When it comes to working with standing seam metal roofing, precision and efficiency matter, whether you’re a seasoned metal roofing professional or just getting started. Selecting the right seaming tool can significantly impact your job site productivity and results. At Malco Tools, we offer both hand seamers and power-assisted seamers, each designed to meet specific job site needs. But how do you know which one is right for your project?
Let’s break down the key differences between a hand seamer and a power seamer, and when to use each one.
What is a Hand Seamer?
A hand seamer is a manually operated tool used to bend or fold metal seams into place. It’s ideal for tight, detailed work and is often used in the field for forming or finishing standing seam panels.
Malco’s Hand Seamers: Built for Control
Malco offers multiple hand seamers designed with precision and durability in mind. Our newest hand seamers feature:
- Models designed for both the first stage (90°) and the second stage (180°) locking
- Rubber grommets that help prevent the tool from slipping during seam closing
- Replaceable PVC inserts prevent scratching painted panels for a great finished look
Hand seamers are a go-to for small jobs, repairs, or finishing seams that power seamers can’t easily reach. Available in both 1-1.5” (FSHS) and 2” (FSHS2) models.
Best For:
- Fine adjustments and detail work
- Small-scale panel installations
- Tight or hard-to-reach areas
- Professionals who prefer a manual touch
Additionally, these hand seamers pair perfectly with the Malco power-assisted seamer to quickly and easily complete flawless seams.
What is a Power-Assisted Seamer?
A power-assisted seamer automates the process of locking standing seam panels. Instead of bending seams manually, the power seamer glides along the panel, forming a precise seam with minimal effort. Malco’s Power Assisted Seamer is one of the fastest and most efficient on the market today.
Meet the Malco Power Assisted Seamer
Designed for both 1″ and 1.5″ single or double mechanical lock standing-seam panels, Malco’s 1.5-inch power seamer (FSXS):
- Attaches to your cordless drill—no special power source required
- Completes the seam in one efficient pass
- Eliminates the need for hand-seaming, saving time and reducing fatigue
- Lightweight and portable—ideal for jobsite use
This tool is perfect for large projects where speed and consistency are crucial.
Malco also offers a 2” Power-Assisted Seamer. Similar to the FSXS, the FSXS2 is used to mechanically seam panels on standing seam installs. Please note that the 2-inch seamer will only do a 2-stage lock.
These Seamers are Best For:
- Medium to large commercial or residential jobs
- Contractors who value speed and repeatability
- Reducing strain and fatigue on installers
- Jobs with long panel runs or tight timelines
Hand Seamer vs. Power Seamer: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Hand Seamer | Power Seamer |
| Operation | Manual | Cordless drill-powered |
| Speed | Slower, manual process | Fast, efficient in a single pass |
| Precision | High for small adjustments | High and consistent over long panels |
| Best for | Repairs, short runs, fine detail | Large-scale jobs, time-saving installations |
| Fatigue factor | Higher over long jobs | Minimal—power-driven |
| Portability | Very lightweight | Lightweight with drill compatibility |
Which Seamer Should You Choose?
It depends on your job-site needs. If you’re tackling intricate panel work or repairs in tight spaces, Malco’s hand seamers give you unmatched control and precision. However, if you’re looking to maximize efficiency and reduce job site fatigue, the Malco Power Assisted Seamer is the clear winner.
Many pros carry both—using the power seamer for long runs and the hand seamer for finishing touches. Either way, Malco Tools has the solution to keep your installations clean, fast, and professional.
Shop Malco Seamers
Explore our lineup of hand and power seamers at malcotools.com, or find your nearest distributor to find the ideal tool for your next standing seam roofing project.
Malco Tools, a part of The Malco Group.