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Last updated on May 3, 2022 2:53 am by the writer.
The Makita JN1601 is the most popular nibbler choice weighing only 3.6 lbs.
This beauty for the beast has a powerful 5 amp motor an d a lean and slim shape that impresses most carpenters.
For a more portable tool, you could also consider the Makita XNJ01Z as a “cordless option”.
And if you are cutting the thickest of metal sheets you could look into the Makita JN3201 with an even bigger 6.2 Amp motor.
For a cheaper alternative, a nibbler drill attachment is used by many DIY’ers for small metal-cutting jobs, more on this below.
And if you don’t know what sets a nibbler tool apart is the ability to move in curves and circles in metal without jamming.
If you have a look around Bangingtoolbox you can find a full review covering all metal cutting options, however, the best option we recommend is found with the following Makita nibbler tools.
The Makita JN1601 is easily one of the best metal nibblers available online. Boasting Makita’s trademark power, quality, and performance, the lightweight tool dominates with an ergonomic shape that is surprisingly capable of cutting through even thick sheets of metal from my experience cutting corrugated iron.
At the core of the JN1601 has a 5-amp motor that delivers adequate torque and power for most sheet metal and metal roof cutting jobs.
Nibbler tools are ideally suited for contractors, carpenters, roofers, and metal workers, the JN1601 handles everything from metal roofing to gutters and ducts.
I like that the JN1601 has a slim and lean profile which makes this an excellent choice for working in tight spots and cutting in narrow corners, as well as cutting straight lines in even thick corrugated metal sheets.
From my experience using the tool, easily cuts the thickest roofing materials available.
With replaceable cutter heads, the tool keeps pounding for years and years with quality mechanics and no reason to stop.
When the cutter head’s bladed edge gets dull, you can simply replace it, this will result in the experience of having a brand-new machine again.
Cutter blades usually last for a long time. The blade can cut 200 feet (0.06 km) to 1,000 feet (0.3 km) of roofing material before needing to be replaced.
We have found that the actual usable life will vary depending on the type of materials you cut.
The best practice is to replace the cutter head as soon as you detect impaired performance, as dull cutter heads can cause burrs in the roofing material you are cutting.
The Makita JN1601 has the proven durability and rugged reliability that you expect from a Makita power tool.
With a long history of use, the JN1601 we use has been reliable on the construction site I have worked.
My test is the results I have found from the longevity the tool has shown me in the real life world of construction.
Cutting through thick gauge sheet metal puts considerable wear and tear on the components of any nibbler tool, but the JN1601 is more than up to the challenge.
Although you will probably want to move up to a more powerful nibbler for heavy-duty jobs, the Makita JN1601 is a solid all-arounder that will deliver the performance and reliability that builders and roofers need to perform a wide variety of cutting tasks throughout your day.
Makita’s reputation
Makita has an excellent reputation among hobbyists and professionals. The company’s tools are known for their high-quality build and components, as well as their superb performance and reliability.
This reputation extends to the company’s nibblers, which are considered some of the best in the business.
Apart from performance and reliability, Makita tools are also known for their innovative design and features. The Makita JN1601, for example, has a rotating die that allows for full 360° rotation and an oversized ¼” stroke.
This allows for more power and flexibility than other nibblers.
Did I find the JN1601 easy to use?
Despite its power and functionality, Makita power tools are easy to use. This goes for the Makita JN1601 nibbler as well, which has a lean and slim design that makes the tool ideally suited for beginners and hobbyists.
The JN1601 weighs only 3.5 pounds, resulting in the tool being easy to maneuver even if you don’t have a lot of experience with this type of nibbler tool.
With nylon bearings instead of metal bearings used in other nibblers, this cuts down the bulk and weight significantly, allowing for easier handling and making this our best nibbler tool choice.
What power does the JN1601 have?
Surprisingly for such a lightweight and compact device, the Makita JN1601 packs an impressive amount of power.
Under the hood is a powerful and efficient 5-amp motor that delivers as much as 2,200 spins per minute.
This gives the JN1601 enough torque to handle even the most demanding jobs.
Even though the JN1601 is rated for the extra ability to handle 18-gauge stainless steel, many builders and roofers have successfully used a nibbler tool to cut multiple layers of thicker gauge metal without any issues.
What metal thickness can the JN1601 cut?
So what is the maximum thickness of metal that the Makita JN1601 can cut? The literature states that this tool can cut mild steel of up to 16-gauge thickness and stainless steel of up to 18-gauge thickness.
As impressive as these figures are, some users have used the JN1601 to cut up to three layers of 29-gauge steel roofing sheets without any trouble.
If you have to cut even thicker metal sheets, you might consider the upgrade for the Makita JN3201 10-Gauge Nibbler.
Although this guy is a bit more expensive than the JN1601, the 6.2 amp motor runs at 1,300 strokes per minute and the torque capacity that back her up makes this more bigger rabbit a good choice for the more demanding and heavy-duty jobs ahead.
The expected price
The Makita JN1601 isn’t the cheapest metal nibbler tool available, but the machine does provide excellent bang-for-the-buck.
The rugged build and quality components result in the look and feel of a state-of-the-art power tool.
You could easily spend considerably more than the cost of the JN1601 and still not get the same quality and performance provided.
The slim and ergonomic design encourages you to pick it up! And use it! This isn’t always the case with slower, fatter, and more bulky nibblers.
You can future read my full nibbler comparison covering every other nibbler tool available in the sea. Including compressed air nibblers or cheaper DIY drill attachments.
Makita JN1601 vs. The Makita “JN3201”
If you need a bit more grunt than what the average metal nibbler provides, consider purchasing the Makita JN3201.
A 10-gauge nibbler powered by a 6.2-amp motor has enough torque and cutting power to handle the most demanding jobs.
This slightly bigger model is capable of spinning at a maximum speed of 1,300 per minute and cuts through even stainless steel sheets.
Features such as the built-in thickness gauge, lock-on switch, and visible line of sight make this a serious tool for pros and experienced DIY’ers.
Cordless nibblers allow you to work outdoors, in remote locations, or even at the far end of a large room where there isn’t a power outlet handy.
The Makita XNJ01Z is an excellent choice, providing you with the power of a corded nibbler with the convenience and portability of a cordless unit.
The XNJ01Z is an 18-volt model that can cut through 16-gauge metal with ease.
Designed for corrugated metal, sheet metal, and stainless steel, the cordless version is ideally suited for cutting metal roofing in the most portable way possible.
The Makita JN1601 is the best value power nibbler we have used.
A reliable and versatile tool, that is capable of surprising power and performance that rivals higher-end models.
Despite the power and capability, the lightweight unit has a compact form factor and an ergonomic design, making this rabbit stupidly easy to handle even if you’ve never used a nibbler like this before.
If you decide to get the JN1601, I strongly recommend getting a replaceable cutting head at the same time.
This will ensure that you are ready to replace the cutting head at a moment’s notice, which will help reduce downtime.
For sheer value for money, the Makita JN1601 is pretty much unbeatable for cutting sheet metal like butter.
My name is Aaron, welcome to Bangingtoolbox.com, and thank you for reading my article.
As a qualified builder, site supervisor, and DIY’er, my purpose at Bangingtoolbox is to help provide and help build the #1 building and DIY resource on the internet to help educate and train young men wanting to get ahead with some practical skills.
I’m here to show – How and why to start DIY as either a hobby or as a career. And to help qualified professionals with objective and unbiased building and equipment information.
Have a look around, and don’t hesitate to ask me any questions, you can find out more about me here.
