Why you need an attachment for cutting metal on a drill and how to use it

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When performing construction or repair work, it often becomes necessary to cut a metal workpiece. To do this, you should use special equipment in the form of a milling cutter, grinder or hand-held metal shears. However, it is not always at hand. You can cope with this task using a drill attachment for cutting metal, which will cut a product of small thickness.

Thanks to a large selection of different drill attachments, this universal device can replace many other tools

Sheet metal cutting tools

One of the most popular roofing materials is corrugated sheeting or metal tiles. The use of these materials requires high precision and accuracy, so during installation you must use a specialized cutting tool. Installation of sheet roofing material requires cutting it to appropriate sizes, which depends on the technological task. The following types of cutting tools are used for cutting sheet metal:

1. Hand scissors for cutting metal are the cheapest tool, which is inconvenient to use when cutting long sheets. The cutting line is uneven, intermittent, and with burrs
2. Hand saw for cutting metal - this tool is also not the best for processing sheet material. If you use a hacksaw for metal, then the work should be done only with a blade without a frame, and the cutting process will take a lot of time, so when performing large volumes of work this method is not relevant
3. Jigsaw - to cut sheet metal, you will need a special cutting tool, in the spindle of which you need to install a special blade with fine teeth. The disadvantage of this tool is that when cutting, warping of the walls of the sawn product will occur.
4. Circular electric saw - when using a circular saw, you will need to install a special disk or circle for metal processing. A circular saw is expensive, so buying one specifically for cutting sheet material is not at all rational
5. A grinder or angle grinder is one of the most popular tools that every craftsman has in his arsenal. Using a grinder is convenient, but to cut sheet material, you will also need a special abrasive disc. Moreover, if a grinder is used for cutting sheet metal, then the circle should be as thin as possible. An angle grinder has its drawbacks - overheating of the metal, which entails a violation of the integrity of the paintwork. The result of using a grinder for cutting metal is damage to the material, as it begins to rust, and after a short period of time it may need to be recoated

In addition to the above tools, manufacturers produce special attachments for cutting sheet metal. These attachments are used directly for cutting sheet material; they are also called attachments, since they work in tandem with electric drills or screwdrivers. It is rational to purchase an attachment for an electric drill when large volumes of roofing work are performed.

The drill attachment for cutting metal tiles operates due to a special design, which is implemented through the use of a matrix. The repetition of the movement of the knives contributes to cutting sheet metal with high precision and accuracy. Using an attachment for cutting metal on a drill makes it possible to perform work with high precision and accuracy, which is why it is recommended to buy such a device.

This is interesting!
The attachment under consideration for an electric drill is called nibblers. Structurally, it is similar to hand scissors (depending on the model), but the operating principle is significantly different.

Why is it better to choose metal scissors for a drill?

If you have to cut sheet material, then for such purposes it is better to refuse to use an angle grinder. Scissor-style metal cutting drill attachments provide the following benefits:

1. High quality cutting line. Using scissors on a drill or screwdriver allows you to get the highest quality cut when cutting sheet material
2. The attachment is suitable not only for electric drills, but also for cordless screwdrivers, as well as pneumatic tools
3. It is convenient to carry out work even on the roof if you use a cordless drill or screwdriver
4. There is no need to use high-power electric tools
5. The ability to perform not only straight, but also curved cuts
6. Versatility, which allows you to use the device for cutting any type of sheet material, not just metal
7. High productivity - cutting thin sheet steel with a drill using special scissors allows you not only to get a neat cut, but also to achieve results in a short time
8. Easy to use - no additional training is required to learn how to use the attachment
9. Easy to maintain - the console does not require special care, as it has a simple design. To start using the tool, just attach the attachment to the power tool chuck.

Knowing the advantages of using an attachment for cutting metal, you can make an appropriate decision about the need to purchase it. Many people are interested in the question of how thick sheet material can be pierced by drill scissors.

Manufacturers do not recommend using attachments for cutting sheet material whose thickness exceeds 3 mm. However, it is also worth understanding that cutting such thick metal reduces the service life of the attachment and also requires the use of special powerful power tools.

Drill scissors can be used to cut materials with the maximum permissible thickness (it all depends on the manufacturer of the attachment):

• Aluminum - up to 2 mm
• Stainless steel - up to 1.2 mm
• Regular steel - up to 1.8 mm
• Copper and brass - up to 1.5 mm

To make a curved cut with nibblers, you will need to get the hang of it. Before you start cutting, you need to practice. The operating principle of nibblers is based on converting the rotational movements of the chuck into reciprocating ones. These movements activate the knife, which is responsible for cutting the sheet material.

Although scissors for drills and screwdrivers have many advantages, they are also affordable, so everyone can afford such a useful device. If you plan to cover a house or an extension using metal profiles or tiles, then using a special attachment will not only make the work easier and faster, but will also allow you to carry out manipulations with high precision and accuracy.

This is interesting!
Using a grinder to cut material requires the craftsman to lower it from the roof to the ground, while special attachments on the screwdriver allow cutting directly from above.

Rotary bit, 20 bits included

This multifunctional screwdriver is indispensable for working at home or in the workshop, and is easy to use. Suitable for professional environments and household needs. The compact case prevents the loss of the attachment from the kit (there are corresponding recesses in the cradle).

The rotary attachment is compatible with modern screwdrivers. The special design ensures quick change of working tools, saving time and effort. Made from high quality metal alloys. It does not deform during operation and is resistant to increased loads.

Complete set of rotary attachment for screwdriver

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Distinctive features of the Cricket drill attachment

The attachment for drill and screwdriver called “Cricket” is presented in the form of cutting scissors used to create an even cut. They can be used to cut not only steel materials, but also plastic. The manufacturer indicates that scissors can be used not only for cutting sheet material, but also for profiled products.

The Cricket device is used for cutting materials of thickness:

• For aluminum up to 2 mm
• For steel up to 1.5 mm
• For stainless steel up to 1.2 mm
• For plastic up to 2.5 mm

The effectiveness of the attachment also depends on the power tool used. High performance of the nozzle is ensured when using a power tool with the following parameters:

1. Electric motor power of at least 400 W
2. Chuck rotation speed 3000 rpm
3. Key or quick-release collet chuck

The peculiarities of working with a cricket attachment are that the tool has two cutting surfaces. When one surface becomes dull, you need to twist the handle to the other side and continue working. The Cricket set also includes an additional replaceable cutting surface. Manipulating the console is simple. To do this, the attachment shaft is fixed in the tool chuck. Work must be carried out with both hands, holding the power tool with one hand and the attachment with the other.

This is interesting!
If we compare the speed of operation of a drill attachment and a grinder when cutting corrugated sheets, then the latter option is inferior. Even if you manage to cut through sheet metal faster with an angle grinder, compare the quality of the resulting cut to make sure that it is rational to purchase an attachment for an angle grinder for cutting profiled material.

Main disadvantages

Like any other device for carrying out repair and finishing work, this attachment has disadvantages. First of all, this is rapid wear.

When grinding rough surfaces, friction occurs and the paint stripper is deformed. Over time, the teeth fly off, reducing the effectiveness of processing. The average life of the nozzle is enough to remove paint in 1-2 rooms.

In contrast to this disadvantage, it is worth noting the low price of the paint remover, which is lower than that of modern power tools and solvents. This allows you to stock up on several attachments for repairs throughout the entire apartment.

Cutting sheet metal with a steel beaver attachment

Another type of attachment for power tools is also used for cutting sheet metal - this is the Steel Beaver attachment. Many craftsmen call such attachments adapters, but they are not such. After all, this is the final mechanism by which useful work is performed.

The steel beaver also works on the principle of cutting shears, thereby eliminating the occurrence of sparks and overheating of the metal. If the sheet material is processed incorrectly, the manufacturer does not guarantee the quality of the overlap or service life. The Steel Beaver set also includes a replaceable die and a punch. The use of the attachment is recommended in conjunction with a power tool that has the following technical parameters:

1. The rotation speed of the chuck must be at least 1500 rpm
2. Power not less than 350 W
3. Collet

Compared to a grinder, special attachments for drills make it possible to change the cutting angle up to 360 degrees. This is convenient when you need to make a shaped cutout in corrugated sheets or metal tiles. The minimum cutting radius when using attachments is 12 mm. The use of a special device is achieved by high cutting productivity of sheet material.

Automatic feeding of screws

Using this attachment you can save up to 30% of your working time. It keeps the screws in their original position and allows you to screw them in without holding your fingers. This convenient device is indispensable for repairmen and carpenters who make wooden furniture and various interior items.

The nozzle is equipped with a special tape that provides automatic feeding of screws. The special design inserts the fasteners into the hole. This allows you to work with a screwdriver easier, faster, and more efficiently. The attachment is safe for your hands and helps protect your fingers from cuts.

Device for automatic feeding of screws and self-tapping screws

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Turboshear drill attachment for metal cutting

In addition to the “Cricket” and “Steel Beaver”, manufacturers produce a scissors attachment for drills and screwdrivers called Turboshear. This attachment is more like ordinary hand-held metal scissors. Structurally, the nozzle is based on two cutting edges. One edge is movable and the other is fixed. Due to the reciprocating movements of the movable edge of the attachment, the material is cut. Among the advantages of the Turboshear nozzle it should be noted:

1. High speed of work completion
2. Ability to cut while holding the tool with one hand
3. Ease of use

The disadvantage of the Turboshear attachment is that the slightest dulling of the cutting edges reduces the performance of the tool, and the cut results in burrs and chips. To restore the functionality of the device, you will need to replace the knives.

There are many other models of scissors for drills and screwdrivers. Which nozzle is better to buy, it all depends on the amount of work and the technological tasks set. Steel Beaver and Cricket are not expensive compared to Turboshear. The Turboshear nozzle is made in the USA and has high performance and long service life.

Differences between using an attachment on a drill and a screwdriver

An electric drill and a screwdriver differ not only in purpose, but also in design. The attachment for cutting thin sheet metal can be attached to both drills and screwdrivers. It is important to consider the following factors:

1. A screwdriver has a lower chuck rotation speed compared to a drill. The screwdriver also has low power, so when cutting sheet steel you need to choose the right tool
2. Ease of use. Unlike a drill, a screwdriver has less weight, and it is not tied to a power cord. This makes it easier to use as a drive mechanism for metal snips
3. Lack of inertia - after the power supply is cut off, the screwdriver chuck stops immediately, but on a drill it continues to rotate for some time. When performing high-precision work, the quick stop of the power tool chuck is even better, as it responds more accurately to the press of a button

A screwdriver, like a drill, can be used for cutting sheet materials, but it is necessary to choose a power tool wisely.

Key Benefits

The paint remover does not crush the old layer into dust, but carefully removes it in large fragments. This speeds up the work significantly, and in just an hour you can clean from 1 to 4 square meters of surface. This method greatly simplifies cleaning after dismantling the old coating (there is no need to carefully collect dust with a wet cloth or vacuum cleaner).

An important advantage of the “Paint Remover” nozzle is the ability to process almost any surface in multi-story buildings. Initially, the tool was created for removing paint from concrete, but practice has shown that it is also effective when sanding other materials:

• bricks;
• cinder block;
• wood;
• metal;
• sandstone

This attachment can be used to remove the old layer of varnish from floorboards for the purpose of their subsequent restoration, as well as remove paint from walls and floor coverings without any difficulty.

Security for communications

The paint remover carefully removes the polymer layer and does not create a risk of damage to power and low-current cable systems. Its environmental friendliness also plays an important role. The absence of heat treatment does not lead to the decomposition of polymers and the appearance of toxic emissions.

This attachment is also effective in cases where it is necessary to remove old paint in houses built back in the 60s of the last century. Soviet paint is one of the most toxic (contains a large mass fraction of lead), so it must be removed carefully, using a special tool. You can't wash it into dust.

How to cut profiled sheet material with a nozzle

To connect the attachment to a power tool, the design of the attachment has special protrusions - shanks. Typically, shanks are hexagonal in shape and are clamped into the collet chuck of the power tool. After securing the shank in the power tool chuck, you can begin to work. When performing work, it is important to follow these recommendations:

1. If the work is being carried out for the first time, it is recommended to first practice on the remains of sheet materials
2. Work is carried out by holding the tool with both hands. This is necessary not only to comply with safety regulations, but also to ensure that the cut is smooth and neat. If you perform work while holding only a drill or screwdriver, the attachment will vibrate strongly, and therefore you will not be able to get an even cut. The exception is Turboshear brand consoles
3. It is better to carry out work below (not on the roof) from a safety point of view, although in exceptional cases it is possible to use tools above
4. To get the highest quality cut, you need to carry out the work with an assistant. One person holds the sheet to be cut, and the second does the actual work of cutting the material.
5. Before starting work, you need to use a marker or pencil to make markings along which to cut thin-sheet material.

In order for the cuts to be neat, even and without defects, you need to learn how to use the tool correctly. This will take practice.

To summarize, it should be noted that buying an attachment for cutting sheet material is recommended for specialists who deal with roofing houses and other buildings using steel sheet material. If you plan to cover a shed or other outbuilding yourself, then using a drill attachment for cutting metal, you will be able to complete the work with high precision and accuracy.

Sanding walls

The paint remover processes not only the polymer layer, but also the remains of tile and wallpaper adhesive. It is also suitable for removing minor concrete stains and plaster residues on walls, which helps prepare the surface for subsequent procedures.

This attachment is a patented device, which confirms its effectiveness and practicality. It is equally suitable for treating walls, floors and other surfaces, making it an indispensable assistant in repairs.