Nibbler question

[tackit]

Anyone use a nibbler... If so what are their short commings...advantages? I have a to install a chimeney in my shop plus I have some 18 ga work I would like to use it on. The one I like best is the Bosch 14 ga, Bosch says it will cut 16 SS too.

[H80N]

tackit
I use a nibbler frequently on sheetmetal... they will make clean cuts with nearly no edge distortion... the downside is the kerf that they take out down the middle... otherwise they are great...
Hope this helps
Heiti

[tackit]

Thanks H80N and to all others that may add to this thread.

[timw]

I have IR Nibblers (Air) and they work good. They are tricky to make straight cuts with but they will cut in any direction. What I don't like is the millions of little 1/4 moon pieces from the cut, they end up everywhere. I prefer to use air shears though they don't cut circles clean but they cut faster if you have a lot to cut. I repaired semi trailers for 30 years and cut a lot of roofing and side panels.

[Paul Seaman]

I've got a milwaukee 16 ga. nibbler, I got it on the loan to own program from my father-in-law. I've only used it on Al 16ga but it works like a champ.
Peace,

[tackit]

timw in your post you say the nibbler is hard to cut a straight line with, I was hoping for a straight cut, would using a straight edge keep it on the line? thanks

[walker]

For a straight cut I'd go with the shears. The ones I have have two stationary blades with one in the middle that moves. Curly Q comes out of the middle. You can buy a cheap pair at HF, and will work fine for light duty stuff.

[timw]

A straight edge will work good, the problem is if you cut free hand the blade can be moved any direction in about a 180* arc. But this works good for odd shape cutting. The nibbler cuts a 1/4 moon piece with each bite. Like I said the chips can be a pain. The shears are easier to follow a line with.

[tackit]

Thanks timw. I'm glad I posted this thread, I'll have to consider buying shears instead.