Abstract: A side trimmer shear for metallic strip and the like travelling along a pass line including gear housings on opposite sides of the strip as it passes along the pass line. Means are provided for varying the angular positions of the gear housings with respect to the pass line. Upper and lower shear knives are carried on the gear housings for engaging and trimming the edges of the strip; while a rigid shaft extends between the gear housings. Gearing is carried within the gear housings for driving the shear knives; while a gear mounted on splines on the drive shaft is provided with gear teeth with curved side walls which permit angular variation of the positions of the gear housings with respect to the rigid drive shaft. The apparatus also includes chopper rolls carried on the gear housings which are driven by a similar rigid drive shaft and a gear provided with curved side walls.