Do you have a nibbler?

[Charmonium]

I don't mean the organic kind, but also a great topic.

They really are indispensable for craft or other projects involving sheet metal, tin, etc.

I do have a Skil self-sharpening circular cutter that I originally got for opening heavy plastic packaging. Like a knife through butter. Also great on screening.

 

[Kaido]

Yup, bought it for cutting windows on computer cases. Probably still have a thread on it here from years ago lol. They have electric nibblers now:

 

[Fenixgoon]

i am disappoint

 

[Red Squirrel]

I've thought of getting one, since using tin snips can get old fast. If you use a straight edge it's probably easier to make precise cuts too.

 

[Charmonium]

Wow, the cordless electric nibblers are pricey and what is 14, 16, 18 gauge specs. 14 is respectable. I guess you're better off getting the powered shears.

 

[[DHT]Osiris]

I have a Dremel. I prefer less specialized tools if I'm not gonna use them that often.

 

[dullard]

I use this nibbler (chosen simply due to being cheap and some random internet source reviewed it well): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BN60XW

I use a drill or end mill to make a hole/shape in metal and then use the nibbler to square the corners. Does the job well enough.

 

[Charmonium]

@dullard - thank you. Mine is much more primitive but same concept. I put it in my cart. I'm pretty sure I'll get it, but not just yet. 4.5 stars and >300 reviews. Looks like a good call.

 

[Red Squirrel]

What I do wonder about these is do they get dull after a while and is there a way to replace just the cutting part? It seems like it would be a waste to throw out the whole tool.

 

[WilliamM2]

I use this nibbler (chosen simply due to being cheap and some random internet source reviewed it well): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BN60XW

I use a drill or end mill to make a hole/shape in metal and then use the nibbler to square the corners. Does the job well enough.

I have one I bought in the late 80's from Radio Shack, looks identical to that one. Still works 35 years later. Not that I use it much anymore, used it a lot in the 90's installing car stereos though.