How to Cut Tin

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

There a couple of reasons why you might want to cut tin. The most common involves putting new siding on your home or fixing your roof. Before you begin, it is crucial to put on both heavy duty gloves and protective eye wear. You may also want to wear a mask to protect your face, and earplugs to protect your hearing. [1]

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Resizing Tin Siding

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/33\/Cut-Tin-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-Tin-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/33\/Cut-Tin-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid9439466-v4-728px-Cut-Tin-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Set up a flat work area that is large enough to set your siding down flat. For best results, use a work table that is about waist height for you. [2]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/12\/Cut-Tin-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-Tin-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/12\/Cut-Tin-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid9439466-v4-728px-Cut-Tin-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Each panel of tin siding will be hung vertically. Ideally, you will select panels that match the height and width of your building. However, you will need to trim the panels that hang over doors, windows, or other obstructions. Follow a blueprint, or measure these obstructions manually. Write down your measurements.
    • Standard lengths for tin panels are 8 feet (240 cm), 10 feet (300 cm), and 12 feet (370 cm).
    • The most common widths are 36 inches (91 cm) and 26 inches (66 cm).
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d3\/Cut-Tin-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-Tin-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d3\/Cut-Tin-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid9439466-v4-728px-Cut-Tin-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use a tape measure to mark the places you will need to trim your tin panels. Measure each intended cut in 3 different spots. Make small marks on the siding with a permanent marker. Use a carpenter's square or flat piece of wood to make a straight line. [3]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Cut-Tin-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-Tin-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Cut-Tin-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid9439466-v4-728px-Cut-Tin-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You need to create a small window of space under your siding in order to cut a straight line. You can do this by sliding a 2 x 4 (also called a 45 x 90 mm) underneath your siding panel. Position the wood so that it is parallel to where you plan to cut, about 2 inches (5.1 cm) away from your marks.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Cut-Tin-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-Tin-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Cut-Tin-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid9439466-v4-728px-Cut-Tin-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Secure the siding with your non-dominant hand. Carefully slide your sheet metal shears across the siding, so that it intersects the measurements you made. Tin siding is not perfectly flat. Try to maintain a straight line as you move across ridges in the siding. [4]
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/49\/Cut-Tin-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-Tin-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/49\/Cut-Tin-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/aid9439466-v4-728px-Cut-Tin-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you have a circular saw at home, you can use this instead of sheet metal shears, following the same method. First, attach a specialty blade for cutting tin (available at most hardware stores), then carefully run the saw across your siding. This will leave a jagged edge. Run a deburring tool over the jagged edge to help smooth it out. [5]
    • Using a circular saw on tin siding can be very dangerous. Do not attempt this unless you have experience with circular saws.
    7. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Trimming Tin Roofing

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9c\/Cut-Tin-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-Tin-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9c\/Cut-Tin-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid9439466-v4-728px-Cut-Tin-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Measure your roof and figure out how many sheets of tin to buy. Standard lengths for tin roofing are 8 feet (240 cm), 10 feet (300 cm), and 12 feet (370 cm). The most common widths are 36 inches (91 cm) and 26 inches (66 cm), but other possibilities include 24 inches (61 cm) and 39 inches (99 cm).
    • The width of tin roofing is measured straight across the top of the sheet. It does not consider the peaks and valleys of the corrugated material.
    • Remember that each sheet will need to overlap by several inches.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/95\/Cut-Tin-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-Tin-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/95\/Cut-Tin-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/aid9439466-v4-728px-Cut-Tin-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you choose the right size roofing, you should only need to cut the material to make space for chimneys, vents, and any other obstructions. Unless you have a blueprint for your house, someone will need to climb onto the roof and physically measure these items.
    • Ask a friend to hold your ladder.
    • Stay close to the roof when moving around.
    • Avoid doing this during bad weather, or on a very windy day.
    • Write down these measurements right away, so you won't forget.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a9\/Cut-Tin-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-Tin-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a9\/Cut-Tin-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/aid9439466-v4-728px-Cut-Tin-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    After you have the measurements for any obstructions, lay 1 sheet of tin roofing down on a flat worktable that is large enough to accommodate it. Use care when handling the tin. Tin roofing is very flexible, and it can be easily damaged. [6]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cc\/Cut-Tin-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-Tin-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cc\/Cut-Tin-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/aid9439466-v4-728px-Cut-Tin-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Label the location of chimneys, vents, and any other obstructions directly on the tin. Use a permanent marker and either a 2 x 4 (45 x 90 mm) or a carpenter’s square to draw straight lines. Draw these lines on both sides of the tin to help ensure straight cuts. [7]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Cut-Tin-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-Tin-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Cut-Tin-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/aid9439466-v4-728px-Cut-Tin-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Tin snips are a good choice because they are designed for cutting soft metals. With tin snips, you will move slowly, so you are unlikely to make mistakes. Stabilize the tin roofing with your non-dominant hand. Place the tin snips around the bit of tin you want to cut, and then squeeze down firmly. Move forward, and repeat. [8]
    • Right-hand tin snips can be used to cut tin when the “waste tin” (the tin you won’t be using) will be on the right side of the cutting line. Right-hand snips are also used to make a curve that runs counterclockwise.
    • Left-hand tin snips are used when the waste tin is on the left side of the cut line. Left-hand snips are also used to makes curves that run clockwise.
    • Center snips (also called straight cut tin snips) can be used to make straight cuts. Center snips cannot be used for curves.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Cut-Tin-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-Tin-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Cut-Tin-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/aid9439466-v4-728px-Cut-Tin-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Nibblers are special attachments for electric drills. Nibblers are great for cutting both curves and straight lines in tin roofing. They are especially useful for cutting around objects like vent pipes. Stabilize the tin with your non-dominant hand. Carefully move your nibbler across the tin. [9]
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Cut-Tin-Step-13-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-Tin-Step-13-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Cut-Tin-Step-13-Version-2.jpg\/aid9439466-v4-728px-Cut-Tin-Step-13-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A circular saw can be used to cut tin roofing, but this is not recommended unless you are extremely experienced with using a circular saw. It can be very easy to make jagged cuts, damage the roofing, or get injured. If you do use a circular saw, you need to use specialty blades intended for use on tin roofing. [10]
    • The only real benefit to using a circular saw is that you may already have one. Instead of purchasing new tools, you would only need a new blade.
    8. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Things You’ll Need

      • 2 x 4 foot (45 x 90 mm) board, 8 feet (2,400 mm) long
      • Tape measure
      • Permanent marker
      • Protective eyewear
      • Work gloves
      • Face mask
      • Ear plugs
      • Sheet-metal shears
      • Tin snips (possibly more than one type)
      • Nibbler
      • Tin siding
      • Tin roofing

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Cut Aluminum
      How to
      File Metal
      How to
      Bend Sheet Metal
      How to
      Bend Rebar
      10 Tips to Drill through Metal
      Easiest and Fastest Ways to Cut Copper Pipe to the Right Length
      How to
      Quickly Rust Metal, Including Steel and Iron
      How to
      Connect Metal Without Soldering
      How to
      Bend Aluminum with Your Hands or a Press
      How to
      Change the Color of Metal with Paint, Heat, or Dyeing
      How to
      Cut Corrugated Metal
      How to
      Blue Steel
      How to
      Quickly Turn Copper Darker
      How to
      Make Copper Look Aged
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.weekand.com/home-garden/article/cut-tin-siding-18018509.php
      2. ↑ https://www.weekand.com/home-garden/article/cut-tin-siding-18018509.php
      3. ↑ https://www.weekand.com/home-garden/article/cut-tin-siding-18018509.php
      4. ↑ https://www.weekand.com/home-garden/article/cut-tin-siding-18018509.php
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygTWo4hAud8
      6. ↑ https://www.weekand.com/home-garden/article/way-cut-tin-roofing-18064661.php
      7. ↑ https://www.weekand.com/home-garden/article/way-cut-tin-roofing-18064661.php
      8. ↑ https://www.weekand.com/home-garden/article/way-cut-tin-roofing-18064661.php
      9. ↑ https://www.weekand.com/home-garden/article/way-cut-tin-roofing-18064661.php
      1. ↑ https://www.weekand.com/home-garden/article/way-cut-tin-roofing-18064661.php

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 30,101 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement