nibbler

{{Short description|Tool for cutting sheet metal}}

{{other uses|Nibble (disambiguation)}}

{{Expand language|topic=|langcode=de|otherarticle=Nibbeln|date=June 2020}}

File:nibbler1.jpg

A nibbler (or pair of nibblers{{cite book |title=ASD Technical Report |date=1963 |publisher=Aeronautical Systems Division, Air Force Systems Command, United States Air Force |page=157 |url=https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/ASD_Technical_Report/j2mVYC5OyWkC |language=en |quote="If a motorized tool is not available, then a pair of nibblers will have to be provided. This is a hand tool with which the puncture can be progressively cut out."}}) is a tool for cutting sheet metal with minimal distortion. It may be used for "nibbling": cutting a contour by producing a series of overlapping slits or notches.

One type of nibbler operates much like a punch and die, with a blade that moves in a linear fashion against a fixed die, removing small bits of metal and leaving a kerf approximately {{convert|6|mm|abbr=on}} wide. Another type operates similar to tin snips, but shears the sheet along two parallel tracks {{convert|3-6|mm|abbr=on}} apart, rolling up the waste in a tight spiral as it cuts.

Nibblers may be manual (hand operated) or powered. Power nibblers are often powered by compressed air, though electrical types also exist. A common DIY nibbler tool is an electric drill attachment, which converts the rotary motion of the drill into a reciprocating motion of the jaw.

File:nibblerdetail1.jpg|Detail of cutting bit of manual nibbler, punch-and-die type

File:nibbler2.jpg|Shear-type nibbler and detail of cutting head