Abstract: A hold-down construction for a shear used for shearing workpieces from an elongated metal member including an elongated beam having first and second ends and a central portion therebetween, a hold-down assembly mounted on the central portion, a pivotal connection between the first end of the beam and the post of a shear, and a detachable connection between the second end of the beam and another post of the shear, to thereby permit the hold-down to be swung toward and away from a knife assembly mounted on the shear, and a connection between the hold-down assembly and the knife assembly for reinforcing the hold-down assembly against movement away from the elongated metal member during shearing thereof.