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A Hunker report describes Malco’s $69.98 TurboShear TS1 drill attachment as an option for cutting vinyl siding, including curved cuts that can be difficult with a utility knife. The report says it is not suited to thicker vinyl plank flooring and may struggle with ribbed or corrugated panels; the tool’s performance depends on the material and cut.
Malco’s TurboShear TS1, a drill attachment designed for cutting metal, can also cut many types of vinyl siding, according to a Hunker report. The $69.98 attachment offers an alternative to a utility knife for DIYers making curved or repeated siding cuts, although the report says it has limits with corrugated panels and thicker vinyl materials.
The TS1 connects to a drill or impact driver and is listed for cutting materials including sheet metal, metal building panels, vinyl siding and ductwork. Hunker reports that the attachment weighs 1.75 pounds and measures 8.5 by 8.75 by 7.5 inches. Its compact design and use of a drill as the power source distinguish it from standalone power shears.
Hunker cites a Home Depot listing showing the TurboShear with 4.1 stars from 185 ratings, with 81% of purchasers recommending it. The report says one reviewer specifically discussed cutting vinyl and gave the tool five stars. Those ratings are customer feedback, not a controlled test of how it performs across different siding types or jobs.
The report says the TS1 can make straight cuts and tight curves in vinyl siding, and that its small jaws can begin a cut through an opening as narrow as half an inch. It also says the attachment cuts to the left; users can change the direction of a cut by turning the workpiece. Without Malco’s optional drill clamp, the report says the operator needs both hands to use the tool.
When a Drill Shear Helps
For a siding project involving many cuts, the TS1 may reduce the time and effort required compared with repeatedly scoring vinyl by hand. The practical difference is greatest when cuts need to curve around openings or fit irregular edges: Hunker says utility knives are better suited to straight cuts against a guide and can be difficult to control along vinyl’s textured surface.
The attachment is not a universal replacement for hand tools. Its listed price is $69.98, before any optional clamp, and the cutting jaws wear over time, particularly when used on metal. Hunker says replacement blades are available and that replacing them is straightforward. Whether the purchase makes sense depends on how many cuts a job requires and whether the user already owns a compatible drill or impact driver.
Material choice matters as much as convenience. Vinyl siding is thinner than many vinyl plank flooring products, and the report warns that the TS1 is not designed to cut thicker flooring. Choosing a tool that is outside its material limits can lead to poor results or an unfinished cut, so users should check the manufacturer’s specifications for the specific material.
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Limits Across Vinyl Materials
Hunker contrasts the TS1 with a utility knife, which can make straight cuts when guided by a straight edge but is less effective for curves. The article also notes a risk of hand injury from knife use, though it does not provide injury data. A power shear removes some repetitive hand cutting, but it still requires controlled handling and attention to the cut path.
The report says vinyl siding typically ranges from 0.035 to 0.055 inches or more, while even thin vinyl plank flooring is about 2 millimeters, or 0.079 inches. That difference helps explain why a tool suitable for siding may not perform properly on flooring. Hunker also says customer reviews point to difficulty with ribbed or corrugated panels; adjusting the TS1’s jaws wider may help with corrugations, but the report advises resetting them for long cuts in flat vinyl.
Other options mentioned include a less expensive DeWalt drill attachment and lower-cost Skyshalo and Vevor models, which Hunker says have few ratings. Malco also sells a dedicated vinyl siding shear, the TSV1, described in the report as handling thicker material and corrugations. Hunker gives its price as $210 to $267 and notes that it includes a telescoping drill clamp. The report also compares those prices with standalone power shears, which it says range from about $42.72 to $819 in examples it reviewed.
“The TS1 only makes straight cuts and cuts to the left.”
— Hunker, describing the Malco TurboShear TS1
Performance Depends on the Panel
The supplied report does not describe a formal, independently controlled comparison between the TS1 and utility knives or other power shears. The cited store ratings reflect purchaser reviews, and the report identifies only one reviewer who specifically mentioned cutting vinyl. The results may vary with the siding profile, cut shape, operator technique and condition of the tool’s jaws.
Hunker says wider jaw settings may help with corrugated siding, but the source material does not quantify how reliably the adjustment works across different panel designs. It also does not provide a detailed safety assessment or establish that the TS1 is appropriate for every vinyl product. Users should check Malco’s instructions and product specifications before cutting unfamiliar materials.
Check the Tool Before Cutting
DIYers considering the attachment should first confirm that their drill or impact driver is compatible, identify the thickness and profile of the siding, and review Malco’s operating and maintenance guidance. For ribbed panels, users can check the jaw adjustment specified for that cut; for flat, long runs, Hunker says the jaws should be returned to the appropriate setting.
Buyers can compare the TS1 with other drill attachments, Malco’s TSV1 vinyl-specific model and standalone power shears, weighing upfront cost against how often the tool will be used. The report does not announce a new product launch or a change in availability; it presents the TS1 as an existing option for siding work. The next useful information for buyers will be product-specific guidance and results from their own material and project requirements.
Key Questions
Can the Malco TurboShear TS1 cut vinyl siding?
Hunker reports that the TS1 can cut many vinyl siding materials, including curved cuts. Its performance can vary with the panel profile and thickness.
Can it cut vinyl plank flooring?
Hunker says the TS1 is not suitable for thicker materials such as vinyl plank flooring. The report compares siding thicknesses of roughly 0.035 to 0.055 inches or more with thin flooring at about 0.079 inches.
How much does the TS1 cost?
The Hunker report lists the TurboShear TS1 at $69.98. It says Malco’s optional drill clamp costs about $30.
Does the TS1 cut in either direction?
According to Hunker, the TS1 cuts to the left. The report says users can flip the workpiece when they need to make a cut from the opposite direction.
What should buyers check before using a drill shear?
Check the manufacturer’s specifications for the material’s thickness and profile, confirm the drill attachment is compatible with your tool, and follow the operating instructions. Hunker reports that ribbed or corrugated panels may be more difficult to cut than flat siding.
Source: hunker.com
