Key Features
Clean 16-Gauge CutsBuilt for distortion-free cutting in sheet metal up to 16 gauge mild steel and up to 18 gauge stainless steel. That matters when the finished edge needs to stay clean instead of getting twisted or burred. QuickIN Blade ChangesThe QuickIN system lets you swap blades fast without extra adjustment. Less downtime at the bench means you keep moving when the cut changes from straight runs to detail work. Curve-Friendly ControlThe open-front cutting head gives you a clear view of the line and supports left and right curve cuts. That makes this slitting shear easier to steer on cutouts, profiles, and curved sheet metal work.
Overview
The Fein 72303161090 Corded BSS 1.6E Set 16-Gauge Slitting Shear is a corded slitting shear built for fast, clean cutting in thin sheet metal. This is a slitting shear designed for distortion-free sheet metal cutting. Model number 72303161090. If you need to trim panels, make cutouts, or follow curves without mangling the material, this is the kind of tool that earns its spot in a metal fab, HVAC, drywall, or remodeling setup.
What makes this tool different from a basic sheet metal shear is how it handles the cut. FEIN designed the BSS 1.6 E to remove a continuous chip while keeping the workpiece cleaner and flatter. In practical terms, that means less edge deformation when you’re cutting visible panels, duct sections, profiles, or stainless sheet where appearance matters. The open-front cutting head gives you a direct view of the line, so you’re not guessing where the tool is headed when the cut gets tight.
The motor is rated at 350 W input with 210 W output, and the variable stroke range of 2,100 to 4,500 strokes per minute gives you some control over pace and finish depending on the material. Cutting speed ranges from 20 to 33 ft/min, which is a solid fit for production trimming and repetitive shop work without stepping up to a much larger machine. FEIN also backs up the cutting side of the tool with a high-service-life blade setup, so this is built more like a daily-use metalworking tool than a light occasional-use cutter.
The real selling point on the job is versatility in thin-gauge metal. It handles mild steel up to 1.6 mm, stainless steel up to 1.2 mm, and high-strength steel up to 1.0 mm. That covers a lot of common work in HVAC fabrication, metal stud and track work, stainless trim, and field modifications where a clean cut matters more than brute force. It is also suited for left and right curve cuts, which is a big deal if you’re working around penetrations, corners, or custom shapes instead of just running straight lines all day.
FEIN kept the tool easy to handle. At 3.31 lbs, it is light enough for one-handed control in overhead or awkward positions, and the long 16 ft cable gives you more reach before you need an extension. The ergonomics matter here because sheet metal cutting is one of those jobs where a tool that feels slightly off starts fighting you fast. Low weight plus good visibility adds up to less fatigue and better accuracy over a full day.
From a maintenance and workflow standpoint, the QuickIN blade change system is one of the smarter parts of this tool. You can change the blade quickly and without extra adjustment, which helps when the blade is worn or the job changes. Clean swarf removal is another practical touch. It helps reduce scratches on finished workpieces and makes the cut zone safer to handle, especially when you’re dealing with coated panels or visible stainless.
This corded slitting shear is best for users who regularly cut sheet metal and want cleaner results than a rougher field tool can deliver. HVAC installers, metalworking shops, drywall contractors cutting stiffening profiles, remodelers, and serious fabricators will get the most out of it. If your work involves thin-gauge steel, stainless, profiles, or cutouts where clean edges and visibility matter, the Fein 72303161090 Corded BSS 1.6E Set 16-Gauge Slitting Shear is the right type of tool.
See the Cut, Steer the Tool
The front end of this shear is built so you can actually follow your line instead of cutting blind. That helps when you’re trimming panels, making interior cutouts, or working through curves where a clean edge matters.
- Open-front cutting head improves line visibility for more controlled sheet metal cutting
- Supports left and right curve cuts with one continuous chip for cleaner results
- QuickIN blade changes reduce downtime between tasks
What’s in the Box
- (1) Corded slitting shear
- (1) Straight cutting blade, mounted, up to 1.6 mm
- (1) Pair of dies, mounted
- (1) 2.5 mm Allen key
Key Specifications
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
|---|---|
| Power Consumption | 350 W |
| Power Output | 210 W |
| Stroke Rate | 2,100 – 4,500 SPM |
| Cutting Speed | 20 – 33 ft/min |
| Mild Steel Capacity | 1.6 mm (16 gauge) |
| Stainless Steel Capacity | 1.2 mm (18 gauge) |
| High-Strength Steel Capacity | 1.0 mm |
| Cutting Width | 3/16 in (5 mm) |
| Smallest Curve Radius | 3-1/2 in (90 mm) |
| Immersion Diameter | 1/2 in (15 mm) |
| Cord Length | 16 ft (5 m) |
| Weight | 3.31 lbs |
| Made In | Germany |
Built For
HVACMetalworkingDrywallConstructionRemodelingSheet Metal CutoutsCurved Sheet Metal CutsStainless Steel Trimming
Pro Tip
If you’re making an interior cutout, start with a pilot hole sized for the tool’s 1/2 in immersion diameter. That lets you drop into the sheet cleanly and take advantage of the BSS 1.6 E’s visibility and curve-cutting control right from the first move.
Warranty & Support
3 Years Limited warranty.
Tool Nut’s Take
Tool Nut’s Take
Fein 72303161090 Corded BSS 1.6E Set 16-Gauge Slitting Shear for clean metal work
This is the kind of sheet metal cutting tool you buy when you care about the finished edge, not just getting through the material.
- Who it’s for: HVAC installers, sheet metal shops, drywall pros cutting stiffening profiles, and remodelers who need clean, controlled cuts in thin steel or stainless.
- Why it stands out: The open-front head gives you a real view of the cut, it handles left and right curves, and the QuickIN blade system keeps the tool moving instead of sitting on the bench.
- Worth knowing: This is a corded tool, so you’re trading battery freedom for steady runtime and a very light 3.31 lb package in hand. If most of your work is thin-gauge sheet metal, that is usually a smart trade.
Common Questions
- What material thickness can this shear handle? It cuts mild steel up to 1.6 mm, stainless steel up to 1.2 mm, and high-strength steel up to 1.0 mm.
- Can it cut curves? Yes. The BSS 1.6 E supports left and right curve cuts and has a smallest curve radius of 3-1/2 in.
- Is the blade change tool-free? Yes. FEIN uses its QuickIN system for rapid, tool-free blade changes without further adjustment.
- Is this a corded or cordless metal shear? It is a corded electric slitting shear with a 16 ft power cable.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.