Cutting aluminum gutters isn’t rocket science; however, it does require some practice. You could spend hours trying to find the perfect method, but there are plenty of options out there.
In this article, we’ll provide you with some tips on cutting aluminum gutters with a circular saw, tin snips, or an abrasive blade, depending on what type of tool you have. We’ll even talk to you about how to do it safely!
Tools Needed
If you are planning on installing rain gutters in your home, it is important that you know what tools you will need to do the job properly. There are many different types of gutter systems out there, each one requiring specific tools to install correctly.
Here is a list of items you will need to complete the task.
Aluminum Gutter Cutting Tools
A set of cutting blades and a cutting saw are required to cut down the aluminum gutter. You will want to use a cutting blade with a straight edge rather than a circular blade since the edges of the gutter are usually sharp and will damage the blade.
There are many different ways to cut aluminum gutters yourself, depending on what type of gutter you’re making.
You can use a hacksawed, tin snipped, or a power saw; however, it’s best to avoid using a hacksaw for the smaller pieces because it doesn’t give you enough control. Instead, a hacksaw is better suited for cutting thin metal like copper tubing.
A tin snip works great for cutting rolled aluminum or aluminum sheet stock. However, you’ll still want to use a hacksaw for thick pieces of steel or aluminum.
Circular Saw
If you are planning on doing a DIY gutter installation, you might want to consider getting a circular saw with a metal-cutting blade. This way, you won’t have to worry about damaging your gutter while you’re cutting.
Be careful though, since there are plenty of blades out there that aren’t designed for cutting aluminum. Be sure to research the tools before purchasing.
Reciprocating Saw
You could also try using a reciprocating saw, but It’s not recommended unless you have experience using one. Reciprocating saws tend to be heavy duty and powerful, but they’re also very expensive.
They are usually used for cutting wood (see also ‘How To Fix A Hole In A Wooden Door‘), concrete, stone, etc., but they can also be useful for cutting aluminum if needed.
Trowel
This tool is used to spread sealant inside the gutter system. It is best to purchase a trowel specifically designed for this purpose. Some models come with a built-in handle while others must be purchased separately.
Tin Snips
If you are installing aluminum gutters, you might want to consider purchasing tin snips. Tin snips are a tool that can help you cut aluminum gutters accurately without damaging them. There are many different styles of tin snips that are available.
Some of the most popular ones include straight blades, curved blades, and serrated blades. Straight blade snips work well for cutting flat surfaces while curved blade snips work better for cutting curves. Serrated blades are good for cutting edges and corners.
Before buying tin snips, you should know how to properly use them. Practice makes perfect. Once you start using the tools, you will quickly learn what works best for you.
Sealant
When sealing the gutter system, it is important to apply enough sealant to completely cover the seams that connect the individual pieces of the system. Make sure you use a product that is specifically intended for this application.
Adhesive Strips
These strips are used to secure the aluminum gutters to the fascia board. They are typically applied to the bottom side of the gutter.
Screwdriver
Most screwdrivers feature a retractable tip, making them ideal for tasks such as tightening nuts and bolts.
Step 1: Measuring
The first step is to measure how long your gutters are, starting at one end and moving towards the opposite side. Measure the cut lengths of each piece you need, before making any cuts.
Flip the gutter back over onto the bench. Check the measurement several times. Repeat steps until you’ve measured out all the gutter you need.
If you don’t have measurement for every single run in numeric order from end-to-end before making any cuts, it will be very difficult to complete a job correctly.
Step 2: Cutting
Now that you have all of the materials needed, it is time to start cutting. Make sure that you do not place anything flammable near the saw blade. Keep the area around the table clear of debris.
When using a hacksaw, always hold the handle firmly and pull straight down. Never let go of the handle. Do not put pressure directly over the blade.
Place the gutter on the table. Hold the gutter firmly along the front edge of the table — the long side where you are cutting. This keeps the blade from hitting the table.
Turn the gutter upside down. Place the gutter on the bench and place the carpenter’s square against the bottom of the gutter. Use the carpenter’s square as a guide to cut along the bottom edge of the gutter. Be careful not to cut into the side walls of the gutter.
Step 3: Joining
Once you’ve made the cuts you’ll need to figure out how you plan to connect the ends of your new gutters together. There are several ways to attach these pieces together. For example, you could use a screw and nut combination.
Alternatively, you might prefer to use a clamp system.
Clips work well if you don’t mind having a few extra holes in your roof. Screws are easier to install, but they require additional hardware. Clamps are easy to set up and remove. You can also use a combination of both methods.
Conclusion
Cutting gutters is an essential part of installing a gutter system. It is important to make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when doing so. The last thing you want to do is damage your home or business by cutting corners (literally).
