How do you cut metal siding?

Answer 1

Metal siding can be a little tricky to cut, but with the right tools and techniques, you can make it a snap!

Things You'll Need:

• Reciprocating saw
• Abrasive saw blade
• Tin snips (aviation snips)
• Jump shear (metal shear)
• Electric shears

1. Step 1 Reciprocating saw blades are one option for cutting siding. They pack a lot of power, and can easily cut through the metal. However, they do have a tendency to break blades, so you'll want to make sure you have some spare blades laying around before you get to work. Also, the finished edge is not very smooth, so you'll want to watch out for that.
2. Step 2 Abrasive saw blades also work well for siding. The pro's are that the finish is rather nice, and they cut through the metal quickly. However, the con's are that they also produce a shower of hot sparks which can damage paint and create a hazard in the work environment.
3. Step 3 Hand held tin snips are a cheap method of cutting metal siding, but will come at a cost to your hands. They are tough to operate for long periods of time, and could leave you sore and tired. Better for small and delicate jobs than long periods of cutting.
4. Step 4 A jump shear is another good alternative for cutting siding. It is an easy method with quick results requiring little effort from you. However, you are limited to the width of the jump shear, often only 4 feet wide.
5. Step 5 The last method, and one of the best, is to use electric shears to cut through the siding. This method works well and is very efficient. Just make sure the shears are large enough to handle the job, and that the jaws can reach over the high and low parts of the siding.