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A Hunker report describes Malco’s $69.98 TurboShear TS1 drill attachment as a potential alternative to a utility knife for cutting vinyl siding. The report says it can handle many siding cuts, including curves, but may struggle with corrugated panels and is not specified for thicker vinyl plank flooring.
Malco’s TurboShear TS1, a drill attachment listed at $69.98 in a Hunker report, can be used to cut vinyl siding as an alternative to a utility knife. The report says the metal-cutting attachment handles many siding cuts, including curves, but has limits with corrugated panels and is not suited to thicker vinyl plank flooring.
The TS1 works with a drill or impact driver and is designed to cut sheet metal, metal building panels, ductwork and other materials, according to the report. Hunker says its compact form—about 1.75 pounds and 8.5 by 8.75 by 7.5 inches—may make it practical for a do-it-yourself siding project. The article also says the attachment can cut vinyl without chipping, including in cold weather, though that performance claim is based on the report and cited customer feedback rather than independent testing described there.
Hunker contrasts the attachment with a utility knife, which it says is useful for straight cuts against a guide but less effective for curves and can be diverted by the embossed grain on siding. A powered shear can make some cuts faster, the article says, while avoiding the exposed blade associated with knife cuts. The report cites a Home Depot rating of 4.1 stars from 185 ratings, with 81% of purchasers recommending the product. It notes that only one reviewer specifically mentioned cutting vinyl, and that reviewer gave it five stars.
The TS1’s performance depends on the material and cut. Hunker says the jaws can have difficulty with ribbed or corrugated siding; adjusting them wider may help on those sections, but the article advises returning to a narrower setting for long cuts in flat vinyl. The attachment is designed for left-hand cutting and makes straight cuts, according to Malco’s product information as described by Hunker. The report says the workpiece can be flipped to accommodate the cutting direction. Without the optional drill clamp, both hands are needed to operate the tool.
When Powered Shears Can Help
For people installing or repairing vinyl siding, cut quality and control matter, particularly around openings, corners and irregular shapes. A drill-powered attachment may offer faster cutting than a utility knife and more control over curves, based on Hunker’s comparison. It may also reduce reliance on repeated knife strokes, although it still requires safe handling and does not eliminate the need to measure and guide cuts carefully.
The purchase decision is not simply about replacing a knife. The TS1 costs $69.98 in the article, and its usefulness depends on how often a project involves siding cuts and whether the material is flat or corrugated. Hunker says the jaws wear over time, especially when cutting metal, but replacement blades are available and the replacement process is straightforward. A homeowner doing a small, mostly straight-cut job may have different needs from someone making frequent or complex cuts.
Other options also affect the value comparison. Hunker notes that DeWalt sells a less expensive drill attachment with somewhat lower ratings, while lower-cost Skyshalo and Vevor attachments have few ratings. Malco’s purpose-built TSV1 vinyl siding shear is described as better suited to thicker and corrugated siding, but the report puts its price at $210 to $267. Dedicated electric shears are another choice, with prices and ratings varying by model. These figures are those cited in the article and may change by retailer and date.
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How the TS1 Fits Siding Work
The TS1 is a metal-cutting attachment adapted to vinyl siding work, rather than a tool designed exclusively for every type of vinyl product. Hunker says typical vinyl siding ranges from about 0.035 inches to 0.055 inches or more, while the thinnest vinyl plank flooring is about 0.079 inches thick. The report uses that difference to explain why the attachment’s jaws may handle siding but exceed their stated capacity on flooring.
Hunker also distinguishes the TS1 from the Malco TSV1, a separate shear attachment made specifically for vinyl siding. The article says the TSV1 has a longer cut and larger jaw opening to handle corrugations and folded nailing-flange edges, and includes a telescoping drill clamp. It is substantially more expensive than the TS1, according to the prices in the report. That distinction matters: the more affordable attachment may suit ordinary siding work, while difficult profiles or thicker material may call for another tool.
“The TS1 is suitable for most vinyl siding cuts, but won’t perform properly on thicker materials, like cutting vinyl plank flooring.”
— Hunker report
Limits of the Available Evidence
The supplied report does not describe controlled testing of the TS1 on different vinyl brands, temperatures or siding profiles. Its statements about clean cuts and cold-weather performance should be read as claims reported by Hunker, not as guarantees for every installation. The cited retailer rating reflects 185 customer ratings overall; the article identifies only one review that specifically discusses cutting vinyl, so that review cannot establish typical performance on siding.
It is also unclear from the supplied material whether the quoted prices and product ratings remain current. The article does not give a publication date here, and retailer prices, stock and review totals can change. Readers should check current manufacturer specifications and retailer listings before buying, especially if their siding is ribbed, unusually thick or otherwise outside the TS1’s stated capacity.
Check Material Before Buying
For a planned siding job, the next step is to confirm the material thickness and profile, then compare the TS1’s jaw capacity and cutting direction with the cuts required. Buyers should also check current pricing, replacement-blade availability and whether a clamp is included or must be purchased separately. Hunker says the Malco clamp costs about $30, while some competing attachments include a clamp; those details should be verified with the seller.
Anyone considering a drill attachment should follow the tool and drill manufacturers’ instructions, secure the siding, and wear suitable eye and hand protection. If the project involves material the tool is not rated to cut, or the user is unsure about safe operation, use an appropriate alternative or consult a qualified siding professional. The supplied report does not announce a product change or new testing; its development is a practical comparison of the TS1 with knives and other shear options.
Key Questions
Can the Malco TurboShear TS1 cut vinyl siding?
Hunker says it can handle most vinyl siding cuts, including curves, but performance may vary with the siding profile and thickness. The article reports problems with some ribbed or corrugated panels.
Can the TS1 cut vinyl plank flooring?
The report says it is not suited to thicker vinyl plank flooring. It gives the thinnest LVP thickness as about 0.079 inches, beyond the TS1’s stated capacity.
Does the TS1 replace a utility knife?
Not for every job. Hunker describes the knife as useful for straight cuts against a guide, while the TS1 may be faster and better for curves. The choice depends on the material, cut and project size.
What does the TurboShear TS1 cost?
The Hunker report lists the TS1 at $69.98. That is the price cited in the article, not a guarantee of the current retail price.
Source: hunker.com
