Much like a boxer relies on powerful punches to have a successful match, a nibbler needs a strong and reliable punch to get its work done.

Nibblers know how to pack a punch. Often used as a replacement for shears or hand snips, a nibbler cuts using a sharp punch that moves up and down through a die. This power tool operates similarly to a jigsaw, but is designed to cut through sheet metal instead of wood or other materials.

 

And sheet metal can be a tough opponent. Much like a boxer relies on powerful punches in hopes to have a successful match, a nibbler needs a strong and reliable punch to get its work done.

 

A swift and sturdy punch is a boxer’s greatest physical asset.

Deflecting their opponent may be a necessary skill while in the ring, but a match can’t be completed without some offensive action. Both professional and amateur boxers know that they must protect and care for their hands so that their most useful asset can perform optimally. That’s why they first intricately wrap up their hands before placing them into their protective boxing gloves.

 

This isn’t to say that a boxer is only as good as his or her punch. These athletes pay special attention to their physical and mental health as a whole so that they remain safe while, hopefully, coming out a winner when the final bell rings.

 

Think of a nibbler as a boxer. Their punch is what does all the “dirty work.” After all, it is the punch that allows the power tool to cut through heavy-duty sheet metal. But the tool should be thought of holistically.

 

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Like any power tool, a nibbler is made up of numerous interconnected parts.

If one component of your power tool isn’t functioning properly, it can impact another part or even the tool as a whole. In other words, one damaged part can lead to more extensive and costly damage down the road.

 

For example, if a nibbler’s punch becomes dull, the tool may put more strain on the motor in an attempt to continue running efficiently. This extra effort on the motor can shorten its life, meaning it will soon have to be replaced. And rest assured that a new motor is a much more troublesome and expensive repair than a new punch.

 

There are steps you can take to minimize or even avoid having to make annoying repairs to your nibblers. But keep in mind that if you use your nibblers on a regular basis, they will require attention and repair sooner or later. Even the world’s best boxer needs to rest and rejuvenate to stay powerful.

 

Whether you want to minimize them or need to conduct them, repairs are crucial to your nibbler’s health. Below, you will learn some handy tips on reducing the need for costly repairs and how to extend the life of your nibbler. And keep reading for simple step-by-step guides on some common nibbler repairs.

 

Avoid Nibbler Repairs with Preventative Maintenance

It is important to remember that repairs are inevitable if you want your nibbler to live a long and happy life. But by practicing some preventative maintenance, you can reduce the need for having to perform frustrating, intricate, and expensive repairs on your power tool. Preventative maintenance may also keep you from having to replace your tool altogether, which is much more of a hassle than buying a replacement part.

 

Speaking of replacement parts, always using the appropriate manufacturer recommended parts are a great way to maintain the health of your nibbler. Not all nibblers are the same, so be sure to always use identical replacement parts for your specific tool.

 

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The replacement parts you need may depend on the cutting capacity, strokes per minute, and minimum cutting radius of the nibbler. The type of work you do will dictate the specific values you’ll need for these features. For example, if you need to cut thicker gauge material, your nibbler should have fewer strokes per minute. Regardless, always consult the tool’s packaging and operating manual to find these specifications so you know what replacement parts you’ll need.

 

A more frequent preventative maintenance step than purchasing new parts is cleaning. At least once a week, you should clean the vents of your nibbler by blowing debris out of them using compressed air. All switch levers should be kept clean and free of debris as well. As dust accumulates on the tool due to the fan drawing it inside the housing, the buildup introduces the risk of mechanical failure and even injury to the operator.

 

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Since nibblers produce small fragments of metal as they make cuts, the presence of these small particles on the tool or the work area can be dangerous to those working. The metal fragments can cause cuts to the nibbler’s handlers or even become embedded in the skin. As you can see, preserving the health of the tool isn’t the only benefit of keeping it clean.

 

Another frequent preventative maintenance practice you should be performing is inspection.

Like cleaning, inspection can increase the safety of the operator and other workers. When you’re aware of potential equipment damage or malfunction, you can take the steps needed to prevent it. Regularly inspect your nibbler’s power cords, housing, sharpness, brushes, and switches.

 

It’s possible to decrease your nibbler’s need for extensive repairs. Keeping well-maintained equipment is the best way to do just that. But when it comes time for a repair, it doesn’t have to be difficult or even cost a lot. Easy-to-follow repair tips are up next!

 

Make Sure your Nibbler Always Packs a Punch

 

We’ve already discussed the importance of a nibbler’s punch – it’s what cuts through the sheet metal so you can get your job done. Since they have the all-important job, they can become worn out quickly. If your punch becomes dull and is no longer performing well, it needs to be changed. Here’s how to do it:

 

1. Loosen the retaining screw to allow die movement in both directions.
   
   
2. Unscrew the sleeve nut with the proper wrench.
   
   
3. Remove the sleeve nut and die.
   
   
4. Unscrew the punch retaining nut and slide the punch from the gear housing.
   
   
5. Lubricate the new punch with a light weight oil.
   
   
6. Put the nibbler back together in reverse order.

 

Now that your nibbler has a new punch, it’s generally recommended that you replace the punch and the die at the same time. For die replacement, follow the simple steps above. Substitute the die for the punch in each step where applicable. 

 

If your die looks worn during routine inspection, or if your nibbler isn’t cutting well, these might be additional symptoms that your die needs changing.

 

Both the punch and the die work together to make the tiny, repeating holes that create cuts through sheet metal. This tool’s way of operation causes sharp burrs to appear along the sides of the cut edges. The punch-and-die function of nibblers also creates little metal fragments that can be dangerous to the operator or other workers. As stated above, these small metal pieces can cut or become embedded in skin. This is your second reminder to keep your workspace clean and watch out for these sharp nibbler fragments. You don’t want to take a blow to the face.

 

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You can help prolong the life of your tool’s punch and die so that your nibbler is always ready to take a swing. Just follow these smart operating practices:

 

• Don’t start your nibbler with the punch and die touching the material being cut. Instead, allow the tool to reach full speed before making contact with the sheet metal as this will put less strain on the punch.
• Always keep your nibbler at a 90° angle with the cutting path, and feed it into the workpiece with little pressure. If you find yourself having to force the nibbler to make a cut, it may be time to replace the punch or die.
• The material being cut should always be resting on the lower die while the nibbler is in use.

 

Don’t Let your Nibbler Get Knocked Out

 

You already know that regular inspection of your nibbler is a beneficial preventative maintenance measure. Now, let’s get into some specifics. Some of the most important pieces to inspect on your nibbler are the carbon brushes and the switches. This is because damage to these parts can lead to further, more costly damage. For example, using a bad carbon brush can harm your tool’s armature which makes for a much more extensive repair.

 

Check your carbon brushes if your nibbler is not running as powerfully as usual, if it emits an electrical burning smell, if it stalls doing use, or if you can see sparks through the tool’s cooling vents. Even if your nibbler is working fine, check your carbon brushes every two to six months to ensure your power tool’s health and longevity. These steps will help you change your carbon brushes fast:

 

1. Take out the screws in the back of the nibbler and remove the housing.
   
   
2. Wiggle out the old brushes or detach them with a screwdriver. Remove any holder caps if necessary.
   
   
3. Clean the tool’s armature with a Q-tip.
   
   
4. If the carbon brushes show signs of breaking, crumbling, burning, damaged springs, or excessive wear, replace them. If your carbon brushes are past their limit mark, also replace them.
   
   
5. Once the new brushes are set it, put the nibbler back together without overtightening the screws.
   
   
6. When you’re done, make sure the tool works properly by letting it run with no load for five to ten minutes.

 

While you’re checking your nibbler’s brushes, go ahead and check the switch too.

A faulty switch can be revealed by decreased power or if your nibbler has difficulty starting, but runs fine after it gets going. If you suspect a problem with your tool’s switch, here’s how to replace it:

 

1. Open the nibbler’s housing and carefully take out the parts until the switch is accessible.
   
   
2. Remove any screws or fasteners holding the switch down.
   
   
3. Draw a diagram or use your phone to take a picture of how the switch is wired. You’ll need to know this for reassembly.
   
   
4. Remove any wires from the tool and take out the switch to closely inspect it.
   
   
5. During this visual inspection, look out for heat damage shown by melted parts or discolored wiring.
   
   
6. Use a multi-meter to see if the switch still works if you don’t detect any visible damage. Or, you can go ahead and replace it regardless.
   
   
7. Re-install the wires using the diagram from step three. When reassembling, don’t pinch the wires.
   
   
8. Ensure that all parts are put back properly and that all external tools are removed.

 

Nibbler Repair is Inevitable, but Easy

 

Taking great care of your nibbler now can help you avoid costly, preventable repairs in the future. But know this: your nibbler’s punch, die, and other pieces will experience damage and equipment trouble due to wear-and-tear and other uncontrollable factors.

 

Don’t skimp on the preventative maintenance. But when repair is required, these tips will ensure that your nibbler is always ready to get in the ring.