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#1
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Cutting openings in sheet metal ducts.
I need to cut 2 rectangular openings in an existing HVAC supply and return
ducts. How can I do this? I've tried using a power jigsaw with a metal cutting blade -- big mess. I see things like power shears when I do Google searches, but that seems like a whole lot of money to spend to just cut the 2 openings. Are there any hand tools or cutting chisels that will work for this? Any other suggestions? |
#2
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Cutting openings in sheet metal ducts.
BETA-32 wrote:
I need to cut 2 rectangular openings in an existing HVAC supply and return ducts. How can I do this? I've tried using a power jigsaw with a metal cutting blade -- big mess. I see things like power shears when I do Google searches, but that seems like a whole lot of money to spend to just cut the 2 openings. Are there any hand tools or cutting chisels that will work for this? Any other suggestions? sure, just get some GOOD tinsnips. then you just need to make a hole big enough to get the snips in and it will cut surprisingly easily. nate -- replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply. http://members.cox.net/njnagel |
#3
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Cutting openings in sheet metal ducts.
My HVAC man uses tin snips. Novel concept eh? Take a screwdriver and
hammer, make a hole, snip away. s "BETA-32" wrote in message . .. I need to cut 2 rectangular openings in an existing HVAC supply and return ducts. How can I do this? I've tried using a power jigsaw with a metal cutting blade -- big mess. I see things like power shears when I do Google searches, but that seems like a whole lot of money to spend to just cut the 2 openings. Are there any hand tools or cutting chisels that will work for this? Any other suggestions? |
#4
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Cutting openings in sheet metal ducts.
"Nate Nagel" wrote in message
... BETA-32 wrote: I need to cut 2 rectangular openings in an existing HVAC supply and return ducts. How can I do this? I've tried using a power jigsaw with a metal cutting blade -- big mess. I see things like power shears when I do Google searches, but that seems like a whole lot of money to spend to just cut the 2 openings. Are there any hand tools or cutting chisels that will work for this? Any other suggestions? sure, just get some GOOD tinsnips. then you just need to make a hole big enough to get the snips in and it will cut surprisingly easily. nate Another vote for tin snips. Quiet, safe and accurate (once you get the hang of it). I ended up with good ones from a the Snap-On truck that used to stop by the place I worked, when I was doing custom car audio installations a million years ago. If nobody here offers any specific brand names for "good ones", Snap-On is a safe bet. http://www.snap-on.com/ |
#5
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Cutting openings in sheet metal ducts.
On Oct 21, 8:41 pm, "BETA-32" wrote:
I need to cut 2 rectangular openings in an existing HVAC supply and return ducts. How can I do this? I've tried using a power jigsaw with a metal cutting blade -- big mess. I see things like power shears when I do Google searches, but that seems like a whole lot of money to spend to just cut the 2 openings. Are there any hand tools or cutting chisels that will work for this? Any other suggestions? Here's a DIY video on how it's done. Although this is for a circular collar, its similiar for a rectangle. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSN6L2KgDNA |
#6
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Cutting openings in sheet metal ducts.
Thanks for the youtube.com video link.
I guess tin snips it is, since that's the unanimous view. I didn't even try them because I thought that would never work, but obviously I was mistaken. Thanks everyone. "Mikepier" wrote in message ps.com... On Oct 21, 8:41 pm, "BETA-32" wrote: I need to cut 2 rectangular openings in an existing HVAC supply and return ducts. How can I do this? I've tried using a power jigsaw with a metal cutting blade -- big mess. I see things like power shears when I do Google searches, but that seems like a whole lot of money to spend to just cut the 2 openings. Are there any hand tools or cutting chisels that will work for this? Any other suggestions? Here's a DIY video on how it's done. Although this is for a circular collar, its similiar for a rectangle. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSN6L2KgDNA |
#7
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Cutting openings in sheet metal ducts.
"BETA-32" wrote in message
... Thanks for the youtube.com video link. I guess tin snips it is, since that's the unanimous view. I didn't even try them because I thought that would never work, but obviously I was mistaken. What? Why do you think they existed? For cutting pizza? |
#8
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Cutting openings in sheet metal ducts.
Make sure to get the ones with the right color handles.
There are three different types with a corresponding handle color (I don't know what color goes with what). One that cuts in a clock wise motion one that cuts in a counter clock wise direction and one that cut straight. Pick the one that works the best based upon the circumstances. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tin_snips "BETA-32" wrote in message ... Thanks for the youtube.com video link. I guess tin snips it is, since that's the unanimous view. I didn't even try them because I thought that would never work, but obviously I was mistaken. Thanks everyone. "Mikepier" wrote in message ps.com... On Oct 21, 8:41 pm, "BETA-32" wrote: I need to cut 2 rectangular openings in an existing HVAC supply and return ducts. How can I do this? I've tried using a power jigsaw with a metal cutting blade -- big mess. I see things like power shears when I do Google searches, but that seems like a whole lot of money to spend to just cut the 2 openings. Are there any hand tools or cutting chisels that will work for this? Any other suggestions? Here's a DIY video on how it's done. Although this is for a circular collar, its similiar for a rectangle. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSN6L2KgDNA |
#9
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Cutting openings in sheet metal ducts.
"BETA-32" wrote in message ... Thanks for the youtube.com video link. I guess tin snips it is, since that's the unanimous view. I didn't even try them because I thought that would never work, but obviously I was mistaken. Thanks everyone. Instead of tin snips ask for aviation snips. There are 3 types, one that cuts to the right, one cuts left and one cuts stright. The handles are usually color coded as to which way they cut. Here is a place to look at them: http://www.mytoolstore.com/klein/1102s.html |
#10
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Cutting openings in sheet metal ducts.
"Mikepier" wrote in message ps.com... On Oct 21, 8:41 pm, "BETA-32" wrote: I need to cut 2 rectangular openings in an existing HVAC supply and return ducts. How can I do this? I've tried using a power jigsaw with a metal cutting blade -- big mess. I see things like power shears when I do Google searches, but that seems like a whole lot of money to spend to just cut the 2 openings. Are there any hand tools or cutting chisels that will work for this? Any other suggestions? Here's a DIY video on how it's done. Although this is for a circular collar, its similiar for a rectangle. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSN6L2KgDNA I have always called that particular tool "Aviation Snips". I thought tin snips were the ones that look like heavy duty scissors. In a pinch I have used BX cutters on sheet metal and they worked well except the handles are shorter. Consequently you get less leverage with them. |
#11
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Cutting openings in sheet metal ducts.
"John Grabowski" wrote in message
news "Mikepier" wrote in message ps.com... On Oct 21, 8:41 pm, "BETA-32" wrote: I need to cut 2 rectangular openings in an existing HVAC supply and return ducts. How can I do this? I've tried using a power jigsaw with a metal cutting blade -- big mess. I see things like power shears when I do Google searches, but that seems like a whole lot of money to spend to just cut the 2 openings. Are there any hand tools or cutting chisels that will work for this? Any other suggestions? Here's a DIY video on how it's done. Although this is for a circular collar, its similiar for a rectangle. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSN6L2KgDNA I have always called that particular tool "Aviation Snips". I thought tin snips were the ones that look like heavy duty scissors. In a pinch I have used BX cutters on sheet metal and they worked well except the handles are shorter. Consequently you get less leverage with them. This could be an excellent opportunity for him to convince the wife that he needs to spend $400 on a power tool, even if it's overkill. http://www.internationaltool.com/boschnibblers.htm |
#12
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Cutting openings in sheet metal ducts.
On Sun, 21 Oct 2007 20:41:31 -0400, "BETA-32"
wrote: I need to cut 2 rectangular openings in an existing HVAC supply and return ducts. How can I do this? I've tried using a power jigsaw with a metal cutting blade -- big mess. I see things like power shears when I do Google searches, but that seems like a whole lot of money to spend to just cut the 2 openings. Are there any hand tools or cutting chisels that will work for this? Any other suggestions? Get a one inch hole saw and drill the corners out with it. Use tin snips to cut the straight lines and finish by squaring the corners with the snips. I've done this several times. The hole saw will be dull after a few holes so dont expect to use it fir your fine furniture later. |
#13
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Cutting openings in sheet metal ducts.
Had a humidifier installed a gazillion years ago.
the nice fellow had a metal tool with a V shape opening, he drilled a hole in each corner, then put the v tool in and hammered it, cutting the metal, FAST and easy, the rough edge was totally covered by the humidifier, so appearance didnt matter |
#14
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Cutting openings in sheet metal ducts.
"JoeSpareBedroom" wrote in message
... "BETA-32" wrote in message ... Thanks for the youtube.com video link. I guess tin snips it is, since that's the unanimous view. I didn't even try them because I thought that would never work, but obviously I was mistaken. What? Why do you think they existed? For cutting pizza? For some reason, I was thinking that there would be no easy way to get tin snips into the metal and cut along the line without mangling the metal. Then I watched the video and -- DUH -- I realized that I could just make the first entry cut in the middle of the area to be removed, and then approach the actual cut line from an angle and do the cutting from there. I am not usually this dense. |
#15
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Cutting openings in sheet metal ducts.
"BETA-32" wrote in message . .. I need to cut 2 rectangular openings in an existing HVAC supply and return ducts. How can I do this? I've tried using a power jigsaw with a metal cutting blade -- big mess. I see things like power shears when I do Google searches, but that seems like a whole lot of money to spend to just cut the 2 openings. Are there any hand tools or cutting chisels that will work for this? Any other suggestions? Hand tool to use is sometimes called Aviation snips, or Aircraft snips. Has mechanical advantage to make cutting metal much easier. Don't get the long jaws tool. Will easily handle most duct work steel. May leave the metal rough and edges rough. Go to Automotive store, or sears, and get auto body and fender work tools, and there are small hand held anvils, called 'dolly blocks,' IIRC. A set of body work tools may out of your price range. Just went up to Sears, (which in this rare case the craftsman tool might be OK.) they look like are starting the holiday sales with a set of aviation snips for a reasonable price. If you go to Sears, stick with craftsman line on this. Looks like cost will be reasonable come November. Most BORGs carry aviation snips. I like brands: Wiss and Stanley. Have used Klein, seemed OK. Phil |
#16
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Cutting openings in sheet metal ducts.
In article ,
"Phil-In-Mich." wrote: "BETA-32" wrote in message . .. I need to cut 2 rectangular openings in an existing HVAC supply and return ducts. How can I do this? I've tried using a power jigsaw with a metal cutting blade -- big mess. I see things like power shears when I do Google searches, but that seems like a whole lot of money to spend to just cut the 2 openings. Are there any hand tools or cutting chisels that will work for this? Any other suggestions? Hand tool to use is sometimes called Aviation snips, or Aircraft snips. Has mechanical advantage to make cutting metal much easier. Don't get the long jaws tool. Will easily handle most duct work steel. May leave the metal rough and edges rough. Go to Automotive store, or sears, and get auto body and fender work tools, and there are small hand held anvils, called 'dolly blocks,' IIRC. A set of body work tools may out of your price range. Just went up to Sears, (which in this rare case the craftsman tool might be OK.) they look like are starting the holiday sales with a set of aviation snips for a reasonable price. If you go to Sears, stick with craftsman line on this. Looks like cost will be reasonable come November. Most BORGs carry aviation snips. I like brands: Wiss and Stanley. Have used Klein, seemed OK. Phil Even airplane builders call 'em tin snips. One thing others haven't suggested, that I would, is to cut about 3/16" short of the finished line, then a second cut on the line. The snips tend to curl and distort the metal. The thin strip will curl easily, which will leave the good section undistorted. |
#17
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Cutting openings in sheet metal ducts.
On Oct 21, 7:41 pm, "BETA-32" wrote:
I need to cut 2 rectangular openings in an existing HVAC supply and return ducts. How can I do this? I've tried using a power jigsaw with a metal cutting blade -- big mess. I see things like power shears when I do Google searches, but that seems like a whole lot of money to spend to just cut the 2 openings. Are there any hand tools or cutting chisels that will work for this? Any other suggestions? I make a hole in the middle of the drawn out rectangle then cut an X out to each corner, trim the end tips off the 4 "pie shaped" triangles, then fold them over into the duct to create a reinforced edge and crimp the fold with Robogrip pliers all along the way. The doubled up edge gives more material for the sheet metal screws to grab into when you are eventually screwing on the trim grate and makes the hole edge very strong and rigid. I'm not a sheet metal worker, maybe others know better, but the few holes I've made came out pretty good. |
#18
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Cutting openings in sheet metal ducts.
"BETA-32" wrote in
: I need to cut 2 rectangular openings in an existing HVAC supply and return ducts. How can I do this? I've tried using a power jigsaw with a metal cutting blade -- big mess. I see things like power shears when I do Google searches, but that seems like a whole lot of money to spend to just cut the 2 openings. Are there any hand tools or cutting chisels that will work for this? Any other suggestions? get a hand nibbler. you need to drill a hole to start the cut,though. -- Jim Yanik jyanik at kua.net |
#19
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Cutting openings in sheet metal ducts.
{snip}
Even airplane builders call 'em tin snips. One thing others haven't suggested, that I would, is to cut about 3/16" short of the finished line, then a second cut on the line. The snips tend to curl and distort the metal. The thin strip will curl easily, which will leave the good section undistorted. Yea, you are right; but I went with the name used for the tool on the internet. Tin snips searches on the internet were just a large scissors type of metal cutter with no mechanical leverage. Like the old fashioned metal cutters about 18 inches long. I wanted to make life for the OP easier if he was to do a search at Amazon.com or Sears tools. Phil |
#20
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Cutting openings in sheet metal ducts.
The HVAC crew that installed my new furnace last week did as others have
described here. Used a hammered cutter to make a simple slit in the sheet metal, then used offset tin snips (they'll save your hands a lot of cuts) to make the rectangular opening. "Stormin Mormon" wrote in message ... HVAC guys use offset tin shears, which come with red or green handles. -- Christopher A. Young . . "BETA-32" wrote in message . .. I need to cut 2 rectangular openings in an existing HVAC supply and return ducts. How can I do this? I've tried using a power jigsaw with a metal cutting blade -- big mess. I see things like power shears when I do Google searches, but that seems like a whole lot of money to spend to just cut the 2 openings. Are there any hand tools or cutting chisels that will work for this? Any other suggestions? |
#21
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Cutting openings in sheet metal ducts.
On Sun, 21 Oct 2007 20:01:18 -0500, "Steve Barker LT"
wrote: My HVAC man uses tin snips. Novel concept eh? Take a screwdriver and hammer, make a hole, snip away. Visited the HVAC parts supplies shop recently. Saw a strange 12 inch screwdriver like tool that has a sharpened V shaped notch just behind the 1/2 inch blade. So I asked what for and how does one use this tool? The tool is used to cut openings, straight lined or curved, in HVAC sheet metal ducts. Use the front of the blade to punch a slot hole into the metal. Hook the notch over the sheet metal. Hammer on the flat of the screwdrivers's shaft just behind the notched part. The notch will cut cleanly along the path of the blows. Ingeneous! |
#22
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Cutting openings in sheet metal ducts.
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"Nate Nagel" wrote in message ... BETA-32 wrote: I need to cut 2 rectangular openings in an existing HVAC supply and return ducts. How can I do this? I've tried using a power jigsaw with a metal cutting blade -- big mess. I see things like power shears when I do Google searches, but that seems like a whole lot of money to spend to just cut the 2 openings. Are there any hand tools or cutting chisels that will work for this? Any other suggestions? sure, just get some GOOD tinsnips. then you just need to make a hole big enough to get the snips in and it will cut surprisingly easily. nate Another vote for tin snips. Quiet, safe and accurate (once you get the hang of it). I ended up with good ones from a the Snap-On truck that used to stop by the place I worked, when I was doing custom car audio installations a million years ago. If nobody here offers any specific brand names for "good ones", Snap-On is a safe bet. http://www.snap-on.com/ Tin snips. a |
#23
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Cutting openings in sheet metal ducts.
"wingnut" wrote in message
... Why are you doing this? To provide heat and AC to a basement. The basement currently has supply and return ducts running across the ceiling, but there are no supply vents or return vents. I just did the tin snips routine today and it worked without too much trouble. I also did what someone else here suggested and folded back a tab of the sheet metal on each end to create a double thickness and make the opening more rigid. That worked well too. |
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