Chicago Pneumatic CP835 - Air Nibbler Cutting Tool, 0.42 HP / 310 W, 2750 Stroke Per Minute, Rugged Head with 0.177 Inch Diameter Punch, Cut Steel & Sheet Metal up to 0.06 Inch (16 Gauge), Automotive

I purchased this nibbler after doing some research on the net regarding stainless steel and aluminum cutters. This nibbler was rated for 16 gauge thickness on steel and up to 10 gauge on aluminum. From what I read it was estimated that the nibbler could go up to 18 gauge on stainless steel which we had no problem cutting through. Cutting through 10 gauge aluminum was also not a problem. We were surprised that the nibbler was round rather the the more typical rectangular head as this can make a difference in detailed cutouts. We were just making hole cutouts and for that this tool worked well. One concern I have is the amount of air required for long cuts. Our compressor is a 4.5 hp, 120 psi, with a 30 gal capacity and it was easily overwhelmed by this tool. Obviously it is for industrial use and not home use as once the pressure had dropped from 125 psi to 75 psi the compressor could barely stay up with it. Once the pressure had dropped to 75 psi the cutting capability and speed were greatly decreased although the unit continued to cut through both materials at this low pressure. I would recommend this nibbler to anyone with a large (15 hp+) compressor.

this did work on 0.63 aluminum sheet. My compressor is 2 HP, 30 Gal, rated 5.5 SCFM @ 90 PSI. Tried 1.25 aluminum sheet and didn't work well. Right after the first 3 ft cut, it stopped working. After researching on the web, somebody suggested it might be because the nibbled aluminum pieces get jammed into the canal where the punch oscillates. I had to remove the cuff and clean the jam every so often but after doing that for 20 times or so it stopped jamming every 2 inc and started working smoothly. It can be very frustrating at first. This does use air a lot and ideally bigger compressor will do better with this tool but manageable with this compressor.

This thing kicks asz. It did not work on the metal I needed it for because the nibbler back opening was a little to small since this is only made for 16 gauge. It will eat 16 gauge like butter. This uses alot of air so you better have a good compressor if you want it to shine. If they made the opening bigger I bet this could eat its way through thicker metal. Chicago Pneumatic really make s some nice tools.

This is my second bad transaction with Chicago Pneumatic. CP is supposed to be the best of the best. The first one was a nibbler that broke ten minutes into operation (yes it was oiled correctly). They sent me a new one that seems to be working ok. Next transaction was an incorrect order...wanted a pneumatic drill received a die grinder.

Cuts clean and makes nice turns. Does require a sold air supply. Average compressor at home might not provide enough air pressure to make long cuts.

does what it was intended to do but in my case a sheerer would probably have suited me better.

Great product

I was very disappointed in this nibbler, which the boss bought for me to use. It]s hard to control. You can't cut a good straight line with it, unless you have a guide, and move very slowly, because the punch is round. The line will be ragged. Circles are even more problematic. And this nibbler is an air hog.

Good tool. Thought I was getting a red one like all my other CP tool but its just bare metal finish