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There’s a few tools that will make your
job easier and quicker. Nothing too expensive but something
you’ll be glad you have for the job.
The tools described below are in addition
to the ones listed on the installation instructions of the
roofing material you have selected. Or in some cases, we thought
that pictures, some demonstrations and a brief “where
to buy” would be helpful to you.
Electric Metal Shears:
Cost is around
$200.00 and you can pick up one at www.dewalt.com or
at a local hardware/tool shop.
These are useful for cutting a panels
or shingle style materials.
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Nibbler Attachment:
Nibbler attachments
are a great device. They attach onto your electric drill
and therefore don’t run much money. We like the
one shown the right. Most nibblers will easily cut curves
as well as straight lines.
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Our Favorite Nibbler
Attachment:
This one attaches to your electric drill and has nice
deep throat to it. The deep throat enables it to easily
pass through any high ribbing on the panels. |
By Itself |
With Drill Attached |
Nibbler Cutting |
| Our favorite nibbler attachment
is a “Malco” TurboShear HD and is available
at www.northerntool.com/ for about $90.00 plus shipping. |
Blade Cutting:
| Sometimes
you can use a hand held grinder with an abrasive wheel
attachment or a circular saw with a ferrous cutting
blade. While they work fine, most panel manufacturers
do not recommend cutting panels with any sort of abrasive
wheel/blade because it allows for a place (the edges)
where corrosion can start. (Regardless, you’re
going to find a circular saw makes quick work of the
job.)
When using a ferrous cutting blade on a circular saw,
make sure you cut the panels from the underside because
the saw guides will undoubtedly scratch the finish of
the panels. They are available at most hardware stores
When using a blade cutting
technique, always use protective eye gear!. |
Cutting w/ a Grinder |
Cutting w/ a Circular Saw |
Metal Snips:
Good snips are a “must have” when
working with any type of metal roofing especially the trim
and flashing.
Home Depot or any decent hardware store will
have good quality metal snips you can buy for around $30 per
pair. There are snips that are best for right hand cuts and
ones best for left hand cuts. And of course, ones that are
best for straight cuts.
The arrows next to the tool pictures show which
direction the snip cuts best.
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