Nibblers for metal

Often, during construction work, craftsmen have to work with metal objects. This requires special tools. So, to cut metal products, special nibblers are used. Today we will talk about the features and varieties of this tool.

Nibblers (also called nibblers) can be used even when cutting steel objects. Such a tool will be especially useful when cutting corrugated metal products. Outwardly, the tool looks like an electric screwdriver. The scissors have the same body, electric drive. But they differ significantly in the type of cutting mechanism. It looks like a punching punch.

The punch is a moving component. It is located in a slider that transmits forward and backward movements. When working with thin metal sheets, the punch should be rounded. For processing more massive products, you should choose a square shape.

Nibblers for metal are produced with their own matrix. It is a fixed element, which is installed during manufacture in the holder matrix and fixed to the casing. During processing, such a mechanism makes a bend in the metal, as a result of which part of the product breaks off. This is achieved using a well-sharpened matrix. These scissors are made to perform shape cutting on metal.

The nibbler is distinguished by its compactness for good maneuverability. This quality is necessary when working with metal tiles. If cutting with a nibbler is to be carried out from the middle of the metal sheet, then a hole is first drilled in that place. This is where the matrix will pass.

The tilt of the handle of such a tool can be easily adjusted. This avoids direct contact with the metal profile. Processing with these scissors should be carried out sequentially, from one sheet to another.

With the nibbler you can make almost any cuts at any angle. They also allow you to make curly cuts in the metal tile, providing curly processing. In addition, nibbling shears can be used for curly cutting of non-metallic materials. To do this, simply create a compressive stress at the site where the incision is planned.

Nibblers can cut a metal profile in a variety of ways. So, the cutting technology stands out. In this case, a long and narrow exit is formed. At the same time, the edges of the workpieces remain even. You can also select a slice made by the perforation method. In this case, there is a sequential separation of metal waste. Sometimes processing is carried out with straight knives. At the same time, the lower blade remains stationary, while the other blade, which is located in the slider, performs forward and reverse movements.

All nibblers are divided into 2 large groups: household and professional. Models belonging to the first type provide cutting in the range of no more than 1-3 millimeters. This will be enough only when working with thin types of corrugated board. Professional nibblers provide cutting in a range of no more than 5 millimeters.They can be used even when processing reinforcement. This variety is recommended for cutting hard metals.

In addition, such scissors can be divided into manual and electric. The first group is additionally subdivided into 2 types: mechanical shears and tools on a lever mechanism. Manual (mechanical) scissors are required for processing metal sheets with a thickness of no more than 1 millimeter. The second type has a more complex design (the handle is attached to the cutting mechanism).

Electric models of such scissors provide fast and most comfortable cutting of metal sheets. Sometimes they are used to process metal rods. They are used both in domestic conditions and in professional workshops. Electric shears are made with a motor, a special V-belt transmission of the crank mechanism and the main shaft. Also obligatory components are the slider guides and the working table, which are located on the bed.

Also, all punching shears are divided, depending on the type of vibrational input during processing, into electric shears with a lower cut and simple shears with a lower cut.

Such a tool makes impacts when the punch is directed upwards. Moreover, a load acts on the matrix. The tool is equipped with a pendulum support that allows for normal curved travel.

This kind of scissors makes blows when the element moves down. The nibbling that appears during the processing of the material also goes downward. The downside of the tool is the absorption of the impact force by the matrix.

Nibblers for metal have a number of important advantages:

• small size;
• provide both straight and curved cut;
• easy cleaning of the shavings that are formed during the work with the tool;
• absence of polymer damage to the metal during processing;
• the ability to process metals of various thicknesses;
• speed of processing metal objects;
• the ability to cut not only from the extreme sides, but also from the middle part.

Despite such a rather large list of advantages, metal nibblers have some disadvantages:

• it is difficult to find spare parts (matrix, punch);
• during processing, prickly shavings are formed;
• there is no protection against accidental activation.

Before you buy a suitable scissor pattern, there are a few things to pay attention to. So, consider the type of power supply of this instrument. If you need to carry out processing as quickly as possible, then battery models are suitable. You also need to pay attention to the power of the electric scissors. After all, the more its indicator is, the more voluminous the dimensions of the instrument will be. Look at the acceptable thickness of the metal profile.

Consider the cost of a nibbler as well. To make the purchase cheaper, you can simply purchase an attachment for a screwdriver or drill. Make sure the tool is safe. The best option would be scissors with a special shield located on the body. Such a guard is designed to protect the face and hands from the ingress of chips during operation. Instead of such an element, a special removable attachment is often used. But not every model has such protective components.

Pay attention to the ergonomics of the instrument. Remember that the handle should be comfortable for the tool to be as comfortable as possible. Also do not forget that the best option is scissors, which have a streamlined body. The stroke frequency of the working mechanism also plays an important role in the selection of a suitable scissor model. After all, the larger it is, the smoother and more accurate the cut will be.

It works with such a tool by striking the punches on the fixed matrix, which is located below. As a result, cutting is carried out in a metal product. Because of this, small metal shavings appear.

The type of punch is selected depending on the type of material section. It must also match the shape of the matrix. In the process of machining, the formed metal die cuts are pushed into the holes that are in the tool matrix, as a result of which sections of a strictly defined width appear. The speed and maneuverability of working with such a tool will depend on the matrix holder.

You can learn more about how to sharpen metal nibbling shears below.