Before, it seemed to me that for cutting metal and other materials there is no better tool than a grinder. Installed a suitable disk and work as much as you need. I never doubted for a moment that I was doing the right thing. In addition, many of my friends use a grinder to cut corrugated board, metal sheets, etc. If you do this too, then be sure to read today's article.
It turns out that I, and my friends, and all those who cut profiled sheets with a grinder make a very gross mistake!
We can say that I "saw the light" about six months ago. At one of the sites, I worked in a team with an experienced builder. Sociable, good-natured person with whom it is good to work and talk.
Once during a break, we talked about metal tiles, its properties, pluses and minuses. I casually mentioned that I was cutting it with a grinder. The builder said with a sigh: "And you are there too." He began to explain why it is categorically impossible to do so. I heeded his words and now I want to convey this truth to you.
- Firstly, during cutting with a grinder, the top layer of the material deteriorates. For a metal tile, this is an extremely negative moment, because it is covered with an anti-corrosion layer. It turns out that I spoiled this coating all the time, reducing the operational life of the material.
- Secondly, sometimes the metal tile is covered with a layer of polymer. During the cutting process, many sparks fly that can melt the polymer coating. As a result, the material loses its original appearance. Also, its properties deteriorate, the service life decreases.
Naturally, I must also tell you how to cut the material. All from the same builder I learned what is best suited for these purposes special hacksaw. It leaves a perfectly even edge without waves, notches and burrs.
When you need to cut the metal tile not evenly, but to make a wavy or zigzag cut, the following tools will do:
- 1. Electric jigsaw (manual is also suitable). I must say right away that you will not be able to quickly cut off the material. Be patient to do everything carefully. But believe me, it is better to spend more time than to damage the top layer of the material that protects against corrosion. Save the protective layer - the material will last longer.
- 2. Electric scissors. I note that after working with this tool, chips and notches may remain on the material. But cutting metal tiles will turn out much faster than when working with a jigsaw.
For cutting profiled sheets, it is best to use a slotted tool. If you need an even cut along parallel lines, fit cutting scissors. Their convenience is that the sheets do not need to be bent. When sharp turns are encountered during cutting, it is also more convenient to use nibblers.
- 3. Drill. In this case, it is necessary to arm yourself with a special nozzle ("cricket"). If you have never done this before, then consider the previous two options. Cutting with a drill will be too difficult for you.
Protect metal roofing from corrosion
Even if you cut correctly, refuse to use a grinder, this does not give a 100% guarantee that rust will not affect the metal tile. I advise you to play it safe and process the material with paint, mastic, etc. There are quite a few tools for processing metal tiles and they are all effective.
I hope that this information will be useful to someone!
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