Electric shear - nibbler or something better

[uscarry45]

I have a barn that I am going to cover with used corrugated “tin”. I have in the past used straight tin snips. A crosscut saw blade ran backwards in a circular saw and also used an abrasive.

I would like to know if their is a better option. Have you used an electric shears or electric nibbler. Is their another tool or option to consider?

 

[Vrod-Mike]

I've always used a nibbler. I have a Snap on pneumatic one that I've had for years. It definitely makes lifer a lot easier.....

 

[KnurledNut]

Another member recently asked a similar question.
If the metal is Hi-Rib and not 5V, Malco TurboShears on a drill is hard to beat.

 

[cvairwerks]

Rent or buy a panel shear. Using a nibbler is going to leave lots of little, sharp pieces around the cutting area that will need to be cleaned up.

 

[Rinspeed]

At the shop we have a Makita nibbler and it's a quality tool. Only problem is the cut is not very precise and it leaves a pretty good burr.

 

[rlitman]

Rent or buy a panel shear. Using a nibbler is going to leave lots of little, sharp pieces around the cutting area that will need to be cleaned up.

That's the main reason I reach for my Bosch 1500C over my nibblers most times. But nibblers have an easier time following the contours.

Anyway, either will smooth the galvanizing around the cut, sealing it from corrosion, unlike the saw option. That's why shearing methods are recommended by most manufacturers.

 

[BD1]

Pole barn guy used a Milwaukee Metal cutting circular saw. Fast precise cuts.


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[Rinspeed]

That's the main reason I reach for my Bosch 1500C over my nibblers most times. But nibblers have an easier time following the contours.

Good point and one I failed to mention.

 

[signcrafter]

I was the "other member" asking about this same thing. I have corded double cut shears and was thinking about getting a cordless version. But after a ton of reading about cutting across the ribs I've decided to go a different route. The malco turbo shears seem like they would work alright but not great from reading reviews. They also make two different trubo shears and one is made specifically for corrugated metal roof panels so make sure you get the right one if you do go that route.

I'm probably going to pick up the malco turbo shears and see how they do. I'll use them for the cross the rib cuts and then use my double cut shears for straight cuts on the flats. I'm also thinking about picking up another tool in case the malco don't work very good. Thinking about a nibbler or even a m18 metal cutting circular saw. I know saws aren't the best for cutting metal roofing but many contractors do it and I would have more uses for that vs. a nibbler after I'm done with the roofing. And the m18 metal saw and a decent nibbler are roughly the same price.

 

[driz]

I just used a metal cut disk in my circular saw. A big pair of heavy tin snips work well too. I agree on the nibbler . Great where needed curves and such but oh those tiny crescents[emoji2359]. You’ll be picking those out of your shoes for months.


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[rlitman]

...but oh those tiny crescents[emoji2359]. You’ll be picking those out of your shoes for months...

I know. The're incredibly sharp.

 

[KnurledNut]

I was the "other member" asking about this same thing. I have corded double cut shears and was thinking about getting a cordless version. But after a ton of reading about cutting across the ribs I've decided to go a different route. The malco turbo shears seem like they would work alright but not great from reading reviews. They also make two different trubo shears and one is made specifically for corrugated metal roof panels so make sure you get the right one if you do go that route.

I'm probably going to pick up the malco turbo shears and see how they do. I'll use them for the cross the rib cuts and then use my double cut shears for straight cuts on the flats. I'm also thinking about picking up another tool in case the malco don't work very good. Thinking about a nibbler or even a m18 metal cutting circular saw. I know saws aren't the best for cutting metal roofing but many contractors do it and I would have more uses for that vs. a nibbler after I'm done with the roofing. And the m18 metal saw and a decent nibbler are roughly the same price.

I never have used the newer TSCM. Im sure they are great.
I have experience with the TSHD, having clad many industrial, commercial and residential buildings. I always run them upside down on the drill. It takes experience to get a straight cut running fast. Start gaining the feel slow and steady. Often ill cut up and over the first rib by hand opposite the power cut. It keeps the finish clean. Long rips with them can produce wavy oil canning, something to be aware of, depending which side is the undercut.
Id cut by hand before using a saw blade. Cant stand the noise, shrapnel, high cost of metal cutting blades that wear out quick, poor cut quality, and damage to the panels.
Order panels the exact length needed if possible to eliminate as many cuts as possible. If your using Hi-Rib be aware the lap has an under and over designed to only go one way to provide an anti-siphon groove.

 

[Marctrees]

When very fast Pros put up my pole building the had a few Malco turbo shears on yellow dewalt drills.

26 ga, went like through butter for them.

That circ saw idea is nuts... BTDT... NEVER again.

Lay out stuff so your cut edges are all hidden under panels, trim, or whatever when you're done.

As said above, calculate lengths as much you can to minimize all cutting... on my job the gable end measured from the panel ledge, laid out cut on ground, raised panel and it fit first time perfect.

BTW - My guys stacked panels, marked screw holes on stack, drill holes through multiple stacked panels, THEN put them up.

Marc