The 10 Best Nibbler Tools

Once you fire up the Makita JN1601 (about $284) for a job, its powerful motor keeps it humming efficiently as it slices smoothly at virtually any angle without any extraneous vibrations. It leaves edges looking professional and clean — which is all a tradesman can ask for.

For a model this affordable, you’ll likely come away impressed with the Astro Onyx (about $50) and its ability to handle relatively thick sheet metal without bogging down. Its sturdy, easy-to-grip handle and balanced body result in a high level of control for whoever’s wielding it.

The die holder on the Makita XNJ01T (appx. $514) rotates a full 360 degrees to allow the user to cut in any direction without restrictions. It’s a great option for roofers or carpenters who often work with corrugated metal, and its motor delivers 1,900 strokes per minute.

Anyone who cuts pipes, vents or ducts regularly as part of their daily responsibilities will be able to put the DeWalt DW898 (about $530) to serious use. The body is constructed from a heavy-duty aluminum alloy to provide longevity regardless of your application.

While a professional contractor may not have a use for it, the Parts Express Nickel (appx. $9) is a nifty choice for hobbyists who enjoy small construction projects, like building dolls' houses or tinkering with model railroads. It comes with clear, helpful instructions.

Using the Ingersoll Rand EC300 (around $99) on aluminum, hard plastic and other tough materials isn’t exactly like slicing through a sheet of paper with scissors, but it feels pretty darn close. Unlike heavier models, this one won’t leave you with tired, achy arms.

Compared to shears and snips, the Knipex Tools 90 (around $72) affords you a substantial amount of control over the work you’re doing. It’s useful for detailed light cutouts or making repairs to car body metal, as long as the material is no more than 1.2 millimeters in thickness.

Rest assured, the Chicago Pneumatic CP835 (appx. $198) will leave your piece of metal with clean edges, regardless of whether they’re straight or curved. Just make sure you pair it with a large, dependable compressor, as this model is notoriously air-hungry.

An air-powered model that can cut through 18-gauge steel, the Neiko 30067A (about $45) is designed to perform consistently in do-it-yourself and industrial situations. Considering its affordability, its cutting speed may come as a pleasant surprise.

If you only work with sheet metal on a project or two here and there, the Draper Expert (around $12) should suffice. You’re won’t enjoy the power or ease of use that comes with a pneumatic model, but you don’t have to worry about the price tag, either.