Cutting downspouts

[timothyv]

Hi all,

I'm installing some rain barrels, which requires me to cut an opening in my downspouts and insert a rainwater diverter. I did one of these last weekend and it was a complete pain (got it to work though). I was using a metal-cutting saw. Any recommendations on alternative tools for a job like this? I was thinking maybe metal-cutting shears of some kind. The issue is that I have to cut the gutter while it's affixed to the side of the house....Appreciate any advice, mainly just wondering what's the best tool for the job...

-Tim

[pushkins]

Hacksaw with a good fine tooth blade (24 + teeth).
A reciprocating saw is ideal but you need someone to hold the downspout while your doing it otherwise you'll mangle to downspout.

[HayZee518]

saws

an electrical supplier would have a finer tooth saw - i.e. 32 tpi like for cutting emt conduit.
better yet go to a hardware store and get a pair of snips that remove an eighth inch strip of metal as it cuts.
it is primarily used by tin knockers when they cut into a plenum or cut circular pipe.
they also make tin snips that cut "to the right" and "to the left" as well as straight on.

[timothyv]

Thanks to both of you for the recommendations. The snips sound like they could be easier to manage for an amateur like me, I might try those out...

an electrical supplier would have a finer tooth saw - i.e. 32 tpi like for cutting emt conduit.
better yet go to a hardware store and get a pair of snips that remove an eighth inch strip of metal as it cuts.
it is primarily used by tin knockers when they cut into a plenum or cut circular pipe.
they also make tin snips that cut "to the right" and "to the left" as well as straight on.