How to Cut Metal Ducting

Metal ducting has become one of the most popular and reliable options for HVAC systems in both residential and commercial environments. The right HVAC system can be a game-changer for those looking to improve the temperature of their premises, and this is why metal ducting has become such an important priority. It is strong, durable, and can withstand high temperatures, making it the ideal choice for heating and cooling systems.

The thing is, the installation and maintenance of metal ducting can prove to be a challenge, and this is something you need to be experienced in before trying it. So, it is important to try to make sure you understand how this works, and what you can do to make it work for you. There are so many things that will help you when it comes to trying to cut metal ducting effectively, and this blog post will seek to explore the best ways of doing this, as well as the tools you’ll need, and how to simplify the process.

What is Metal Ducting?

Metal ducting is a ventilation system that is used to transport air from one location to another, helping to heat or cool a building. It is commonly made from some form of galvanised steel, aluminium, or stainless steel (or a combination), and is available in an array of different shapes and sizes.

Among the key things metal ducting is known for is its durability and longevity, not to mention its resistance to fire. Metal ducting is long-lasting and durable, and this makes it the perfect choice for HVAC systems across the country, which is why it is so commonplace.

Reasons You Might Need to Cut Metal Ducting

There are plenty of reasons why you could need to cut metal ducting, and it is important to understand what these are. Here are a few of the key reasons to be cutting metal ducting:

Installation: When looking to install a new HVAC system, you may need to cut the metal ducting to ensure it fits into the required space.
Maintenance: Over time, you will find that metal ducting may become damaged or work, and this may result in the need to cut or replace it in order to help improve airflow.
Modification: It might be necessary to change the layout of your HVAC system, and this means making modifications, which you can achieve by cutting your metal ducting.

Cutting Metal Ducting Requires Specialised Tools

If you are serious about wanting to cut metal ducting, you’re going to need to use specialise tools. This is going to prove to be a more complex process than cutting plastic ducting, and you need to make sure you have the right tools for the job. Here are some of the key tools that you will need to be able to cut metal ducting in the best and most accurate way possible.

Aviation snips: Aviation snips are an important tool in helping with this, as they are a scissor-type tool that can be used to cut through metal ducting, and you can choose from straight snips or offset snips.
Duct cutters: Duct cutters are great as they are specially designed to be able to cut through metal ducting in the best possible way, using a ratcheting mechanism.
Circular saw: A circular saw is effective, but best used for larger cuts, as opposed to the smaller and more intricate ones.
Angle grinder: An angle grinder with a metal cutting blade is a great way of being able to cut through large sections of metal ducting, and this can be very effective.

How to Properly Cut Round Duct (Rigid)

Being able to properly cut round metal ducting effectively is super important for being able to provide and secure the right kind of ducting for your property. Cutting round it can be challenging depending upon the tools you are using, and these are some steps that might help to make the process easier.

Mark the cutting line – Use a pencil or marker pen to mark the line where you wish to cut the metal ducting
Make a small cut – Making a small cut at the beginning of the cutting process is going to make things much simpler.
Keep pressure on the snips – When you cut round ducting, it is much easier to keep pressure on the snips, as this prevents the metal from bending or kinking.
Use offset snips – When trying to cut round rigid ducting, the curves can prove to be a pain, and this why you need to use offset snips as they are designed to cut curves more easily.
Smooth out the edges – After you cut the metal ducting, you can use a metal file or some sandpaper to smooth out the rougher edges.

Offset Snips

Offset snips are a great tool used for cutting curves and circles in metal ducting, and as such can prove to be an invaluable tool for the future. The unique design allows them to cut at an angle, which makes it easy to cut curves without bending or damaging the metal ducting, and this is so important.

Health & Safety

When you are cutting metal ducting, it is important to ensure you are following the right kinds of health and safety procedures that will help you to prevent injury and accidents. Determining whether metal ducts are better than other kinds of ducts largely depends on the approach you take to using them, and this tends to involve your health and safety processes.

Round Ductwork Installation Tips

There is a lot to think about when you are looking to effectively install round ductwork, and this is something you need to make sure you plan in advance. Understanding the best and most stress-free approach to helping you achieve this is really important, and there are plenty of things that will help you here.

According to a report by BRE Group, fires spread to HVAC systems easily, and this is why it is important to take care that the proper installation steps are taken. Here are some of the tips that you can use to help you install your ducts effectively to make sure you ensure proper airflow:

Correct Sizing

It is important to make sure you choose the correct size ductwork for your HVAC system in order to help ensure proper airflow as much as possible.

Correct Connectors

When you are trying to connect round ductwork, it is important to try to make sure you ensure a secure and airtight fit, especially if you are going for thermal ducting. This is an important part of the process when it comes to making the right decisions, and can help you in a lot of ways.

Sealing Tape

Sealing tape is also super important to think about when creating an airtight seal, which is the key for preventing metal ductwork growing mould, and creating long-term issues as a result.

Closing Thoughts

Cutting metal ductwork can prove to be a daunting and complex task, and the more you can do to simplify this process, the better. It is important to always choose the right tools for any job, and this is so different. When you are cutting curved sections, the approach needs to be more measured than when you’re cutting straight sections, and this is why you need the best possible equipment to help you with this.

Aluminium ducting is better than plastic in a lot of ways, but you need to make sure you can properly cut and service this ducting effectively. One of the best ways of being able to do this is to make sure you prepare the right tools, and make sure you make the most of this as much as you can.