Abstract: A hydraulic shear for bar stock including a die housing constructed so that the forces produced by the shearing operation are absorbed by interlocking joints. The structure assures that there are no welded or bolted joints in the die housing in a position to receive the stresses resulting from the shearing operation. The shear comprises a three bolster arrangement wherein a hydraulic cylinder is positioned between a first end bolster and a center bolster and fitted into recesses provided in such bolsters. The die housing is positioned between the center bolster and the other end bolster and similarly fitted into recesses provided in those bolsters. Top and bottom plates are recessed and interfitted over the die retainer end plates to provide an interlocking construction eliminating the need for bolts and welds in the die housing. Such arrangement not only provides a strong stable unit, but also allows efficient access to the dies, such as for die changes.