What can aviation scissors cut?

	Aviation shears are designed for cutting sheet metal and sheets of other materials such as cardboard, wire mesh or vinyl.
	Different scissors are designed for use with different materials, so it is important to check the specifications of individual tools. For example, general aviation scissors are designed for use with lighter materials (such as cardboard) than standard aviation scissors, while bulldog style aviation scissors can make short cuts in thicker materials such as seams and trim.
Material thickness
	Aviation shears are designed for cutting flat sheets of hard materials. Sheet metal is generally classified as metal less than 6 mm (0.24 in) thick; metal thicker than this is called plate. Very thin sheets of metal, usually thinner than 0.02 mm (0.0008 inches), are called foil or sheet.
	The maximum thickness that scissors can cut should be stated in their specifications. Sometimes this thickness is indicated in millimeters, and sometimes it is indicated as the thickness of the metal or alloy. The thickness of sheet metal depends on its thickness. As a rule, aviation shears can cut sheets of material up to 1.2 mm (0.05 in.) thick or up to 18 gauge. This measurement is usually based on mild steel being the strongest metal they can cut. The stiffer the material, the thinner it must be.
	Caliber of metals Sheet metal thickness can be measured with a gauge. The larger the caliber number, the thinner the metal. The caliber should not be confused with the brand of metal. The grade refers to the quality and special properties of the metal, such as its toughness and corrosion resistance.
	Different metals with the same caliber number may vary in thickness, and lighter metals may be thicker than heavier ones. These differences are minor, but can be significant with precision work.
	The sheet metal thickness given in the scissor specifications will be based on mild steel sheet, which is not stainless, galvanized or hardened unless otherwise noted. Consequently, they will be able to cut thicker softer metals such as aluminium.
	18 gauge steel is usually the maximum that aviation shears can cut and is 1.2 mm (0.05 in.) thick. If stainless steel can be cut with scissors, it must be larger and thinner. Generally, the maximum size of stainless steel that the scissors can cut is 24 gauge, which is 0.6 mm (0.024 inch).
What materials can be cut with aviation scissors?
	Aviation shears are designed for cutting sheets of materials that are difficult to cut. They are used for straight cutting and complex shaping of hard materials. They are commonly used in industries such as heating and cooling installation and car body, as well as for crafts and DIY.
	Steel Many types of aircraft shears can cut sheet steel; this will usually be mild steel unless otherwise noted. Mild steel is ordinary low carbon steel. The less carbon, the weaker but more flexible the steel will be.
	It is likely that you will need a stronger tool, such as table shears, to cut tougher steels or steel that has been machined or hardened. Some aviation shears can cut stainless steel, but only if the specifications say so.
	Non-ferrous metals Non-ferrous metals do not contain significant amounts of iron. These metals are generally softer and easier to machine, and are also lighter and more resistant to corrosion than ferrous metals. All aviation shears must be able to cut these light metals and alloys in sheet form. Non-ferrous metals include aluminum, copper, lead, zinc, titanium, nickel, tin, gold, silver, and other more uncommon metals.
	Other sheet materials Other sheet materials that can be cut with aviation shears typically include vinyl, plastic, and PVC, as well as rubber, wire mesh, leather, and shingles. You can also use aviation scissors to cut other materials such as carpet and cardboard.
What materials cannot be cut with aviation scissors?
	Although aviation scissors are durable tools designed to make cutting tough materials easier, there are some materials they are not suitable for.
	Stainless or galvanized steel Unless the specifications state that the scissors can be used with stainless or machined steel, they should not be used with it. These steels can dull or damage scissors because they are harder than the mild steel that scissors are normally designed for.
	Hardened steel Aviation shears are not designed to work with hardened steel. Steel can be hardened by increasing the carbon content or by heat treating it. Hardened steel will quickly dull the scissors and can damage the tool.
	Wire or nails Aviation shears are designed to cut sheets of material, not rounded workpieces. Some can be used with wire mesh or mesh, but cannot be used with single wire, nails, or other cylindrical materials. Cutting rounded materials will likely damage the blade, meaning that the cut made with the scissors will no longer be clean and smooth. For these purposes, wire cutters or bolt cutters should be used.