Cutting Aluminum Gutter Downspout

Cut all the way through at a consistent speed.

Cutting aluminum gutter downspout.

To cut the aluminum you can use a metal cutting blade with the jigsaw. Wear protective glasses and gloves and keep all loose jewelry hair etc. Opt for a workbench and clamps for extra stability. Crimp three times across both long edges and twice on the narrow sides.

For cutting any kind of sheet metal tubing the weapon of choice. Crimp one end of the downspout crimp one end of the short length of downspout with a special sheet metal crimper. Repeat the process for additional cuts. This video is about helpful hints cutting the downspout.

This video is about helpful hints cutting the downspout. Once you have marked the correct length on the downspout lay it down on a flat surface that has the proper clearance for cutting. Sheet metal pros use double cut tin snips either hand type or electric depending on work at hand. Then work the tin snips through the downspout and cut along the line until you ve completely cut through the downspout.

When using a jigsaw as with any saw follow all proper safety precautions. This method doesn t produce the cleanest results. Cut up the corner to your closest measurement mark. Plug in the saw and squeeze the trigger button.

There is simply no other way to make a nice clean cut in the middle of a 4 water heater vent for example or the downspout tubing in your case. If you re using tin snips you ll want to use one of shears to poke a hole in the downspout along the line you ve marked when you measured. This is the thing that connects the gutter and downspout together so it is important that it is placed correctly and securely. Because aluminum is soft and very pliable the cutting should be very easy and smooth.

Don t rush into cutting and maintain the cutting line straight. With the three blades on the inside of the tube hold the crimper against the inside corner of the tube and squeeze. Begin your cut at one corner on the end you wish to make your cut. On the bottom of the gutter itself take a pencil or marker and trace the outline of a sleeve.

Now that you ve finished cutting the old downspout is ready to be replaced. Step 2 drill four holes in each corner of the outline you made of the sleeve drill one hole. Cut the downspout with your tin snips. Away from the cutting area to prevent injury.