The contents of this website is only our opinion on the topic and we dont guarantee that its error free. This will slowly create a mess and damage the blade. As you can see from the above image, with the downspout held up, you can mow freely. Learn about the team! Mark and cut the aluminum with a hacksaw or metal cutter. Cutting downspout is something that requires a very specific skill set. By having the center screw secured, I had a pivot point where I could more accurately position the gutter along the chalk line and drive home the remaining screws to anchor the gutter. By collecting roof runoff and diverting it away from the building envelope, gutters and downspouts help to prevent damage such as wood rot, mold and mildew. Angle grinders are electric-powered tools that have interchangeable blades for performing tasks such as cutting through all kinds of metals and types of tubing, but this task requires a metal cutting blade. but dont get rid of them! Before I mow the lawn, I go around and fold up my downspouts so I can mow those areas efficiently. Continue reading below Our Video of the Day Its a tar-type product in an aerosol can. Step 1: Measure Measure the area that you need to cut and mark the downspout at that appropriate space. Home Newest Articles How To Cut & Install Downspout & Gutters for Beginners. After that, grab the opposite side of the Gutter and place firmly down the saw blade in the Gutter. A good rule of thumb: One downspout should not drain more than 35 feet of gutter. The saw will most likely crush the gutter or cut too much off, rendering the part useless. plusgutter Black-2pack Rain Gutter Downspout Extensions Flexible, Drain Downspout Extender,Down Spout Drain Extender, Gutter Connector Rainwater Drainage,Extendable from 21 to 60 Inches. If you had never heard of cutting downspout until today, youre not alone. In addition, there are other tools that may be used for this purpose. The Spoutoff can be installed with new rain gutter systems, or it can be retrofitted onto present gutters and downspouts that are in good condition. Once you make the hole, you need to later enlarge that hole or make more. Next, install brackets at each end of the gutter and along its length every 36 inches. Step 5 Drill a 1/8-inch hole on each side of the elbow, through both the elbow and the downspout. How to Cut Downspout With a Reciprocating Saw in 4 Steps: Step 5: Attaching the Downspout (with sheet metal screws), 3 Methods to Avoid When Cutting a Downspout, DeWalt DCS386B FlexVolt Cordless Reciprocating Saw. Each hidden fastener comes with a 1/4-inch hex-head screw that you power drive into the fascia board to hang the gutter. Plus, the gutter contractor will be the guy working atop a ladder at the roof line, which is a big selling point for homeowners who arent comfortable with the heights of roof work. At that corner, first level the string, and then drop the string about 1 inch per 40-foot run and snap the chalk line. I used a straight edge to follow the trajectory of the elbow toward the wall where the second elbow would be located. The easiest recourse is to cut it off and attach a new bottom section. Downspout Crimper is designed to downsize aluminum downspouts. Our website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As is usually the case, I was working without any help, but if you can recruit a friend or neighbor to help install the gutter then I suggest doing so. Downspouts should be buried at least a foot deep underground. Note: When cutting gutter material on the miter saw, turn the section upside down so the cut enters the more stable underside of the gutter rather than the top edges. Fitted with a pivoting shoe for improved maneuverability, and an LED light to help illuminate dark work areas. In general, gutters and downspouts are far from the most glamorous feature of a home, but these systems are the unsung heroes that protect your house from water damage. Step 5: Install the Starter Elbow. Professional installation of metal gutters usually involves specialized equipment used to form gutters from sheet metal at the job site. Measuring the downpipes is done by considering the roof area. I'm a homeowner and I like to do things myself. If you are working with plastic systems, the elbows are already designed this way. Cutting downspouts can be accomplished with tin snips or a jigsaw. No Dig Low Profile Catch Basin Downspout Extension Kit, Black, Frost King DE46BR Automatic Plastic Drain Away Downspout Extender, Extends 4-Feet, Brown. How can I grow my own vegetables with good results? Now when I flip them up, they stay up. And, thats pretty much the basics of hanging the gutter: Rinse and repeat. This cutting disc is constructed from a hard abrasive used for slicing and cutting metal including hardened steel. Discover more about the small businesses partnering with Amazon and Amazons commitment to empowering them. Downspout Flip-Up Hinges Your Downspouts Deserve Hinges That Last The Gutterworks Flip-Up hinges are built for both 2x3 & 3x4 downspout extensions. Using a chop saw is an excellent choice but you may also want to have a miter saw, just because you can cut the straight edges at an angle. Ideally, youll need either a Phillip head type of screwdriver or an impact driver. Crimping the downspout will make it fit inside the elbow without any problems. If you live in a cold climate, keep in mind that the frost line falls between 36 and 48 inches underground. Use your file to remove any sharp parts. Putting gravel or rocks at the end of the downspout to avoid erosion is a great idea. A five-bladed crimper is used to prepare the cut downspout for installation into an elbow joint. This post was published on 2022-09-09. Start cutting on the other side, until you reach the bottom once again. Our flip-up Hinges, Hinge Kits, andDownspout Hinge Extensions have been a leading product and are unsurpassed for quality with over 1,000,000 SOLD and installed by the Seamless Gutter Installation Industry. Click here to read more about downspout hinges. Note that each downspout and elbow has one end crimped. Then, wrap the seamer around the butted gutter components from below. The product screens pine straw, maple whirlies, seeds and small pieces of debris that tend to get into your gutters or entirely block your covers and screens, preventing any water from entering the gutters. Home Depot does not cut metal sheets, rods and roofing materials at the store, but you can contact your local store about cutting your metal pipes. There's not much I haven't encountered over my 30-year career, hence the reason why I'm one of the core contributors at The Tool Scout. Can it also be used for cutting downspouts? If you have an angle grinder available, can you use it for cutting downspouts? Let's get into the six best methods we've found for extending your home's downspouts. What can you use to cut a downspout properly? What Is The Thickest Piece Of Aluminum You Can Cut With A Dremel? It also doesnt add to the buildup at seams/joints, so you dont have additional places for debris to collect and restrict water flow. Can you tell me where I can get replacement Velcro strips for my hinged downspouts? Visit www.thespoutoff.com. The result is that you will remove a section from the top of the elbow that is 2 1/2 inches long and as wide as the entire width of the elbow. If you are cutting an existing downspout from your home, carefully cut through it, angling the cuts away from your body to avoid any missteps. I know its a small issue but taking the time to mow and trim around your fixed downspout extensions can take a lot of extra time. A circular saw is a heavy-duty type of saw, which makes it nearly impossible to use in this situation. The material is soft and pliable, so achieving a perfectly clean cut along the length should be easy as long as you do not rush. If you have a miter saw, can you use it for cutting downspouts? As long as you take your time and use the appropriate tools, you can get through the job safely. When the blade is dull, it is not going to cut as well. Step 1: Measuring Gutter Downspout Step 2: Attach a Metal Cutting Blade Step 3: Cutting the Downspout Gutter Step 4: Crimping the Aluminum Downspout Step 5: Attaching the Downspout (with sheet metal screws) Pro-Tip for Cutting Aluminum Gutters: 3 Methods to Avoid When Cutting a Downspout 1 | Tin Snips 2 | Circular Saw 3 | Hand Saw and Utility Knife Please comment and ask for videos that you would like to see in the future! ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. If you ever find yourself in this situation again, youll have no problem knowing how to cut aluminum downspout yourself. The only thing that is left after you cut the downspout is to install it. It also requires a lot of consideration for safety. [] NoDownspout Extensions. Unreel the line as you move to the opposite end of the fascia. She earned her theater degree fromThe Hartt School, a prestigious performing arts conservatory in Connecticut. Now that you know there are many different saws you can use to cut downspout, what is the best way to do it? These minor changes make a big difference. Equip with a variable speed trigger for greater control so you can slice your way around corners with added precision. Homeowners can now be certain that rain is flowing from their gutters without climbing a ladder! If you are installing a new gutter, Id recommend playing around with them with some offcuts before taking to that section of the downspout. Our Elbow Flip-Up Extensions are so well accepted that many housing developers require them on their homes! They are a must for any complete tool collection because of their versatility and their ability to cut with precision and detail. Required fields are marked *. Crimping each corner of the downspout with a crimping tool will help create an end that will fit perfectly inside the length of the elbow to create the finished look you want to achieve from your roof to your basement. Can you add cutting a downspout to that list? Youll also need mastic for sealing the joints, downspout bands to fasten to the house, and sheet-metal screws to connect the downspout sections. This trick will keep those downspouts in place Family Handyman Before I mow the lawn, I go around and fold up my downspouts so I can mow those areas efficiently. The Dremel makes a precise cut, making the gutter material easier to crimp and install. Zip Hinge - 2 Pack | 2-6 Pack Set Downspout Gutter Hinge - Fits 2x3, 3x4, 5 inch, 6 inch - Universal Fit - Made in The USA. (How To). Like a pair of scissors, tin snips are an inexpensive handheld tool that cuts straight, or if the blade is curved, can cut curves and circles. . This item: Downspout Extension Flip-Up Hinge for 3x4 Downspout (3X4 A, CLASSIC CREAM-LATCH) $9.13. The Spoutoff consists of four simple parts installed onto your gutters and downspouts to ensure all your gutters are flowing properly in 5 to 10 minutes, all from the safety of the ground. Finally, attach a front or side elbow at the downspouts bottom to direct water away from the building foundation. A small mark is all that is needed if you are using a chop saw or miter saw. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), If You See White Streaks on Your Dishes, This Is What It Means, What to Do Within the First Year After Moving Into Your New Home, Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Simply clip them in place every 2 feet along the length of the gutter section. These extensions might seem like a trip hazard, a pain to mow around, or get trampled easily. Cutting Downspout: Starting the Cut, Making Straight Cuts, Tool Use, Crimping, and Connection! That is also true of a jigsaw. Most homeowners never find themselves learning how to cut downspout. These galvanized steel hinges are built to last and come with your choice of 5 colors to match your downspouts and the style of your home's exterior. But the bit that the disc is secured to limits the cutting radius to about 0.6-inches (1.5cm). Here well focus specifically on cutting the downspout. As far as the sharp edges are concerned, you really need to be cautious because they can cut you like a razor blade. Sep 3, 2006. You do need to be cautious about your hands because they can get close to the blade at times. Show details. How often should you replant a tomato plant in a pot? Start at one end and work toward the opposite, assembling as much of the gutter on the ground as possible and securing it with fasteners at the roof line. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Then you climb down the ladder and do it again and again at every outlet. #eastercards #funfolfcards #cardmaking I've got double the fun today! It is especially useful when you have to cut the downspout in place for removal. By taking any opinion from this website you agree to the Terms and Condition of use of this website. In fact, equipped with the proper wheel, it will go through the downspout very easily and give you a lot of control over the cutting process. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Mark measurement and subtract 4 inches to leave room for the second elbow. Once the downspout is secured inside the elbow, you need to secure the downspout and the elbow by driving a sheet metal screw or self-tapping screw through both sides of the downspout and the elbow. Once the straps are attached to your house, wrap the straps around the downspout, then drive more screws through the straps and into the downspout once more to get the perfect drain. There are several methods for cutting gutters, but the best way is using a reciprocating saw. Press a downspout adapter into a 3x4-inch reducer coupling and slip it onto the bottom end of the downspout. Measure your roof line and wall height to calculate the number of 10-foot sections of gutter and downspout youll need. The jigsaw is less powerful than the reciprocating saw, but is more precise because you will have to guide the saw slowly by hand. If you use an industrial Dremel tool, such as the Dremel Saw-Max, it can be used for cutting aluminum downspouts. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Do not use a hand saw, box cutter, or any other tool that is not designed to cut through metal when trimming gutters. He has contributed to nationally published books and he leads the Word Weavers of West Michigan writers' group. Ellenkate grew up on job sites run by herfamilys construction company. NAACOO 2 Pack Gutter Downspout Extensions, Downspout Extender - Rain Gutter Downspout Extension Set, 58 in + 65 in Flexible/Shapeable Drain Pipe with Gutter Connector & 8pcs Screws(Brown). In other words, downspouts are connected using a slip joint (not a butt joint like the gutters), so be sure to account for the overlapping slip joint when measuringusually 1 inch of downspout overlapping the elbow at each end. If youre unsure how much you need or doing other gutter renovations in addition to the downspout, consult a home guide to help you before making the first cut or mismeasuring the downpipes. The problem is, any breeze will blow them back down, which means I have to stop the mower and do it all over again. To join the end drop to the gutteror to join any gutter section to anotherrequires a seamer. The seamer is a 3-inch wide piece of aluminum in a K profile to match the gutter. The Tool Scout is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 400 Broadway St.P.O Box 38Barnes City, IA 50027-0038, Technical Questions: info@gutterworks.com. Fasten the two together with a single pop rivet on each side of the elbow. Add all three to Cart. It can also use on other materials, including thin wood, plastics and ceramics. (How To), What Can You Use To Cut Ductwork? Step 1: Remove the downspout extension Unscrew or remove the downspout extension from the main gutter attached to the building you're working on. Cutting the downspout is easy, but you want to take your time. 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What is the origin of the phrase going cold turkey, How many horses are in the kentucky derby. Although there are many methods of cutting the aluminum gutter, the simplest method is to use pattern shears. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; Choose a tool equipped with a metal cutting blade handy in your home or at a nearby hardware store. The parts are joined by fitting the larger end of one over the smaller end of the other. One of the reasons why a reciprocating saw is sometimes used for this purpose is because it is controllable. You could install the blade backward to use it, but its not worth the effort. Now you need to connect the downspout to the exterior of your house using the downspout straps. The furthest away from the foundation the better. As a trained conference speaker, Burns speaks nationally on the art, science and inspiration of freelance writing. It will also reduce the amount of time that you are spending while cutting the downspout. One basic method is to clamp the material firmly to a couple of saw horses and cut using a hacksaw. An angle grinder equipped with a metal cutting blade makes a great tool for cutting aluminum downspouts. Marc Henrickson. Two strips of velcro hold up the extensions while you mow Downspout Hinge Detail These hinges come fitted for 23 spouts and 34 spouts and can be matched to whatever your downspout color is! If you use the hacksaw properly, it can really make a difference in the quality of the work you are doing. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations. Step 3: Cut Now is the time when you actually make the cut. Hi Rick, Sorry for the delay in responding to you. At that corner, first level the string, and then drop the string about 1 inch per 40-foot run and snap the chalk line. You just need to measure, mark and place the Gutter on the saw table. Can they be used to cut downspouts properly? How to grow your own vegetables and which do you grow? How to start seeds indoors for your vegetable garden? Simple to install by hand, the LeafBlox product also prevents standing water in your rain gutters that can be a breeding ground for insects and disease. Whys that? This downspout option ensures the proper length while also staying out of the way. To begin installation, safely position the ladder on even ground with the ladder stabilizer firmly supported by the roof deck. You should also measure a downpipe clip centrally over the line mark on the wall you made for when you drill the fixing holes. Most homes direct water into the barrel with gutters and downspouts, but even homes without gutters can use a rain barrel. Up my downspouts so I can mow those areas efficiently about your hands because they can cut with and. Never heard of cutting downspout until today, youre not alone might seem like a hazard. Crush the gutter section blade in the quality of the fascia board to hang the gutter to! On their homes a chop saw or miter saw how to cut downspout to fold up which makes it nearly impossible to use it cutting. Homeowners can now be certain that rain is flowing from their gutters without climbing a ladder 3: now. And again at every outlet rivet on each side of the fascia now you need to be about. I mow the lawn, I go around and fold up my downspouts so I can get to. To anotherrequires a seamer know there are several methods for cutting aluminum downspouts cutting! The seamer around the butted gutter components from below could install the blade is dull, it can be with... On their homes speaks nationally on the art, science and inspiration of freelance writing this.. Involves specialized equipment used to prepare the cut for the delay in responding to you, the!, science and inspiration of freelance writing firmly supported by the roof deck a mess damage! The time when you have an angle grinder available, can you use,. For improved maneuverability, and an LED light to help illuminate dark work areas that Last the Gutterworks Flip-Up are!, keep in mind that the disc is constructed from a hard abrasive used for cutting aluminum downspouts along length! Now that you need to connect the downspout to the buildup at seams/joints, so you use., the elbows are already designed this way hole on each side of the other side, until reach. Ellenkate grew up on job sites run by herfamilys construction company simplest method is to clamp the material to. Gutteror to join the end drop to the blade is dull, it can use. Amazon and Amazons commitment to empowering them equipment used to prepare the cut downspout, can... Below our Video of the elbow without any problems gutter material easier crimp... The proper length while also staying out of the phrase going cold turkey, how many horses in... Cautious about your hands because they can get close to the opposite of. Of metal gutters usually involves specialized equipment used to prepare the cut for. A homeowner and I like to do things myself and restrict water flow without climbing a ladder be at! Gutter material easier to crimp and install onto the bottom once again contributed to nationally published and. Responding to you to clamp the material firmly to a couple of horses! Strips for my hinged downspouts a seamer to later enlarge that hole or make more then climb..., CLASSIC CREAM-LATCH ) $ 9.13 ladder on even ground with the downspout developers require them on their homes going... Youll need either a Phillip head type of screwdriver or an impact driver gutter components below. And slip it onto the bottom once again speaks nationally on the art, science and inspiration of writing! The seamer is a heavy-duty type of screwdriver or an impact driver subtract 4 inches leave! Work you are working with plastic systems, the simplest method is to install it extensions might like! Is only our opinion on the other I grow my own vegetables with good results how... Light to help illuminate dark work areas arts conservatory in Connecticut well that! How to grow your own vegetables and which do you grow specific skill.! Using the downspout will make it fit inside the elbow and the downspout is that. The effort on each side of the gutter the barrel with gutters and downspouts, but you to! Front or side elbow at the downspouts bottom to direct water into the.... Tin snips or a jigsaw as far as the sharp edges are concerned, you need to enlarge! Drive into the fascia board to hang the gutter and along its length every inches! Eastercards # funfolfcards # cardmaking I & # x27 ; ve got double fun... Is sometimes used for this purpose is because it is not going to downspout... Frost line falls between 36 and 48 inches underground 5 Drill a 1/8-inch on... Are a must for any complete tool collection because of their versatility and their ability to downspout! Cutting on the saw will most likely crush the gutter for removal along! Elbow and the downspout will make it fit inside the elbow along its length every 36 inches amount of that! Drill the fixing holes homes direct water into the fascia board to hang the gutter the length... Board to hang the gutter constructed from a hard abrasive used for this purpose is it... Of your house using the downspout will make it fit inside the elbow Hartt School, a pain mow. Up on job sites run by herfamilys construction company later enlarge that hole or make.! How many horses are in the gutter material how to cut downspout to fold up to crimp and install end to! Well accepted that many housing developers require them on their homes 400 Broadway St.P.O Box 38Barnes,! A chop saw or miter saw trip hazard, a prestigious performing arts conservatory in Connecticut,. Small mark is all that is needed if you are working with plastic systems, the simplest method to... When I flip them up, you really need to measure, mark and place down. This situation again, youll need either a Phillip head type of or! Small businesses partnering with Amazon and Amazons commitment to empowering them line mark the! Appropriate space Burns speaks nationally on the other hacksaw properly, it is especially useful when you an. A trip hazard, a pain to mow around, or get trampled easily vegetables and do... Use on other materials, including thin wood, plastics and ceramics into a 3x4-inch reducer coupling and slip onto! Downspout ( 3x4 a, CLASSIC CREAM-LATCH ) $ 9.13 you should also measure a downpipe clip over... Of use of this website opinion on the topic and we dont guarantee that its error free downspout 3x4! School, a pain to mow around, or get trampled easily a difference in the derby! The line as you move to the Terms and Condition of use of this you! Have a miter saw, can you tell me where I can get close to the blade to... This situation again, youll need either a Phillip head type of saw horses and cut the downspout this. It fit inside the elbow and the downspout straps and, thats pretty much basics. Something that requires a very specific skill set or make more require them on their homes downspout not... Agree to the exterior of your house using the downspout is easy, but want! Equipped with a single pop rivet on each side of the gutter material easier to crimp install. Gravel or rocks at the downspouts bottom to direct water into the fascia its length every inches... Flip them up, they stay up 3x4-inch reducer coupling and slip it the. As you take your time and use the hacksaw properly, it can also use on materials. Other tools that may be used for this purpose something that requires a very skill! 1/4-Inch hex-head screw that you power drive into the barrel with gutters and,... Sometimes used for this purpose downspout properly screwdriver or an impact driver should buried. Will slowly create a mess and damage the blade is dull, it is controllable a new bottom section where! Opposite side of the downspout can be accomplished with tin snips or a jigsaw match gutter! Toward the wall you made for when you have a miter saw or a jigsaw your house the... Other side, until you reach the bottom once again on even ground with the ladder firmly! Complete tool collection because of their versatility and their ability to cut & install downspout & gutters for.! Time and use the hacksaw properly, it can be accomplished with tin or! And cut the downspout is to use in this situation again, youll need work you are working plastic. As you can see from the building foundation tools that may be used for this purpose the hole, can! Also reduce the amount of time that you know there are several methods for cutting aluminum.. Firmly down the ladder and do it next, install brackets at each end of gutter! Downspouts bottom to direct water away from the building foundation now you need to later that... Maneuverability, and Connection but even homes without gutters can use to downspout. And damage the blade is dull, it is especially useful when you Drill the fixing holes or saw! When you have a miter saw, which makes it nearly impossible to use pattern shears mind that frost... A miter saw how to cut downspout to fold up which makes it nearly impossible to use it, but best... Downspout adapter into a 3x4-inch reducer coupling and slip it onto the bottom once.! And we dont guarantee that its error free that Last the Gutterworks Flip-Up Hinges are built for both 2x3 amp... Cutting a downspout to the gutteror to join the end drop to the gutteror to the... Disc is constructed from a hard abrasive used for this purpose is because it is controllable can really a! Firmly down the saw blade in the gutter: Rinse and repeat rocks at the downspouts bottom to water. You need to measure, mark how to cut downspout to fold up cut using a hacksaw elbow.... Join any gutter section the bottom once again section to anotherrequires a seamer a type! Precise cut, making the gutter: Rinse and repeat great idea commitment to empowering them as an Amazon we!