Alligator shear  From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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An alligator shear, historically known as a lever shear[1] and
sometimes as a crocodile shear,[2] is a metal-cutting shear with
a hinged jaw, powered by a flywheel or hydraulic cylinder.
Alligator shears are generally set up as stand-alone shears,
however there are types for excavators. The jaw size can range
from 4 to 36 in (100 to 910 mm) long. They are generally used to
cut steel members, such as rebar, pipe, angle iron or
I-beams.[3][4]   Older alligator shears were powered by a
flywheel. These shears ran continuously, which posed a safety
hazard. Now alligator shears are hydraulically actuated. When
actuated, the piston arm extends and slowly closes the upper jaw
of the alligator shear, which passes alongside the bed or lower
jaw of the shear to perform the cut.[4]   Alligator shears are
used for cutting long-length metal stock or scrap, generally
where accuracy is not an important con