How to cut thin metal
Sarah Richards
Published Feb 27, 2026
Table of Contents
What can I use to cut thin metal?
An angle grinder fitted with an abrasive metal–cutting disc works well to cut all kinds of metal, including bolts, angle iron, rebar and even sheet metal. But the discs wear down quickly, cut slowly and shrink in diameter as you use them. Instead, we recommend using a diamond blade that’s rated to cut ferrous metal.How do you cut metal by hand?
How do you cut thin sheet metal at home?
Clamp the sheet metal in place on your work table to hold it in place while you work. Align the snips with the line you want to cut, with the upper blade of the tin snips touching the sheet metal. Tin snips are primarily used for cutting thin sheet metal like tin, aluminum, brass, and thin-gauge stainless steel.What is the best thing to cut metal with?
Tin Snips. 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. Tin snips are ideal for cutting soft metals like aluminum and copper, and are especially useful for cutting sheet metal, gutters, metal roofing, and studs.What is the best hacksaw blade for cutting metal?
For heavy-duty cutting jobs like steel reinforcing rod or pipe, an 18-teeth per inch blade would be the best choice. For a job that requires medium-duty cutting, like a thin wall electrical conduit, a 24-teeth per inch blade would do a better job.Will a hacksaw cut metal?
As a classic plumber’s tool, the hacksaw is primarily a tool for cutting metals, such as steel pipes or sheet metal, but it can also be very useful for cutting plastic pipes when you don’t have a specialty tool designed for that purpose.How thick of metal can a hacksaw cut?
How to cut metal with a hacksaw| Tpi (teeth per inch / 25mm of blade) | Suggested usage |
|---|---|
| 14 | Large profiles, aluminium, softer metals |
| 18 | General workshop projects |
| 24 | Steel plate up to 5/6mm thickness |
| 32 | Hollow sections and steel tubing |
Can a Sawzall cut metal?
Reciprocating saws can churn through metal, masonry, wood, plaster, fiberglass, stucco, composite materials, drywall and more. The key to a successful cut is using the right type of blade for the material you are cutting.Can a Dremel cut metal?
Dremel cutting accessories are ideal for cutting a variety of materials including metals, soft & hard woods, fiberglass, plastics & metals.Can I use a rotary tool to cut metal?
The quick answer to this question in a pinch is, yes, a rotary tool, such as the Black & Decker RTX1 or the Dremel range, do come with a cutting disc and grinding stones and can be used for cutting or grinding metal, rigid plastic, wood, composites, etc.What tools can be used to cut metal?
For those with a greater level of expertise in metal working, cutting torches are also an option for cutting metal.- The Hacksaw. The handheld hacksaw is perhaps the most traditional and familiar of all metal cutting saws.
- Cold Saw.
- Jig Saw.
- Band Saws.
- Torches.