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Best Nibbler Drill Attachments of 2023

Updated
Nibblers are the ultimate sheet metal cutting tool.

Many of you won’t be familiar with a sheet metal nibbler, but the best nibbler drill attachments make life a lot easier when it comes to cutting through sheet metal. For those creative types, or anyone looking to work in detail on sheet materials, this is the best tool to use.

We rundown the best nibbler drill attachments to see which is the best.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the REXBETI Double Head Sheet Nibbler Metal Cutter, Quality Nibbler Drill Attachment for Straight Curve and Circle Cutting, Maximum 14 Gauge Steel
Best Sheet Metal Nibbler Attachment
Rexbeti Double Head Sheet Nibbler Cutter
  • High-speed steel
  • 360-degree head
  • Burr-free edge
Product Image of the REXBETI Double Headed Sheet Metal Nibbler, Drill Attachment Metal Cutter with Extra Punch and Die, 1 Cutting Hole Accessory and 1 Step Drill Bit, Perfect for Straight Curve and Circle Cutting (gold)
Best for Car Repair
Double Headed Sheet Metal Nibbler
  • 14-gauge depth
  • Cuts in any direction
  • Burr-free edges
Product Image of the Dicfeos Double Head Metal Sheet Nibbler Cutter with Circle Cutting Accessories, Drill Attachment with Wrench and Parts, Maximum 14 Gauge Steel
Best Double-Headed Nibbler Attachment
Dicfeos Double Head Sheet Metal Nibbler
  • Double heads
  • Cuts straight & complex lines
  • 114-inch diameter holes
Product Image of the Double Headed Sheet Metal Nibbler Cutter, Lichamp Drill Attachment Nibbler Metal Cutting Double Head 360 Degree, 5 Pcs Tool Set with Iron Tool Box, for Workshop, Home DIY and Car Repair
Best for Curves Cutting
Lichamp Double Head Sheet Metal Nibbler
  • Cuts 360-degrees & complex curves
  • Spare cutting head
  • 5-piece set
Product Image of the CaNibble Bundle - Nibbler, 2 Bench Mounting Clamps, 3 Punches, 1 Die & FREE Circle Cutting Attachment. Australian Made
Best for Straight Cutting
CaNibbler Professional Nibbler
  • Fixed handle for better grip
  • Cuts super-straight lines
  • 1,200 cuts between blades


Product Reviews

We have conducted a thorough search of the available nibbler drill attachments to bring you the pick of the crop. Here are our 5 best nibbler drill attachments.

1. Rexbeti Double Head Sheet Nibbler Cutter

Best Sheet Metal Nibbler Drill Attachment

This Rexbeti nibbler attachment cuts 14-gauge sheet metal and leaves a clean, burr-free edge. It also has a 360-degree double cutting head to cut straight lines, curved lines and circles.

The high-speed steel cutting edge handles corrugated metal, pipes, plastic, formica, and complex profiles. It also cuts powder-coated metal, steel and copper.

This nibbler fits any drill that generates between 1,500 and 3,000 RPM, and it can cut holes to a diameter of just over 11 inches. It even comes with a stepped drill bit to get your pilot hole started.

This nibbler attachment also scores well with the online buying community. It has the highest favorable ratings on Amazon, which is one of the reasons we crowned this our best pick.

Pros

  • High-speed steel.
  • 360-degree head.
  • Cuts 11.4-inch diameter holes.
  • Works on almost all sheet metal.
  • Burr-free edge.

Cons

  • Straight edges are more difficult.
  • Some filing may be required.

Product Specs

Weight (pounds) 2.2
Dimensions (inches) 7.6 x 4.6 x 2.3
Double head Yes
Diameter hole (inches) 11.4
Price $$
Warranty 4-year home use

2. Double Headed Sheet Metal Nibbler

Best Nibbler Drill Attachment for Car Repair

This nibbler fits any standard drill and can glide through metal up to 2 mm thick, or 14 gauge. It creates burr-free edges, saving time on aftercare and reworking, and it cuts in any direction. It cuts complex profiles, as well as circles and straight cuts.

It is effective when working with corrugated materials, pipes, sheet metal, plastic, stainless steel, fiberglass and copper.

Pros

  • 14-gauge depth.
  • Cuts in any direction.
  • Great value for money.
  • Burr-free edges.

Cons

  • Dulls easily.
  • Hard to get replacement parts.

Product Specs

Weight (pounds) 2.2
Dimensions (inches) 7.55 x 4.51 x 2.22
Double head Yes
Diameter hole (inches) Not specified
Price $
Warranty Not specified

3. Dicfeos Double Head Sheet Metal Nibbler

Best Double-Headed Nibbler Drill Attachment

Like the Rexbeti, this drill nibbler works best with drills that produce an RPM of 1,500 to 3,000. It can cut in any direction, and for straight lines, you can even use the wrench as a guide.

This nibbler drill attachment is also excellent at making 11.4-inch diameter holes using the circular cutting accessories supplied with the tool. It has a spare cutting blade and a sturdy black handle that slots over the extra head to give you additional support when cutting.

It cuts 14-gauge sheet steel and a host of other metals, including gutters, pipes and corrugated sheet metal.

Pros

  • Versatile.
  • Double heads.
  • Cuts straight and complex lines.
  • 11.4-inch diameter holes.

Cons

  • Some edges suffer burrs.
  • Build quality issues.

Product Specs

Weight (pounds) 2
Dimensions (inches) 7 x 2 x 3.11
Double head Yes
Diameter hole (inches) 11.4
Price $$
Warranty 2-year

4. Lichamp Double Head Sheet Metal Nibbler

Best Nibbler Drill Attachment for Curves Cutting

This 5-piece tool set comes with a wrench, a hole cutting attachment and spare blades. It even comes with a replacement cutting head. It cuts everything from 18-gauge stainless steel, 15-gauge steel plate and 14-gauge copper or aluminum plate.

It works well, cutting all manner of curves and circles, thanks to the accessories and the robust handle that slots on to the spare cutting head for extra grip. Like the others, it fits any standard drill that generates between 1,500 and 3,000 RPM.

What also stands out about this attachment nibbler is the price. It retails at less than others included on the list.

Pros

  • Great price.
  • Cuts 360-degrees and complex curves.
  • Spare cutting head.
  • 5-piece set.

Cons

  • Feels cheaply made.
  • Cutting blades dull quickly.

Product Specs

Weight (pounds) 2.11
Dimensions (inches) 8.86 x 2.56 x 4.92
Double head Yes
Diameter hole (inches) Not stated
Price $
Warranty 1-year

5. CaNibbler Professional Nibbler

Best Nibbler Drill Attachment for Straight Cutting

This CaNibbler drill attachment is the original and still one of the best. What sets this apart is the fixed handle, making it easier to cut straight lines without any wobble or movement. The patented cutting edge easily chews through sheet metal, formica and even chicken wire.

The CaNibbler cuts 1,200 feet of material before the blade dulls, so you will get a lot of use out of this attachment. It cuts up to 14-gauge material with a maximum depth of 2 mm.

This nibbler is serviceable with replacement parts available, so when the blade dulls, simply replace it with a new one. The only downside with this tool is the price. It retails at double the cost of others on the list, but the makers are confident that it is robust and worth the money.

Pros

  • Fixed handle for better grip.
  • Cuts super-straight lines.
  • Replacement parts are available.
  • 1,200 cuts between blades.

Cons

  • Only one head.
  • Costs double the price.

Product Specs

Weight (pounds) 1.1
Dimensions (inches) 7.48 x 4.33 x 2.36
Double head No
Diameter hole (inches) Not stated
Price $$$
Warranty 5-year

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Weight Dimensions Double head Diameter hole Warranty
Rexbeti Double Head Sheet Nibbler Cutter Sheet Metal 2 lbs 7.6 x 4.6 x 2.3″ Yes 11″ 4-year
Double Headed Sheet Metal Nibbler Car Repair 2.2 lbs 7.55 x 4.51 x 2.22 Yes N/A Not specified
Dicfeos Double Head Sheet Metal Nibbler Double-Headed 2 lbs 7 x 2 x 3.11″ Yes 11″ 2-year
Lichamp Double Head Sheet Metal Nibbler Curves Cutting 2 lbs 8.86 x 2.56 x 4.92″ Yes N/A 1-year
CaNibbler Professional Nibbler Straight Cutting 1 lbs 7.48 x 4.33 x 2.36″ No N/A 5-year

What Is a Nibbler?

A nibbler is a tool for cutting sheet metals with minimum distortion. It works by a die and punch oscillating at about 2,000 strokes per minute, as it cuts through your sheet material. You can use it to cut straight and curved lines, as well as circles in the sheet material.

When To Use a Nibbler?

Whenever you are working on bodywork, tanks, or sheet metal, a nibbler cutter devours steel, making it the ideal tool for the auto shop for repairs. Nibblers are also effective when cutting fiberglass, aluminum, or other sheet metal. If you like detailed and neat results, a nibbler cutter is the tool for you.

How Thick Can a Nibbler Cut?

The cutting depth of a nibbler depends on the material.

  • Stainless steel plates 1.2 mm in thickness.
  • Iron and steel plates 1.8 mm in thickness.
  • Aluminum or copper plates 2 mm in thickness.
  • Fiberglass or plastic board 2 mm in thickness.

Main Types of Nibblers

There are two main types of nibblers.

  • Electric nibblers are driven by an electric current.
  • Pneumatic nibblers use a compressor and are sometimes called air nibblers.

What To Look for in a Nibbler Drill Attachment

As with all attachments for your power drill, a nibbler cutter should have specific attributes.

Cutting Depth

Most nibbler cutting attachments can vary the depth they cut depending on the material. Sheet steel and iron generally have a thickness of 1.8 mm, while aluminum and fiberglass have a depth of 2 mm.

The bare minimum your nibbler should cut is 1.2 mm for stainless steel plates.

Electric

Electric nibblers are more crafting friendly because they are more convenient and have less heavy-duty tasks to fulfill. You will find that most hobbyist nibbler users will own an electric variety.

Pneumatic

Pneumatic nibbler cutters are better suited to sheet metal workshops and auto shops where their heavy-duty capabilities are put to good use. Pneumatic nibblers are far better placed to complete industrial-type uses.

Price

Price is always a limiting factor when shopping for a new nibbler cutter. They range in value, but you should still be able to get a decent nibbler for an affordable price.


How To Use a Nibbler Drill Attachment

Using a nibbler attachment is simplicity itself. Attach the shank into the drill chuck and tighten until it is locked in place. Power up the drill, and grip the handle of the nibbler. Start the drill going so the nibbler works at full speed and press it against the edge of the sheet metal.

As the die and punch make contact with the surface, it starts to nibble along the metal, throwing out shards of material. Apply gentle pressure when guiding the nibbler, but be firm with the grip, the nibbler does like to move about a lot.

When you reach the end, allow the nibbler to work free of the metal before releasing the trigger on the drill.


Get To Know Your Nibbler

There are those among you who have never heard of a nibbler, but we bet you will be making a bee-line for the stores to buy one after reading this.

They are useful attachments and reasonably affordable, and yet they give you such an array of options when cutting sheet material. And if you like crafting and creating works of art in sheet metal, you have to get one of these tools in your life.

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Headshot of Mark Weir

About the Author

Mark Weir

Mark spent 24 years working in real estate, so he knows his way around a home. He also worked with contractors and experts, advising them on issues of planning, investments, and renovations. Mark is no stranger to hands-on experience, having renovated his own home and many properties for resale. He likes nothing better than seeing a project through to completion.