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If you’re a metalworker or looking to get into the industry, you will not be a stranger to the great nibblers versus shears debate.
Both tools are used to produce clean cuts in metal and reduce damage to workpieces and the risk of injury. So, if they are so similar, why does it matter which you use?
While they may seem similar, several significant distinctions exist between the tools.
So, to help you decide which tool is best for you, nibblers or shears, we have put together a comprehensive guide full of advice. From what each tool is to what it is best used for, find all the tips and information you need here to make your choice.
The Importance of Nibblers vs Shears in Metal Work
An experienced metalworker understands that the job is far more complex than people may realise, and getting the right tool is vital.
Heavy gauge metal sheets need to be cut to precise specifications regularly throughout the working day. Getting measurements spot on is not the only consideration required. You also must ensure the metal will be cut as safely and accurately as possible to maximise output and efficiency.
To do this, you need the right tools for the job, and this is where we can help!
IN THIS GUIDE
- WHAT IS A NIBBLER?
- CHOOSING THE BEST SHEET METAL NIBBLER
- WHAT ARE SHEARS?
- NIBBLERS VS SHEARS KEY TAKEAWAYS
- CHOOSING NIBBLERS OR SHEARS: NEXT STEPS
WHAT IS A NIBBLER?
A nibbler is a power tool designed for cutting sheet metal and other thin, flexible materials. It is highly valued for its ability to make precise cuts, allowing for intricate shapes and tight curves without distorting the surrounding material.
HOW DOES A NIBBLER WORK?
Nibblers are named after their distinctive cutting method, which features a ‘punch and die’ assembly to destroy the material in its path. Just like an actual rodent that nibbles to destroy, let's imagine the nibbler as a metal, motorised chewing rodent. Using high speeds, nibblers cut through sheet metal and spray out small, semicircular chips as the operator guides the tool through the material. For this reason, extreme caution and care should be taken with the off-cuts and containment, as the small pieces can be very sharp. If not properly contained, thousands of tiny chips can cause injuries, scratch floors and any surfaces they contact, and even find their way into other machines and electrical systems.
WHAT IS A NIBBLER USED FOR?
As mentioned, nibblers tend to destroy the materials they are guided through as a form of cutting. For this reason, we don’t recommend you use them for cutting extremely fine lines. However, rest assured that the surrounding metal of your cut will remain undistorted.
Nibblers are also popular among sculptors and creative metal workers for cutting patterns out of sheet metal. Their ability to negotiate tight curves easily and cut more intricate shapes makes them a preferred choice by experienced operators who can wield them with precise control.
However, this doesn’t mean that nibblers are only suitable for curves and intricate shapes; straight lines are also easily achieved. Cutouts from the centre of a metal sheet can also be done using a drilled-hole starting point.
We love using nibblers for corrugated sheet metal, as the tool can cut through the metal's peaks and troughs without becoming stuck or jammed. This is thanks to the elongated die assembly that juts outward of the motor housing at a 90-degree angle.
CHOOSING THE BEST SHEET METAL NIBBLER
When choosing the best nibbler tool, our brand of choice is Trumpf. The Trumpf TruTools nibbler series offers everything you need for precise and efficient sheet metal cutting. Admittedly, Trumpf nibblers are a little pricier than mid-range alternatives, but they justify every penny and are excellent value for money. They deliver exceptional performance and are built to last. The improved cutting power, efficiency and years of use make TruTool nibblers an excellent investment. Trumpf offers a range of nibblers catering to a variety of needs. Depending on the task at hand will determine the best solution for you.
BEST NIBBLER FOR FLAT SHEET METAL
The TruTool N160 is a great option for flat and low-profile sheet metal. It's a compact 12v cordless router that provides corrosion-free cutting without distorting the sheet. Choose the N160 for cutting flat sheets up to 1.6mm thick.
BEST NIBBLER FOR PROFILED SHEET METAL
Do you need to cut profiled sheets? Don't worry; you won't need an entirely new nibbler. The N160 can be upgraded to handle profiled sheets with an extension. Choose the TruTool N160 with extension for flat or profiled sheets up to 1.6mm.
BEST NIBBLER FOR A CORRUGATED METAL ROOF
The best nibbler for corrugated sheets is the Trumpf TruTool N200. It is a lightweight and manoeuvrable 18v cordless nibbler that can easily be upgraded to the PN200 or PN201 to expand its cutting capabilities.
BEST NIBBLER FOR TRAPEZOIDAL SHEETS
If you are working with trapezoidal sheets, the Trumpf TruTool PN200 will be your nibbler of choice. It can handle trapezoidal sheets up to 85mm (as well as C, L, and U-profiled metal sheets). For thicker sheets, opt for the PN201 nibbler, which can cut trapezoidal sheets up to 162mm deep. Both the PN200 and PN201 are built on the multifunctional TruTool N200 machine, giving you full access to a wide range of cutting tools in one machine.
WHAT ARE SHEARS?
Shears are sheet metal cutting tools that make repeatable cuts with long-lasting durability and dependability. They are available in two different designs: single-cut shears and slitting shears, sometimes called double-cut shears.
SINGLE CUT SHEARS
Single-cut shears are a super-powered, industrial pair of scissors that cut cleanly through sheet metal with no material waste.
The machine features a sharpened, movable blade that rapidly cuts against a fixed blade, or anvil, with the sheet metal in between.
Although the slices created by single-cut shears are clean, they can cause the sheet metal to become distorted. This appears in bending and warping of the edges, so they are not a preferred tool for jobs requiring the sheet metal to remain perfectly flat.
If you’re working on a heavy-duty cutting task, you might want to consider single-cut shears, as they have a higher cutting capacity than slitting shears and nibblers.
SLITTING SHEARS
Slitting shears are different as they utilise two separate cutters to remove a thin strip of the material as it is guided on its path. This means that as long as they are kept relatively straight, they do not cause as much distortion as single-cut shears leave behind.
Unfortunately, slitting shears do not excel at cutting curves and intricate shapes; they’re also not what we recommend for more heavy-duty metal projects.
But, when used for light gauge sheet metals, they can offer a quick and clean cut that will preserve the material's shape, appearance, and integrity. They do this with only minimal wasted material that can be efficiently cleaned up.
NIBBLERS VS SHEARS KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Nibblers and shears are both designed to cut metal cleanly, but they differ significantly in their cutting methods and ideal applications.
- Nibblers cut intricate shapes, tight curves, and corrugated metals without distorting surrounding material.
- The TruTool N160 nibbler is recommended for flat sheets, while the N200 and PN200 are best for corrugated and trapezoidal sheets respectively.
- Shears are effective for making straight, repeatable cuts. Single-cut shears are suitable for heavy-duty tasks but may distort metal edges, whereas slitting shears are ideal for light gauge metals and provide clean cuts with minimal waste.
- Shears are best for high-capacity, straight-line cutting tasks in industrial settings. With proper tool selection, they offer durability and minimal material waste.
- Both nibblers and shears are essential for metalworkers. Each excels in different applications to ensure clean, efficient cuts and maximum productivity.
CHOOSING NIBBLERS OR SHEARS: NEXT STEPS
By now, we hope you have a better understanding of the differences between nibblers and shears to make the right decision for you.
Knowing exactly what each tool is, what they can handle, and their results will help you assess what tool you need for each job. So, once you have put the information and advice here into practice, all that is left to do is find high-quality tools that work for you.
At Cladding Mate, we have a wide selection of Trumpf tools for you to explore. From profile nibblers to single-cut shears and slitting shears, you can find it all here in one place, among plenty of accessories and batteries.
