How to Cut Metal Without Using Power Tools at Home

Whether you are a professional or a do-it-yourselfer, cutting metal requires knowledge, skills, and, most importantly, the right tools. There are two categories of tools: powered and non-powered. Depending on the kind of metal you need to cut, a variety of tools are available on the market. To start cutting metal at home, you must grasp the fundamentals of the tool.

We will go over the 5 best tools needed to cut metal at home without the use of power tools in this article. Remember to wear safety glasses while working or cutting metals.

5 Best Tools To Cut Metal at Home

1. Tin Snips

When cutting metal, tin snips are your first hand-tool-based alternative and one of the most widely available and reasonably priced. This device resembles scissors in appearance and use, but its razor-sharp jaws let you crimp and pierce sheet metal with a single, fluid action. Tin snips offer a lot of variety while being completely accurate and controllable throughout a cut.

One pair of tin snips is never enough because they are versatile. This is because many sheet metal cutting applications require curves. That would require left- and right-cutting tin snips.

Despite all of this, tin snips have one notable drawback. These instruments are useless if they become dull, which can happen fast if you use them frequently. As a result, if they are your only option for cutting a lot of sheet metal, you might find that you need to replace them frequently.

2. Utility Knife

For starters, this approach works well. It could be necessary to measure and indicate the location of the cuts. Be sure to use goggles to protect your eyes from flying metal fragments. Use the utility knife to score along the marked-up line while holding the ruler straight. To avoid any harm, apply gentle pressure and make a few marks at once. To get the desired point of failure, repeatedly bend the metal along the scored line.

3. Bench Shear

To make a secure workspace, bench shears are fixed to the workbench. Cutting off irregular forms and straight lines in a metal can be done with a bench shear. Use a score or measure and indicate the necessary line. Place the metal between the blades after that. To ignite the blades, pull the lever downward, then push it back to the upright position. The blades will then be opened.

Due to this, the cutting blade can easily and smoothly cut through metal up to 10 gauge. Metal workpieces typically shift a bit during the cut due to this motion. Because of this, you must always maintain control of your metal workpiece as you feed it through a bench shear. However, keep your fingers away from the razor-sharp shear blades, which may pierce even work gloves.

4. A Hacksaw

You've come to the right place if you're looking for hacksaw metal-cutting instructions. This easy-to-use tool is excellent for beginners. First, think about the TPI, which depends on the thickness of the metal.

• TPI 14: Aluminum
• 18 TPI: Materials for general workshops
• 24 TPI: Steel up to 5 or 6 mm thick
• 32 TPI: Steel tubing or hollow materials

Once you have the right size, ensure the hacksaw blade is stiff and positioned correctly. Place the workpiece in a vice and clamp it. Or apply another technique to secure the metal to the surface firmly. Use one-way strokes in the opposite direction of the teeth to cut metal by hand. All forward and backward motion is permitted until a millimeter-sized crater has been formed in the metal. Do not hurry. Use smooth, steady motions.

5. A Chisel

Make sure the chisel you are using is 25% wider than the metal you are cutting. Sharpen the chisel to a 60 or 70-degree angle to start. Then, before cutting, apply some oil to the cutting edges. Doing this will improve the tool's effectiveness and reduce friction. Ensure the vise is tightened before placing the metal in the center of the jaws. To optimize the force of each strike, line up the chisel with the vise's screw.

Mistakes To Avoid While Cutting Metal

Cutting metal requires accuracy, whether power tools are used or not. Avoid the following common mistakes:

• Inappropriate tool use: Selecting the proper tools is essential while cutting metal. Verify that the tools you select are suitable for the type and thickness of metal you are cutting. Inappropriate tool use can endanger users' health and well-being.

• Inaccurate Measuring: Prior to cutting metal, always take two measurements. The workpiece will be destroyed by inaccurate marks. Make sure the markers are always clear and visible.

• Not wearing PPE: The health of the user may be at higher risk when PPEs are not worn. Wear protective gear before cutting any metal.

• Insecure Workpiece: During procedures, clamping or securing the workpiece might also be crucial. Unsecured workpieces have the potential to fly, seriously injuring both people and the environment. As a result, always make sure to secure your workpiece before beginning any task.

• Tool pre and post-maintenance: Keeping your tools maintained both before and after cutting metal can help them last longer. Ignoring it might result in uneven cutting and frequent tool wear and strain.

As you can see, there are many methods for cutting metal. Your options for chopping up metal workpieces are quite varied, whether you have access to powerful power tools or merely have access to hand tools. Decide which of the above possibilities best fits your skill set. After that, you'll be able to spend money on the equipment required to finish your metal-cutting duties quickly and accurately.