Metal shears or nibbler?

[lozina]

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]

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?

 

[lozina]

both, really

 

[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.

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

shears will cut anything. a nibbler cannot be used on metal siding, etc where it has to cut ribs or the like

 

[lozina]

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]

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! 😀