Using the metal studs for your frames? Never know what the metal studs are? Don’t know how to cut the metal studs? Don’t know the tools for cutting the metal studs? Yes, it is a trickier method to use the metal studs, if you don’t use it before. But don’t worry, we are here for you to help you to lessen your worries. Let’s go through this guide on how to cut the metal studs.
Contents
How To Cut The Metal Stud- Step By Step Guide
The Metal studs are called the skeleton of the building. They are composed of steel. They are used in making the basement of the wall, partition of walls, supporting non-load bearing walls. When you are doing framing, then the metal studs come to our mind.
The main reason that the metal studs come to your mind is because of its advantages like lightweight and cheap when compared to wooden studs. And also easy to store, more durable, and has resistant to insect damages. If you are doing it for the first time, it will be unfamiliar because of new materials and techniques. But if you know the simple steps, then you can go through quickly.
For getting a good result of cutting the metal studs, you should know the steps in deep. So here is the guide for you to follow that may help you.
For getting a good result of cutting the metal studs, you should know the steps in deep. So here is the guide for you to follow that may help you.
Total Time: 1 Hour
Step 1
The primary tool you should have in your hand is a pair of tin snips. If you have that, then your work over cutting the metal studs becomes so easy. Before using the tin snips on the metal, try those on a piece of scrap metal. This step is to test the sharpness of the snips. The sharpness should be like a pencil cutting the paper. If it’s similar, then choose those snips. If the cut is becoming difficult, then try to use a new pair of tin snips. The snips should cut at least 20 gauge steel. So the best option is to choose the straight-cut metal snips.
Step 2
Using the pencil mark on the stud, which you want to cut. Measure the length of the stud. Measure the length then use the carpenters square for drawing a straight line. Then use your carpenter’s pencil to mark the lines on the stud. This step should be repeatedly used for every stud which you have to cut.
Step 3
Snipping is done in two different methods. You can do snipping in two other methods. The first method is snipping both the sides of the stud. Then by bending the stud to back and then score the stud. This back side is known as the broader section. This will break the stud into two pieces. And then the second method is snipping both the sides of the stud and also the backside of the stud. Both methods are the same; they both will give you the same results. But the first method is easier to do and also it will provide you with clean cuts.
The above three steps are used when you use tin snips for cutting the metals.
There is an alternative method, that is, you can use the miter saw, or the circular saw instead of the tin snips. In that method, the below steps are done. However, using the tin snip is easy, but it is a slow process. If you have to cut more studs of the same length, then you cannot use the tin snips.
Hence if you need multiple cuts, then you have to go with the alternative method of using the miter saw or the circular saw. Because using the miter saw or the circular saw is the fastest alternative method. The steps are similar to the use of the tin snips.
Steps For Multiple Cuts Using Miter Saw And Circular Saw
Hence if you need multiple cuts, then you have to go with the alternative method of using the miter saw or the circular saw. See this post to know the different between both saws. Because using the miter saw or the circular saw is the fastest alternative method. The steps are similar to the use of the tin snips.
Step 1
Using the pencil mark on the stud, which you want to cut. Measure the length of the stud. Measure the length then use the carpenters square for drawing a straight line. Then use your carpenter’s pencil to mark the lines on the stud. This step should be repeatedly used for every stud which you have to cut.
Step 2
Then keep the metal stud in the backside down position, which means the flat side should be kept down. This backside is called a closed side. And the backside of the stud is also known as the web. Use sawhorses for supporting the studs. Always select the sawhorses depending on the length of the studs. But always use the right blade when using the saw. The best option is to use the toothless metal cutting blade made of carborundum is good.
Things You Would Need To Cut The Metal Stud
The necessary materials you need for cutting the metal studs are listed below,
- The Straight cut metal snips.
- The Tape.
- The Carpenter square.
- The Carpenter pencil.
1. Crescent Wiss Metal Snips
- Cuts straight and slight curves with yellow handles for quick identification
- Ergonomic, single handed latch operation for left or right handed use
- Precision cast molybdenum blades with conk ground edges and serrations for cutting low carbon, cold rolled 18 gauge...
- Makes a straight and slight curve.
- This product has molybdenum blades.
- The metal snips can cut low carbon, 18 gauge steel.
- This product of metal snips has non slip handle grips.
- The specialized design of this CRESCENT WISS metal snips will minimize folding and burrs.
2.Craftsman CMHT73756 Metal Snips
- CUT CAPACITY OF TIN SNIPS: Cuts up to 18GA (1.2mm) cold-rolled steel or 22GA (0.7mm) stainless steel.
- EASE OF USE: Spring-assisted latch on metal snips for fast one-handed operation
- DURABILITY: Induction hardened cutting edge on snips for sheet metal stays sharp longer (compared to non-induction...
- It can cut from 18 gauges of steel to 22 gauges of steel.
- This product has spring support for one-handed use.
- It has a ¼ inches of blade marking.
- The metal snip of this product has an induction hardened cutting edge.
3. DeWalt DWE575SB Circular Saw
- DEWALT 7 1/4 circular saw is among the lightest saws in its class (8.8 lbs.)
- Electric brake of the corded circular saw stops the blade after trigger is released
- 15 amp motor of the compact circular saw delivers power for even the toughest applications
- This product is a 7-1/4 inch circular saw.
- It has an electric brake.
- It uses a 15-Amp motor.
- It is a lightweight, and compact circular saw.
- It has a 57-degree beveling capacity.
4. Genesis GCS445SE Circular Saw
- 4.0 Amp Motor and 3500 RPM with 4-1/2 in. Blade and 3/8 in. Arbor
- Barrel Grip for One-Handed Operation - Save time and energy by using a lighter saw!
- Easy-To-Use Depth and Bevel Controls - make beveled cuts, plunge cuts, and cross cuts with ease!
- It is a 4-1/2 inch compact circular saw.
- This circular saw uses a 4-Amp motor.
- It also has a 24T carbide tip blade.
- This product has specialized in a vacuum adapter.
5. DeWalt DWS779 Miter Saw
- Stainless steel miter detent plate of the 12-inch miter saw blade comes with 10 positive stops
- The mitre saw has a precise miter system and machined base fence support
- Precise miter system and machined base fence support Cam-lock miter handle with detent override delivers quick and...
- The cutting thickness of this miter saw is about 6.75 inches.
- This product has a super dust collection system which collects the dust from your workspace.
- The product contains,
- A-One sliding compound cord miter saw,
- A 12-inch carbide blade,
- A-One blade wrench.
- It is a slide-type milter saw.
6. Makita 5007Mg Circular Saw
- Magnesium components create a lightweight saw (10.6 pounds) that is well balanced and jobsite tough
- Powerful 15.0 AMP motor delivers 5,800 RPM for proven performance and jobsite durability
- Two built in L.E.D lights illuminate the line of cut for increased accuracy
- This circular saw is made of magnesium that makes the component lightweight.
- This is the most refined circular saw in the market.
- It has a 15-Amp powerful motor that gives 5800 rpm.
- It has two built-in LED lights that help in increasing accuracy.
- It has a large cutting capacity of 2-1/2 inches at 90-degree.
- Also, the bevel capacity is about 0 to 56-degree.
Some Tips
- You are using a pair of snips that cut the edges, which may be very sharp, so you should always use a pair of gloves for protecting your hands.
- But if you are using the circular saw, or the miter saw, it produces noise and sparks that may harm your ears and eyes. Then along with the gloves, you should also wear goggles for your eye protection and earbuds for your ear protection.
- As the steel creates more smoke wearing the mask is very protective of your lungs.
- Also, make sure that your electrical cords of the miter saw and the circular saw are safe.
FAQs
1. What is the best method to cut the metal studs?
Using a pair of snips is a better option for cutting the metal studs.
2. Which tool is used to cut through the metal?
The Hacksaw is usually used to cut through the metal.
3. Which are cheaper, metal studs or wood studs?
Metal studs are cheaper than wood studs.
4. How much weight can the stud support?
An 8-foot stud can hold up to 2000 pounds, and a 16-foot stud can hold up to 400 pounds.
5. Are metal studs are stronger than wood studs?
No, the wood studs are stronger than the metal studs, but they are costlier than the metal studs.
Final Thoughts
Cutting the metal studs is not so easy if you don’t know how to cut the metal studs. At first, you might feel it as problematic. But now you know the steps about cutting the metal studs. This will help you to make effortless cuts using both the snips and the miter saw. Once you are entirely done with learning the cutting of the metal studs, you can easily do any DIY projects of metal studs. I hope this article helped you to solve your questions in your mind. And as always, thank you for reading the article with patience.
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