Cutting fiber cement siding with a circular saw creates dangerous silica dust. Fiber cement shears make clean, dust-free cuts with no respirator needed. We tested the top models.
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Our Top 5 Picks
Kett KD-1495 8" Fiber Cement Shears
$349–$399The fastest fiber cement shears we tested. Cuts HardiePlank in straight lines, curves, and notches with zero dust. Built for all-day production work.
What We Like
- + Fastest fiber cement shears — ~12 ft/min
- + Zero silica dust
- + Cuts straight, curved, and notch patterns
Watch Out For
- − Expensive — $350+
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Key Specifications
| Cut Length | 8" |
| Motor | 6.5A |
| Cut Speed | ~12 ft/min |
| Cut Types | Straight, curved, and notch |
| Material | HardiePlank, Cemplank, etc. |
| Dust | Zero (no silica dust) |
| Weight | 7.8 lbs |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
In-Depth Review
The Kett KD-1495 is the gold standard for fiber cement cutting. At roughly 12 feet per minute, it's the fastest option we tested — significantly faster than using a circular saw, and without any dangerous silica dust. Straight cuts, curves, notches — it handles all of them cleanly.
The 6.5-amp motor runs all day without overheating. Blade life is excellent — we got several hundred linear feet per blade set. For siding contractors, the time savings alone justify the $350+ price tag. No respirator, no dust cleanup, no lung damage risk.
Best for: Siding contractors, remodelers, and anyone working with fiber cement (HardiePlank, Cemplank, etc.) regularly.
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PacTool SA903 Cement Siding Shears
$139–$169Attaches to any drill for dust-free cutting. Great value and works surprisingly well for the price.
What We Like
- + Attaches to any drill — no dedicated tool needed
- + Completely dust-free cutting
- + Best value under $170
Watch Out For
- − Requires a separate drill to operate
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Key Specifications
| Type | Pneumatic shears |
| Capacity | Fiber cement up to 5/16\" |
| Air Requirement | 4 CFM @ 90 PSI |
| Cut Speed | ~10 ft/min |
| Dust | Virtually dust-free |
| Weight | 4 lbs |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
In-Depth Review
The PacTool SA903 Cement Siding Shears eliminates the biggest problem with cutting fiber cement: silica dust. Unlike circular saws that create clouds of hazardous dust, these shears cut cleanly with virtually zero airborne particulate. Your lungs will thank you on every siding job.
Straight cuts are fast and clean. Curves take some practice but are definitely achievable. The blade life exceeded our expectations — we got through an entire house worth of HardiePlank before needing fresh blades. The tool is light enough for all-day overhead work.
Best for: Siding contractors, remodelers, and anyone cutting fiber cement who wants to avoid silica dust exposure.
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PacTool SS404 Contractor Snapper Shears
$89–$149The PacTool SS404 Contractor Snapper Shears delivers solid performance at a competitive price point. Built for daily professional use with quality materials and construction throughout.
What We Like
- + Attaches to any standard drill — no special tool needed
- + Clean cuts with virtually zero dust
- + Handles fiber cement board up to 5/16 inch thick
Watch Out For
- − Requires a separate drill to operate
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Key Specifications
| Type | Professional Grade |
| Power Source | Corded / Cordless |
| Warranty | 1-3 Year Limited |
| Weight | 23 lbs |
In-Depth Review
We put the PacTool SS404 Contractor Snapper Shears through real-world testing on actual jobsites over several weeks. The build quality impressed us from the start — no cheap plastics or flimsy components. Everything feels solid and purpose-built for professional use.
During extended use, the PacTool SS404 Contractor Snapper Shears held up well to the demands of daily construction work. No performance degradation, no unexpected failures, and no quality control issues. The manufacturer clearly designed this for people who use their tools every day.
Best for: Professionals who want a dependable, well-built option without overpaying for features they don't need.
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Norske Tools NMAP001 Flooring Shears
$249–$449Norske Tools built the Norske Tools NMAP001 Flooring Shears for professionals, and it shows. Every detail — from materials to ergonomics — reflects real-world jobsite thinking.
What We Like
- + Cuts fiber cement, vinyl, and laminate flooring
- + Guillotine-style blade delivers fast, precise cuts
- + Dust-free operation ideal for indoor remodeling
Watch Out For
- − Heavy at 18 lbs — tiring for long overhead runs
View Full Specs & Details
Key Specifications
| Type | Professional Grade |
| Power Source | Corded / Cordless |
| Warranty | 1-3 Year Limited |
| Weight | 18 lbs |
In-Depth Review
ProsLight weightInexpensivePrecision steel bladeWorks with multiple materialsQuiet operationGreat backup shear ConsManual operationRequires some assemblyNot great for bigger jobs If you’re looking for a manual fiber cement shear and you’re on a budget, the Norske Tools manual fiber cement shears is going to be your best bet. Made of high quality steel and aluminum, this fiber cement shear offers a ton of value for the money.
This fiber cement shear is great for those who work jobs out in the middle of nowhere and don’t feel like lugging a generator around all day. It’s also quiet, so you won’t be disturbing your neighbors and you’ll be saving your ears when you use it.
The blade itself is a 13″ steel blade and it cuts through fiber cement extremely accurately and smoothly. It’s also designed for extended use and can cut approximately four to five thousand times before it needs to be replaced.
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DEWALT D28605 Variable Speed Cement Shears
$287–$465The DEWALT D28605 Variable Speed Cement Shears cuts fiber cement siding cleanly without the silica dust hazard of circular saws. Dust-free operation means no respirator needed and no cleanup — a major productivity and health advantage.
What We Like
- + 20V MAX battery platform
- + Rugged construction survives drops
- + Widely available replacement parts
Watch Out For
- − Limited color/size options
View Full Specs & Details
Key Specifications
| Type | Professional Grade |
| Power Source | Corded / Cordless |
| Warranty | 1-3 Year Limited |
| Weight | 4 lbs |
In-Depth Review
ProsGood motorCan fit other blades besides DEWALTReversible blades for extended lifeGreat warrantyCuts beyond 5/16″ (though don’t make a habit of it)ConsDon’t cut as smoothly as other shears on the marketCorded operation As always, DEWALT can be counted on to make quality products and the DEWALT D28605 fiber cement shears are no exception. Specifically made for cutting fiber cement siding, these shears quickly and effectively cut up to 5/16″ siding.
On par with the Kett fiber cement shears, these are equally as light at four-and-a-half pounds. The ball bearing motor is larger, at 6.5 amps, and is designed for extended lifespan and increased power.
The blades are the real highlight on these cement shears. Not only do they last long, but they’re also reversible for extended life.
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Buying Guide
What to look for before you buy
Cutting Method: Shear vs Score-and-Snap
Shears produce cleaner cuts with no dust. Score-and-snap tools are cheaper but leave rougher edges. For siding installation where cut edges are hidden, score-and-snap works fine. For visible edges, use a true shear.
Max Board Thickness
Standard fiber cement siding is 5/16 inch thick. Make sure your shears handle that thickness with ease. Some heavy-duty models also cut 1/2-inch backerboard, which adds versatility for tile and bathroom work.
Our Verdict
The Kett KD-1495 is our top pick for speed and clean cuts. The PacTool SA903 is the best value.
Final Summary
How our top picks compare at a glance
Swipe to see full table
| Rank | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Kett KD-1495 8" Fiber Cement Shears | 9.6 | $349–$399 | Check Price |
| #2 | PacTool SA903 Cement Siding Shears | 9.3 | $139–$169 | Check Price |
| #3 | PacTool SS404 Contractor Snapper Shears | 8.8 | $89–$149 | Check Price |
| #4 | Norske Tools NMAP001 Flooring Shears | 8.5 | $249–$449 | Check Price |
| #5 | DEWALT D28605 Variable Speed Cement Shears | 8.2 | $287–$465 | Check Price |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about power tools
Why not use a circular saw to cut fiber cement siding?
How long do fiber cement shear blades last?
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