In locksmith and carpentry works, a mechanical tool for cutting metal is still used to perform typical simple operations with soft sheet material. But high-quality figured processing of a thick and corrugated product is impossible without the support of an electric drive. Such work with minimal cost can perform die-cutting shears for metal, which are also called punching. This is a manual machine designed for cutting not only sheet roofing materials, but also fittings with pipes.
Design and principle of operation of the tool
Externally, such scissors resemble a modern electric screwdriver. The design provides for a housing of approximately the same size, and even the electric drive has similar performance characteristics. The nibblers for metal differ only in the cutting mechanism. It is represented by a punch, designed to produce reciprocating movements. During processing, the mechanism bends the metal, breaking off one of the parts of the workpiece on a sharpened matrix.
The compact size of the scissors provides maneuverability, which makes it possible to perform work in difficult conditions. This quality is especially significant when working on a roof with a profile and metal tile. To perform curvilinear cutting, nibblers for metal “Cricket” are also used, which are distinguished by a special nozzle inserted into the cartridge.
This device, by the way, can be used as an addition to a conventional electric drill - it is enough to compare the nozzle parameters with the characteristics of the main tool in advance.
Varieties of metal cutting shears
All models of nibblers can be divided into household and professional. They vary in performance. So, modifications intended for home use provide a cut value in the range of 1-3 mm. This is enough to work with a thin roofing sheeting without high corrugation. In professional work operations, die cutting scissors for metal with a cutting depth of up to 5 mm are more often used. With such a tool, it is quite possible to realize the processing of reinforcement. As for the quality of work, both varieties demonstrate approximately similar indicators. The difference can only be manifested in operations with problematic hard metal - in such cases, it is advisable to abandon the use of low-power household models.
Sparky BN 503 Reviews
Sparky company offers universal nibblers in the BN 503 modification. According to users, this model performs high-quality processing of metal and plastic products. The tool is also given a curved cut if the target material is represented by a thin sheet.
The physical strength of the device is also noted - to increase reliability, the manufacturer provided the device with a gearbox made of metal. Thanks to the switch fixed in the "Start" position, the processing process is much easier for the master. In addition, Sparky metal nibblers can be supplemented with an auxiliary handle that can be installed on the left or right side - the user's choice. By the nature of the work, this model is nevertheless referred to as everyday, since, for example, this tool copes with hard steel sheets not without difficulties.
Makita JN 1601 Reviews
This is a more productive model, equipped with a 550 W electric motor. As practice shows, the Japanese tool is suitable for working with ordinary sheet, wavy and corrugated trapezoidal metal. Owners of the device highly appreciate the possibility of turning the head 360 degrees. It can be fixed in four positions, the pitch between which is 90 degrees. Like all modern models of hand-held power tools, Makita die-cutting shears for metal modifications JN 1601 provide for the presence of carbon brushes protecting the engine from premature breakdowns.
Users of the model emphasize that the process of replacing them is greatly facilitated by open access. The advantages of the device include external ergonomics, which is facilitated by a comfortable grip, the presence of a lockable start button, as well as limiting grooves, which relieve the master of control over excessive cutting depth.
Bosch GNA 3.5 Reviews
German designers are known as manufacturers of high-quality tools that combine functionality, performance, and durability. According to those who use the GNA 3.5 model, it is consistent with these characteristics. A high power potential of 620 W makes it possible to work on a professional level. Practice shows that the tool works effectively with a cut thickness of 1.6 to 4 mm. At the same time, the device is spared the disadvantages inherent in high-power units.
In the process, die cutting shears for metal produce a minimum of noise and do not cause inconvenience by the vibration effect, which contributes to high-quality cutting. The disadvantages of this modification include a large weight of 3.5 kg. But to compensate for the load, the manufacturer also provided for the possibility of complementing the design with a convenient handle.
Conclusion
The presence in the private sector of a specialized tool for cutting metal products undoubtedly becomes a good help in the process of repair work. Repairing the roof, installing a fence from corrugated board and even cutting thin reinforcement - all this can be done by manual die-cutting shears for metal, without requiring the involvement of specialists. But the cost of this tool is quite high and averages about 10-15 thousand rubles. Professional modifications may even cost 30-40 thousand. Of course, for rare and one-time events, such an acquisition may seem unnecessary, but do not forget about the quality of metal processing, which no other tool from the domestic segment can provide.