Cutting Tools for siding
Even if you plan on siding a very small area of a building, you will still need to cut panels and fittings. In order to perform cutting correctly, not to injure yourself and not spoil the material, you need not only to have a tool in stock, but also to know the basic rules for handling it.
1. Electric jigsaw.
This is the first tool you’ll need if you’re dealing with metal siding. The cutting part in the jigsaw is a metal cutting blade with fine teeth.
To prevent the siding from deforming during cutting, you need to perform this operation on a solid work surface. Work should be started at the minimum speed of the tool so that the surface does not break and melt, which can happen if you immediately turn on the high speed.
2. Hacksaw for metal.
If you don’t have a jigsaw at your disposal, you can use this tool as well. It is well suited for cutting steel and aluminum siding, but, of course, you have to spend many times more time and effort on it. For cutting vinyl siding, provided no more tools are available, a metal hacksaw can be used, but generally not desirable. If it so happens that there is no other way out, you need to be very careful: when making non-smooth movements or if the cutting surface stands at an angle, the edges of the vinyl siding can easily crumble or crack.
3. Scissors for cutting metal.
Despite the name, this tool can cut not only panels made of metal, but also vinyl ones. Work should be carried out only at an air temperature above zero, or indoors. To prevent the edges of vinyl panels from crumbling during the cutting process, it is recommended not to close the ends of the scissors to the end, and also start cutting from the side of the lower edge.
4. Bulgarian.
It is the most suitable tool for performing siding cutting. When using it, subject to skillful handling, the work will be done quickly and efficiently.
Please note that safety precautions should always be observed when cutting siding panels:
- make sure you know how to handle the tool that is available;
- be extremely careful and concentrated while working;
- always use safety glasses and work gloves.
Make and follow the marks on the panel before starting the cut. If you have never dealt with the above tools before, it is better not to start work alone. Your own safety and health are more valuable than the money saved on it.
