Any luck with a "Nibbler" ?

[xXgambitXx]

Hi. i'm thinking about picking up a Nibbler, Here's an example:. i'm needing one to cut a hole for a window. i was just wondering if anyone has had experience with these before ? i've read some things about it that say it's tough to squeeze so it's kind of difficult to use on big jobs. Here's the best review i've found. any input is appreciated. thanks.

 

[Crucial]

OMG that looks like it would take forever. I can see why your hands would get sore. Unless you frequent the off-topic board.

Looks like it makes good clean cuts though. I used a jigsaw and a dremel for mine. I didn't have to buy them though. I went over by my old mans house and used his.

 

[Bluefront]

There are at least two types of these tools. I've got both kinds. The RadioShack type cuts little chunks like the pictures from the second link. The type I like the most just cuts a line or a circle. The metal rolls up in a ball as you cut. Occasionally you stop and break off the rolled-up metal. No chunks of metal fly around. I cannot tell if the Directron unit is this type. I've had this tool for 15 years and have used it for many projects, including cutting fan holes in cases.

 

[jordo]

the directron one is the same as a radio shack one, both cut little tiny rectangles out (chunks).

ive used this to do drive covers for my lian li and that took a while and required filing, etc. no way i would cut a whole window cutout with it. if you have access to a dremmel or a good jigsaw (well a good blade at least if your working with alum) then go with that. or perhaps the other type Bluefront mentioned.

 

[cobrasvt]

I have used both the Radio Shack model and a more expensive Klein tool model. Both are a royal pain in the a$$ to use! I used the Radio Shack to do my wife's case window and 3/4 of the way through it, the stupid tool broke where the handles are put together. Of course that caused a major pinched finger, a lot of swearing, and me taking it back to Radio Shack for my money back. I finished her window with the jigsaw. My hands were blood red for several hours afterwards (and no, my hands are tough skinned from being an electrician for 15 years)... Her case is made by Casedge (metal)...

I used the Klein model to do my Directron SF-201B case (aluminum). It cuts the same as the Radio Shack model, but with beefier grips than the Radio Shack model. The tool felt much more confortable in my hands, however, it still blistered them... I originally put a PC Mods 11.5x11.5" window in my case. I cracked the window though drilling the blow hole in the side so I had to order another kit (yeah I know its cheaper to just buy the plexi somewhere and make your own, but I would rather just order the kit and be done with it!). The new kit I ordered came from FrozenCPU and this kit was a little bigger (12x12). I did not order the same kit from PC Mods cause I did not like the way the molding fit on both my wife's case and mine (didn't feel snug and the molding kept wanting to turn out)... This time however, I used the Rotozip to enlarge the window. Thats what I should have used the 1st time as that cut through the aluminum like butter! BTW, the FrozenCPU molding was much beefier and holds the window in like a champ. I also used the Rotozip to cut the window in the plexi (used a holesaw last time) and that was a breeze as well...

So to get to the bottom of the story here, just use a dremel, rotozip, or jigsaw with fine tooth metal blade and save yourself the trouble, aggrevation, and very, very, very sore hands....

 

[Bluefront]

Huh! My hands never got tired using these nibblers. Course being an auto mechanic probably has something to do with it. The advantage here is you can make cuts without metal dust and debris flying around. You can make cuts and holes with minimum effort, without worry of a metal particle causing problems. The cuts are very clean. I've cut new fan openings without removing anything. The nibbler I talked about is used by auto-body shops. Mine is hand-powered. If you have weak hands you can get an air-powered one. He,he.

 

[drx9175l]

I used a Dremel to cut the hole for my first case window. Last time I used a nibbler. I would have used the Dremel again, but it was too cold to work outside. It was easy to just sit there and take my time nibbling through the sheet metal. My hand did ache the next day. If you have access to a Dremel or other power tool then use it. The nibbler requires a large amount of time and patience.

 

[ChrisADuffy]

<< Hi. i'm thinking about picking up a Nibbler, Here's an example:. i'm needing one to cut a hole for a window. i was just wondering if anyone has had experience with these before ? i've read some things about it that say it's tough to squeeze so it's kind of difficult to use on big jobs. Here's the best review i've found. any input is appreciated. thanks. >>



After reading that review I need to buy a nibbler. I have always used dremels and cut off wheels but for certain jobs I would like to take the nibbler. Thanks for posting that review.

 

[cavdraco]

i used to use a power nibbler when I was a car audio installer and that was the way to go but I think a hand one would be a pain.
I guess it all depends on how much you are going to use it and what you want to spend

 

[Zap]

I have a hand nibbler. Looks identical to the one in the first link, though I paid a buck more for mine. I've basically used it a few times to cut out existing fan spots in cases so that I can use wire finger guards. Here's my mini review:

THE GOOD:
-cheap
-doesn't need power
-makes cleaner cuts than other tools (but still isn't a "finished" cut)
-doesn't make a mess, so you can sit indoors with a trash can between your knees
-does a decent job of doing curves
-fairly precise (anyone ever had a rotary tool bit grab and pull to one side?)
-much longer lasting than any grinding or cutting wheel

THE BAD:
-slow
-tedious
-hurts if your hands aren't calloused

For $10 it wasn't a bad addition to my tool box, to be used on small jobs.

 

[Phunktion]

Just wear gloves when you use the damn thing.. geez people.. never had any probs with hurt hands