Nibblers

Yes, nibblers are excellent for cutting curves and irregular shapes in thin metal sheets, offering greater manoeuvrability than many traditional shears or saws for intricate work. This is because a nibbler removes small pieces of material as it cuts, making it particularly well suited to curved lines, tight profiles, notches, corners and detailed shapes that can be difficult to achieve with larger cutting tools.

Nibblers are commonly used for shaping -

• Sheet steel
• Aluminium
• Tinplate
• Metal roofing sheets
• Vehicle body panels
• Ducting
• Metal guttering

Choosing a metal nibbler based on the power supply depends on how long the tool will be used for and what power source is available.

• Air nibblers are lightweight, which enhances operator comfort when used for longer periods of time. They are less prone to overheating than electric or cordless nibblers, which can overheat during prolonged use due to electrical resistance, making air nibblers ideal for use in workshops where they can be used for hours at a time. However, air nibblers do require a compressed air supply, which makes them less convenient than electric or cordless nibblers.
• Electric nibblers are powered by the mains, which means they can provide consistent power, even under load. No battery is required, meaning the operator can use the tool continuously. However, with excessive use, they still have the potential to overheat. 
• Cordless nibblers are battery-powered, enabling the operator to use the tool almost anywhere. Cordless nibblers provide greater freedom of movement, but we always recommend carrying a spare battery to reduce downtime when one battery runs out of charge.

Yes, nibblers can make detailed, precise cuts with minimal material distortion, making them ideal for creating custom shapes in metal sheets. This is because they remove small, crescent-shaped pieces of material as they cut, without bending the sheet, using a high-speed punch-and-die system that enhances operator control and reduces stress on the surrounding metal.

Some nibblers have rotating heads that enable the operator to cut without needing to reposition the tool when changing direction. Combined with the fact that nibblers create less heat and distortion than other cutting tools, such as shears, this makes them safer and more accurate for cutting thin sheets of metal.

Yes, nibblers can cut through stainless steel, but only if the tool and cutting head are rated for it.

Stainless steel is harder than mild steel, aluminium or tin, and puts more strain on the nibbler's punch-and-die system. Do not use a nibbler that isn't certified to cut the material it is being used for, as this can blunt the punch and damage the die.

When looking at the cutting capability of a nibbler, look for a nibbler that is capable of cutting steel up to 600 N/mm² or higher, however some stainless steel grades go to 800 N/mm² plus. As a general rule, the higher the N/mm² rating, the thinner the stainless steel will need to be for the nibbler to cut it effectively.

Nibblers can create sharp metal chips and offcuts. Because of this, the operator should always wear -

• Eye protection to protect against flying swarf.
• Cut-resistant gloves, as freshly cut edges on sheet metal can be very sharp.
• Hearing protection, especially when using a nibbler for longer periods.
• Protective clothing, such as long sleeves, to help protect against sharp chips and edges.
• Safety footwear to protect against dropped sheets, tools or offcuts.

We always recommend clearing swarf with a brush rather than by hand, as metal chips and offcuts can be sharp and may cut the operator.

Yes, a nibbler can leave a sharp edge. However, it can produce a cleaner and more controlled cut than many other metal-cutting tools.

The sharpness depends on the thickness of the material, the condition of the punch and die, and how steadily the operator guides the tool.

Using a sharp, well-maintained punch and die should reduce the need for finishing and help minimise the number of burrs left on the material. Any sharp edges or burrs should be removed with a suitable deburring tool, file or abrasive pad before the material is handled or finished, and the operator should always check the cut edge before handling the material, as even a cleaner cut may still be sharp.

Nibblers usually create very little heat and few, if any, sparks compared with tools such as angle grinders or power saws, which can also be used to cut metal. This is because nibblers use a punch-and-die system, which 'bites' tiny pieces out of the material as they cut, rather than grinding through it, so creates less friction and heat build-up, which also helps reduce distortion and scorching.

Although nibblers are a low-spark cutting option, operators should still wear suitable PPE and keep the work area clear of flammable materials, swarf and offcuts. Swarf and offcuts should be cleared regularly, especially if they are contaminated with oil, grease, dust or other flammable debris.

Yes, a nibbler will need a pilot hole to cut from the middle of a sheet. This is because the punch-and-die system on a nibbler needs an entry point into the material, and the entry point must be large enough for the nibbler’s cutting head or punch to fit through.

A drill fitted with a suitably sized drill bit or hole saw can be used to create the pilot hole, with the size of the hole being dependent on the size and shape of the nibbler's cutting head.

• Nibblers are not suited to cutting thicker materials and if the material is too thick for the tool, it may jam, cut slowly or even damage the punch and die.
• The punch-and-die system leaves small, crescent-shaped pieces of razor-sharp swarf as it cuts through the material. These offcuts are often sharp, which can create a safety hazard if they are not cleaned up and can also create a mess around the workplace.
• Nibblers can create sharp edges, which may need deburring with a deburring tool, file, abrasive pad or grinder before the material is handled.
• They are more difficult to use for long, straight cuts and excel at curved cuts. If a straight line is required, shears may be a better option.