How to Cut Holes in Corrugated Steel
Cutting holes in sheet metal can be done with many different kinds of tools. The tool that you may need will depend in part on the weight of the corrugated steel. Some kinds are fairly lightweight and easy to cut, while some are heavier and therefore much more difficult to cut.
When cut with power tools, it has a tendency to vibrate, causing precision cutting to be a challenge -- especially if the sheet metal is not properly supported.
Things You Will Need
- Tape measure
- Marker
- Cold chisel
- Mallet
- Heavy-duty power drill
- Sawzall reciprocating saw
- Saw blade rated for metal cutting
- Tin snips
- Frame work or work bench
- Clamps
Tip
For heavier types of metal, hire someone who can use a welder to cut it.
Warning
Wear safety goggles and heavy gloves when cutting any metal.
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Create a paper pattern of the size and shape of hole you wish to cut. Measure from the edges of the sheet metal to the point at which you wish to place the hole. Position the pattern on the sheet metal where the hole needs to go, and draw a line around it using a permanent marker.
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Punch a hole through the metal using a cold chisel and mallet or drill through with a heavy-duty drill with a bit that is rated for metal. Make the incision large enough to admit the Sawzall blade. If you do not have a Sawzall or other saw that will safely cut metal, use a pair of heavy-duty tin snips.
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Anchor the sheet metal firmly so that it will not move. If it moves, it could injure you or bystanders, and spoil the precision of your cut. If you are working on a roof or side of a building, you might fasten the item in place; if working on a smaller item, secure it to a sturdy work bench using clamps. Insert the blade of the Sawzall into the opening and cut along the line. If using tin snips, insert one blade of the snips in the opening and cut along the line.
The Drip Cap
- Cutting holes in sheet metal can be done with many different kinds of tools.
- The tool that you may need will depend in part on the weight of the corrugated steel.
- Some kinds are fairly lightweight and easy to cut, while some are heavier and therefore much more difficult to cut.
- If using tin snips, insert one blade of the snips in the opening and cut along the line.
References
Writer Bio
Daisy Peasblossom Fernchild has been writing for over 50 years. Her first online publication was a poem entitled "Safe," published in 2008. Her articles specialize in animals, handcrafts and sustainable living. Fernchild has a Bachelor of Science in education and a Master of Arts in library science.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
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