Shears vs Nibbler...This question is so basic Im ashamed!

[diarmaid]

Ok, Im seriously getting a name for stupid noob questions at this stage but here goes....

Whats the difference between a metal shears and a metal nibbler as shown here:

http://www.maxtool.com/cgi-bin/dbsea...,DB_CAT2=DWHdn

And what is the difference in uses for each one?

Thanks....I now slink away in shame.....

[Geof]

Shears work like scissors; they cut a slice in the metal and move along the slice.

Nibblers take a complete section out. Starting at the edge of the sheet a nibbler would nibble out a small section making a rectangular or semicircular notch. The the nibbler jaws open up and it is moved to the bottom of the notch and nibbles another notch, etc, etc, until it has cut a slot into the sheet.

Shears cannot easily turn corners. Nibblers can be turned so that successive notches are at an angle and go round a corner.

[massajamesb]

I have a pair of each in my shop. With shears, I can run a straight edge cut, and I can also cut long gradual curves cleanly. There is a (little under) 3/16 waste strip that curls up as I cut. Makes mapping out shared cut edges a little demanding. The nibbler can cut a 1" hole with no problems. It cuts HUNDREDS of little c-shaped pieces out as it goes. It basically has a punch die inside the head. You can cut any shape with these, and also cut a straight edge, if you clamp a guide to the sheet. They both have their uses, and there are many applications where one will always work better than the other. Probably the most used of all my sheet metal tools.

[diarmaid]

Thanks.

[diarmaid]

Hi again,
I saw a site (Cant remember the link) where the guy went through nearly every possible metal working tool you can imagine and on it. Re. nibblers he said that he never has one in his workshop because a shear will do everything the nibbler will do, and that the nibbler leaves tiny metal shards everywhere that get into your workbench and destroy subsequent work, into your shoe soles and destroy your carpet when you go into the house etc.
Any comments?

Also, I was thinking about getting the DeWalt nibbler but I've seen one now on ebay for $1000 and after searching for the same type they are up to $3000 new. I know you pay for what you get but thats very expensive for a hand tool. What ones do people use and what ones are good/bad, and do you suggest?

Thanks.

[Geof]

Originally Posted by diarmaid .....a shear will do everything the nibbler will do.....

Balderdash

[diarmaid]

Thanks Geof.....and you might have missed my edit/addition to the above post...?

[Geof]

Originally Posted by diarmaid Thanks Geof.....and you might have missed my edit/addition to the above post...?

You mean the $3000 power nibbler? Yikes, that is one expensive hand tool. I have a hand operated one which is why I look like a lobster.

[diarmaid]

This is an example of an expensive one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Trumpf-Nibbler-N...QQcmdZViewItem
Do I need this?.....Im probably the only one that can answer that aint I!

I think the 'really' expensive one I saw was from 'Fadal' or 'Fedal' or some similar named brand....cant remember exactly.

PS: I dont get the lobster joke...!!!........sry?

[massajamesb]

The one I have is from Tractor Supply, it is a Campbell Hausfeld (sp?) cheapie. Have had it for about 2 years. yes, it leaves little chips EVERYWHERE. But, right down the aisle where I got the nibbler, I picked up a roller magnet. I have not had any real "contamination" problems resulting from a nibbler. There are many tight radii cuts I have made with it, where shears would have been useless. I picked up my nibbler for about 40 US. I actually have two more, that I tried cutting 14 ga with. The cutting bit is broken, but is replaceable. Want one to try out?

[Geof]

Originally Posted by diarmaid ....PS: I dont get the lobster joke...!!!........sry?

One hand five times bigger than the other from the exercise. Perhaps you have never seen lobsters; they have one big claw and one little.

[massajamesb]

oh, it is pneumatic, by the way. I believe cutting bits are about 25.00, and will cut 18 ga all day long, with a little oil here and there.