Metal cutting bit on the drill

Testimonial: Metal-cutting drill bit Enkor “Cricket. They say you need a third hand when working. You need to turn on the brain, it will work, and both.

Good day to you all. Fishing on the Internet recently “came across” a review of the die-cutting tool “Enkor”. I was a little confused by the phrase: You need to have a third hand for normal work. I fundamentally disagree with this statement.About three years ago I had to do a roof. Although I have considerable knowledge and experience in this area of construction, but I try to avoid it if possible (for several reasons).

But circumstances were such that I had to take it all the same.The roof was. Metal tile. Few people know that it is absolutely impossible to cut it with an angle grinder.A hot spark burns the protective layer and breaks the integrity of the material, which leads to a lot of trouble later.As I said before, the roof is not my thing and therefore buy electric shears for metal, throwing away 15. I didn’t want to spend 20 thousand.I did a search on the Internet, I accidentally saw in the answer nozzles. Looked through the information, tried the possibility of purchase in Bataisk. It came up “Encor” store.Go to the store and buy. It’s only 1300.

The principle is quite simple. The hexagonal part is inserted into the head of the drill and tightly clamped.

With other parts (punches) you can cut the metal.Since there are two attachments on the head for cutting, with the direction of the opposite side, you can work in different directions, which greatly simplifies the work.

I can cut metal both in a straight line and on the radial plane.It is also possible to cut holes. It’s enough to drill with a 12 mm drill bit, that’s enough and go ahead, the punch is enough.Trapezoidal in general without problems is cut, with metal tiles, however, you need a little skill.

There is one more lack, but it is inevitable, in principle, at work, with similar kinds of tools.This is a crescent-shaped die cut, which gathers quite a lot when working.It can be swept away by a moklovitel, or removed, with a magnet.And now about the “third” hand. When cutting metal tile length of 4 meters or more, you can not “sweat” at all. The mass does not allow the sheet to wiggle.If less, it is also not a problem. All the same. I personally, put a board, for convenience when cutting and not really “bothering” pressed the knee of the metal.The third hand was just not needed.In any case, yes, if you are professionally engaged in works related to cutting metal, of course, it is better to buy a specialized tool, and it is silly to deny it.But in a case like mine, (and they happen and not infrequently) can get along with the above option and it will be optimal.

How do cricket die-cutters work?

To imagine the work of cutters easy enough. in fact, it can be compared to the chisel, which makes punctures in the metal with great frequency. Another comparison might be the modern electric jigsaw, in which the standard saw with teeth is replaced by a punching rod (chisel). The combination of the piercing tool and the jigsaw opens up many possibilities and allows this type of tool to be used even for shape cutting of sheet metal. It is for this reason that modern builders use the “cricket” for cutting:

These are not the only reasons why the nozzle on the drill cutter has become widespread in the field of construction and repair.

The advantages of this tool

Another strong advantage of cricket is its careful attitude to the protective and decorative coating of corrugated board or metal tile. Not only does it pierce through the material, but it actually rolls it through, protecting the sheet metal edge from corrosion. As a result, the metal lasts much longer.

Additionally, the following points can be singled out as advantages of the metal cutting nozzle for the drill.

• High performance. a 1 m long cut can be made in less than a minute. Yes, the angle grinder cuts faster, but in contrast to the nozzle, it burns the protective-decorative coating.
• The ability to overcome almost any obstacle. Wavy and different curves are no problem at all. not only can the torch be guided left-right, but also up and down.
• According to manufacturers, this tool can easily cope with metal thicknesses up to 2 mm, which is enough to work with roofing materials.
• The cost of the tool can be called purely symbolic. It is at least five times lower than the price of professional cutters with built-in electric drive.

As for the disadvantages, the most significant only one. it is almost impossible to achieve a perfectly even cut. In principle, it is not necessary, because the edges in most cases are covered either by another sheet of metal or by special elements. If you try really hard and come up with some kind of guide, this problem can be solved.

The advantages of this tool

Another great advantage of cricket is its careful attitude towards the protective-decorative coating of corrugated board or metal. By piercing through the material, it doesn’t hurt it at the edges of the cut, but on the contrary, it rolls it, thus protecting the cut face from corrosion. As a result, the metal lasts much longer.

In addition, the following points can be highlighted as advantages of the metal cutting nozzle for the drill.

• High performance. a 1-meter long cut can be completed in less than a minute. Yes, the angle grinder cuts faster, but unlike the nozzle, it burns the protective-decorative coating.
• Its ability to overcome practically any obstacles is worth of nothing. Wave and various bends are not a problem at all. you can guide the torch movement not only left-right, but also up and down.
• According to manufacturers, this tool can easily cope with metal thicknesses up to 2 mm, which is quite enough for work with roofing materials.
• The cost of the tool can be called purely symbolic. It is at least five times lower than the price of professional cutters with built-in electric motor.

As for the disadvantages, there is only one, the most essential. it is almost impossible to achieve a perfectly even cut. In principle, it is not needed, since the edges in most cases are covered by either another sheet of metal or special elements. If you try very hard and come up with some kind of guide, this problem can be solved.

Safety precautions when working with a “cricket

In addition to the risk of cutting yourself on the edge of the sheet metal, there are a couple of things to beware of when working with a drill bit cutter shears. These are shavings. small and, most importantly, sharp fragments of metal in the form of a crescent. They can cause very serious trouble.

• First of all, the chips penetrate the feet easily and may not even be felt on hardened feet. Then festering begins and all the ensuing consequences. It is best to work with the tool in closed shoes.
• The second point is the drill, or rather its impeller, which is used for cooling the electric motor. Penetrating into the hole for air intake, small metal crescents rather quickly put the power tool out of operation. The only way to protect the drill is to wrap it in a mesh material (e.g. kapron tights).

In addition, we should not forget that the scattered over the yard of small chips quickly corrode, and if it remains, for example, on the paving, the rust is ingrained into it and spoils the appearance of surface. Timely cleaning of the workplace solves almost all problems.

Drill bit for metal cutting photo

Benefits of using drill bits

Drill bits, if you compare them to such a popular tool for cutting metal, as an angle grinder, are distinguished by a number of advantages.

• Cutting is of high quality.
• No need to purchase additional supplies when using the metal cutting bit, which saves considerable financial resources.
• The use of such a bit provides a highly productive cutting process.
• Their drill bits are highly versatile.
• Cutting with a special handle is very comfortable, thanks to the special handle.
• The attachments fit in both electric and pneumatic drills.
• Unquestionable convenience of these nozzles in application and maintenance.
• With these tools, almost any shape of cut can be made.

Despite the simple design of these bits, their use requires a certain amount of skill and dexterity on the part of the user.

Popular models and applications

Today’s drill bit models allow you to cut not only straight through sheet metal. With such a handy and easy-to-use device can also perform shape cuts, which is often required when installing roof structures, ventilation ducts, as well as gutters and other elements of the drainage system.

Using these nozzles on the drill, you can make cuts in almost any spatial position. No less important advantage of these nozzles is that they do not require presetting.

This attachment turns a drill into an electric shear that works on the principle of cutting, not cutting out

Among the most popular models of drill bits for metal cutting, presented in the domestic market, stand out the following:

Cutting nozzle EDMA NIBBLEX power drill for cutting metal and plastic

The difference in models of drill cutters is not in the principle of their work, but in the maximum thickness of the cut metal and a number of other technical characteristics. Modern models of drill bits allow you to get smooth and neat cuts with sharp, even and unmarked edges. In this case, the protective coating applied to the surface of the metal sheet is not damaged and fully retains all its functions.

“Cricket

One popular nozzle on the drill, which is a compact carving (punching) scissors, is a device called “Cricket”. It is good for a smooth and accurate cut, whether you are cutting flat or profiled sheet metal.

Scissor nozzle “Cricket” is designed to work from a pneumatic or electric drill (electric screwdriver) with a power of at least 420 watts

With the cricket cutter head you can cut not only metal sheet, but also thin sheet products made of polycarbonate and other polymeric materials. At the same time, the thickness of products for cutting which can be used these compact die-cutters can be up to:

With the “Cricket” core cutter head you can cut sheets horizontally and vertically, as well as make internal cuts in the sheet metal surface.

“Cricket” works on the principle of the die-cutting scissors

It should be borne in mind that in the place of the sheet where the internal cut will be made, you must first drill a hole.

“Cricket”. a good attachment to the drill for cutting metal tiles and corrugated board. When using this device to cut metal surface of these materials is not deformed, and the cut itself is obtained smoothly and accurately. The “Cricket” nozzle can easily cope with such complex tasks as artistic cutting and creating holes in sheet material with a large diameter.

“Steel Beaver

Another popular attachment for the drill, with which you can perform metal cutting, is a device called “Steel Beaver”. The principle by which such drill bits work is similar to that of the punching shears. When using this device in the zone of cutting sparks are not formed and the metal sheet is not affected by thermal effects, respectively, does not burn the protective coating, which is applied to it.

The “Steel Beaver” metal cutting head is equipped with a replaceable die and punch

Among the technical characteristics possessed by the nozzle on the drill of this type, it is necessary to allocate the following:

• The effectiveness of such an attachment is ensured by rotation of the drill chuck at a speed of 1500-3000 rpm.
• Maximum workpiece thickness is 1.8 mm for normal steel sheet, 2 mm for copper and aluminum sheet, 1.2 mm for stainless steel sheet.
• Angle by which the cutting direction can be changed. 360°.
• Minimum cutting radius 12 mm.

When deciding which tool to choose for cutting sheet metal. a jigsaw, angle grinder, or drill bit. you should first evaluate the tasks for which they are needed.

Drill bits are a good option for home craftsmen and small construction teams. When the amount of work involved in cutting sheet metal is small, the use of such a nozzle is the best solution. When choosing this attachment, special attention should be paid to the fact that the characteristics of the drill with which it will be used are in line with those of the tool itself.

Drill bit for grinding

The grinding attachment on the drill removes old coatings, corrosion, nicks and dings from the surface of the product. It is used for grinding the edge of glass, metal parts and products made of other materials. The small size of the jigs makes it possible to work in hard-to-reach areas. The average cost of the product is 500

Drill bits for grinding are used for the preliminary rough preparation of the base for future polishing. It is made in the form of a rod on which is fixed grinding material in the form of brushes or sandpaper. There are different types of these tools, which are used for specific tasks.

Cup nozzle on the drill for sanding wood or other material is represented by a rod attached to the chuck, and the body in the form of a cup filled with light or stiff bristles. The body is made of metal or durable and lightweight plastic. Usually used for removing old coatings or corrosion from the surface.

The core drill bit is for cleaning rust and dirt from metal surfaces

Another variation is the disk nozzle on the drill for grinding metal, where the bristles of the grinding material in the form of brass brushes or steel wire, directed to the edges of the disk from its center. Should be used very carefully, as it is easy to damage the coating. The platen head has a movable or stationary pin that is fastened to the chuck. The sanding paper is attached to it with Velcro strips.

Useful tip! It is better to buy nozzles with a movable rod, which allows you to adjust the angle of the drill, while smoothly following the contours of the material.

The petal or fan grinder is represented by a rod on which pieces of sandpaper or other abrasive material are attached. It is used for radius grinding or processing surfaces with complex profiles. Can also be used for sanding holes, like carbide cutters or burrs, which work on the principle of a file.

Grinding abrasive stones attached to the rod are used to remove burrs, deburrs, reaming holes, or leveling a weld seam.

Many craftsmen, when buying a drill, immediately choose a set of attachments that make it possible to grind on their own

Drill bits for polishing

After sanding the substrate, it must be given a smooth surface. This is done by polishing with special nozzles. They can be made of felt, wool, foam rubber or felt. They can be soft, hard, soft, super soft and relief polishing pads. According to the method of attachment there are nozzles with a rod, with Velcro and with a holder-latch. Fan or disk nozzles are used for polishing discs, and end tools are used for holes. The average price of the product is 250-300

Many car enthusiasts have in their arsenal of the nozzle on the drill for car polishing. However, when selecting this product, you should take into account some peculiarities:

• the device must be of high quality and professional;
• to carry out effective and safe polishing procedures, the maximum number of revolutions of the drill should not exceed 3000 rpm, which is specified in the characteristic of the device, otherwise the paint will simply burn;
• the nozzle must be from a reputable brand;
• the attachment should not be part of the budget products;
• a special nozzle designed specifically for that purpose should be used to polish each individual part of the vehicle.

The process of polishing with a drill is quite complex and involves many subtleties

The process of polishing a car with a drill is a very complex and time-consuming process that requires certain skills. If there is no experience, at first it is necessary to learn all the subtleties of this process, to master the basic techniques presented in the clips on the Internet. Start with inconspicuous areas of the bodywork. The tool is adjusted to the necessary parameters and the required speed. The nozzle should not be pressed too close to the surface, so as not to burn the paint by high temperatures.

How to use the tool properly

Metalworking drill bits should be used in accordance with the operating instructions developed by the manufacturers. The instructions define a list of materials available for processing with this or that device, and their parameters.

Work must be performed using personal protective equipment

The general requirements for proper use can be formulated as follows:

• The drill (screwdriver) must have the necessary technical characteristics (power, rpm) to perform metal cutting operations and must be technically serviceable.
• Insert the tool into the chuck of the electric hand-held tool being used and fasten it securely.
• If necessary, handles and additional fasteners must be installed. if they are designed.
• In the case of complex work, prepare accessories to ensure the required operations. brackets for the stationary installation of the drill and other structural elements.
• During the process of cutting you must monitor the operation, in case of metal jamming you must disconnect the tool and eliminate the cause of the jamming.
• Wear protective clothing and use personal protective equipment.
• After completing the work, the chips must be removed, the tool cleaned and stored.

Where to buy the best nozzle for metal cutting drills, price review

Drill bits used for cutting metal. a special product that is not found in the usual store of building materials or tools, located in the vicinity of the consumer.

The most convenient way to purchase these products is to find the necessary device on the Internet and determine the company of the manufacturer of this device.

• Find the dealer of the manufacturer and contact them for more detailed advice and to buy the necessary model.
• To use Internet search and directly on the network to find the company, which assortment of the sold goods includes the required device.

The price of the different models of nozzles used in this article and sold through online resources is shown in the following table:

№ п.п.	View	Model	Cost,	Online store
1.	“Cricket.”	“Enkor	1 329	“220 Volt”
2.		SPARKY 181874	2 010	“All Tools
3.		“ENCOR	1 309	“BiGam”
4.	“Scissors.”	MALCO TSMD EV	13 990	“All Tools”
5.		EDMA	14 000	“Home and Dacha
6.		MALCO TurboShear TSV1 EV	19 300	“All Tools.”
7.	“Steel Beaver	“Grand Line (box)	1 850	“Grand Line”
8.		“Grand Line” (blister)	1 450	“Grand Line”
9.		“Grand Line (box)	2 099	“Petrovich”
10.	“Jigsaw”	BlackDecker MTJS1	1 649	“OZON”
11.		OMNI-JS Fixtec AEG 440715	4 385	“All instruments”
12.		Rovus “Rocket”	1 999	“Tor-Shor”

Cutting nozzle cricket for metal cutting

Cutting of steel sheets and non-ferrous metals has always been a topical issue in heavy industry, automobile and railway workshops of all ranks as well as in the household. At present there are only two methods of such treatment: thermal and mechanical. Cricket for metal cutting refers to the mechanical type of attachments in the form of a modified chisel. The rhythm of such a tool is very reminiscent of the chirping of the insect of the same name. hence the name.

Cricket Works

By now, in the age of high technology, steel and non-ferrous metal are only pierced and cut. no one has invented anything more original yet. All of these methods have many disadvantages: first of all, there are problems with accuracy and speed. Nevertheless, working with the nozzle “cricket” for cutting, you can minimize these losses, though not 100%. Someone might say CNC laser machining is much more accurate, but you don’t want to cut just the shape you want by pre-setting the software control of the machine?!

Features and Specifications

The “cricket cutter” can be purchased in a store or other retail outlet in the following configuration. one piece of each name:

• Two-head nozzle;
• replaceable type matrix;
• a replaceable type punch (chisel);
• Combination wrench (wrench/hexagon);
• plastic handle;
• metal case;
• instruction manual.

Note: the list above must also be included in the manufacturer’s instructions. When buying, it is worthwhile to check if you have all the items listed in the kit.

See table below for the main technical data of the cricket bit for your drill.

Speed of rotation, recommended by manufacturer	3000 rpm
Desired tool capacity	≥420 W
Minimum cutting radius	12 mm
Changing direction when working	360°
Cutting stainless steel sheet	≤1.0 mm
Cutting of black sheet metal	≤1.6 mm
Cutting of non-ferrous sheet metal	≤2.0 mm
tool dimensions	180x75x55 mm
Net weight	400 г

Important: as can be seen from the specifications of the nozzle, it can only be used with a corded or pneumatic drill. Even with professional cordless screwdrivers such as Makita the engine speed and power are not enough for a cricket.

Do not forget what not to do:

• Cut metal sheets thicker than the recommended thicknesses in the table;
• do not use the tool for its intended purpose;
• change the design of the device;
• start work until the drill has reached full speed;
• turn off the drill while cutting metal.

Tips for replacing the die and punch

• Unscrew the screw with an Allen wrench.
• Check (possibly visually) that there are no foreign bodies (chips, shavings) under the screw.
• Pull the matrix smoothly out of the housing.
• Install the other die in reverse order.
• Remove retaining ring and cover.
• Loosen the lock nut on the locking screw by two or three turns with a wrench.
• Unscrew this screw and remove the punch.
• Position the other punch in the ram so that the retaining screw can enter the notch.
• Tighten the locknut of the locking screw.
• Close the cover and fix it with the retaining ring.

Tip: If a dull edge of the punch, then do not rush to change it. often than not it’s enough just to turn the die by 90-120°. For such actions it is necessary to loosen a fixing screw and to turn a matrix under a necessary angle then to clamp this screw again.

Safety tip

By far the biggest risk when using a tool “like a cricket” to cut metal is cutting your hand or fingers on the edge of the cut sheet metal. But there are other possibilities of getting hurt. One of the causes can be chips, especially from stainless steel: they are very hard and resilient and therefore easily pierce not only work gloves and clothing, but also the soles of your shoes. Usually, such chips are scattered in the form of small crescents, but there may also be small point fragments that get under the skin and they are sometimes not paid attention to, mistaking them for a scratch.

It’s easy to get hurt with these fragments, especially if they are stainless steel.

• The most affected area when working with such tools is the feet. Often the skin on men is rough there, and a person does not immediately feel a small wound. As a result, cracking or even festering can begin, which leads to a loss of performance. Even if you work with closed shoes (boots), the floor should be constantly swept.
• Drill propeller, which is used for engine cooling, can also be dangerous. Metal fragments in the air flow are thrown outward with force and can easily penetrate the skin on your face or hands (that’s why it’s important to wear protective goggles). If the cricket on the drill will be used for a long time, then you can take some safety measures: cover the radiator of the tool with ordinary women’s pantyhose.
• Metal chips scattered around the yard, exposed to corrosion, and this can cause small troubles in the form of spoiled paving tiles (rust spots) or a punctured bicycle camera.

When buying a tool

We can say that all punching or die-cutting cricket shears have the same design, because they are used for the same purpose, that is, it is not a universal, but a unique type of tool. This suggests that there are no additional options or lack of any functions there, therefore, all requirements will be the same regardless of the manufacturer.

Most of all, you should pay attention to two things:

• The country of origin. The best proven Germans, Italians and Americans, but also most masters do not cause complaints domestic models. In addition, you should remember that Chinese assembly is not always a bad thing: they make goods not only for general consumption, but also professional tools. Therefore, one and perhaps the most important indicator of the quality of the tool is its price. In these cases, do not skimp in order to, to paraphrase the well-known saying, do not pay twice.
• Case kit. If the product has a license, then in developed countries you can not even check this parameter. the manufacturer will take care of the full package, as provided by the factory. But, unfortunately, we do not always have decent people in the trade, and something in the case may be missing. it will be immediately noticeable by the empty box. As a last resort, you can check the kit by the papers. if the cricket is sold in a store and not from hand, the papers (or one of them) must be in Russian.

For grinding and polishing

If you install the grinding and polishing attachment on your drill, you can do the following work:

• Polish metal, wood, and glass surfaces.
• Grind metal as well as parts made of it.
• Remove corrosion, nicks, scale on old coatings.
• Sand the edges of glass.

The advantage of grinding attachments on the drill is that for such work there is no need to buy equipment that has a rather high price. And if you use nozzles, you can perfectly cope with these tasks, the surface will remain perfectly smooth and even. And another positive point is that they can be used to handle hard-to-reach places that cannot be reached with other tools.

If you bought a nozzle on the drill to process wood or other material, you should first read the information carefully, because different types of jigs will need to set different power and number of revolutions on the tool.

The accessories for sanding and polishing are an ordinary rod, on which the sanding material will be attached, such as felt, foam rubber and sandpaper.

Varieties

There are the following types of jigs:

These devices will be divided not only by the type of design, but also by the degree of hardness: they can be hard, super soft, soft or embossed.

Cup nozzle can be used for sanding wood or other coatings. Such a device consists of a rod, to which the chuck is attached, and a housing that resembles a cup. Inside the cup there are a large number of bristles of different stiffnesses. Usually this kind of nozzle is used to remove corrosion from old coatings. There are also models that have very soft polishing materials: foam rubber, felt. The body is made of durable plastic or metal. If you bought a soft nozzle on the drill, you can use it to polish the car surface.

The disc-shaped tooling consists of the rod, the sanding material and the housing. The difference from the previous model is in the direction of the bristles. In this version, it will be directed from the center to the sides of the blade. Use it very carefully as you can easily damage any coating. The bristles come in steel wire or brass.

The platen snapper is made according to the same principle as the sanding pad. But instead of a thread is equipped with a fixed or movable rod, which is fixed in a chuck. Sandpaper should be fixed with special Velcro.

It is recommended to buy a platter that has a movable rod, with a rubber or soft thick layer between the velcro and the base. Then you can adjust the desired angle of the drill and smoothly repeat the contour of the processed material.

If you work with a rigid plate, it will be very difficult to control it. And if you manage to make a small tilt, it will noticeably deepen into the surface of the product. As a result, the metal can simply be spoiled. That’s why it’s best to use a tool that is firmly attached.

Fan, drum, and end tool

Fan nozzle looks like a small disk in the center, and to its edges are attached petals of sandpaper or other similar material. You can work hard-to-reach places, cavities inside or grind out a hole with this tool, because the tool accepts absolutely any shape. The attachment is fastened in the drill chuck in the same way as the previous types.

The drum tool is made as a rod with a cylinder that is coated on top with sandpaper. It differs from the platter nozzle in that the surface to be machined is parallel to the chuck, not perpendicular. It can be used on glass, metal or wood. Usually used to sharpen the edge of glass. A distinction is made between hard and soft depending on the purpose of purchase.

The end snapper looks like a rod at the end of which the required machining material is clamped. This tool works on the principle of a file. They make it very easy to enlarge holes, as well as to remove burrs and make smooth edges.

Other bits

• There is an angle nozzle on the drill, with which you can make holes in places where it is not possible to work in the usual mode. The angle can be adjusted, or it can be constant. 90 degrees. With the help of drill bits you can drill holes in concrete, wood, tile or ceramic tiles, as well as in metal and other materials of large dimensions. The attachment is made of quality steel, so that the hole stops smooth and does not have any cracks and chips after processing.
• There are also accessories that are designed to sharpen drills. They have a kind of body with a guide and sharpening stone inside. The holes for sharpening the drill bit have different diameters. Their number can be up to 15 pieces.
• Mixer nozzles are used for mixing different mortars, paints or other necessary mixtures. The device should be selected according to the consistency of the fluid.
• To screw in a self-tapping screw or a screw, you can buy a special nozzle, but it is desirable to use it only on those drills that are equipped with the function of reduced speed.
• If you have poultry on the site, you can buy a nozzle for plucking. Such a tool will instantly remove absolutely all feathers from the carcass. The positive feature is that the meat and skin will not be damaged at all. Before you get to work, you do not even need to pre-scald the bird, and after the work there is no need to treat it with a blowtorch. Such set is very easy in use, it should be only fastened to the drill and brought to the carcass. The device is made of lightweight materials that take up very little space.
• If you work with wood-based materials, then different kinds of cutter heads are specially sold for this purpose. The part can be made with their help to make various shapes, process holes, remove defects.

Before you start working with any attachment, you need to make sure that it is securely fastened, you should always hold the drill with only two hands. And also when you work, you need to wear glasses so that you don’t damage your eyes.

As you can see, devices are made for absolutely any purpose, and it is not necessary to buy expensive and massive equipment, because you can do everything with just one drill. Study all the options of nozzles and choose exactly the one that is needed to perform a certain job.