How to Cut Metal Panels With Shear Precision

By Adam Cabrera. 

Installation of metal roof and wall panels requires caution, the right tools and careful planning. 

During the installation process, it is sometimes necessary to cut metal roof and wall panels while at the jobsite. Using the right tools and knowing what the best practices are for this process are necessary to avoid any potential damage to the panels. ABC Metals has a helpful guide detailing how to cut metal panels.  

As always, safety is of the utmost importance, so using gloves and safety goggles are beneficial to avoid injury on site. Having a piece of equipment that can blow metal filings off of the metal panel is also helpful so you don’t touch them with your hands. 

In addition to safety equipment, having the right tools will help ensure that you get the job done efficiently and effectively without causing damage to the materials. Some tools you might want in your toolbox include snips, shears and nibblers which are typically recommended because of their precision. 

Careful marking and cutting of the panels are fundamental to a smooth installation process. There are a number of things that can go wrong if you don’t follow the right methods though. For instance, torches, cut-off saws, reciprocating saws, hacksaws and grinders should be avoided because they may heat up the panels, damaging their edges and causing metal filings to become airborne. But that’s just one of the ways that a panel could become marred, corroded or jagged around the edges.  

Installing metal roof and wall panels requires caution, the right tools and meticulous planning. If you find yourself needing more detailed information on cutting metal panels in the field, don’t be afraid to take some time learning the processes start to finish and check out what ABC Metals has to say on the subject.  

For more information on cutting metal panels and improving efficiency on the jobsite, read the full article from ABC Metals.