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 Tue, 20th Sep, 2022

Nibbler and metal shears are two of the most commonly used tools for cutting sheet metal. While nibblers are more prevalent in general, there are some situations where metal shears can be more suitable than nibblers. Some metal shears are better than nibblers for cutting sheet metal. But not all metal shears can be used for cutting sheet metals. In this post, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both tools to find out which is better for cutting sheet metal.

 

What Can The Tools Do?

Let's look at each tool's functions below to see which works best.

 

Nibbler

Nibblers are used for cutting sheet metal into various shapes. They can also be used to deburr the edges of cut pieces. They are instrumental in construction sites and fabrication shops because they allow you to quickly cut a large amount of steel without any waste. 

The tool uses a reciprocating motion that bites into the metal and makes it easier to cut through thick material. Nibblers are not very precise. However, you may have to make multiple passes to get the desired cut shape or size. 

NIbbler also doesn't work well on thin pieces of metal because they can easily bend and break during operation.

 

Pros Of Using a Nibbler

  • They are great for cutting thick material quickly.
  • They allow you to make multiple cuts with one tool.
  • It is relatively easy to operate.
  • They work well for cutting out large areas of material. -It is relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain.
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Cons Of Using A Nibbler

  • They are not very precise because they use a reciprocating motion.
  • They are not suitable for cutting thin sheets of metal.
  • They can be challenging to set up, especially if you are new to using one.

 

Metal Shears

Metal shears are another tool that can be used to cut metal. They work by using two blades with serrated edges and a handle at the top of each blade. The blades are notched together, so they fit snugly when closed. Still, they open up when you press them together, allowing you to cut through the material. 

Metal shears are designed to cut thin sheets of metal with ease. They are usually made from hardened steel and come in several different sizes and styles. Some have handles that pivot to make it easier for you to cut curved lines, while others are fixed in place so you can only cut straight lines. 

There are a few different types of metal shears. You can get ones with fixed blades or adjustable handles, for example. The latter option allows you to make cuts in various angles and sizes.

 

Pros Of Using Metal Shears

  • They are great for cutting thin metal sheets up to 1/8th of an inch thick.
  • They are easy to use and can cut through a variety of metals.
  • They are inexpensive and will last for many years if properly maintained.

 

Cons Of Using Metal Shears

  • You cannot use them to cut thick sheets of metal or other materials.

 

Factors That Determine The Best Cutting Machine

Both Nibbler and Metal Shears have their own set of pros as well as cons. When deciding which is better for you, keep the following factors in mind:

 

1. Nibbler vs. Metal Shears: Safety

Safety is one of the most important factors when choosing cutting tools. Nibble cutters are safer than metal shears as they don't have any sharp edges or blades that could cause injury. They also don't leave any burrs on the surface being cut, which can become a hazard if not removed properly. Most nibblers are equipped with a safety trigger that prevents accidents and injuries while cutting, mainly when you use them for long periods.

 

2. Nibbler vs. Metal Shears: Speed

When it comes to speed, nibblers can cut faster than metal shears. This is because they have a more powerful motor and blade that makes quick work of any material you want to cut. You’ll also need less time to set up and adjust the tool because it only has one moving part (the wheel).

 

3. Nibbler vs. Metal Shears: Handiness

Nibble and Metal Shears are both convenient tools. A nibbler can be used in various applications, while metal shears are most commonly used for cutting sheet metals. Suppose you're looking for a tool that can be used in many different situations. In that case, the first factor to consider is how portable your machine is.

 

4. Nibbler vs. Metal Shears: Cost

The price of a nibbler and metal shears will depend on the brand, model, features and materials used. However, it’s important to note that neither is extremely expensive compared to other tools in the market. In fact, both are very affordable for small businesses or individuals who want to save money on their equipment needs.

 

5. Nibbler vs. Metal Shears: Ease of Use

Both Nibbler and Metal Shears are very easy to use. They don't require much training to operate, so you can start cutting immediately. The only difference is that with Nibble, you have to learn how to hold the tool to work correctly; otherwise, you will not be able to cut anything. The nibbler will require some practice to master, but it's not as tricky as other tools that need more skill and experience.

 

6. Nibbler vs. Metal Shears: Accuracy

The accuracy of the nibbler is dependent on the operator. It can be as accurate as 0.005" per pass, or it can be off by as much as 0.020". The accuracy of metal shears is also dependent on the operator. It will generally produce less variation in the final result than nibbling.

 

7. Nibbler vs. Metal Shears: Work Environment

The working environment is a significant factor in determining which tool you should use. Work in a dirty or dusty environment. The nibbler may be better for you since it prevents debris from getting into the cutting mechanism. On the other hand, if your work area tends to be very clean and well-maintained, then metal shears may be more suitable as they tend to have fewer moving parts than nibblers.

 

Final verdict: Nibbler vs. Metal shears

A metal shear and a nibbler both have advantages and disadvantages, and it's essential to consider both for your situation. The nibbler could be a better choice if you need to cut a large amount of material. If you're looking to cut small pieces of metal, metal shears may be a better option.


 

Final Thought

When considering the tools to use in your metal fabrication project, remember that your safety should be a top priority. By weighing the pros and cons of nibblers versus metal shears, we hope you'll make the best choice for you. Check out Carey Tools full range of nibblers and metal shears.

 

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