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Are you interested in getting the best nibblers? If yes, you should read through this guide, as we would be reviewing the best nibblers. Read through to gain a better understanding of what is obtainable out there.
A nibbler resembles a handheld saw, except that it is mainly used to cut through metal sheets. However, it doesn’t have a blade-like jigsaw. Instead, it has a punch that moves in an upward and downward motion. Nibblers are tools that handymen use to cut through metal sheets.
The results are always even and precise with minimal waste and distortion. Professionals use nibblers, but you can easily use one to finish some easy projects at home. Whether you want to replace the garage door or work on your garden, a nibbler can certainly save the day.
NIBBLER BUYER’S GUIDE
Strokes per minute
This is probably the first thing that you would look for. Most of the time you will find nibblers that could go from 1000 to 4000 strokes per minute, though not as fast as a nut driver and a staple gun.
This will be enough to go through different types of metals. Slower air nibblers will cut through thicker metals. You need to make sure that your engine is strong enough to support the number of strokes you are aiming for.
Power Type
You can find a wide range of nibblers out there since they are quite handy for precisely cutting metal sheets.
But all of these different models of nibblers differ from each other in various ways, including power type. This simply due to the reason that while some of these options are electric, others might be pneumatic.
And not just that since you can even find attachment nibblers. As per the name, these simply attach to your existing power tools for converting them into a nibbler. On the other hand, electric and pneumatic models are quite as powerful as a grass shear. and more reliable.
Power Rating
The power rating of a nibbler is one of the most important things that you should check before buying one. It simply tells about the performance output of your nibbler and ensures that you can cut a metal sheet without any issues.
For electric models, this power rating is given as 4 amps or 5 amps for cordless models and as 12 volts or 20 volts for cordless models.
As for pneumatic nibbler, this power rating, unlike the plastic welder is a combination of the air pressure and airflow as 90 PSI and 4 CFM, respectively, . In both of these cases, higher power ratings result in better performance for the user.
Gauge Rating
Another way to get an idea of the performance offered by a given nibbler is to check its gauge rating. It tells you about the supported thickness of the metal sheets that you can cut using a given nibbler.
While some models might have a gauge rating of 16 gauge, others might have a gauge rating of 18 gauge. This simply means that you can metal sheets of 16 gauge or 18 gauge thickness. In comparison to each other, a lower gauge rating of 16 gauge results in a thicker metal sheet than an 18 gauge metal sheet.
Cutting Capacity
This represents your nibbler’s ability to cut through different metals with different thicknesses. 8 and ten gauges are rather thick while 18 and 20 gauges are thin.
However, you will have to understand that it is not only about the metal thickness. For example, your nibbler might be able to cut through rather thick aluminum but can only cut through thin steel.
Cutting Radius
This is an issue especially if you are usually working around tight corners, like using a topside creeper in a small garage. In that case, you will have to pay attention to the inside and outside radius. This way, you will be able to pick something that will perfectly suit your cutting needs.
A Smaller radius will allow you to follow curves with no problem. If your work is all about cutting through straight lines, then this might not be a big problem after all.
Warranty and Reliability
If you are buying a new nibbler tool, then the chances are that you wish to keep using it for a long time. Hence, checking its warranty and making sure that it is reliable enough is highly important.
While most models out there come with a 1-year long warranty, others might have a 2-year long warranty for peace of mind.
Other than the warranty, you should look out for nibblers that have a sturdy, and strong build quality as digital torque adapters. This is simply due to the reason that models with a long warranty and sturdy build quality generally last for a long time.
Price Range
Cheap models might be budget-friendly, but will they hold up? It is all about how long and how hard you plan on using your nibbler.
For example, if you are still experimenting with DIY projects and want to buy a tool for a school project, then you might get away with buying a cheap model that doesn’t cost much. However, you should make sure that it is sturdy enough to finish your project perfectly.
BEST NIBBLERS
| NAMES | FEATURES | WHERE TO BUY |
| 16 Gauge Air Nibbler
|
Precise, distortion-free cuts in sheet metal as thick as 16 gauge
Makes radius cuts as tight as 1/4 in. Paddle throttle lever for precise control Lightweight cast aluminum housing |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Ingersoll Rand EC300 Air Nibbler
|
Angle head for easy cutting
Low profile throttle lever Front exhaust |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Neiko 30067A Pull-Type Pneumatic Nibbler
|
Pneumatic nibbler with the air inlet of ¼ inch
Gauge rating of up to 18 gauge 1-year long warranty Air pressure rating of 90 PSI Airflow rating of 4 CFM |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Air Nibbler Sheet Metal Cutter Cutting Metal Steel Puch Metal Shears Cut TE823
|
Cutting capacity (steel): 18 Gauge
Cutting capacity (Aluminium): 16 Gauge Free Speed: 3,000 Strokes per minute Air inlet: 1/4″ |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Ingersoll Rand 325 Heavy Duty Air Nibbler
|
Heavy Duty Air Nibbler
One-year warranty |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Astro Pneumatic Tool 727 ONYX Heavy Duty Air Nibbler
|
Pneumatic nibbler with easy to use controls
Gauge rating of up to 17 gauge 1-year long warranty Air pressure rating of 90 PSI Airflow rating of 4 CFM |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Makita, JN1601, Sheet Metal Nibbler
|
Extremely light (weighs only 3.6 lbs.) for easier handling
Small circumference barrel grip design Lock-on sliding switch for continuous operation Built-in thickness gauge for convenience |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Dicfeos Nibbler
|
Nibbler attachment made for existing drills
Gauge rating of up to 14 gauge 2-year long warranty Great build quality for longevity and reliability |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Rexbeti Nibbler
|
Nibbler attachment made for existing drills
Gauge rating of up to 14 gauge 1-year long warranty Great build quality for peace of mind |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Makita Gauge Nibbler XNJ01Z
|
Makita-built motor delivers 1,900 SPM for faster and smooth cutting
Ideal for cutting roofing sheet metal at thicknesses up to 16 gauge Die holder rotates 360° to meet demands of cutting direction Convenient chip disposal is below cutting material to minimize damage to the cutting surface |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
16 Gauge Air Nibbler
This air nibbler is much more precise than shears and fits comfortably in the palm of your hand for added control. Make precise, distortion-free cuts in 14 gauge aluminum or sheet metal as thick as 16 gauge with this high-speed cutter. The air nibbler features a lightweight cast aluminum housing, a polished finish, a high-speed steel cutter, and a built-in regulator for increased functionality.
| PROS | CONS |
| Precise cutting at tight curves. | None |
| A convenient handheld aluminum air nibbler. | |
| Enough power to finish your cutting projects fast. | |
| Cuts through 16 gauge aluminum and 14 gauge steel. |
Ingersoll Rand EC300 Air Nibbler
Ingersoll Rand’s EDGE Series™ EC300 Air Nibbler offers the ability to cut up to 18 gauge steel, aluminum, plastic, or other metals in 6’ per minute. Even at 4,200 strokes/min, the EC300 pneumatic nibbler holds a tight 1/4″ radius with great accuracy, giving you the control and cutting power you need all without the distorted edges.
| PROS | CONS |
| High cutting rate of 6 feet per minute | Expensive for a pneumatic nibbler |
| Great build quality with a long warranty period | |
| Offers decent performance for cutting 18 gauge sheet metal |
Neiko 30067A Pull-Type Pneumatic Nibbler
The inexpensive Neiko 30067A Pull-Type Air Nibbler has the remarkable ability to produce a free speed of 3,500 RPM that can be used to work with plastic, tin, aluminum, and 18 gauge rolled steel. This best nibbler has quite an outstandingly efficient and competent front exhaust airflow system that complements the overall high-quality construction of the handy and lightweight tool.
| PROS | CONS |
| Offers an easy to use design | Only a 30-day long warranty |
| The affordable price tag for high value for money | Average build quality |
| Decent performance with a ¼ inch air inlet |
Air Nibbler Sheet Metal Cutter Cutting Metal Steel Puch Metal Shears Cut TE823
This air nibbler is designed for tough chores. It can cut through the tin, aluminum, carbon steel, and stainless steel with no problem. Moreover, you will be able to get precise and excellent results every single time.
It is made of aluminum that is both lightweight and sturdy. Aluminum doesn’t transfer the heat and makes this nibbler very easy to carry and control. The motor is designed for precise and smooth operation and can go up to 3000 strokes per minute.
| PROS | CONS |
| Aluminum housing to reduce fatigue and muscle strain. | none |
| Precision cutting with a lever to pick the right speed. | |
| The heavy-duty motor that can cut through different types of materials easily. | |
| The smooth operation to cut through thicker metal sheets. |
Ingersoll Rand 325 Heavy Duty Air Nibbler
The Ingersoll Rand 325 Heavy Duty Air Nibbler is widely used in paint, auto body, and sheet metal shops due to its ability to work with metals up to 18 gauge thickness. Even though you can’t use the Ingersoll Rand 325 Heavy Duty Air Nibbler to trim metal roofing of your home, this best nibbler can be used to cut some nice curves in galvanized corrugated steel due to its smooth angle cuts and ability to hold tight 1/4-inch radius with exceptional veracity.
| PROS | CONS |
| Balanced, lightweight tool | none |
| Holds a tight 1/4″ radius with great accuracy | |
| Easy to operate and control | |
| Durable |
Astro Pneumatic Tool 727 ONYX Heavy Duty Air Nibbler
Astro’s 727 ONYX pneumatic nibbler is yet another great pick if you want a powerful nibbler. It offers very similar performance to the other pneumatic nibblers mentioned in this article. In other words, you get the same air pressure rating of up to 90 PSI, along with an airflow rating of 4 CFM with this nibbler.
Just like most other nibbler models out there, Astro also offers a 1-year long warranty with its nibbler. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about the build quality as it leaves the user wanting more. As for its gauge rating, you can use this pneumatic nibbler for cutting 17 gauge sheet metal that is slightly better than other models mentioned above in this article.
| PROS | CONS |
| Easy to use design | Does not come with any accessories |
| Offers high gauge rating of 17 gauge | Average build quality |
| High-performance pneumatic nibbler |
Makita, JN1601, Sheet Metal Nibbler
The Makita JN1601 Nibbler die rotates 360 deg. The Makita JN1601 Nibbler has a large 1/4 stroke for clean and precise work in keystone plates, deck plate, and other corrugated sheet materials. The JN1601 has an ergonomic and slim body design for easy gripping, is extremely light for easy handling, and has a built-in thickness gauge for convenience. The JN1601 has an easy punch and die replacement for less downtime.
| PROS | CONS |
| Supports cutting 16 gauge sheet metal | The power cord could have been longer |
| One of the best performing options | Slightly on the expensive side |
| Well built and reliable construction |
Dicfeos Nibbler
The Dicfeos nibbler attachment is another nibbler attachment that works quite similar to the previous option mentioned in this article. Just like that one, Dicfeos’ nibbler attachment works with your existing drills. This allows you to cut 14 gauge sheet metal if needed with high precision. Since you get a 360-degree cutting head, you can move. However, you like intricate operations.
One benefit of going with this Dicfeos nibbler attachment is that you get a 2-year long warranty with it. When combined with its great build quality, you can expect this nibbler to easily last for a long time, even if you are cutting hard and strong sheets of metal using it. Although, the price of this nibbler attachment is slightly high for an attachment.
| PROS | CONS |
| High gauge rating of 14 gauge | Slightly expensive nibbler attachment accessory |
| Works great with most drill models | |
| 360 degree head for intricate jobs |
Rexbeti Nibbler
This Rexbeti drill attachment has a high user rating because of the various features that you get with this nibbler attachment. As per its name, it is not a standalone power tool but a nibbler attachment made for your existing power tools like a drill. You can use this attachment with any drill of your choice that works between 1500 RPM to 3000 RPM without any issues.
Even though this is an attachment, you get a 1-year long warranty with it. This is quite handy to have since you can face some wear and tear while cutting 14 gauge sheet metal using this nibbler that is quite high compared with other options in this article. It even allows you to cut with high precision using its 360 degrees double cutting head.
| PROS | CONS |
| Easy and fast to cut 14 gauge material and creates a precision, burr-free edge | none |
| Fits any drill that works between 1500-3000 RPM, More easy and powerful than normal shears and snips | |
| 360 degree double cutting head to cut a straight line, curve line and circles |
Makita Gauge Nibbler XNJ01Z
The 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Cordless 16 Gauge Nibbler (model XNJ01Z, tool only) provides contractors with another 18V LXT® metal cutting solution. The XNJ01Z is engineered for cutting corrugate metal roof decking, sheet metal, and stainless steel, and it will do the job without the cord. It is ideal for metal roofing and decking contractors, HVAC, and metal fab shop work.
It’s part of Makita’s expanding 18V Lithium-Ion series, the world’s largest cordless tool line-up powered by an 18V Lithium-Ion slide-style battery. Makita 18V Lithium-Ion batteries have the fastest charge times in their categories, so they spend more time working and less time sitting on the charger.
| PROS | CONS |
| Great performing 18-volt battery system for 16 gauge metal | Build quality could have been slightly better |
| Small and compact design with lightweight construction | Not the most affordable option out there |
| Long battery life for continuous portable usage |
CONCLUSION
From the above mention list of, you can choose your most suitable one for you. If you have any doubts regarding this, Then the buyer’s guide should be used, just compare it and you can decide which Nibblers suit you the most.