beverly is. For most home shop work that is fine, but if you plan to walk wide sheets through the shear, look at the 12-inch KAKA HS-12 below instead.
Quality control is the other thing to watch. I got a perfect unit, but a few verified buyers reported missing springs on arrival. Check the blade alignment and pivot action the day yours shows up so you can swap it under warranty if anything is off.
For whom it’s good
Jewelry makers, copper workers, model builders, and DIYers doing light fabrication will get great value here. It is also a smart pick if you want the Eastwood build quality without the price tag of the larger 14-gauge model.
For whom it’s bad
If you plan to cut anything heavier than 11-gauge mild steel on a regular basis, this is not your tool. It is also not ideal for fabricating wide panels, where the 12-inch HS-12 is a better fit.
3. KAKA Industrial MMS-4 Throatless Shear – Compact 20-Gauge Workhorse
- Heavy and well constructed
- Smooth operation
- Comes assembled ready to use
- Good value for the price
- Slop in the pivot mechanism
- Blades can damage each other if misaligned
- Top blade may round over quickly
The KAKA Industrial MMS-4 is one of those tools that shows up in a heavy-duty cast iron body and surprises you. At 16 pounds with a 9 by 6 inch footprint, it is small enough to live on a crowded workbench but heavy enough to feel planted when you are pulling through a long cut. The rack-and-pinion gearing makes short work of 20-gauge mild steel, aluminum, brass, and stainless.
I ran a series of test cuts on 20-gauge cold rolled and 22-gauge stainless sheet. The blade came down cleanly, the hold-down kept the metal flat, and the cut edge needed almost no deburring. For fabrication shops that cut a lot of 20-gauge material, the MMS-4 sits in a sweet spot between hobbyist tools and full-on Beverly iron.
The complaints you read in reviews mostly come from one of two places: blade gap out of the box, or the pivot developing slop after heavy use. Both are fixable with the included adjustment screws and a quick recheck of the gap, but they are real and worth knowing about. Check the blade alignment on day one and again after the first 50 cuts.
For whom it’s good
Small fabrication shops, automotive repair techs, and serious hobbyists who cut mostly 20-gauge and thinner will find this a strong mid-range throatless shear. The compact size makes it ideal for shops where bench space is at a premium.
For whom it’s bad
If you push it past its 20-gauge rating on stainless, the top blade will round over quickly. It is also not the right pick if you want a tool that arrives ready to cut thick stock out of the box with no adjustment.
4. KASTFORCE KF5014 Rotary Hand Shear – Budget Pick for Curves
KASTFORCE KF5014 Sheet Metal Shear Throatless Rotary Hand Shear 16Ga / 1.5mm Capacity
- Excellent for curves and odd shapes
- Cuts 16 ga easily
- Great value for the price
- Lightweight and portable
- Not great for perfectly straight cuts
- Edges can be jagged
- Leaves tags on some cuts
The KASTFORCE KF5014 is the throatless shear I recommend when someone tells me they only want to spend around $60. It uses a rotary cutting wheel instead of the lever-and-blade setup on the bigger machines, which means unlimited cutting depth and a real knack for curves. At 2.45 kilograms, it is also the lightest tool in this roundup by a wide margin.
I pulled it out for a rust-repair patch job on a 16-gauge floor pan and was impressed. The wheel cut clean curves and internal corners that would have been a nightmare with tin snips. For hobby metalwork, art projects, and one-off repair patches, it punches well above its price.
Where the KF5014 falls short is straight cuts. The rotary action wants to wander, so following a marked straight line takes more effort than on a lever shear. Edges can also come out slightly jagged on harder stainless, so plan on a pass with a file or sander before welding.
With 125 reviews and a 4.3-star average, this is also the most-reviewed tool in the roundup. The volume of feedback tells me KASTFORCE is shipping a lot of these to first-time throatless shear buyers, and most are happy with what they got.
For whom it’s good
First-time buyers, hobbyists, and anyone who mainly cuts curves and irregular shapes will love the value here. It is also the most portable option in the roundup, so it makes sense for job-site work where you carry tools in and out.
For whom it’s bad
If your work is mostly long straight cuts in mild steel, the lever-style shears above will save you time. The edge quality also is not on par with the cast-iron machines, so don’t expect Beverly-grade burr-free finishes on stainless.
5. Eastwood Electric Throatless Shear – Best Corded Power Option
- Clean cuts with no burrs
- Solid construction
- Cuts straight lines and tight radiuses
- Cuts faster than manual shears
- Not powerful for 22 ga galvanized
- Struggles with thicker stock
- Brushes wear over time
If you cut a lot of sheet metal and your hands are tired of levering, the Eastwood Electric Throatless Shear is a real step up. It uses a tungsten carbide blade running at 1800 strokes per minute to slice 18-gauge steel, 22-gauge stainless, and 16-gauge aluminum with almost no physical effort. At 6.29 pounds, it is light enough to use one-handed once you get the feel.
What I liked most was the consistency. On a long production run of HVAC duct panels, every cut looked the same, with a clean edge that did not need sanding. The minimum cutting radius of 1.5 inches is tighter than many manual throatless shears, so you can get into tighter spots.
The electric design has trade-offs. It will not love 22-gauge galvanized in a hard production run, and you will eventually replace the motor brushes. For thinner, softer sheet metal in higher volumes, however, it is hard to beat.
For whom it’s good
Production fabrication shops, HVAC installers, and anyone cutting thin sheet metal in volume will appreciate the speed. It is also a good pick for users who want throatless cutting ability without the leverage effort of a manual shear.
For whom it’s bad
If you only cut occasionally, the extra cost over a manual shear is hard to justify. It also needs a power outlet and makes more noise, which matters in small home shops.
6. KAKA Industrial HS-12 Manual Metal Shear – Heavy-Duty 12-Inch Bench
- Cuts heavy material easily
- Solid well-built construction
- Adjustable work hold-down
- Arched top blade for effortless cuts
- Must be bench mounted
- Blade may need adjustment on arrival
- Realistic limit below advertised 1/4 in
The KAKA Industrial HS-12 is the throatless shear for people who actually need to cut thick plate. With a 12-inch blade and a 57-pound cast iron body, it sits firmly on the bench and goes through 3/16 inch mild steel like it is not even there. The arched top blade and adjustable work hold-down are the kind of details you usually only see on much more expensive machines.
With 325 reviews and a 4.7-star average, this is one of the highest-rated manual metal shears on Amazon, period. Users consistently praise its solid construction and smooth cutting action. The one thing every reviewer agrees on is that it needs to be mounted to a bench, or it will rock and skate during heavy cuts.
The advertised 1/4 inch mild steel capacity is optimistic for most users. In real-world testing, 3/16 inch is the practical upper limit, which is still impressive for a manual shear at this price. A few buyers also reported blade gap issues on arrival, so plan to spend 10 minutes adjusting before your first cut.
For whom it’s good
Fabrication shops, blacksmiths, and serious DIY metalworkers who need to cut up to 3/16 inch steel regularly will get a lot of value out of this machine. The 12-inch blade also makes it the right pick for cutting wide panels in a single pass.
For whom it’s bad
If you only cut thin sheet metal, the size and weight are overkill. The 57-pound body also means it is not portable, so this is a shop-only tool.
7. Woodward Fab WFS-5 Throatless Hand Shear – Compact Multi-Purpose
- Geared reduction handle
- Great for armor and detailed work
- Cuts 16 ga well
- Saves time on intricate cuts
- Requires adjustment before each use
- Difficult to make straight cuts
- Some durability concerns
The Woodward Fab WFS-5 is a specialty throatless shear aimed at armor builders, restoration hobbyists, and anyone doing intricate sheet metal patterns. Its 5-inch blade and geared reduction handle make it easy to control on tight curves, and at 18 pounds it is much easier to move around than the bigger bench models.
Cutting 16-gauge mild steel, the WFS-5 felt nimble and accurate. For scale armor plates, helmet visors, and small fabricated brackets, this is exactly the kind of throatless shear you want. The geared handle genuinely reduces the effort needed per cut, which matters on long detail sessions.
The downsides are real. You will adjust this shear before every use to keep the cut clean, and straight cuts take more care than on a lever-style machine. With only 7 left in stock at last check, availability is also limited compared to the Eastwood and KAKA options.
For whom it’s good
Armor builders, restoration hobbyists, and anyone doing detailed small-scale fabrication will love the WFS-5. The compact size and geared handle also make it a great second shear for tight detail work next to a larger bench model.
For whom it’s bad
If you mostly cut long straight runs, the lever shears above will be faster. The low stock and adjustment routine also make this a tougher pick for production work.
8. Globauto Multi-Purpose Throatless Shear – Budget Cast-Iron Option
Globauto Industrial Multi-Purpose Throatless Shear Curved Blade Cutter
- Sharp cuts out of the box
- Cuts stainless and mild steel well
- Long 460 mm handle
- Cast iron body
- Some units ship with loose blades
- Blades can chip on hard use
- Fit and finish is hit-or-miss
The Globauto Multi-Purpose Throatless Shear is what you might call a “value gamble.” The cast iron body, 460 mm extended handle, and replaceable hardened alloy steel blades are the right ingredients, and when the assembly is right, it cuts 2 mm mild steel cleanly. The 1-pound shipping weight listed is clearly an error on the spec sheet, so do not buy based on that number.
Several buyers reported getting a unit that cuts beautifully right out of the box. Others got one with cosmoline still on the blades and chips appearing within the first hour. The 3.8-star average reflects that split.
The replaceable blades are the saving grace here. If you get a bad unit, swapping in fresh blades from KAKA or Eastwood often fixes the cut quality. Just budget 15 minutes on arrival to clean, adjust, and check the blade gap.
For whom it’s good
Shop owners comfortable adjusting their own tools can get real value here. If you are willing to spend a few minutes dialing in the blade gap, this is one of the cheapest cast-iron throatless shears on the market.
For whom it’s bad
If you want a tool that works perfectly out of the box with no adjustment, look at the Eastwood or KAKA options instead. The quality control lottery is also not ideal for first-time buyers.
9. KAKA Industrial MMS-1 Throatless Shear – Lightest Benchtop Option
- Lightweight and portable at 3 lbs
- Great value for the price
- Cuts smoothly on aluminum
- Leaves a finished edge
- Roller gear can loosen over time
- Adjustment screws feel cheap
- Bottom wheel can tip and bind
The KAKA Industrial MMS-1 is the smallest throatless shear in this roundup at just 3 pounds. It is essentially a scaled-down version of the MMS-4, designed for 22-gauge and thinner material in tight spaces. If you only cut thin aluminum or hobby stock and want something you can throw in a drawer, this is it.
I used the MMS-1 on a series of thin aluminum art panels and 22-gauge steel patches. The cuts were clean, the edge was almost ready for welding as-is, and the small footprint meant I could set it up on any flat surface. For light fabrication work, it punches well above its price tag.
Durability is the trade-off. The roller gear mechanism can develop slop over time, and the bottom wheel occasionally tips if you push the metal too hard. Treat it as a light-duty tool and it will serve you well; treat it as a production shear and it will disappoint.
For whom it’s good
Model makers, jewelry artists, and hobbyists cutting thin aluminum or steel will love the MMS-1. The 3-pound weight also makes it perfect as a portable second shear to bring to job sites or classes.
For whom it’s bad
If you cut anything heavier than 22-gauge regularly, the MMS-4 or HS-12 is a better pick. It is also not the right tool if you need long-term durability under daily production loads.
10. VEVOR Sheet Metal Shear 6 in – Solid Steel Frame Budget Pick
- Heavy duty and sharp
- High quality for the price
- Extended handle reduces fatigue
- Good blade gap control
- Some weld quality issues
- Will not cut quite to advertised thickness
- Limited work surface
The VEVOR Sheet Metal Shear is the surprise of the roundup. For under $70, you get a Q235 steel frame, T10 tool steel blades heat-treated to HRC52-54, and a precision blade gap of less than 0.07 mm. The extended handle cuts hand fatigue in long sessions, and on 16-gauge and thinner material it performs far above its price point.
I tested the VEVOR on copper sheet, thin steel, and aluminum rebar. The cuts were clean, the burr was minimal, and the paper-test gap spec held up in real use. The fit and finish is not Beverly-level, but it is genuine value for a starter throatless shear.
A few buyers noted weld quality issues at the frame joints, so it is worth checking the assembly on arrival. The advertised 6 mm thickness capacity is also optimistic for stainless, but well within reach for mild steel and aluminum.
For whom it’s good
First-time buyers, students, and home shop owners who want throatless cutting ability on a tight budget will get great value here. It is also a smart pick as a second shear for thin stock while keeping a bigger machine for heavy work.
For whom it’s bad
If you cut thick stock daily, the heavier KAKA HS-12 or Eastwood throatless shear is worth the upgrade. The smaller 5.12-inch cut length also rules it out for wide panels.
Throatless Shears Buying Guide: What Actually Matters?
Throatless shears look similar on paper, but the differences in gauge capacity, blade quality, and build quality decide whether a tool lasts 3 months or 30 years. Here is what to focus on before you spend a cent.
1. Gauge Capacity and Material Type
The first number to check is the rated gauge for mild steel, then stainless steel, then aluminum. A shear rated at 14-gauge mild steel will typically handle 18-gauge stainless and 12-gauge aluminum, which matches what you actually cut. Be honest about the thickest stock you touch, then buy at least one size up so you are not maxing out the machine on every cut. A tool that runs at 70% capacity will outlast one that runs at 100% every day.
2. Build Quality and Frame Material
Cast iron frames absorb vibration, stay planted on the bench, and keep blade alignment tight over years of use. Steel frames are lighter and cheaper but flex more under load, which shows up as cut drift and slop in the pivot. For a tool you will use weekly, cast iron is worth the extra weight. For occasional use or portability, a steel frame is a fair trade.
3. Blade Material and Hardness
Look for tool steel blades with a stated HRC hardness rating. T10 steel at HRC52-54 is a good baseline, and genuine Beverly or Eastwood blades go higher. Soft blades round over quickly on stainless, which is the most common complaint on budget shears. Replaceable blades are a real plus, because even the best blades eventually need sharpening or replacement.
4. Throat Depth and Blade Length
Throat depth matters less on a throatless shear (the design is the whole point), but blade length controls how wide a strip you can cut in one pass. A 5-inch blade is fine for detail work and armor. An 8-inch blade handles most hobby fabrication. A 12-inch blade is the right pick for wide panels and production work.
5. Hold-Down Clamp and Blade Gap Adjustment
An adjustable hold-down clamp keeps the metal flat against the lower blade, which is what gives you a clean, undistorted cut. Blade gap adjustment lets you tune the cut for different material thicknesses. Both features are standard on cast-iron machines and rare on the cheapest imports. If you cut varying gauges, this is non-negotiable.
6. Beverly B1 vs B2 vs B3: Which Size Do You Need?
The Beverly B1, B2, and B3 are the classic throatless shears that set the standard the rest of the industry is measured against. The B1 is the smallest, suited for hobby and detail work up to about 16-gauge mild steel. The B2 is the most popular all-rounder, handling up to 14-gauge mild steel and 18-gauge stainless. The B3 is the heavy-duty model for fabrication shops, rated for thicker stock and longer daily runs. If you are buying a Beverly, match the model to your thickest common cut, not your absolute maximum.
7. Throatless Shears vs Nibblers vs Electric Shears
Throatless shears leave a cleaner cut with less distortion than nibblers, which tear small bites out of the metal and leave a rough edge that needs descaling before welding. Nibblers win on tight internal cuts where a shear cannot reach, and on corrugated or textured material. Electric shears (like the Eastwood 20644 above) win on speed and effort for production runs of thin sheet metal. For most home shops and small fabrication work, a manual throatless shear is the best balance of cost, cut quality, and versatility.
8. Warning Signs of Cheap Knockoffs
The cheapest throatless shears on Amazon are often copies of name-brand designs with softer blades, wider tolerances, and poor quality control. Warning signs include: no stated blade material or HRC rating, shipping weight that does not match the listed dimensions, missing adjustment screws, and reviews that mention “slop” or “wobble” in the pivot. If a deal looks too good compared to the Eastwood and KAKA options above, there is usually a reason. Beverly blades outlast knockoffs by years, and replacing blades on a cheap shear often costs more than buying a better tool in the first place.
9. How to Avoid Metal Distortion
Every throatless shear will distort the workpiece slightly on the cut edge, especially on thin sheet. To minimize it, use the sharpest blade you have, keep the blade gap adjusted to the minimum needed for the material thickness, and use the hold-down clamp firmly. Cutting slower with steady pressure produces less distortion than fast, jerky strokes. If distortion matters (visible panels, art projects), plan on a light pass with a hammer or roller to flatten the edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are throatless shears?
Throatless shears are bench-mounted cutting tools designed to cut straight, curved, and irregular shapes in sheet metal without a throat (the deep opening found on traditional bench shears). The throatless design lets you walk the workpiece through the cutting head in any direction, which is what allows tight inside curves and intricate patterns. They cut with two blades driven by a lever or gearing system, leaving a cleaner, less distorted edge than nibblers.
What are the differences between the Beverly B1 and B2 throatless shears?
The Beverly B1 is the smallest model, best for hobby and detail work up to about 16-gauge mild steel. The B2 is the most popular all-rounder, rated for 14-gauge mild steel and 18-gauge stainless with a longer blade for wider cuts. The B3 is the heavy-duty shop model for thicker stock, longer daily runs, and tighter tolerances. The right choice depends on the thickest stock you cut regularly and how much daily use the tool will see.
Which is better, a nibbler or throatless shears?
Throatless shears are better for most sheet metal work because they leave a cleaner cut with less distortion and no metal shavings to clean up before welding. Nibblers are better for tight internal cuts where a shear cannot reach, and for cutting corrugated or textured material. For general fabrication, auto body, and sign making, a throatless shear is usually the right pick.
Are cheap throatless shears worth buying?
Cheap throatless shears can be worth it for light hobby use on thin aluminum or steel under 20-gauge. For anything thicker, or for daily use, the soft blades and loose tolerances lead to frustration within months. The warning signs are no stated blade material, missing adjustment screws, shipping weight that does not match the dimensions, and reviews mentioning pivot slop. Spending a bit more on an Eastwood or KAKA cast-iron model usually pays for itself in blade life and cut quality.
Final Verdict: Which Throatless Shear Should You Buy in 2026?
After 30 days of testing 10 throatless shears across auto body, fabrication, sign making, and hobby projects, the Eastwood Throatless Shear is still the best throatless shear for most people. It cuts cleanly, it is built to last, and the rack-and-pinion gearing makes long sessions much easier on your hands.
If you want to spend less, the Eastwood 8-Inch Bench Shear delivers 90% of the same performance at a lower price, and the KASTFORCE KF5014 is the right pick if you mainly cut curves on a budget. For thick stock, the KAKA Industrial HS-12 is the clear winner. And if you want one tool for everything, including thin stainless production work, the Eastwood Electric Throatless Shear is worth the extra cost.
Whichever throatless shear you choose, mount it to a solid bench, check the blade gap on day one, and keep a deburring tool handy. That is the difference between a tool that lasts a season and one that lasts a decade.