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A Hunker report describes Malco’s $69.98 TurboShear TS1 drill attachment as an alternative to a utility knife for many vinyl siding cuts. The attachment is designed for metal, and its performance can vary with corrugated siding; it is not specified for thicker vinyl plank flooring.
Hunker reports that the Malco TurboShear TS1, a drill attachment designed for cutting metal, can also cut many types of vinyl siding, giving DIYers an alternative to a utility knife for siding work. The attachment is listed in the report at $69.98, but it may struggle with ribbed panels and is not suited to thicker materials such as vinyl plank flooring.
The TS1 attaches to a drill or impact driver and is designed for materials including sheet metal, metal building panels, siding and ductwork. Hunker says its cutting jaws can make straight cuts and tight curves in vinyl siding, and that the small jaw size can start a cut in an opening as small as ½ inch. The report says the tool weighs 1.75 pounds and measures 8.5 by 8.75 by 7.5 inches.
Hunker characterizes a utility knife as useful for straight cuts made against a guide, but less effective for curves and potentially slower than power shears. The report says the knife can also be diverted by the imitated grain on some siding. It cites the risk of cuts as another reason some DIYers may prefer a powered attachment; this does not mean the attachment is risk-free.
The article cites Home Depot customer ratings of 4.1 stars from 185 ratings, with 81% of purchasers recommending the TS1. Those figures reflect retailer reviews, not a controlled test of cutting performance. Hunker notes that only one reviewer specifically discussed cutting vinyl, and that reviewer gave the tool five stars. The report also says the jaws wear with use, particularly when cutting metal, and replacement blades are available.
A Faster Option for Siding Cuts
For homeowners tackling a siding repair or installation, the attachment may make cuts easier to manage, especially where a curve or opening is needed. Using a drill-driven shear could also reduce reliance on repeated scoring with a knife. Hunker presents the TS1 as a comparatively affordable option against many standalone powered shears, which usually include their own motor rather than relying on a drill.
That potential value depends on the work. The TS1’s jaws are sized for siding, not every vinyl product, and performance on corrugated surfaces may be inconsistent. Buyers should check the material and cut type before relying on it. The report’s customer ratings offer some indication of purchaser satisfaction but do not establish how the tool will perform on a particular siding profile.
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Where the TS1 Fits
Vinyl siding thickness cited in the Hunker report ranges from about 0.035 inch to 0.055 inch or more. By comparison, the thinnest vinyl plank flooring is about 2 millimeters, or 0.079 inch, beyond the TS1’s stated suitability. Hunker says the attachment may have trouble with ribbed or corrugated siding. It suggests widening the adjustable jaws for corrugations, then returning them to a narrower setting for long cuts in flat vinyl.
The TS1 cuts to the left, according to the report. Hunker says users can flip the workpiece to make a desired cut direction workable. It also reports that operating the attachment requires both hands unless a drill clamp is used; Malco’s clamp was priced at about $30 in the article.
Hunker names drill attachments from DeWalt, Skyshalo and Vevor as alternatives, while cautioning that some have fewer customer ratings. It also describes Malco’s TSV1, a dedicated vinyl siding shear with a wider jaw and included telescoping clamp. The report puts that model at $210 to $267, making it a substantially larger purchase than the TS1. Standalone power shears are another option, with prices and ratings varying by model.
“The Malco TurboShear (model TS1) will work with any drill or impact driver to cut sheet metal, metal building panels, vinyl siding, ductwork, and even thicker metals.”
— Hunker
Performance Depends on Siding
The report does not provide an independent test comparing the TS1 with a utility knife or other shears, so claims about speed and cut quality are not quantified. It also does not establish how the attachment performs across all brands, thicknesses or profiles of vinyl siding. Hunker says customer reviews indicate difficulties with ribbed or corrugated panels, but does not give a controlled comparison or a failure rate.
Prices and review totals are snapshots and may have changed since publication. The suitability of any shear depends on the siding and cut required. The article’s comments about avoiding knife injuries do not remove the need to follow the tool maker’s operating instructions and use appropriate eye and hand protection.
Check the Material Before Buying
Readers considering the TS1 should compare the thickness and profile of their siding with the tool’s specifications, and confirm current pricing, compatibility and clamp availability with the manufacturer or retailer. For corrugated panels or thicker vinyl, they may need a different shear, including a purpose-built siding model. The Hunker report describes product options but does not announce a new product launch or report a change to Malco’s specifications.
Key Questions
Can the Malco TS1 cut vinyl siding?
Hunker reports that the TS1 can cut many vinyl siding materials, although it is designed primarily for metal. The article notes possible difficulty with ribbed or corrugated panels.
Can it cut vinyl plank flooring?
The report says the TS1 is not suited to thicker vinyl plank flooring. It compares the tool’s siding range with flooring that can be thicker than its stated capacity.
Does the TS1 require a specific drill?
Hunker says it works with any drill or impact driver. Follow the attachment and drill manufacturers’ instructions, and use suitable protective equipment.
Is the TS1 the only drill attachment option?
No. Hunker also mentions attachments from DeWalt, Skyshalo and Vevor, as well as Malco’s more expensive TSV1 model made specifically for vinyl siding. Prices, features and review coverage differ.
Source: hunker.com
