Makita nibbler review | JN1601 vs the cordless XNJ01Z

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 perfectly 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.

The Makita JN1601 is a rabbit that never stops.

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.

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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 carpenters and roofers need to perform a wide variety of cutting tasks throughout your day.

Makita has an excellent reputation among hobbyists and professionals. The company’s tools are known for their superior 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 attributes. 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.

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 perfectly 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.

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 carpenters 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 first class 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.

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.

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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 perfectly suited for cutting metal roofing in the most portable way possible.

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Many power tools can cut sheet metal and roofing but nibbler tools and electric shears are the 2 most popular options.

A nibbler tool is the most versatile, leaving a tidier cut.

Electric shears can cut straight lines faster but are limited to only cutting straight.

The best nibbler tool can cut circles and curves with no problems jamming, that’s what sets this tool choice apart.

Even with nibblers being the best tool choice for cutting corrugated roofing, there are a few different types. 

• Electric nibbler (Like the Makita JN1601).
• Cordless nibblers (More portable).
• Compressed air nibblers (Require a large compressor, but are even easier to control).
• Drill nibbler attachment (Cheaper DIY alternative for small jobs).

You still need quality metal snips for trimming work, cutting flashings, and tidying up after.

But of course, you can also cut metal by hand, that is if you have more energy to spare.