Nibbler vs. Shears?

[Danny_Ocean]

I've been looking at electric metal shears for some bodywork projects as well as around-the-house projects (corrugated metal cuts, etc.).

But...during my search, I found something called a "nibbler", which looks able to make intricate cuts. Which tool would be better for bodywork, etc.?

[wrecktech]

I prefer the nibbler but it makes a huge mess with tiny "cut fingernail" looking pieces of the metal you cut. they get everywhere and will stick in the bottoms of shoes and scratch any floor surface softer then they are. They work great other than that.

[Danny_Ocean]

Originally Posted by wrecktech

I prefer the nibbler but it makes a huge mess with tiny "cut fingernail" looking pieces of the metal you cut. they get everywhere and will stick in the bottoms of shoes and scratch any floor surface softer then they are. They work great other than that.

Not too worried about the mess. My shop is industrial and not attached to the house. My main question is, shears or nibbler? Which tool would someone get the most use out of?

[TimT]

Get both, you will use each tool, and learn whcih tool to use for specific applications, the nibbler is great for intricate work, but not so good for cuts that are long (straight or curved). Instead of electric shears you may want to get open throat shears, which is a bench mounted tool... very useful..

I have all three

[bt1211]

I have both, I prefer the electric single cut sheers( dont like the dual cut). I have a nibbler attachment for a drill (got it from Eastwood about $50) I like it for light use.

I have broken the cutting head on a nibbler lots of times but that could just be me. I prefer some electric tools over air. Thats why I dont use my air nibbler that much.

[Eric 951]

nibbler is more versatile--especially when cutting corrugated. Buy extra punches.