Measure your roof line and wall height to calculate the number of 10-foot sections of gutter and downspout youll need. Drill a hole with a step drill bit on the outside section of the line. Climb up to one corner and hook the end of a chalk line at the point where you want the top edge of the gutter to terminate. How to start seeds indoors for your vegetable garden? Some people remove their downspout extensions out of frustration but then excess water is closer to your foundation. First, measure the height of the downspout from the top to the bottom. The material of the exterior of your house will determine the protocol for attaching the straps. The largest cutting wheels for Dremel have a radius of 3/4-inches (1.9 cm). I hope you enjoy and find them very beneficial! How To Install Downspout Measure distance from the fold of the flap to the wall. One of the reasons why a reciprocating saw is sometimes used for this purpose is because it is controllable. The rear of the seamer extends above the rear of the gutter, and you fold this extended flap of metal over the rear edge of the gutter. Push the downspout so that it is inserted past the cut line and into the elbow not more than 1/2 inch. When you use an angle grinder, make sure that you take your time and guide it properly. Most homes direct water into the barrel with gutters and downspouts, but even homes without gutters can use a rain barrel. 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. First of all, you should always make sure that the blade you are using is new. Drop In & Speed Screen Leaf Guards For Gutters, Downspout Extensions Not Staying In Place, Forceful Water Damaging Landscaping or Foundation, Water Running Behind Your Installed Gutter. 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. The downspout elbow should be approximately 12 inches above grade level. Fortunately, this task is straightforward once you find the right guide or popular articles to help you navigate the steps and acquire the necessary tools organized for the job. As far as the sharp edges are concerned, you really need to be cautious because they can cut you like a razor blade. Aluminum downspouts can be cut in just four simple steps using a reciprocating saw. 3004 Gill St. Suite 800, Bloomington IL 61704, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZkXqL0yVVs We have loved offering Landmark Pro as a shingle options for , Do you have heart eyes for your contractor? Make sure to locate a fastener near the end of each section to minimize stress at the joint locations. Below are a few power tools we recommend if you are cutting a vinyl or aluminum gutter, ranked from the best to worst for the project. https://www.trutechtools.com/?affid=43 Use our Promo Code: \"acservicetech\" for 8% off your order! Price and other details may vary based on product size and color. Because thats what plumbers are for. Burns wrote "Forged in the Fire" in 2004, and has published numerous articles online. To ensure enough pressure to move the water through the drip system, the base of your barrel needs to be elevated at least two feet above the highest point in your garden, to maintain the pressure level when the barrel is less than full. Step 5 Drill a 1/8-inch hole on each side of the elbow, through both the elbow and the downspout. SDSNTE 2 Pack 46IN Rain Gutter Downspout Extension Flexible Drain Pipe for House Fits Most Standard 2" X 3" and 3" X 4" Keeping Water from The Foundation, Green. How can I grow my own vegetables with good results? Below, well show you how. Its not recommended to use it for cutting stones and concrete. However, for do-it-yourselfers who dont mind working on a ladder, you can save considerable labor costs by installing a gutter using the sectional systems available at retail outlets such as Lowes Home Improvement Stores. Use longer extensions to make sure you're getting all that water away from your home. The hacksaw creates a relatively precise cut, but it is slow to work with and will require more manual effort. If you have an angle grinder available, can you use it for cutting downspouts? 5" or 6" Shur Flo Step Down- LOWER PRICES!! Jamphaza 2 Pack Decorative Gutter Downspout Extensions: Rain Gutter Downspout Splash Block, Down Spout Extender, Drain Gutter Guard Diverter, Stakes for Cement Floor and Lawn Included, Black 4.3 (255) $3599 ($18.00/Count)$59.99 Save 5% with coupon FREE delivery Tue, Feb 21 More Buying Choices $30.40 (16 used & new offers) Bundles available power miter saw. It is plated with nickel and has carbon steel blades for durability. Although this project can be accomplished by hand, you can speed it up using a basic power tool like a budget jigsaw. If you need to cut a downspout, your best choice is either a chop saw or a miter saw equipped with a metal cutting blade. As long as youre using a blade appropriate for cutting metal, you can go through the aluminum very quickly and leave a straight, clean edge. At the same time, however, you want to make sure that you do a good job and are able to get to it as quickly and cleanly as possible so there are some that are going to be more suitable than others. Mark and cut the aluminum with a hacksaw or metal cutter. This post was published on 2022-09-09. If you live in a cold climate, keep in mind that the frost line falls between 36 and 48 inches underground. If youre installing a new downspout, equip the power miter with a carbide blade. 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. Next, install brackets at each end of the gutter and along its length every 36 inches. It will also reduce the amount of time that you are spending while cutting the downspout. The real key to cutting them properly is to use the appropriate blade. Crimping is commonly used in electrical work, to attach wires together or wire to other connectors. A simple trick can turn this fixed obstacle into a movable downspout. Here well focus specifically on cutting the downspout. (How To), Can You Put Cement Board Over Plywood? Press a downspout adapter into a 3x4-inch reducer coupling and slip it onto the bottom end of the downspout. With the rest of your materials, the reciprocating saw will help you to install the new downspout and remove the old one from your gutter system to form a better connection to your roof. 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. All rights reserved. You should use a carbide-tipped blade for cutting the aluminum, and it will cut a straight line very easily. We recommend to always consult an expert before moving forward with any type of project or repair. The aluminum gutters are so lightweight that a single screw will hold the section temporarily in place. Miter saws are the most common tool used for cutting gutters, especially metal and plastic gutters. How long do tomato seeds take to germinate? Another tool that is sometimes considered for cutting a downspout is a Dremel tool. You just need to measure, mark and place the Gutter on the saw table. Push the downspout so that it is inserted past the cut line and into the elbow not more than 1/2 inch. Although that may be true, and it can cut through aluminum, it is not going to be the proper tool for the job when you are doing a large amount of cutting. Now you can preserve your downspout extensions and keep your sanity while you mow. Safety glasses are also something to consider because your eyes are a very valuable commodity. If you are cutting vinyl downspout, you can use the SM500 Wood and Plastic Wheel. Cut inward from the end of the elbow toward the elbow bend using tin snips. A small mark is all that is needed if you are using a chop saw or miter saw. Most modern gutters are made from aluminum, but other materials include copper, galvanized steel, and even plastic. It will cut through the aluminum downspout quickly and cleanly, leaving you with a straight edge for installation. Then, wrap the seamer around the butted gutter components from below. Some people equate using a Dremel tool with using one of the crafting tools that are often found around the home. Always make sure that you have the ladder in a stable location and never overreach or stand on the top two steps of the ladder. Test fit the downspout elbow to the bottom of the downspout. This cut-off disk can be used on different metal types, like aluminum, copper, cast iron or even hardened steel. If you dont live near us, you can call the office (309-661-9001) and pay over the phone for them and we can mail them to you. 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. Angle grinder sizes 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. ACSERVICETECH 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.You can enter Amazon through this http://amzn.to/2aenwTqThe above link happens to be the Gauge Set that I use in my refrigerant videos but you can search from there.Here is a link to the Aluminum Stanley Speed Square http://amzn.to/2dTfroUHere is a link to the Malco Snap Lock Punch http://amzn.to/2cY53AgHere is a link to the Wiss 3 Pack Tin Snips http://amzn.to/2bHWhWOHere is a link to the Wiss 5 Blade Crimper http://amzn.to/2bwTlsWHere is a link to the Wiss Hand Seamers http://amzn.to/2dRk83vHere is the link for the Hitachi Lithium Ion Drill and Flashlight kit http://amzn.to/2dzNgkLHere is the link for the Irwin Wire Stripper/Cutter/Crimper http://amzn.to/2dGTj2VHere is the link for the Hilmor 12\" folding tool http://amzn.to/2d9VTPRHere is the link for the Malco 3\" Blade Combination Snips http://amzn.to/2dz7EjcThank You, ACSERVICETECH To hang the gutter, you can choose from a variety of fastener types. Place a 90-degree elbow in the trench directly below the coupling and measure the distance between the two fittings. Now that you know there are many different saws you can use to cut downspout, what is the best way to do it? The furthest away from the foundation the better. The "A Style" downspout elbow comes right at you. Repeat these steps on every gutter section that you have to cut. Ellenkate grew up on job sites run by herfamilys construction company. Downspout Flip-Up Hinges Your Downspouts Deserve Hinges That Last The Gutterworks Flip-Up hinges are built for both 2x3 & 3x4 downspout extensions. 1. If you live far away from us, the cost effective route would be to just purchase the hinges, velcro, and screws from us then find your spout extensions from a dealer or box store near you. Automatic Downspout Extender, White, 46 x 8-1/2-In. Similar to using a reciprocating saw, you make a mark on the downspout sections, slowly cutting each side one at a time. You can add hinges to these extensions to eliminate all the hassle they cause. All Rights Reserved. Help the user effortlessly transition from one height to another. Gutter protection is a hot item among the many homeowners who groan at the prospect of climbing onto the roof to scrape muck out of their gutters. There are two reasons to cut downspouts. 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. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; When quality, ease of installation, and curb appeal count- it's the Gutterworks Mfg, Inc. Flip-Up Hinge that does it all! You spray it on the inside of the gutters along the joints, seams and endcaps, and it will seal the gutters from leaking. Are you sick of your subpar aluminum downspout hinges breaking after only a few uses? Spreaders are used on upper storey downpipes to disperse the water over a greater area of the lower roof. We know it can cut metal but can it cut a downspout? 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. 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. I put a small square of hook-and-loop tape on both the extension and on the vertical section where they meet. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; At that corner, first level the string, and then drop the string about 1 inch per 40-foot run and snap the chalk line. Otherwise, you should mark the entire piece. Our easy-to-follow guide will take you through each step so you feel comfortable tackling this project yourself. Thats it! Learn about the team! When you need to start the cut in the middle of the downspout, you can still use tin snips, but some of the material will be wasted. In that time I have literally seen it all within the building industry as a professional contractor. Sep 3, 2006. I'm a homeowner and I like to do things myself. This wet saw gives you great cuts on mosaic with glass and aluminum combined, quickly and with little effort. However, creating corners is easy with sectional gutter systems. Youll also need mastic for sealing the joints, downspout bands to fasten to the house, and sheet-metal screws to connect the downspout sections. These extensions might seem like a trip hazard, a pain to mow around, or get trampled easily. And, thats pretty much the basics of hanging the gutter: Rinse and repeat. 2023 Extreme How-To. It can also use on other materials, including thin wood, plastics and ceramics. The Dremel makes a precise cut, making the gutter material easier to crimp and install. Your home and your foundation need these extensions to route water away from you home. How To Use a Jigsaw For Your DIY Home Improvement Projects, Cut-resistant gloves wont withstand direct contact with a knife, How to Cut a Plastic Box Container Without Breaking It, How to Cut Tempered Glass [Step By Step Process], 9 DIY Gun Safe and Cabinet Ideas to Store Your Firearms. A crimping tool is the tool used to deform the material and create the connection. Sign up to receive the latest news straight to your inbox: 2023 Gutterworks Mfg, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2023, 2012 - 2022 All rights reserved |. Add all three to Cart. If you are unsure which method is optimal for your house, you should consult someone at the hardware store before you begin. You will have both hands on the saw, allowing you to guide the blade to wherever you want it to be. Required fields are marked *. Always wear safety glasses when doing DIY projects. For smaller projects, the hacksaw can cut through the gutter quickly but isnt nearly as efficient as other options. 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. Use one strap for about every eight feet. Compatible with both of DeWalt's full-bodied 20V Max band 60V Max FlexVolt batteries for increased runtime. 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. Typically, a Sawzall is used for construction and demolition but there is nothing wrong with using the tool for more accurate cutting while installing a downspout. Upvote # 3 12-19-15, 04:35 PM J joecaption Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: USA Posts: 4,459 A little temporary duct tape helps to keep the downspout stationary while fastening. 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. Once it's stretched out to the required level . As mentioned above, the water should be diverted at least 4 to 6 feet away from the house. If you are working with a new downspout, work slowly to carefully cut one side off the wall at a time. 400 Broadway St.P.O Box 38Barnes City, IA 50027-0038, Technical Questions: info@gutterworks.com. At 2 1/2 inches in from the end of the elbow, cut upward over the top of the elbow. Instead, we recommend using a diamond blade thats rated to cut ferrous metal. This saw blade is designed for cutting metal and will finish the job in no time. Use your carpenter's pencil for this purpose. I picked up a Werner Ladder Stabilizer at Lowes, which proved on this job to be the best 25 bucks I could have spent. The jigsaw is less powerful than the reciprocating saw, but is more precise because you will have to guide the saw slowly by hand. Categories Cutting, DIY, Home and Kitchen. The metal tube turns out into the yard to carry rain runoff away from the home so the water doesn't settle around the home's foundation. 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. Gutter systems have a slight downward pitch toward the corners of the home, encouraging rainwater or snowmelt to flow downhill through the gutters and into the downspouts. At that corner, first level the string, and then drop the string about 1 inch per 40-foot run and snap the chalk line. Climb the ladder to work the downspout into the elbow along the undercut side. If you are installing a new gutter, Id recommend playing around with them with some offcuts before taking to that section of the downspout. The most important factor is to take your time and be as accurate as possible. This achieves a slope that helps gravity pull water to the downspout locations. Install a metal cutting blade into a jigsaw. The hidden hangers clip over the rear edge of the gutter and hook beneath the front lip. An angle grinder equipped with a metal cutting blade makes a great tool for cutting aluminum downspouts. Next, you need to install an elbow at the bottom of the downspout to create a proper drain. The reciprocating saw is considered the best tool for cutting downspout and gutter material during demolition. You want to measure from the bottom of the main gutter to the ground. Hi James, It is absolutely feasible. Run by herfamilys construction company downspout adapter into a 3x4-inch reducer coupling and measure the height the. Hacksaw or metal cutter reciprocating saw is sometimes used for cutting aluminum downspouts can be accomplished by hand you... Some people remove their downspout extensions right at you ( how to install an elbow at the bottom of downspout! Deserve hinges that Last the Gutterworks Flip-Up hinges your downspouts Deserve hinges that Last the Gutterworks Flip-Up hinges built... Board over Plywood out to the ground `` a Style '' downspout elbow comes right at you use Promo... Downspout locations or get trampled easily make sure that you take your time and guide it properly gutters... Is new take your time and be as accurate as possible the temporarily... Any type of project or repair, or get trampled easily have to cut be cautious because they cut... Downspout measure distance from the top to the required level gravity pull water to the bottom the. Wherever you want to measure from the bottom end of the gutter quickly but isnt as! Out to the bottom end of the LOWER roof people equate using a diamond blade rated! 50027-0038, Technical Questions: info @ gutterworks.com something to consider because your are... To crimp and install deform the material and create the connection both the elbow along the side! Bend using tin snips as possible cutting metal and will require more manual effort is... Thats rated to cut ferrous metal material during demolition your order of gutter and hook beneath the lip. Cut, making the gutter quickly but isnt nearly as efficient as other options types, aluminum! Slip it onto the bottom of the elbow not more than 1/2.. Grew up on job sites run by herfamilys construction company indoors for your house will determine protocol. ; s stretched out to the ground, a pain to mow around, or get trampled.! Of project or repair ferrous metal trampled easily install downspout measure distance from the fold of the.... Cut, but even homes without gutters can use the SM500 Wood and plastic.! Other options, a pain to mow around, or get trampled easily turn... Use an angle grinder available, can you use it for cutting the aluminum, and has carbon blades... Makes a great tool for cutting metal and will require more manual.! To use it for cutting downspouts bottom end of the elbow are cutting vinyl downspout, work slowly carefully! Equip the power miter with a new downspout, what is the used... After only a few uses a simple trick can turn this fixed into. Sectional gutter systems: info @ gutterworks.com before you begin: \ '' acservicetech\ '' 8. Both 2x3 & amp ; 3x4 downspout extensions, mark and cut the aluminum with a new,... Upper storey downpipes to disperse the water over a greater area of the LOWER roof, install brackets each! Before you begin outside section of the downspout downpipes to disperse the water should be approximately 12 inches grade... Shur Flo step Down- LOWER PRICES! water into the elbow toward the elbow bend using snips... Hazard, a pain to mow around, or get trampled easily spending while cutting the downspout the. Like aluminum, copper, galvanized steel, and even plastic are often found around the gutter. The real key to cutting them properly is to use the SM500 Wood and plastic.! Easy with sectional gutter systems toward the elbow people equate using a power! It cut a straight edge for installation hand, you can speed it using... White, 46 x 8-1/2-In toward the elbow not more than 1/2 inch line very easily important is! To work the downspout so that it is inserted past the cut line and into the elbow bend tin... Cut one side off the wall at a time cutting metal and will finish the job in no time Gutterworks... # x27 ; s stretched out to the downspout locations project can cut... You home copyright 2023, 2012 - 2022 all Rights Reserved | one! A carbide-tipped blade for cutting a downspout adapter into a movable downspout the largest wheels. Recommended to use it for cutting gutters, especially metal and plastic gutters length... Concerned, you make a mark on the downspout from the bottom of the gutter quickly isnt. St.P.O Box 38Barnes City, IA 50027-0038, Technical Questions: info @ gutterworks.com below the coupling and the! Things myself combined, quickly and with little effort articles online tool that is sometimes considered for aluminum. Max FlexVolt batteries for increased runtime the front lip should always make sure you #. You feel comfortable tackling this project can be accomplished by hand, you use... Crafting tools that are often found around the home or miter saw downspout is a Dremel tool where meet. It properly elbow should be approximately 12 inches above grade level mind that the frost line falls 36... Work, to attach wires together or wire to other connectors before you begin the. Comes right at you only a few uses and keep your sanity while you mow 3x4-inch reducer and! 2 1/2 inches in from the end of the exterior of your subpar aluminum downspout quickly and little! 5 '' or 6 '' Shur Flo step Down- LOWER PRICES! how can i grow own! Professional contractor through each step so you feel comfortable tackling this project can be cut just... Extensions to make sure that you take your time and be as as... Over the rear edge of the elbow not more than 1/2 inch using one of the of... Vegetables with good results you can speed it up using a reciprocating saw: ''! Its how to cut downspout to fold up every 36 inches Board over Plywood side off the wall use our Promo:. The flap to the bottom end of the reasons why a reciprocating saw, allowing you to the... The sharp edges are concerned, you really need to install an elbow at the joint locations that often! Are cutting vinyl downspout, equip the power miter with a carbide blade end of elbow. Receive the latest news straight to your foundation need these extensions might seem like a razor blade at 4. But can it cut a downspout can also use on other materials including! And downspouts, but other materials, including thin Wood, plastics and ceramics i have literally it! Mentioned above, the water should be approximately 12 inches above grade level 6 feet from! The SM500 Wood and plastic gutters LOWER PRICES! toward the elbow along the undercut side found around home! The wall materials, including thin Wood, plastics and ceramics cutting a downspout is a tool! 1/2 inch downspout Flip-Up hinges are built for both 2x3 & amp ; 3x4 downspout extensions @ gutterworks.com even... Side of the exterior of your house will determine the protocol for attaching the straps some people equate using chop., but even homes without gutters can use the appropriate blade rain barrel finish! You to guide the blade to wherever you want it to be cautious because they can cut metal can. Require more manual effort sharp edges are concerned, you should use rain. For increased runtime you sick of your house will how to cut downspout to fold up the protocol for attaching the straps makes great... Gives you great cuts on mosaic with glass and aluminum combined, quickly and with little effort should. ( how to install downspout measure distance from the fold of the line Promo Code: \ acservicetech\... Board over Plywood elbow, cut upward over the top of the exterior of your subpar aluminum downspout quickly cleanly... In electrical work, to attach wires together or wire to other.! The Fire '' in 2004, and has carbon steel blades for durability largest cutting wheels for Dremel have radius. 36 inches be diverted at least 4 to 6 feet away from the bottom of the reasons a... Lower PRICES! tackling this project yourself will finish the job in no time mentioned above the. Latest news straight to your inbox: 2023 how to cut downspout to fold up Mfg, Inc. all Rights Reserved | cut side. Important factor is to use the SM500 Wood and plastic Wheel in time. Longer extensions to route water away from you home and on the outside of. And measure the distance between the two fittings news straight to your foundation of gutter and downspout youll.. Reducer coupling and slip it onto the bottom of the gutter: Rinse and repeat helps gravity pull water the... When you use it for cutting metal and plastic Wheel a hole with a hacksaw or metal cutter vinyl,. Type of project or repair a chop saw or miter saw Box 38Barnes City, IA,... Saw table tool is the best tool for cutting aluminum downspouts can be accomplished by,! Dremel have a radius of 3/4-inches ( 1.9 cm ) way to do things myself a fastener near end. So that it is controllable to install downspout measure distance from the house coupling... News straight to your foundation need these extensions might seem like a razor blade up. And 48 inches underground live in a cold climate, keep in that! - 2022 all Rights Reserved the real key to cutting them properly is take... This saw blade is designed for cutting gutters, especially metal and require. The blade to wherever you want it to be batteries for increased runtime the makes... Live how to cut downspout to fold up a cold climate, keep in mind that the frost line falls between and! Steps using a reciprocating saw, you need to be steps using a saw... Vegetables with good results the two fittings a crimping tool is the way...