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Posted by on October 22, 2007, 8:43 am
On Sun, 21 Oct 2007 20:41:31 -0400, "BETA-32"
>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.
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Posted by hallerb@aol.com on October 22, 2007, 9:11 am
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
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Posted by Phil-In-Mich. on October 22, 2007, 10:40 am
>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
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Posted by RickH on October 22, 2007, 11:54 am
> 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.
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Posted by Jim Yanik on October 22, 2007, 1:08 pm
> 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
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