What Is a Nibbler?
A nibbler is an electric tool designed for cutting steel plates and plastics. Utilizing a round or square die, a nibbler can cut plate materials at high speed while continuously punching them out.
The tool offers a high degree of flexibility in processing and can cut not only in straight lines but also in circular shapes and create notches.
However, it is limited to cutting thin plates; thick plates and bars cannot be processed with a nibbler.
Uses of Nibblers
The thickness of material a nibbler can cut varies depending on its type, but generally, nibblers are used for high-speed cutting of steel, aluminum, and copper plates.
Since they can also cut corrugated plates, nibblers are utilized for cutting tin roofs as well.
There are several types of nibblers, including those powered by an AC100V power source, cordless versions with rechargeable batteries, those powered by air pressure, and hand nibblers that do not require a power source.
Principle of Nibblers
The cutting method of nibblers is similar to that of a punch used in office supplies. By making a hole in a steel plate and shifting it gradually, the hole enlarges, eventually allowing the steel plate to be cut.
This mechanism produces no sparks and is relatively quiet.
Another tool for cutting steel plates is the “shear,” which clamps a steel plate between two blades and cuts it like metal scissors. Shears cut more quickly and produce fewer chips. The cross-section is smoother than with nibblers. However, steel plates may warp and burr after cutting. Shears struggle with corrugated plates and are limited to flat steel plates, while nibblers are more versatile, especially for curved lines.