- 1. Sheet Metal Nibbler
- 2. Hitachi Sheet Metal Nibbler
- 3. DEWALT Gauge Nibbler
- 4. Fein Gauge Nibbler
- 5. Neiko Pull Type Pneumatic Nibbler
- 6. Ingersoll Rand Air Nibbler
- 7. Astro Pnematic Onyx Heavy Duty Air Nibbler
- 8. Makita Cordless Gauge Nibbler
- 9. Grizzly Pneumatic Nibbler
- 10. Parts Express Nickel Plated Nibbling Tool
One of the essential power tools you will ever need is the nibbler drill. This is a tool that is well designed and very efficient, as compared to other hand tools. The nibbler helps produce minimal fatigue while ensuring that work is done faster. And if you wish to cut metals, channels, and cutouts, the nibbler is your ideal unit. It is also well suited for individuals involved in metal works and sculptures and are extremely diverse in function and appearance. However, the best nibblers are sometimes tough to come by, which is why we have produced this well curated list for all those in need of the perfect nibbler. These products come in a wide range of styles and prices to cater to the different types of potential buyers.
The Best Nibbler
Makita has introduced its best nibbler into the market, and it is gradually becoming their best selling item. This is the Makita Sheet Metal Nibbler, their most beautiful creation yet, thanks to the company’s combination of engineers and product designers. In recent times, finding the best nibbler has proven to be an arduous task; thus, manufacturers are striving to create world-class products that can withstand all pressures and function except for the longest time. The Makita sheet nibbler Is one of such products. This sheet nibbler is an accurate machine, manufactured to work in a precise manner, while in the keystone plate. It works magic on corrugated materials, and deck plates, which makes it the most sought after brand.
Some of its exciting and unusual features include its die, which rotates up to 360 degrees. It also has an ergonomic and sleek body that allows the user to grip with ease. If you wish for a lightweight nibbler, the Makita sheet unit is your best bet. It comes at a weight of only 3.6 lbs, which makes handling very simple and comfortable. For extra convenience, this nibbler offers a quick punch and die for less downtime whenever it is in use.
- Die rotates 360°
- Large 1/4" stroke
- Slim body design
- Extremely light
- Brand Makita
- Model JN1601
- Weight 3.53 pounds
Works well in home garages
Padding keeps all parts secure
Accurate cuts with every session
Cuts at a slow pace
Thin metals give this nibbler great issues
Metal roofing is tough to work with
Another brand many of us are conversant with is Hitachi. Since its inception, this company has succeeded in creating some of the best household and industrial pieces of equipment, meant to make lives more comfortable and enjoyable. Their items are straightforward to access thanks to their affordability, and ease of use. What’s more, the user-friendliness and durability of Hitachi products are the driving forces that encourage customers to stick to the brand and this article, we’re focusing on their best nibbler model, the Hitachi CN16SA Metal Nibbler. There’s none quite like this, which is why it comes highly recommended.
This sheet nibbler tool is a fantastic model. It features a small circumference for maximum control and comfort and is powered by an intense motor that comes with 3.5 amps of power. This motor can cut through all kinds of flat sheet and corrugated metals within a short amount of time. For easy and quick-direction changes, the Hitachi nibbler also has a three-point indexing die holder, which was included by manufacturers after periods of deliberation and tons of safety experiments. And that’s not all; this nibbler also minimizes the chips on your workpiece through its downward punching process whilst offering an incredible cutting speed that has not been achieved by many competitors on the market.
- 3-position indexing die holder
- Small grip circumference
- Downward punching
- Impressive cutting speed
- Brand Hitachi
- Model CN16SA
- Weight 3.5 pounds
A better alternative to power tools
Value for money
Works with precision
Drilling screws can be tedious
Hiccups in operations occur frequently
Punching is time consuming
Since it was founded, Dewalt has led many innovative technologies that work to help improve the quality of craftsmanship across the globe. This is a company that conducts tons of research globally, to find and create new and efficient power tools that will serve homes and industries alike. Their evolution has helped in their immense growth, as today, they’re regarded as a leading manufacturer in the power tool industry. And with the release of their latest nibbler, the Dewalt Gauge Nibbler, we can see why they continue to rise.
The Dewalt nibbler is a reliable and durable unit that operates with help from a dependable ball bearing motor and it is crafted with precision and accuracy to cater to all your cutting needs. The motor is extremely durable and allows your nibbler to undertake round punches with a 360 pivot. What’s more, the cutting process is done efficiently and within a short time.
Related Post: Best Dewalt Power Tools
- Dependable, 3.0 Amp, all ball-bearing motor for long life
- Rotating head
- No distortion of material being cut
- Strong aluminum alloy
- Brand DEWALT
- Model DW9052
- Weight 5.35 pounds
Requires no extra power source
Cuts precise edges
Extremely user friendly
It doesn’t cut thin metal
Price is high
Metal roofing can damage the product
Meet the Fein BLK Gauge Nibbler. It is a machine designed to offer the most precise cuts in minimal time. Made from only the best metal alloys, its durability is assured, and efficiency guaranteed. Users highly recommend the Fein nibbler because it caters to every cutting need, no matter how sturdy the metal may be. The nibbler also features a high cutting speed of 7 ½ feet per minute and allows you to adjust your cutting direction in steps of 45 degrees. What’s more, operations are quick and straightforward thanks to its electrical system and it comes with an electric power cable that allows you to charge it whenever its power reduces.
Additional features that make the Fein nibbler the best sheet metal nibbler unit for all your metal construction, roofing, façade construction, and other metal building applications include; its ability to cut around outlets and curves with a precision that cannot be replicated by competitors. What’s more, the design is such that this nibbler remains lightweight and easy to move from one location to the other. Ergonomics has also not been ignored with the Fein nibbler featuring easy to grip handles. There’s nothing you will love more than to have the best cutting tool in your arsenal, and Fein promises to give you that and much more.
- Rotating punch
- High cutting speed
- Tool-free change of punch and cutting direction
- Cutting direction adjustable in steps of 45°
- Brand Fein
- Model BLK 13CS
- Weight 5.95 pounds
Keeps metal in top shape after cutting
The most affordable nibbler
Protects you from damage
Not the best option for DIY enthusiasts
The cutting process can be tiring
Everyone loves Neiko. They are, no doubt, a popular brand with a mission of making your cutting experiences more enjoyable and less time-consuming. To do this, they have introduced their Neiko Pneumatic Nibbler onto the market. Unlike the existing units on the market, this is an exceptionally built nibbler, explicitly made for use on some meals. It is the best unit on sale for the cutting of nonferrous and ferrous sheet metals, plastics, and rubber materials as it doesn’t cause any damage or deformation of their edges. No doubt, this Neiko product is one of the best air nibblers on several review platforms, because of its functionality and reliability.
This nibbler also had a durable front exhaust air system that prevents the backflow of air. It features a lightweight aluminum housing that helps it withstand all kinds of pressure exerted during the cutting process. You can make use of it for your roofers, metal shops, air conditioning fabricators, machine shops, body shops, and much more. Its ability to connect easily to an air compressor makes it excellent for use both in your home garage and in industries that cut on a larger scale. Make the right choice by getting the Neiko nibbler as a part of your cutting apparatus.
- Lightweight aluminum housing
- The front exhaust airflow system
- great for both industrial and home projects
- Ideal for air conditioning fabricators, contractors, etc.
- Brand Neiko
- Model 30067A
- Weight 2 pounds
Works better in garages and workshops
Offers accurate edge cuts
Very affordable pricing
easy storage thanks to its compact nature
Thin metal is very tough to cut with this unit
Cuts are tiny, and the cutting process can be tiring
Using it takes a while to become conversant with
There are various types of nibblers, with the air nibbler being the most prevalent. If you are after an air nibbler that packs a punch when it comes to features, we have yet another fantastic metal nibbler machine as a part of our list. This product was created by a leading manufacturer of household appliances and equipment. It has been made to cater for all your cutting needs, without causing any damages or issues. Meet the Ingersoll Rand Air Nibbler. It is very simple to operate, as it comes with user-friendly features that help make the cutting process more comfortable. With the Ingersoll nibbler, there is a 6ft per minute cutting rate, which isn’t found in other products. The nibbler also cuts metals up to 16-gauge steel, as well as plastics and other metals.
The Ingersoll air nibbler holds a tight ¼ inch radius and offers 4200 strokes per minute. It features an angled head, which helps make the cutting process more accessible, while its ergonomic grip enhances comfortable usage all day long. Other ergonomic features include the low profile throttle lever and the front exhaust. We recommend this nibbler for those wishing to cut metals and plastics without experiencing distorted edges.
- Holds a tight ¼ inch radius
- 6 ft. Per-minute cutting rate
- At 4200 strokes per minute
- Angled head for easy cutting
- Brand Ingersoll Rand
- Model EC300
- Weight 2.1 pounds
Very affordable price
Easy to make tight radius cuts
Compact design for easy storage
Ideal for all DIY enthusiasts
It takes a while to get used to it
Every expert in the appliance industry is aware of the quality always presented by the Astro team. The company is a unique unit built up with the desire to address pressing issues in industries and homes. their products are manufactured with great care and precision, under the safest environments to ensure that no harm befalls any customer. They understand the importance of quality and provide it to users in various ways with their products. In this article, we’re focusing on the Astro Pneumatic Onyx Heavy Duty Air Nibbler, another amazing air nibbler on sale. Out of all machines in the market today, you’re assured of the quality presented by Astro.
The Astro nibbler is a heavy-duty unit made under strict quality assurance laws. It features a user-friendly design that is undertaken with significant emphasis placed on the professional end-user. Every element that makes up this product is tested in a real-world environment to ensure its durability and functionality. The Astro pneumatic nibbler has the best state of the art technology under its belt. It is designed to meet all the requirements of an air nibbler and offer the best cutting experience for everyone. Overall, the Astro team does an excellent job of continuously altering and adjusting their settings and product elements to create more powerful devices for the demands of every user.
- Designed with the professional user in mind
- Tested for function in a real-world environment
- Quality assured constructed
- User-friendly design
- Brand Astro Pneumatic Tool
- Model 727
- Weight 2.09 pounds
Good value for money
Edges cut are accurate.
Comes at a comfortable price
Nibbler is very slow in operation
Not ideal for cutting corners
Cutting efficiency is affected by high cutting power
Makita has presented us with another magnificent electric nibbler machine, which has taken the market by storm. It is the Makita LXT Nibbler, a lithium-ion product that comes with a cordless operation for easy transportation. In most instances, we all desire to have a nibbler that can be moved around with ease and still offer us the heavy-duty quality usually associated with fixed nibbler machines. This product from Makita provides all that and more. It is an exceptional nibbler unit that is operated via a built-in motor for fast and smooth cutting at all times. It doesn’t matter how thick your metal is, as the Makita can cut through in the shortest possible time.
This Makita product is their best nibbler because it offers a very convenient chip disposal procedure and comes with a die holder, with a rotation of up to 360 degrees. This means that you get yo cut without having a lot of damage on the putting surface. For improved comfort, Makita has used a rubberized and soft grip on this nibbler. When the battery of this nibbler is started, and the switch is turned on, the Makita nibbler is prevented from starting, thanks to its anti-restart protection system.
- Comes with a Makita-built motor
- Rubberized soft grip
- 360 degree rotatable die holder
- Motor offers fast and smooth cutting
- Brand Makita
- Model XNJ01Z
- Weight 4 pounds
Accurate operations
The pressure required is slight
Tiny threads make screwing with a drill tough
Spring doesn’t punch properly
Metal must be cleared out while drilling
Give the Grizzly Pneumatic Holder a chance for all your cutting needs. This nibbler is one of the best units out there today, with the best weight and durability offered by manufacturers. It features a cutting system that breaks down every type of metal up to 16 ga, as well as a lightweight aluminum housing system that helps it to cut all metals without leaving any burrs or deformed edges. To enable this unit to cut in various directions, manufacturers have designed the Grizzly in a manner that makes it adjustable.
There’s nothing regular about this pneumatic hand nibbler. It is truly a unique unit made for easy usage and comfortable cutting. It has a sleek and ergonomic design for better operations and a higher level of reliability. The Grizzly Pneumatic nibbler is the most significant addition to the industry, and it promises to be the best product you will ever invest in.
- lightweight aluminum housing
- cuts up to 16-gauge steel
- Adjustable die
- Approximate weight: 2.05 lbs
- Brand Grizzly
- Model T23085
- Weight 2.05 pounds
Ideal for workshop operations
Cuts accurately with precision
No extra force needs to be exerted.
Not the best tool for cutting thin metal.
Cuts faster when connected to a corded drill
Doesn’t work for metal roofing
Explore your cutting abilities by investing in the Parts Express Nibbler. This is a nickel-plated machine put together by a team of engineers and product designers. It comes with all the necessary elements meant to ensure that it operates efficiently and quickly without any damages on the cutting surface. This nibbler is made from heavy-duty materials for the best output and longevity. It can cut through a myriad of metals without much effort, placing it among the best nibblers in the market. Make that move now and invest in the greatness that is the Parts Express nibbler metal cutter.
- Cuts non-hardened metals
- Nickel-plated tool
- 7" in length
- Ideal for making square holes for switches, indicator lamps
- Brand Parts Express
- Model 360-022
- Weight 6.4 ounces
A great alternative to grinders and shears
Better than the pneumatic nibblers
Cuts through all kinds of metal
Difficult to use
Doesn't work with heavy-duty jobs
Performs poorly with roofing sheet materials
Best Nibbler Buying Guide & FAQ
Features to Look for in a Metal Nibbler
There are so many models of nibblers on the market that finding the perfect unit becomes a nightmare for many. We highlight the vital considerations you need to focus on, to prevent you from making the wrong investment.
- Capacity
The first consideration should be the capacity of your nibbler. Before you invest in a nibbler, you need to research into its capacity and how reliable its operations are. The capacity of a nibbler refers to how well it can cut different metals. Some nibblers offer a 12-gauge capacity when they cut aluminum, and a 14-gauge capacity when cutting steel.
- Strokes
The ‘strokes’ of a nibbler refers to the cuts produced per minute by your nibblers. The average machine offered 1,300 to 1,0400 strokes per minute, and this is a high level to start from. The strokes are dependent on the material you wish to cut thus; you should also know this before you begin your search.
- Cutting radius
The minimum cutting radius of a nibbler, as discovered by experts, is one inch for conventional nibblers and four inches for bigger sized models. The cutting radius is very vital when choosing a nibbler because it allows you to work better and also select how tight your radius cuts will be.
- Warranty
A nibbler should also come with a good manufacturer’s warranty, as this will help take some extra cost off your shoulders, in the event of damage. If the product doesn’t offer any guarantee or warranty, it’s better to opt for another model that does.
Different Nibbler Types Available on the Market
- Punch and Die Nibbler
The first nibbler type is a conventional nibbler model that is usually held below the sheet metal being cut. It nibbles into the metal a little bit at a time when the nibbler applies pressure from the top down.
- Nibble shears
The nibble shears are different from the conventional nibblers because these models are held perpendicular to the sheet metal during the cutting process. To operate this model, the user needs to keep the handles together. Such an intuitive operation makes this unit different from other models.
- Pneumatic nibblers
The pneumatic or air nibblers work with air pressure for the punching of holes. Pneumatic nibblers are generally more expensive and demand more elements for their operations.
Nibblers VS Electric Shears Vs. Tin-Snips
Snips and nibblers are very alike physically, but their functions differ significantly, as do the electric shears. Tin snips and shears are almost alike, and they’re known for the cutting of rigid materials such as metals. They feature two blades, whereas the nibbler comes with a single module. With the nibbler, your metal loses some amount of content since it uses a track to punch out stuff. This doesn’t occur with the snips and shears.
How to Use an Electric Nibbler
The operations of nibblers can be likened to that of a jigsaw. The significant difference between a puzzle and a nibbler is the table that comes along with your nibbler. This is a table meant to ride along with the material being cut during the cutting process. When using a nibbler, users must ensure that the machine is running in a parallel position to the metal while it is in action.
Best Nibbler FAQ:
A nibbler, by design, isn’t meant to cause any deformations on your metal sheets as they’re being cut. The development of such distortions is as a result of lousy cutting practices, or the use of nibblers with weak cutting elements. To ensure that your sheets are void of strains and other damages, look out for nibblers made from durable materials such as aluminum.
Nibbler shears come with varied cutting capacities since they’re all made from different materials. Every material used has its thickness and strength, and the said the width uses a gauge measurement. The smaller your nibbler, the lower the capacity, and the larger the size, the bigger the capacity you will have available.
Several tools can be used in cutting metals. Some of these include the cold saw, hacksaw, torches, band saws, jigsaws, and nibblers. Nibblers are, however, said to be the most useful and efficient models for metal cutting because they have all the design requirements that enhance and shorten the cutting process.
Our Top Pick
Our top pick for the best nibblers is T]the Makita Sheet Metal Nibbler. For sure, it is one of the best options out there. We love this product as it is a heavy-duty nibbler with a potentially prolonged lifespan. It is made from sturdy material that ensures its durability and comes with different modern technologies meant to make operations more straightforward. The Makita Sheet nibbler cuts all sheets of metal with reliable accuracy and precision that is tough to come by. It makes use of ergonomic handles and exterior for perfect gripping and easy transportation from one point to the other.