Is it possible to cut metal tiles with an angle grinder

Cutting metal tiles with nibbling shears

Nibblers can cut any configuration

Nibblers are good for small volume cuts. In this case, the metal tile also heats up, but weakly. Scissors can cut in a straight, complex curve.

The dimensions of the device are small. Scissors are controlled by special handles. You can cut in a curve or at an angle as freely as in a straight line thanks to the die holder. It allows you to set your hand arbitrarily.

The nibbler does not chip or burr, the cut is very clean.

Using electric scissors

  • Cutting. a punch acts as a working body of the tool, that is, when cutting, part of the material is cut out. But in this way you can get cutting of any configuration, and the sheet itself can be cut both from the edge and from the center. In the latter case, you must first drill a hole.
  • Knife. 2 blades cut metal. One of them is motionless, and the second moves in its plane. In this case, there is no waste when cutting, but you can only make flat mowing lines or cuts with a small angle of rotation. Slicing is only possible from the edge.
  • Slotted. the cutting element is open, very sharp, which allows you to get a clean, thin cut. Chips are generated, but in small quantities and only from the top, so they are easy to remove before stacking.

You can also take a circular saw or jigsaw for cutting. But at the same time it is necessary to perform work on a flat horizontal surface, fix the sheets.

What tools can be used to cut metal tiles

Metal tiles are a popular roofing material. It is lightweight, very easy to install, strong and durable. It has a multi-layer structure, so drilling or cutting should be done with certain rules.

Why you can’t use an angle grinder

Cutting metal tiles with an angle grinder is strictly prohibited. This is due to the peculiarities of the tool. A very fast rotating disc acts as a cutting device. It allows you to cut through the toughest materials. In this case, due to friction, the temperature in the cut section significantly rises. The metal easily tolerates such an effect, and the passivating, polymer layers melt, deform and lose their properties.

These layers serve as protection. When damaged, the base metal is exposed. black steel, which is subject to corrosion. Rust appears on such a site after a couple of years.

Features of cutting metal tiles

When cutting metal tiles, the protective layer should not melt

The metal tile includes several layers:

  • base. steel sheet;
  • protective zinc layer. the thickness varies depending on the type of material;
  • passivating layers and primers. improve adhesion, protect against moisture ingress;
  • decorative coating. creates color, sometimes a pattern. Coating thickness fluctuates greatly.

The main strength component is metal, but the tool must be selected taking into account other factors. If the metal easily tolerates high heat, this cannot be said about other layers of the composition.

Tools for cutting metal tiles

Shears for cutting corrugated sheets and metal tiles

The list of tools and devices is quite large.

  • The nibbler is electrically driven. They act as a separate device and as a nozzle.
  • Roofing scissors. mechanical. Used for the same job, but require physical effort. The advantage is a smooth, clean cut edge.
  • Electric circular saw. only carbide discs are used for metal tiles with a reverse angle. In this case, you do not need to increase the speed to cut the metal.
  • A hacksaw for metal or a jigsaw. both manual and electric. The second option simplifies matters. However, with the help of a hacksaw, only straight cuts can be made, complex cutting is impossible.
  • Circulation saw. mechanical, with an aluminum circle. Suitable for cutting metal tiles, as it involves cold cutting.

With any type of cutting, the integrity of the decorative coating is broken and the cut is unprotected. The mowing line of the cut must be painted.

How to cut material with a drill bit

The drill bit for cutting metal tiles consists of a punch and a matrix. The attachment is placed under the sheet. When starting, the punch is displaced, as a result, in the direction of travel, a strip of the desired shape is obtained. The cut width is quite large. 3.1 mm.

The attachment can be used to cut the following materials:

  • stainless steel up to 0.8 mm thick;
  • galvanized steel, zinc, copper up to 1.5 mm thick;
  • aluminum up to 2 mm thick.

For cutting thicker sheets, a higher speed will be required, and this should not be allowed when processing metal tiles.

The drill bit for cutting metal or profiled sheet is fixed on the chuck. The principle is the same as installing an electromechanical punching shear.

In addition to a saw or electric scissors, the “Cricket” drill attachment is also popular. This device allows you to cut straight and diagonally, regardless of the complexity of the texture. With the help of fasteners, the nozzle can be installed at different angles. Cricket is cheaper than an angle grinder or circular saw.

Useful Tips

How and how to cut metal tiles determines the type of roofing material, the amount of work, the nature of the cut. The recommendations are as follows:

  • If you need to cut along a straight mowing line, take an ordinary hacksaw for metal or scissors.
  • If the contour should be curly, nibblers, punching shears, and an electric saw with a special attachment are recommended.
  • When installing metal tiles, it is necessary to calculate the material in such a way as to reduce the number of cuts to a minimum;

In any case, it is impossible to use an abrasive mechanism for cutting: the cut is uneven, it is difficult to process.

angle grinder: opinions of foremen

What do the practicing builders say? We interviewed three foremen to find out their points of view. Opinions are divided.

Opinion 1. Foreman Vladimir Nikonov. Work experience: 10 years. Specialization: roofing, facades

He said that he never cuts profiled sheets and metal tiles with an angle grinder. The reasons are obvious. the tool burns out zinc and polymer coating, because of this, the steel rusts faster.

How does Vladimir cut metal tiles and decking? As an alternative to the angle grinder, he uses a metal nibbler. It’s a handy tool that rivals an angle grinder in speed.

Scissors do not heat the metal, which means zinc and polymer coating remain in place.

Opinion 2. Foreman Sergei Ostroumov. Work experience: 20 years. Specialization: turnkey houses (roof, facades, etc.), fences

He said that he also does not cut metal tiles with an angle grinder. He uses a nibbler.

According to Sergei, the angle grinder was used 15 years ago, when there were no other tools for cutting metal. To prevent the steel from rusting, the edges of the metal tile or profiled sheet were trimmed, and then treated with repair enamel (to protect them from rust).

At one time, Sergei used a hand tool, but it was inconvenient to cut, cut-through scissors bent the metal at the edges. And for a long time. imagine how much time and effort it would take to cut a dozen sheets by hand.

Opinion 3. Foreman, anonymous. Work experience. 14 years. Specialization: turnkey houses

He said that he works mainly with nibbling scissors. they can easily and quickly cut metal tiles and profiled sheets.

he rarely uses an angle grinder. The cutting places are treated with repair enamel to protect the edges from corrosion, and on top they mount decorative and protective strips.

possible, metal, tiles, angle, grinder

Recommended to always cut cut edges. even if you are cutting metal with a nibbler. This additionally protects the material from rust.

Also for cutting metal uses a cricket nozzle (for a drill). It cuts slower than an angle grinder, but is safe on zinc and polymer coatings.

angle grinder: recommendations “Metal Profile

The specialists of Metal Profile are categorical: cutting metal tiles and profiled sheets with an angle grinder is prohibited.

Why it is impossible to cut metal tiles and corrugated board with an angle grinder?

Firstly, the angle grinder cuts metal due to friction. the disc rotates very quickly, the steel literally melts. Polymer and zinc coatings at the cut site will be burned out, which means that the steel will remain unprotected and will quickly rust.

Secondly, when cutting metal tiles or profiled sheets with an angle grinder, sparks fly around the sides. And this applies not only to the place of the cut. the sparks scatter over a distance of more than half a meter. They get on the polymer coating, burn it and zinc. Rust may appear in these areas.

Thirdly, if you cut a profiled sheet or metal tile with an angle grinder, the guarantee ceases to apply to the roofing material.

That is why Metal Profile does not recommend using an angle grinder when cutting metal tiles and corrugated board.

  • If you work with an angle grinder directly on the roof, you risk burning through the waterproofing. The roof will become leaky.
  • If the disc gets stuck, it will fly to pieces. Shards can hit your face.
  • If the angle grinder pops out of your hand and flies off to the side, the disc will continue to spin by inertia. Such a “machine” will cut everything in its path. Hands, feet and other parts of the body will not be a hindrance.

We cut with an angle grinder: pros and cons

Angle grinder (angle grinder, hereinafter referred to as angle grinder) is a popular tool for cutting various materials.

The tool disk rotates at a speed of more than 10 thousand revolutions per minute. an angle grinder can cut anything. up to glass, ceramic tiles, etc.

Can I use an angle grinder to cut metal tiles and profiled sheets? We will talk about this. We will find out what Metal Profile experts advise and how things are in practice.

Top 10 Ways to Cut Metal WITHOUT an Angle Grinder. A Comprehensive Beginners Guide

angle grinder: alternatives

What can replace an angle grinder? As alternatives, we suggest using a jigsaw, electric scissors, a cricket attachment, etc. For more details, see the article “An expert’s view: how to cut corrugated board?”.

According to practicing builders, it is most convenient to use a nibbler. They are:

  • cut profiled sheet and metal tiles faster than an angle grinder;
  • do not melt zinc and do not burn out the polymer coating;
  • safer than an angle grinder. you will not get serious injuries, even if something goes wrong;
  • cut steel not only in a straight line. you can make any curly cut;
  • easy to use. Working with a nibbler does not require any special skills. But, if this is the first time you hold them in your hands, you will have to get used to it a little. as to any tool, even to the same angle grinder;
  • suitable for cutting roof material. This number will not work with an angle grinder.

The nibbler is the ideal alternative to an angle grinder. But this tool has two small drawbacks.

  • .
  • The cost of replacing the punch (“needles” that pierce the metal). This is true if you are a professional builder. If you are building a house for yourself, you will not need a replacement. one punch is enough for about 600 m2 of roofing. Average.

Metal Profile experts do not recommend cutting the profiled sheet and metal tiles with an angle grinder. But practice has shown that sometimes builders use it.

Terrified of Angle Grinders? How to Cut Steel Fast & Cheap WITHOUT Losing Any Fingers!

an angle grinder is chosen for speed. However, there are more modern tools like nibblers. They cut metal faster and do not damage the protective coating. And most importantly. you do not lose the guarantee for the roofing material.

possible, metal, tiles, angle, grinder

If you chose an angle grinder, follow safety precautions. It is not for nothing that it is considered one of the most traumatic tools. If the disc gets stuck, it will fly apart and debris can hit your face.

Do not forget about safety glasses, gloves. Remove everything that the disc can “chew”. chains, ropes, etc. Carefully check the tool before use.

After trimming, be sure to process the edges of the profiled sheet or metal tile with repair enamel and cover them with planks.

Which tool to choose?

Professional roofing requires the use of quality installation tools. Real professionals will never cut metal tiles with an angle grinder. The use of electric and die-cut scissors, as well as a special attachment for a drill will help to perform all the work accurately, efficiently and accurately, but more importantly, in compliance with all technologies for laying a metal roof!

Is it possible to cut metal tiles with an angle grinder?

Angle grinder (angle grinder), is popular with individual builders and crews. It is not surprising that in some forums you can find recommendations to use it for working with metal tiles. It is even argued that its use is permissible for carrying out this kind of work. In fact, this is fiction! The truth is, what is said in the instructions of almost every manufacturer of metal tiles. “Do not use an abrasive wheel for cutting!” Neither the Rukki metal tile manufacturer nor any other manufacturer would recommend cutting this material with an angle grinder. Why you can’t cut metal tiles with an angle grinder?

The problem with cutting with a wheel for metal is that under the action of friction, the steel sheet practically heats up and burns the varnish along the entire cut. So literally a few seasons after installation, the metal tile begins to rust and loses its properties.

Seeing a roofer with such a tool who is going to cut off a sheet of metal tile, you can question his competence, and even better, if possible, turn to another construction team.

Carved scissors. almost a piece of jewelry

Mainly, die cut scissors are used to cut round holes for chimney pipes. Since the usual cutting process is difficult due to the bending of the metal tile, it is necessary to ensure a uniform cut and no ragged edges. Die cut scissors handle this function easily and have the following advantages:

  • The thickness of the metal to be cut. The professional tool is capable of cutting a sheet of steel with a thickness of 1-1.6 mm. This is quite enough to work with any kind of metal tile.
  • Comfortable handle allows precise direction of movement and maximizes the quality of the cutting process
  • The presence of a bar for even cuts. Nibbled scissors are not used if it is necessary to cut along a large number of sheets, their purpose is to cut holes inside the sheet, if necessary, you can install an additional clamp that allows you to make straight cuts

Nibbled scissors do not replace the use of other analogs for making longitudinal cuts, but their use is quite effective if it is necessary to make cuts for vents, chimney pipes, etc. The cost of such a tool is 20-25 thousand rubles.

Drill attachment. compact and convenient

There is an opportunity to avoid purchasing an expensive professional tool. This is especially needed if the work with metal tiles is carried out independently. A drill attachment for cutting steel costs from 3,000 to 5,000 rubles, which is significantly cheaper than analogues. With its help, you can achieve almost the same end results as when using electric or die-cut scissors. It has the following advantages:

  • Light weight. The approximate weight of the structure is 300 g
  • Ability to work in hard-to-reach places

The drill attachment is an additional tool that is not intended for a large number of jobs.

Both cutting tools and the metal tile itself can be purchased in any major city in Russia. For example, there are about 40 companies whose assortment includes metal tiles in Samara. One Samara company even won a federal competition and received the sign “100 best companies in Russia”.

There are even more active suppliers in Perm. about 70. Read more about metal tiles in Perm here. In the article you will find a description of 4 large Perm companies for the supply of metal tiles.

How to cut metal tiles: with scissors, a drill attachment or an angle grinder?

Sometimes, it seems that the installation of metal tiles is a simple uncomplicated task. Is it really so? In order to understand this issue, you can touch upon just one aspect of the correct installation of a metal roof, namely: “What tool can be used to cut metal tiles?”.

What tool is needed to cut a metal roof?

The whole complexity of this issue lies in the peculiarities of the production of metal tiles. The fact is that after being rolled, the roofing sheets are treated with a special varnish that serves as a special protective layer and prevents the appearance of rust. When cutting, this feature of the material must be taken into account. Any damage to this protection can result in a reduction in service life. For this reason, only the following type of tool can be used for cutting:

  • Carved scissors. Designed to work on the inside of the metal. Used to cut holes and other shapes from patterns
  • Electric scissors. Used for fast cutting of sheet metal, including metal tiles. Their advantage is a thin and clean cut, which saves material consumption.
  • Drill bit. It is used for fast cutting of wave metal. Convenient enough for cutting round holes

The same tools should be used to cut other elements that are necessary when laying metal tiles. For example, they are useful for installing metal roofing valleys. If you need to choose the most suitable tool, you should carefully study its technical characteristics and methods of its use.

Electric scissors. fast and accurate

Another indispensable tool when installing metal tiles. Electric scissors are indispensable if there is a need to perfectly cut the steel sheet in half perfectly evenly. The advantage of such a tool is:

  • Clean and perfectly straight cut. Distortion of the material does not affect the quality of the work. There are no torn edges, the integrity of the protective layer is not disturbed during the cut
  • Powerful engine. This tool is more suited for large-volume work than, for example, nibblers, which makes it suitable for use in professional construction
  • Convenience during work. The material is cut as accurately as possible, while the protective layer remains intact due to the removal of chips to the side

If you need to accurately cut a sheet of metal tiles, you must use electric scissors. Approximate cost, depending on the type and purpose, from 12.30 thousand rubles.

How to cut metal tiles, if there are no electric shears, and you cannot cut with an angle grinder.

The video shows how to properly cut metal tiles and how to process a cut.

advantages and design specifics of metal shingles

Metal shingles are thin corrugated sheets made of cold-rolled thin metal with specific wave sizes and shapes.

By imitating real shingles, metal shingles can also give any home a rich and beautiful look.

Taking into account such a characteristic of metal tiles as its lightness (1m2 weighs from 4.5 to six kilograms), a lot of individual developers decide to install roofing on their own.

Cutting metal shingles in different directions is a particular challenge when installing very complex roof systems.

  • Excellent decorative material for roofing with durable qualities and almost low cost.
  • Conditional not heavy installation makes it possible to do it on your own.
  • Laying by professionals stands out for its low labor cost and great efficiency.
  • Excellent lightweight material. an excellent solution for weak foundations and the bearing capacity of the rafters. over, there is a reason to save on the crate.
  • With a wide color palette and different shapes, it makes it possible not to limit creative artistic concepts.
  • Installation can be done regardless of the season, since the material is not afraid of changes in humidity and temperatures.
  • Has a smooth surface, which guarantees a free flow of water and sliding of the snow cap.
  • The roof will withstand mechanical damage, high temperatures and ultraviolet radiation.
  • Long term of exploitation. up to fifty years, moreover, that the first 15-20 years no repairs need to be done.
  • Sheets of material can be tinted and, if necessary, very easy to change.

Drill bit for cutting thin sheet metal

The special drill bit is an optional accessory. It is put on an electric drill. It is a punch and a matrix, which are wound under a sheet of metal.

When the drill is turned on, the punch moves and makes a cut in the metal tile of the required shape. Skills and dexterity are required to work with this tool. Before work, the nozzle is attached to the drill chuck, which activates its mechanism. The operation of the device is similar to the operation of a nibbler. Both straight and curved cuts are made without much effort. Competent selection of the number of drive revolutions ensures high quality cuts.

At the training stage, and in some cases also during the installation of metal tiles, you should step back from the marking mowing line in the direction of “trimming” by a few centimeters (take a stock), cut off “coarse”, and then trim the line.

Handcrafting acrylic

A hand cutter in the form of a tooth can actually be made at home. To do this, you must have at least:

How to make a homemade hand cutter look at this

All of the above methods are laborious and are suitable only for one-time small work of thin sheets of acrylic with a thickness of 2-3 mm.

This knife easily cuts plexiglass

To saw a workpiece in two, you do not need to cut it to the end. It is enough to make a few cuts and break off the required piece.

If a home craftsman needs to process a lot of sheets, he will have to mechanize the cutting process. Meet the three-tooth disc for wood and plexiglass.

Ceramic cutting options

Each of the methods is good in its own way and is suitable in one case or another. How to cut ceramic tiles? There are three main ways to cut exactly the ceramic tile:

  • Using an angle grinder with an appropriate disc.
  • Using an electric, manual tile cutter or special tongs.
  • Handy tools for cutting ceramic tiles, such as a glass cutter, a well-sharpened nail or a drill.

In order to understand all the subtleties of the work, you need to consider each option in detail.

Is it possible to cut metal tiles with an angle grinder?

Angle grinder (angle grinder), is popular with individual builders and crews. It is not surprising that in some forums you can find recommendations to use it for working with metal tiles. It is even argued that its use is permissible for carrying out this kind of work. In fact, this is fiction! The truth is, what is said in the instructions of almost every manufacturer of metal tiles. “Do not use an abrasive wheel for cutting!” Neither the Rukki metal tile manufacturer nor any other manufacturer would recommend cutting this material with an angle grinder. Why you can’t cut metal tiles with an angle grinder?

The problem with cutting with a wheel for metal is that under the action of friction, the steel sheet practically heats up and burns the varnish along the entire cut. So literally a few seasons after installation, the metal tile begins to rust and loses its properties.

Seeing a roofer with such a tool who is going to cut off a sheet of metal tile, you can question his competence, and even better, if possible, turn to another construction team.

Professional roofing requires the use of quality installation tools. Real professionals will never cut metal tiles with an angle grinder. The use of electric and die-cut scissors, as well as a special attachment for a drill will help to perform all the work accurately, efficiently and accurately, but more importantly, in compliance with all technologies for laying a metal roof!

How to cut metal tiles with electric scissors. Comparison of electric scissors and angle grinder when cutting metal tiles.

How to cut metal tiles, if there are no electric shears, and you cannot cut with an angle grinder.

The video shows how to properly cut metal tiles and how to process a cut.

How to cut

It is best to cut small panels of roof tiles with scissors. Please note that experts recommend choosing options with long handles. they allow you to create quite a lot of pressure without much effort. The tool should be strictly at right angles to the panel to be cut. The evenness of the cut depends on the perpendicularity.

Slicing is performed with light pressure along the intended trajectory. When turning, you need to gently round the edge of the sheet metal and turn the tool. Contrary to popular belief, working with this device will not take longer than cutting with a saw, but, at the same time, it is of higher quality from a technological point of view.

You need to cut with a saw or jigsaw similar. First, the cutting surface is marked. For this, you can use both chalk and pencils. If the metal tiles are cut in a straight line, then there is no need to install it on a workbench, but when working diagonally or in a curved path, it is recommended to fix the tool. You need to cut at a low speed, controlling the appearance of sparks.

You can even cut metal tiles with an ordinary drill. As you know, this is a multifunctional construction tool. It can be used as a mixer, electric screwdriver and even as a panel saw. To do this, you need a drill attachment. It is a small file that, using a special matrix, is capable of making cuts of any shape and size. Please note that you will need some skills to use this tool. Cutting can also be done along, across and diagonally. It is recommended to mark the surface beforehand.

  • The ends of the metal shingles must be covered with external paint. Enamel will protect the metal surface from aggressive factors and prevent corrosion;
  • If possible, it is recommended to fix the working tool;
  • Monitor the condition of the cutting part. If jags or chips appear on it, then the tool needs to be changed.

How do you cut metal tiles? How to correctly cut metal tiles, not what equipment to use?

Inexperienced builders quite often face questions that are not particularly problematic for a roofer specialist. In particular, the question of what the metal tile is cut with is quite acute.

Metal cutting: methods, cutting tools

Cutting metal is the process of separating material into pieces. In this way, cutting of metal sheets or a section of long products is carried out. The action of the cutting tool on the metal creates blanks for further processing. According to the developed drawings, the surface configuration is formed. Equipment is required for metal cutting. These can be hand tools, machine tools, or devices that heat the material.