Metal shears or nibbler?

lozina

Lifer
Sep 10, 2001
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I'm looking to buy my dad a metal cutting tool for XMAS. what's better, shears or nibblers? what are the pros and cons of each? which is better for gettin in tight places?

 

Demon-Xanth

Lifer
Feb 15, 2000
20,551
2
81
Nibblers are used for cutting odd shapes or in small holes. Metal shears are more for cutting long cuts.

...what's he going to use it for?
 

TheoPetro

Banned
Nov 30, 2004
3,499
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anything electric. I had to use regular non electric ones for years and once I tried the electric versions it was like night and day.
 
Nov 5, 2001
18,366
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shears will cut anything. a nibbler cannot be used on metal siding, etc where it has to cut ribs or the like
 

lozina

Lifer
Sep 10, 2001
11,711
8
81
Originally posted by: TheoPetro
anything electric. I had to use regular non electric ones for years and once I tried the electric versions it was like night and day.

yeah I'm looking at two electric devices, both pretty compact.

using a nibbler can you only make cuts on smooth sheets of metal? would it be able to cut something that is ridged?
 

lozina

Lifer
Sep 10, 2001
11,711
8
81
Originally posted by: MikeyIs4Dcats
shears will cut anything. a nibbler cannot be used on metal siding, etc where it has to cut ribs or the like

ah ok, so the shears are more versatile? only shame though is I assume you cant make nice round holes with shears like a nibbler can... guess the best is to own both! :D