I just used this shear the other day to cut 1/8” aluminum plate cold. Was like cutting flashing with tin snips. But the main support bar got in the way after few bites. Had to flip sides and cut fro the other side.
A pressure screw would definitely help with cutting the leafspring!
this shear has come in handy several times in the last few months even with my limited shop time lately. Spring time on the farm is busy and working full time makes it worse.