Does your work require cutting of sheet metal? Do you plan to construct sheet metal fencing? Are you finding it difficult to cut sheet metal?
Not anymore!! I will introduce you to one tool that can cut sheet metal with high precision and with ease. We have Sheet Metal Nibbler to the rescue.
Sheet Metal Nibbler
Sheet Metal Nibbler is a handy power cutting tool for cutting metal sheets with precision and minimal distortion, enabling users to cut straight and deliver even cuts on sheet metal with ease. Nibblers are easy to operate and reduce the requirement of other tools for metal cutting.
Working principle of Sheet Metal Nibbler
The Nibbler works on the principle of the punch-and-die mechanism. The single blade of the Nibbler reciprocates at high speed with force, punching the little bit of steel to deliver a nice clean cut without burr.
Nibblers are a great tool for the quick cutting of metal sheets, but the only problem with these power tools is that they leave too many niblets (metal chips) after cutting, which can go around everywhere and ruin the finished product.
Types of Sheet Metal Nibblers
There are two types of nibblers differentiated based on power and cutting action:
Manual Nibblers: Manual Nibbler is also known as hand-operated Nibbler. This type of Nibbler uses manual force to cut sheet metal. According to their cutting action, they are of two types;
- Punch-and-Die Type Nibbler: This type of Conventional nibblers uses the punch-and-die mechanism to cut metals. The tool is held perpendicular and below the sheet metal. And the pressure is applied, which nibbles out a small chunk of sheet metal.
- Shear-type Nibbler: This is another type of manual Nibbler cuts metal by the shearing action like a scissor.
Power Nibblers: The Nibblers that use power to cut metals. According to the power source, they are of two types;
- Air Powered Nibbler: This type of Nibbler uses compressed air for cutting sheet metal. They are easy to maneuver.
- Electric Nibbler: These are corded Nibbler. Uses electric power to cut sheet metal.
- Battery-powered Nibbler: Battery-powered Nibbler, also known as cordless Nibbler.
And according to their cutting action, they are of two types;
- Punch-and-Die Type Nibbler: This type of Powered nibblers uses the punch-and-die mechanism to cut metals.
- Shear-type Nibbler: This type of Powered Nibbler cuts metal by the shearing action making two cuts.
Things to consider before buying Sheet Metal Nibblers
Before buying any nibbler, there are certain things you need to consider before buying.
- Type of material to cut: First thing to consider before buying any nibbler is the type and thickness of metal you need to cut. Some nibblers have interchangeable parts that allow working with multiple types of steel. If you’re working with a thin sheet of metal or have less metal to cut, then you can go for Manual Nibbler. They are cheap in respect to powered nibblers and do not require any power source to operate.
- Cutting Capacity: Before buying a powered nibbler, always check its cutting capacity. Cutting capacities usually range from 8 to 18 gauge.
- Strokes per Minute: Before buying Nibbler, analyze the type and thickness of metal you need to cut. The thickness of the materials determines the number of strokes per minute. Thin gauged materials require multiple stoke per minute, where thicker gauged materials demand fewer strokes per minute. In general, sheet metal nibblers range from 1300 to 4000 strokes per minute.
- Minimum Cutting Radius: Minimum cutting radius is an important feature if your work demands high precision and tight radius cut. The minimum cutting radius of sheet metal nibblers usually ranges from 1-3/4″ to 4-3/4″.
- Power Rating: If you have already set your mind to buy a powered Nibbler, then make sure to analyze the power rating. For electric-powered Nibblers, the power rating ranges from 4 amps to 20 volts. If your work demand heavy-duty cutting, then go for maximum power rating Nibblers.
Best Sheet Metal Nibbler
After long research, I have selected some of the Best Sheet Metal Nibbler that may suit you according to your need.
Makita:16 Gauge Cordless Nibbler
If you are looking for the Best Sheet Metal Nibbler, then you can undoubtedly go for Makita’s Lithium-Ion Cordless 16 Gauge Nibbler. Makita is a popular name in the field of the power tools industry. Being battery-powered makes it hassle-free from cords, and the requirement of other power sources makes it more versatile than its peers. This 18V LXT Lithium-Ion cordless 16 gauge Nibbler can deliver more power, making it an ideal tool for metal roofing and decking. Here are some important features of this battery-powered Nibbler:
- Cutting radius: inner edge 1-3/4″; outer edge 2″
- Power Rating: 18 Volts
- Strokes per Minute: 900 SPM for fast and smooth cutting
- Cutting Capacity: 16 Gauge
Ingersoll Rand: 18 Gauge Air Nibbler
Ingersoll Rand’s Air Nibbler is designed to deliver high-precision and effortless cutting. This Air Nibbler can cut up to 18 gauge materials like butter. Its compact, lightweight design gives complete freedom to cut any shape, follow a line, curve or etc. Here are some important features of this Air Nibbler:
- Cutting Capacity: 18 Gauge
- Strokes per Minute: 4,200 strokes/min for fast and smooth cutting
- Cutting radius: 1/4″ radius
Metabo: 16 Gauge Corded Nibbler
If you are looking for a corded Nibbler, then Metabo’s 16 gauge corded Sheet Metal Nibbler can be a good choice. Metabo is a famous brand in the field of the power tool industry. This Nibbler is designed to handle heavy-duty cutting due to its powerful 3.5 Amp motor. Its unique design provides a 3-position indexing die holder that offers quick and easy direction change. Here are some important features of this corded Nibbler:
- Cutting Capacity: 16 Gauge
- Strokes per Minute: 5.7 ft per minute
