anybody have experience with the nibbler?

kaZ8Teen

Golden Member
Apr 27, 2003
1,067
0
76
im short on cash and i want to do a window mod, would the nibbler be able to hand my steel case? are there any other cheap alternatives if this doesnt work?
 

cheapgoose

Diamond Member
May 13, 2002
3,877
0
0
i used the nibbler to put a window in my dvd rom and hdd. and believe me, it was a pain in the hand. i would NOT recommend a nibbler for any project as big as a window mod.

a jigsaw would be much better. maybe a friend will lend you a jig and a dremel for touch up work.
 

Vonkhan

Diamond Member
Feb 27, 2003
8,198
0
71
dont use a nibbler unless u really wanna work ur forearm muscles and blisters on ur hand :p invest in a dremel
 

winr

Diamond Member
Feb 17, 2001
6,081
56
91
My nibbler and me parted ways awhile back.........

Seriously though.
I have a small generic variable speed jigsaw and use fine tooth blades.
They make blades that with the backs cut down which makes it easier to cut small circles.

Always wear goggles!!!!


:)
 

drx9175l

Member
Jan 11, 2002
194
0
0
Using the right nibbler makes all the difference. For a large job like a window you'll want one of these. For smaller jobs, like a fan hole, use this one. I own both and each one works well for specific tasks. I also own a Dremel and have access to a jigsaw. There are times when I don't want to deal with the noise and mess of a powertool. Blisters aren't a problem for me, but if you're worried about it then use a work glove.
 

Ness

Diamond Member
Jul 10, 2002
5,407
2
0
^^^Good Advice right there.

I use a nibbler for small jobs. I guess if you don't have access to power tools, it's better than nothing. Just make sure you buy one with comfortable rubber grips, because using it on steel requires a lot of pressure from your hand up against the nibbler.
 

Vonkhan

Diamond Member
Feb 27, 2003
8,198
0
71
i got one from xoxide wen i was a noob modder ... i cut a 12"x8" window hole in a steel case with tht one. i had more enthusiasm than brains or money :p
 

kaZ8Teen

Golden Member
Apr 27, 2003
1,067
0
76
how much are jigsaws? i dont really wanna spend too much money bc im only gonna put one window and 2-3 blowholes. so i dont want to spend money on an expensive tool and not use it ever again
 

Wuzup101

Platinum Member
Feb 20, 2002
2,334
37
91
Jigsaw is the best option... don't let anyone tell you different. It CAN be done with a nibbler or dremmel... bit it will be a bitch and a half compared to a jigsaw. I don't think anyone on here who has personally done the mod with all 3 tools (as I have) would say that the jig is not the best tool for the job. I'm not sure how thick your case is, but I know that it would have taken me forever to cut through my antec 1030 with a dremmel, and i'm guessing a nibbler wouldn't have been able to handle it. Besides just being easier, the jigsaw (with a fine metal blade) will make much nicer cuts. I didn't even have to sand my case after cutting, the new blade sliced right through it nice and smooth. Best of all, a jigsaw isn't that expensive. It doesn't have to be top of the line, most cheep ones will probably work fine (make sure you pick up a decent fine metal cutting blade for $2). You'll probably also fine other uses for it so it won't go to waste... Dremmel tools definitely have their place, but it's not here. Even the nibbler has many good uses... like making your hand soar... but honestly a jigsaw is what you want for this job.

Trust me... if you have some friends (which i'm hoping you do :)) i'm guessing one of them can loan you their jigsaw.... they aren't that uncommon!
 

Vonkhan

Diamond Member
Feb 27, 2003
8,198
0
71
true, i picked up a Skil jigsaw + fine toothed metal blades for $44.99

just havent gotten around to using them!
 

kaZ8Teen

Golden Member
Apr 27, 2003
1,067
0
76
well, i borrowed a jigsaw from my neighbor. But he not sure if it could cut thru steel, its a skill jigsaw btw.


 

kaZ8Teen

Golden Member
Apr 27, 2003
1,067
0
76
also, how much molding am i gonna need? would 3 feet be good enough? im gonna try to make a window like the lanboy window. or something like that


edit: where can i get plexiglass that is tinted blue?
 

TimberWolf

Senior member
Oct 11, 1999
516
0
0
Try using "professional quality", rather than "hobby level" tools for a hand nibbler:

Eastwood Automotive

A window kit installation in an In-Win 500 case took me 45 minutes from start to finish using this tool. You can cut 120mm blow holes without any trouble; 92mm and 80mm with a little practice and care.
 

dpopiz

Diamond Member
Jan 28, 2001
4,454
0
0
a while back I used a nibbler to cut a 12x12" rounded hole in a .8mm SECC chassis panel. took about 800-900 "nibbles" and 2.5 hours. it wasn't that bad. I was surprised though how on the web most of what I read sounded like it causes joint/muscle pain in your hand. acutally, it just causes extreme blistery irritation. in any case, it hurt really bad for about a week, but after that it was fine. no biggy
 

huesmann

Diamond Member
Dec 7, 1999
8,618
0
76
I assume you will need to use blades designed for metal with the jigsaw. Also, I assume you have to drill a starter hole or something to get the blade in?
 

Vonkhan

Diamond Member
Feb 27, 2003
8,198
0
71
Originally posted by: huesmann
I assume you will need to use blades designed for metal with the jigsaw. Also, I assume you have to drill a starter hole or something to get the blade in?

correct on both assumptions
 

lenjack

Platinum Member
Oct 10, 1999
2,706
7
81
The nibbler...wasn't that a horror movie with Vincent Price...Oh, sorry, that was the Tingler.
 

BigEdMuustaffa

Golden Member
Jan 29, 2002
1,361
0
0
Originally posted by: Kaz8teEN
im short on cash and i want to do a window mod, would the nibbler be able to hand my steel case? are there any other cheap alternatives if this doesnt work?




P.O.S. imho, unless you're prepared to use good heavy rubber trim.

 

Mingon

Diamond Member
Apr 2, 2000
3,012
0
0
A nibbler can handle a steel case - but can you :D I have done a couple and after 30 minutes of use the hand starts to hurt - mostly due to the handle jumping just as the metal shears
 

kaZ8Teen

Golden Member
Apr 27, 2003
1,067
0
76
i just finished cutting the window. ill post pics once i get them uploaded. Im waiting on delivery for 120mm fan and lights, and going to pick up some plexiglass later on.

edit: heres pic. sorry about the quality, i took it with my crappy webcam.

Pic