How do you cut landscape edging metal?

Installing landscape edging is an excellent way to define garden beds, create clean borders around patios and walkways, and prevent grass and weeds from encroaching into mulched areas. Landscape edging comes in various materials like plastic, metal, and natural stone. While plastic and natural stone edging can typically be cut with basic tools like a saw or clippers, cutting metal landscape edging requires more heavy-duty tools to make clean, precise cuts through the tough metal material.

When undertaking a landscaping project using metal edging, knowing the proper tools and techniques for cutting the edging material is crucial for achieving the beautiful finished look you envisioned for your outdoor space. This article will provide a complete guide on the recommended tools, safety precautions, and step-by-step instructions for cleanly and accurately cutting metal landscape edging to fit your unique garden design.

What tools do you need to cut metal landscape edging?

Cutting through thick, rigid steel or aluminum landscape edging requires tools tough enough for the job. Using the wrong tools can result in jagged edges, uneven cuts, bent or warped edging pieces, and damaged blades. Investing in quality metal-cutting tools designed for tough jobs will make shaping and installing metal garden edging much easier and provide smooth, professional-looking finished cuts. Here are the must-have tools for cutting metal landscape edging:

Nibblers

Nibblers, also called nibbling shears or electric shears, are a handy power tool perfect for cutting corrugated steel landscape edging. The nibbling blades easily punch out small, crescent-shaped sections as you guide the tool along a marked cutting line. Most nibbler tools operate using an electric motor or compressed air and have adjustable blade depths for cutting through different metal thicknesses. Nibblers give you excellent control and straight cutting ability.

Circular Saw with Metal-Cutting Blade

A portable circular saw outfitted with an abrasive metal-cutting blade is ideal for making long, straight cuts through flat metal edging. Look for a tungsten carbide-tipped or diamond-grit edged blade specifically designed for cutting aluminum or steel. Lubricating the blade with machine oil can help reduce friction, cutting resistance, and overheating. Circular saws cut quickly through thick landscape edging.

Jigsaw with Metal-Cutting Blade

For detail cuts, curved cuts, or notches, a jigsaw with a metal-specific blade allows for intricate, precision cuts. The thin, fine-toothed blades designed for metal cutting give you ultimate control over the cutting path. Jigsaws are perfect for cutting custom shapes, holes for plants, or working around obstacles in the edging such as drainage openings.

Hacksaw

A sturdy hacksaw with a fresh high carbon steel blade makes quick work of cutting thin aluminum or steel landscape edging. Hacksaws have rigid metal frames that keep the blade straight and prevent buckling or bending while sawing. The thin blade design allows you to make detailed curved or angled freehand cuts. For landscape edging, choose hacksaw blades with 18-32 teeth per inch for optimal cutting performance.

Angle grinder with cut-off wheel

Heavy-duty angle grinders fitted with an abrasive metal cut-off wheel offer fast, powerful cuts through thick, heavy steel edging. The spinning cut-off wheels quickly slice through the rigid material with relative ease and precision. Angle grinders give you full control over creating straight cuts or custom curves. This tool is ideal for clean-up cuts and quickly cutting edging to length. Select cut-off wheels specifically rated for metal.

Tin snips

Manual tin snips provide fast, effortless cutting through thin aluminum edging strips. The scissor-like snip blades require hand strength to cut through the metal. Tin snips can make straight cuts, but require skill to cut smooth curves. Due to the hand-powered, manual operation, tin snips are best for small, light jobs rather than extended cutting. Various tin snip designs are optimized for cutting curves or straight lines.

Sandpaper/file

Use medium grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth any rough edges, small burrs, or cut marks left after cutting the landscape edging with powered tools. Lightly sanding sharp corners or ends helps create a clean, finished look and prevents injury. Be sure to wear gloves when sanding metal.

Cutting metal landscape edging safety tips

Metal cutting tools are extremely sharp, operate at high speeds, and can quickly cause injury if improperly used. Follow these important safety precautions when cutting metal landscape edging:

Read and follow the tool safety, operation, and cutting instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from flying shards and debris.
Use work gloves to improve your grip and protect your hands from sharp edges.
Wear long pants and closed toe shoes – metal shards can easily cut exposed skin.

Keep your work area clean and free of clutter to prevent slipping or tripping hazards.
Mark the desired cutting line with a permanent marker prior to cutting to provide an accurate guide.
Work in a well-ventilated outdoor area – metal cutting generates sparks and annoying dust.

Never cut metal while holding it in your hands or across your body.
Secure the edging piece firmly to a sturdy workbench when cutting using clamps or vises.
Unplug power tools before changing blades or making adjustments.

Allow hot metal cutting blades to fully cool before handling or changing to prevent burns.
Keep flammable materials like dry grass clippings away from the metal cutting operation.

Taking proper safety measures helps prevent painful injuries and serious accidents when working with metal cutting tools and landscape edging materials.

How to cut landscape edging metal with nibblers

Electric or air-powered nibblers provide fast, precise cutting control for installing steel landscape edging. Follow these steps for straight cuts or custom shapes:

Mark your desired cutting line on the edging using a permanent marker.
Secure the edging piece firmly on a workbench using clamps.

Adjust the nibbler blade depth according to the metal thickness – test on scrap first if unsure.
Align the nibbler jaws along the cutting mark maintaining perpendicular blade angle.
Squeeze the nibbler handles together with firm pressure to punch out a crescent-shaped section.

Repeat, working along the marked line to complete the cut. Move slowly for optimal control.
For curves, slowly guide the tool along the marked line taking small nibbling steps.
Use a file or sandpaper to smooth any rough cutting edges.

The nibbling action provides clean, burr-free cuts with high precision. Let the tool do the work – don’t force the blades. Lubricate blades regularly for best performance.

How to cut landscape edging metal with a circular saw

A portable circular saw with an abrasive metal-cutting blade makes easy work of straight cuts through aluminum or steel landscape edging strips:

Mark your cut line on the metal edging with a marker allowing room for the blade kerf.

Secure the edging to a workbench using clamps or bolts to prevent vibration or shifting while cutting.
Check the circular saw blade depth and ensure it cuts completely through the edging thickness.
Align the saw base plate evenly along your marked cut line.

Start the saw, allow the blade to reach full speed, then slowly plunge the spinning blade into the metal.
Guide the saw forward along the cut line maintaining steady forward pressure.
Allow the blade to stop fully before lifting the saw after completing the cut.

File or sand any burrs or rough edges for a clean finish.

For optimal control, carefully align the saw and use light feed pressure while cutting. Cut slowly to avoid overheating the blade. Lubricate the blade periodically for easiest cutting.

How to cut landscape edging metal with a jigsaw

Jigsaws allow detailed curved cuts and notches in landscape edging using specialized metal-cutting blades:

Mark the desired shape on the metal edging using a permanent marker.
Secure the edging firmly to a workbench using clamps or vise grips.
Install a fine-toothed jigsaw blade made for cutting metal in the jigsaw.

Align the jigsaw base along the marked cutting line on the edging.
Start the jigsaw on low speed, then slowly increase blade speed to optimal cutting rate.
Guide the jigsaw base smoothly along the marked line, turning carefully for curves.

Use gentle pressure – let the jigsaw blade do the cutting, forcing causes rough cuts.
Lift the jigsaw straight up after completing the cut while blade fully stops.
Sand any rough spots or sharp edges for a finished look.

Take it slow and steady while jigsaw cutting metal edging for best results. Lubricating the blades helps achieve smooth, clean cuts.

How to cut landscape edging metal with a hacksaw

Hacksaws provide effortless cutting of aluminum and thin steel landscape edging with these steps:

Secure edging piece to a sturdy workbench using clamps.

Mark the desired cut path on the metal using a permanent marker.
Insert a new hacksaw blade with fine teeth for metal cutting.
Align the hacksaw at the start of the cut mark keeping the blade perpendicular.

Cut applying smooth, steady pressure on the forward stroke.
Release pressure on the backstroke.
Maintain straight blade alignment for straight cuts.

Pivot the hacksaw carefully to follow curved marked lines.
File or sand any rough cut edges.

Allow the hacksaw blade to cut gradually through the metal – forcing dulls the blade prematurely. Keep strokes steady for clean, burr-free cuts.

How to cut landscape edging metal with an angle grinder

Heavy-duty angle grinders with abrasive cut-off wheels provide fast, straight cuts when installing steel landscape edging:

Mark the desired cut path on the metal edging strip.
Secure edging tightly to a workbench to prevent vibration while cutting.

Install a thin metal cut-off disc designed for steel on the angle grinder.
Align the angle grinder along the cut mark keeping the disc edge plumb.
Start the grinder, let the disc reach full speed, then slowly lower into the metal.

Maintain steady, light pressure guiding the tool forward through the cut.
Lift grinder straight up once disc fully cuts through the edging.
Carefully dress any remaining burrs with a file or sandpaper.

The high-speed cut-off wheels slice easily through rigid steel edging. Avoid excessive side pressure while cutting to prevent disc breakage or binding.

How to cut landscape edging metal with tin snips

Manual tin snips provide a fast, effortless way to cut thin aluminum edging strips to length or make smaller detailed cuts:

Measure and mark the needed cut length on the aluminum edging strip.

Secure edging piece solidly in a vise or clamp to a sturdy surface.
Align tin snip blades along marked cutting line.
Cut with smooth, even pressure on handles – let the tool do the cutting.

Keep wrist firm and maintain straight blade alignment.
Pivot tool carefully for slight curve cuts.
Release pressure fully when resetting grip for additional cuts.

File or sand cut edges lightly to remove sharp points.

The spring-loaded blades make cutting thin aluminum landscape edging fast and easy. Allow blades to cut gradually – forcing dulls the edges.

Troubleshooting tips for cutting metal landscape edging

Follow these troubleshooting tips if encountering issues while cutting metal landscape edging:

Problem: Blade overheating

Solution: Reduce cutting speed and use lighter pressure.
Solution: Check blade depth/thickness – it should match metal thickness.
Solution: Lubricate blade regularly to reduce friction.

Problem: Cut edge is rough or burred

Solution: Use slower blade feed rate while cutting.
Solution: Maintain steady, even pressure – forcing the blade causes roughing.
Solution: Replace a worn or damaged blade.

Solution: Use sandpaper or file to smooth cut edges.

Problem: Blade wanders off cut line

Solution: Ensure blade teeth face correct direction – check tool manual.
Solution: Reduce feed pressure and cut more slowly.

Solution: Secure edging piece more firmly while cutting.
Solution: Mark cut lines deeply for better blade tracking.

Problem: Saw binds or stalls in cut

Solution: Support edging near the cut to reduce vibration.

Solution: Use sufficient lubrication during the cut.
Solution: Check for blade lock or rotation issues.
Solution: Avoid excessive side pressure on the blade while cutting.

Conclusion

Installing metal landscape edging adds a clean, sophisticated look to gardens, patios, and walkways while keeping plants tidy and defined. Getting perfect cuts when working with thick, rigid steel or aluminum edging requires using the proper specialized cutting tools for the job. Investing in quality nibblers, saws, snips, and abrasive blades specifically designed for metal makes cutting frustration-free. Understanding the capabilities of each metal cutting tool allows you to achieve the custom edging look you desire. Taking a slow, steady approach while cutting gives professional-looking results. With the right preparation, safety precautions, tools, and techniques, you can cut metal landscape edging like an expert to create beautiful, lasting borders and accents for your exterior living spaces.