Tools To Cut Thin Sheet Metal

For a reference on gauge thickness see our gauge chart.

Tools to cut thin sheet metal. You can cut mild steel up to about 3 8 in. Power slicing is one advanced and effective way to cut items from sheet metal. These photo steps show that it can be done using a utility knife. It may not be an obvious choice but fitted with the right blade a circular saw is a great metal cutting tool.

Aviation snips and tin snips are a common method of cutting thin sheet metal for hobbyists. But you don t have to be a tinsmith to cut sheet metal successfully. These tools are good for cutting soft sheet metals such as tin aluminum and brass. And the most frequently used tool in this regard is the best quality electric nibblers.

These problems are common for those of us who don t work with sheet metal every day. Red for left green for. You probably wont find snips which are capable of cutting above 18 gauge mild steel. Commonly known as aviation snips or tinsnips these scissor like tools are great for cutting soft sheet metals such as tin aluminum brass and thin gauge 24 gauge or thinner steel.

Cut metal with your circular saw. The edges are sharp the cutoffs are stiff and get in the way the snips bind or you just can t seem to negotiate the curve. Clamp the sheet metal in place on your work table to hold it in place while you work. Depending on the cut shape you ll use left cut right cut or straight snips typically indicated by the handle color.

Electric nibblers can be used both as an electronic tool and a stand alone air tool. Tin snips are primarily used for cutting thin sheet metal like tin aluminum brass and thin gauge stainless steel. Align the snips with the line you want to cut with the upper blade of the tin snips touching the sheet metal. Cutting sheet metal with snips can be tricky and frustrating.

Double headed sheet metal nibbler cutter lichamp drill attachment nibbler metal cutting double head 360 degree 5 pcs tool set with iron tool box for workshop home diy and car repair 4 2 out of 5 stars 100. In our test it cut through rebar like a hot knife through butter. If you use metal shears to cut thin sheet metal such as duct metal it curls and can be difficult to flaten properly.