What did you accomplish today?

lokie

Well-Known Member
I’ve heard that tool called a nibbler
~edit~ like DarkWeb said
~edit again~ maybe I should have read your whole post

Each are useful. As with most tools there are variants for refined uses.

Nibbler
Battery Powered Nibbler


vs

Shear
Battery Powered Double Cut Shear


Which of the Two Should You Use?
Even though these two tools will give you a comparable final result, the answer isn’t so straightforward.
It is worth mentioning upfront that if you are cutting a curved face or need to cut tight radiuses, you should not consider double-cut shears – they cannot cut in those circumstances.
If you’re working on a piece where you need the work done fast, accurately, with tight radiuses, and you don’t care about the mess, you need to pick nibblers. The nibblers will glide quickly along the top of the sheet metal and cut smooth curves. Should you decide to get a pair, make sure to check my article about what the best sheet metal nibblers are.
On the other hand, if your project requires a bit more precision, less mess, and time isn’t essential, you should go with shears. They will cut your sheet metal just as well as nibblers, but they will not make as much of a mess. The only trade-off is it takes more time to cut with shears. But the kerf is much smaller with shears so your final product will look cleaner.

Summary
In most cases, you will be able to get your job done with either of the tools. They are both designed for cutting sheet metal and both do the job very well.
However, if you are working on projects where accuracy is more important than cleanliness, you should go with nibblers. They will also cut much cleaner curves. On the other hand, if you want to keep your workspace as clean as possible, go with shears.

 

curious2garden

Well-Known Mod
Staff member
Made a template to cut the stainless backsplash for the stove. Glad I did because my measurement on one side was just a bit off. Taped another piece of cardboard to it to fill the gap. Put out some feelers to see if someone has a metal bandsaw to cut it with, I don't want to mess it up using a metal blade on my saber saw. Not a damn thing was square, not unexpected though.
I ordered a SS backsplash. Turns out square and finished are no longer in our maker's vocabulary. I sent it back and am thinking about this. I can do tile, I can't really do metal. But I WANTED metal!

1617325456001.png
 

curious2garden

Well-Known Mod
Staff member
Each are useful. As with most tools there are variants for refined uses.

Nibbler
Battery Powered Nibbler


vs

Shear
Battery Powered Double Cut Shear


Which of the Two Should You Use?
Even though these two tools will give you a comparable final result, the answer isn’t so straightforward.
It is worth mentioning upfront that if you are cutting a curved face or need to cut tight radiuses, you should not consider double-cut shears – they cannot cut in those circumstances.
If you’re working on a piece where you need the work done fast, accurately, with tight radiuses, and you don’t care about the mess, you need to pick nibblers. The nibblers will glide quickly along the top of the sheet metal and cut smooth curves. Should you decide to get a pair, make sure to check my article about what the best sheet metal nibblers are.
On the other hand, if your project requires a bit more precision, less mess, and time isn’t essential, you should go with shears. They will cut your sheet metal just as well as nibblers, but they will not make as much of a mess. The only trade-off is it takes more time to cut with shears. But the kerf is much smaller with shears so your final product will look cleaner.

Summary
In most cases, you will be able to get your job done with either of the tools. They are both designed for cutting sheet metal and both do the job very well.
However, if you are working on projects where accuracy is more important than cleanliness, you should go with nibblers. They will also cut much cleaner curves. On the other hand, if you want to keep your workspace as clean as possible, go with shears.

BARE hands no less
 
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