What kind of blade do you use to cut tin roofing?

When it comes to cutting tin roofing, having the right tool for the job makes all the difference. Choosing the wrong kind of blade can lead to frustration, wasted time and money, and subpar results. The key is matching the blade to the specific type and thickness of metal roofing material you need to cut. There are a few main options when it comes to blades for cutting tin roofing: aviation snips, a circular saw with an appropriate metal cutting blade, a nibbler tool, or an angle grinder with a cutting wheel. Each has their pros and cons depending on factors like how long of a cut you need to make, how precise it needs to be, what type of tin panel you’re working with, and your budget. This article will compare the most common tin roof cutting blade options so you can make an informed decision about the best choice for your roofing project.

What Are the Main Types of Tin Roofing Materials?

Before getting into the blade options, it’s helpful to understand the most common types of metal roofing materials categorized as “tin roofing” that you might need to cut:

Corrugated Galvanized Steel: This is the most traditional tin roof profile option. It consists of wide, v-shaped corrugated panels made from galvanized steel. This is generally the thinnest and most lightweight option.

5V Crimp: 5V crimp tin panels have five v-shaped crimps per linear foot, which gives it more ridges per panel. The extra crimps make this style a bit stronger and more durable than standard corrugated steel.

Standing Seam: Standing seam tin roofing gets its name from the vertical raised seams where panels connect. Rather than having exposed fasteners, it uses concealed clips underneath for a sleek appearance. Standing seam is one of the more heavy-duty tin roof options.

Flat Seam: As the name implies, flat seam tin roofing has flat pan sections connected by seams. The pan sections can be smooth or have very subtle corrugations. Flat seam panels are typically the heaviest duty tin roof materials.

Corrugated Aluminum: Corrugated aluminum is similar to galvanized steel but even lighter. However, it is more expensive and not as durable for walking on.

Knowing the exact type of metal helps determine what cutting tools will work best. Next we’ll compare popular blade choices starting with manual snip-style options.

Aviation Snips

Aviation snips, also referred to as tin snips or metal cutting snips, are a good choice for short, straight cuts in thin tin, especially corrugated panels. The scissor-like manual tool has curved blades designed specifically for cutting curves and shapes in soft metal. There are three main types:

• Straight cut snips – Best for straight cuts
• Right cut snips – Best for cuts along the right edge
• Left cut snips – Best for cuts along the left edge

Aviation snips are affordable and portable. They allow for precise cuts without the noise or dust of power tools. However, they do require some physical effort and will not work well for extended cutting. Here are the main pros and cons of using aviation snips for tin roofing:

Pros:

• Inexpensive purchase price
• Portable for roof work
• Make clean, burr-free cuts
• Easy to control cut line accuracy
• Cuts can be made to follow roof seams and crimps
• Quiet cutting
• No power source or fuel needed

Cons:

• Physically demanding for large jobs
• Not ideal for cutting thick/heavy metal
• Difficult to make long cuts
• Can leave some ragged edges on aluminum
• Blades may need frequent sharpening
• Not designed for cutting eave drip edges

Overall, aviation snips are a good choice for roofers doing occasional small tin cutting jobs. They have limitations for major roofing projects or thick material.

Circular Saw with Metal Cutting Blade

For longer cuts with more cutting power, a circular saw outfitted with an appropriate metal cutting blade is a handy power tool for tin work. These saws are widely available and allow you to quickly zip through straight or gently curved cuts with a guided edge. Most models in the 4 1⁄2” to 7 1⁄4” blade diameter range have enough power for roofing. Choosing the right blade is crucial – some key factors are:

• Carbide vs. high speed steel teeth
• Tooth design – triple chip grind, combo, etc.
• Number of teeth
• Coated vs. uncoated
• Thin kerf vs. full kerf blade

Higher tooth counts, like 40T to 80T, are preferable for sheet metal to avoid tearing. Thinner kerf blades also help. Here are the main upsides and downsides when using a circular saw and metal cutting blade for tin roofing:

Pros:

• Faster cutting than manual snips
• Easier for long, straight cuts
• Power through thicker/heavier materials
• Good for eave drip edge cutting
• Fairly portable on roof with battery models
• guided edge helps accuracy

Cons:

• Not as precise as aviation snips
• Potential for binding and blade chatter/vibration
• Fuel-powered models less convenient on roof
• Louder than snips
• More cleanup required than snips
• Not ideal for tightly curved cuts
• Higher cost than snips

If you have longer straight cuts or thicker material to slice, a circular saw and specialized blade can save time and effort compared to manual snips. Just practice caution to avoid binding and sharpen blades often. Corded electric or battery-powered saws are safer options on the roof compared to gasoline models.

Nibbler

Next up is an interesting powered tool called a nibbler or electric nibbler. It works similarly to a punch or die tool, cutting through metal with a rapid “nibbling” action of the cutter head. Best for gentle curves and straight cuts, nibblers can be highly precise since they take off a small portion at a time.

Most electric nibblers have adjustable depth settings and cutting speeds. They contain a carbide or cobalt cutter that can penetrate even relatively thick sheet metal. Nibblers work especially well for trimming off small amounts of material or deburring edges. Here are the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Very precise cuts
• Quieter than circular saws
• Manageable size for roof work
• Cuts intricate shapes well
• Minimal cleanup/deburring needed after cuts
• Cutter heads often changeable for new edges

Cons:

• Slower cutting than circular saws on long cuts
• Not designed for perfectly straight cuts
• Potential for binds if forced too quickly
• Relatively high initial cost
• Some models may struggle on very thick material
• Not ideal for eave drip edge cutting

For roofers who want great precision on curved and angled tin cuts, a nibbler can be worth the moderately high but long-lasting tool investment. They help make detailed cuts cleanly and accurately.

Angle Grinder with Cutting Wheel

The final common cutting option for tin roofing is an angle grinder outfitted with a thin metal cutting wheel. These high-powered rotary tools make very quick work of slicing through metal roof panels. The abrasive metal cutting discs come in varying diameters from 4” on up to 9”.

Angle grinders generate significant heat and sparks during cutting. It’s vital to wear eye and hand protection. Here are some more benefits and drawbacks of this tool for tin work:

Pros:

• Very fast cutting
• Power through thick material with ease
• Low cost of cutting wheels
• Make straight, curved, or angled cuts
• Same tool allows grinding/sanding abilities too

Cons:

• Very aggressive cutting can damage panels
• Significant cleanup/deburring required after cutting
• High sparks and heat generation
• Loud cutting noise
• Typically less precise cuts than nibbler
• Not great for tight curved cuts

Angle grinders offer speed and power for slicing through tough metal, but lack finesse for applications requiring high precision. Safety precautions are also critical given the high speed blade and debris.

Tin Roof Cutter Comparison

To sum up the key factors between common tin roof cutting blade options, here is a comparison table:

Cutter Type	Cutting Mechanism	Power Source	Max Cut Length	Curve Cutting Ability	Cut Precision	Speed	Cost
Aviation Snips	Manual shear cutting	Hand	2-3 ft max	Very good	Very precise	Slow	Low
Circular Saw + Metal Blade	Abrasive disk cutting	Electric/battery/gas	4-5 ft+	Fair	Moderate precision	Fast	Moderate
Nibbler	Punch/die cutting	Electric/battery	2-3 ft max	Good	Very precise	Moderate	High
Angle Grinder + Cutting Wheel	Abrasive disk cutting	Electric/battery	4-5 ft+	Fair	Low precision	Very fast	Low

As shown in the table, aviation snips and nibblers allow for precise curve cutting and control, while circular saws and angle grinders are faster for longer straight cuts. Match your cutting needs and goals to the right blade tool accordingly.

Choosing the Best Cutting Blade for Your Tin Roofing Job

When it’s time to decide how you’ll cut tin for an upcoming roofing project, keep these key recommendations in mind:

• For short, gentle curved cuts in thin panels, aviation snips are affordable and easy to control.
• If you have long, straight cuts or thick material, a circular saw with fine-tooth metal blade will save time and effort.
• To make highly precise cuts in decorative elements or curved panels, invest in an electric nibbler.
• When you need to power through thick roofing or make very fast, roughly straight cuts, an angle grinder with cutting wheel is the speedy choice.
• Consider safety – never operate power cutting tools on roofs without proper precautions against falls.
• Wear eye protection, sturdy gloves, earplugs as needed, and avoid contact with sharp edges.
• Sharpen and maintain blades regularly for best performance.

Choosing the optimal cutting blade for your specific tin roofing situation will make your job easier, faster, and safer. Always handle metal roofing carefully and cut it with the proper manual or power cutting tools suitable for the job. If in doubt, consult the experts at your local roofing supply store for personalized advice on the best tin cutting blades before starting work on your roofing sheets.

FAQs About Cutting Tin Roofing

What gauge thickness of tin should each blade type be used for?

As a general guideline based on standard sheet metal gauges:

• Aviation snips – Up to 30 gauge
• Circular saw – Up to 26 gauge
• Nibbler – 20 to 28 gauge
• Angle grinder – Up to 16 gauge

Always check your specific tool’s stated capacities as well, as there can be variation between models.

How can I maximize cutting blade longevity when cutting tin?

Regular sharpening and blade maintenance will help aviation snips stay sharp longer. For circular saws, angle grinders, and nibblers, using a lubricant/coolant can extend blade life and prevent overheating. Letting the tool do the work rather than forcing cuts will also promote longevity.

Is it better to use corded or cordless power tools for roofing work?

Cordless battery powered tools are usually the safer choice when working on roofs, since there are no cords to trip over or limit your working area. Just ensure batteries are fully charged beforehand. Corded tools are fine for ground work if used with appropriate extension cords and safety precautions.

What safety gear should be used when cutting tin on a roof?

At minimum, sturdy non-slip shoes, cut-resistant gloves, eye protection, and a safety harness kit for fall prevention should always be worn. Ear plugs or muffs and dust masks are also recommended for noise and particle protection.

Is it easier to cut tin panels while installed or beforehand on the ground?

On-ground cutting is generally easier and safer if space allows. But installed panel cutting may be necessary for custom fitting or repairs. Take extra precautions up on the roof such as anchoring materials, keeping cords clear, and wearing fall protection gear.

Conclusion

Choosing the right cutting tool and blade makes cutting tin roofing safer, more efficient, and provides better results. Aviation snips, circular saws with metal blades, nibblers, and angle grinders with cutting wheels each have their pros and cons depending on your specific metal material, cut length, precision, and power needs. Now that you know how to match the optimal tin roof cutting blade option for your job, you’ll gain confidence tackling those roofing cuts successfully. Just be sure to prioritize safety with protective equipment, anchored materials, and caution when operating cutting tools overhead. Then you can feel fully prepared to take on any metal roofing project.