Place the blade in the 90-degree, or right angle, grooves of the miter box or on the line drawn with the square and cut the vinyl gutter firmly. 2 Posts . Vinyl gutters need to be cut to fit in position when installing new gutters or replacing sections that were damaged by cracks from ice and snow, heavy tree branches or when replacing a roof. To install vinyl gutters, you’ll need to start by installing downspout outlets on the edges of your house, so water can drain properly from the gutters. Measure again and deduct another 2 inches. There are also small double cut snips from more obscure sources that body shop guys like. Another reason could be that the wall plugs have worked loose. References. Green Downspout Extension The Amerimax Home Products Flex-A-Spout Downspout The Amerimax Home Products Flex-A-Spout Downspout Extension has a green color and rigid, corrugated design for versatility. Use the full length of the blade and move the saw in quick, smooth motions. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Use longer extensions to make sure you’re getting all that water away from your home. This week I show you how to tackle installing gutters on your house on your own using materials you can pick up from a big box store. Take safety precautions whenever you use a saw or knife. Utility knives are also often called hobby knives. A jigsaw will work best if you’re cutting heavy-duty plastic, including PVC pipe. Repeat this action for both sides of the downspout. Apply sealant around the mouth of the connector and raise it to the gutter. Vinyl is known for its lightness, durability and easiness to handle. Gutters are most often aluminum or plastic. Unaltered, two downspout pieces measure an … If the downspout cannot go straight to the ground, or if you want to extend the bottom away from the building's foundation you must install elbows. when they start to warp you can add some screws to tighten it to the fascia board. Then replace it with a galvanised bolt of the same size. Use the full length of the blade and move the saw in quick, smooth motions. Last Updated: January 28, 2020 repair or replace half round steel gutters Mom's house (single story ranch) has half round steel gutters all around. Use the same material as the gutter. They seem too thick to do this. Bring the downspout to within 1 ft. of the ground and install the last elbow. Place a 90-degree elbow in the trench directly below the coupling and measure the distance between the two fittings. Obtain the gutter and parts based on the type and size of the existing gutter. Cutting through thick plastic with thread —for example, when customizing an RC car or working with hobby models and miniatures—is effective, but can take hours. Discussion Starter • #1 • Sep 3, 2006. Use it to make straight cuts as well as angle cuts, depending on where you are installing the guttering. They are also easy to install, with no welding required to join sections of guttering, and does not easily lose it shape due to the flexibility of plastic. Turn on the saw and carefully run it through the vinyl. Measure from the bottom of the main gutter to the ground. One of the bigger advantages I still, the fact that you can cut through it very easy. https://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/18346/what-is-a-good-way-to-cut-hard-plastic-so-it-will-have-a-smooth-finish, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-cut-plastic/, https://www.toolstoday.com/saw-blades/non-melt-plastic-cutting-saw-blades.html, http://fantasygames.com.pl/how-to-cut-thick-plastic-easily/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FguIgnWNrew&feature=youtu.be&t=7m53s, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FguIgnWNrew&feature=youtu.be&t=8m10s, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FguIgnWNrew&feature=youtu.be&t=8m42s, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Check sources like Wiss for specifics. A rotary miter saw is one of the best tools to use to cut gutters. Start by clamping it to a workbench or holding it firmly so it doesn’t move. Install two U-shaped downspout brackets on the corner of the house, one high and one low. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. Step 6 - Attach the Metal Straps. Zip Hinge – 2, 3, & 4 Multi Pack Sets – Rain Gutter Downspout Extension. Cutting It. Before you cut the downspout you will want to have a line on all four sides of the vinyl gutter. Step 3. Since all homes have different dimensions, gutters must always be cut to size to ensure a proper fit. If installing new gutters, measure the gutters after installing hangers, corners and gutter drops for the downspouts, then cut the gutter sections to fit along the eaves. Factors like location, accessibility and landscaping come into play, so it’s not always a clear-cut answer. After you cut the tip, you have to puncture the seal in the end of the caulk tube using a stiff wire or long nail. Fit the miter saw with a carbide-tipped finish blade for cutting through metal, but this is the fastest and most efficient tool for cutting through any type of gutter material. Step 1 Place a ladder against the house directly under the gutter where the downspout will be installed. This is risky though, since if you exert too much pressure with the clamp, the plastic could break. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. You can also use a table saw, but make sure you use a non-melt blade so the heat of the saw doesn’t melt your plastic For more tips, including how to slice through plastic with a piece of string, read on! This method will be most effective if you’re doing detailed cutting—for example, on a hobby miniature. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. Shop with confidence on eBay! Start small — you can always make the hole bigger. length of downspout to make a fold-up extension. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. Cut the downspout if it really touches the ground. Install a 12-inch blade with a carbide … Update: I ended up connecting the downspout next to the opposite corner on the side visible in the picture, so there will be just one 90 there no matter which way you come The downspout is attached to the wall on the face that is opposite to the one where it was located. Use utility scissors or a box cutter to cut along the line that's factory marked on the extension. If you’re cutting through thick plastic with a table saw, the heated saw blade may melt the plastic. Never cut towards yourself. Place your tape measure at the flat of the main gutter, not the down spout connection, and measure down. x 3 in. Both the connector and the gutter should not have any water on them. If you’d like to cut through very large sections of plastic, you can do so by drilling small holes throughout its surface. Drill holes in the corners of the tracing, then use a jig saw to cut out the piece. You can purchase jigsaws and other fine-toothed saws at your local hardware store. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. power miter saw. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 123,938 times. 4 metre roundline gutters. My plastic is 0.3 mm thick. I don't have a table saw, jigsaw or a non-melt saw blade. Step 2 Turn on the saw and carefully run it through the vinyl. How to Cut a Downspout Step 1. Continue to push the plastic forward in a slow, steady motion, until the blade has cut through the entire plastic object. Once you have marked the correct length on the downspout, lay it down on a flat surface that has the proper clearance for cutting. Once the downspout extension is cut it is ready to connect. There might be a need to drill holes for the screwing of the metal straps. This can be easy or difficult during emergency as you'll have less reaction time if your gloves get caught in the moving parts. Place the rain gutter downspout on the miter saw table and line up the marker line with the saw blade. Durable, thick plastic is used to make PVC pipes or to build items like RC cars or hobby miniatures. Downspouts typically are sold in lengths of 10 feet. wikiHow's. Step 2. Cut holes for the downspouts. Transfer your measurement to the downspout and make a mark on both sides with your pencil. Downspouts are susceptible to jarring and other forms of surface injuries induced by vibrations in the surrounding ground. Related Posts. Cut the gutter from the bottom with a fine-toothed hacksaw. The metal strap presses the downspout against the wall so the downspout won’t wobble in the event of high wind. if you install them the way they show they will leak bad. Learn to use household items to cut a vinyl gutter. As described in the article, a fine-tooth saw or even a utility knife can cut the plastic. Another possible tool is to use is an unwanted steak knife. Insert an elbow up one inch into the bottom of the funnel-shaped opening on the gutter, which is called a gutter outlet. If a plastic downpipe is loose, check to see if one of the clips has lost a connecting bolt. To be safe, aim for a 4-foot minimum extension away from a downspout. Parapet gutters. Emily Patterson has been creating content for websites since 1996. Screw the metal straps to the wall. Place a mark on the gutter where the cut needs to be made. More From Doityourself Related Posts. This downspout is light weight and does not have sharp metal edges. By using our site, you agree to our. Non-melt table saw blades should be available for purchase at a nearby hardware store. Cut the end off the extension that will not be connecting to the downspout. Step 5: Install the Starter Elbow. The Amerimax Home Products Flex-A-Spout Downspout The Amerimax Home Products Flex-A-Spout Downspout Extension has a green color and rigid, corrugated design for versatility. Source: Home DepotThis is probably the most common type of gutter that is currently available, and for good reason as they are incredibly lightweight and easy to install. Slide the sleeves in from the top and set the corner pieces into place with the rest of the gutters. Make sure to attach the straps every 10 feet. She specializes in home improvement, natural body care and natural cleaning articles. The following steps will show you how to measure and cut gutters easily and safely. Cut gutter sections to fit in position between corners, downspout drops and other gutter sections. Since plastic gutter systems are the most popular on the market, we’ll focus mostly on how to install and fit plastic gutter – but many of the principles will be the same if you’re working to install a non-plastic alternative. If you have large holes: For holes larger than the size of a nail hole, use tin snips to cut a strip of flashing. Bend the downspout extension where it hits the grass to flow into your garden or where ever you want. Installing Plastic Gutters – How to Fit or Repair Guttering Yourself. Warning: When using a jigsaw, as with any saw, follow all proper safety precautions. Laying your gutter on the workbench, measure off the amount of gutter you want to cut, and mark it with a pencil. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Always use the same tape measure to measure and mark locations for the cuts because tape measures can be off enough that the cut section will not fit in the planned area. This method could even work when cutting heavy PVC pipe. The downpipe will probably require a couple of offset bends fitting just below the gutter outlet so the pipe can be fixed against the wall. with ratchet cutters, sometimes the pipe is hard to cut through and may be a little brittle. Use a utility knife to scrape off any burrs that were created during cutting. Make sure it is wide enough to fully cover the area with the hole. Place the measuring tape on the downspout again but this time deducts 2½ inches away and mark the position. Are you sure about this? Vinyl rain gutters are a do-it-yourself project that can be done by a homeowner with access to the appropriate tools. length of downspout to make a fold-up extension. Avoid this by cutting through heavy-duty plastic with a non-melt blade, which will not heat up enough to melt the plastic material. Can you cut it? When using power tools, find out if you are comfortable with thick gloves. When this green extension arrives it is 8-feet long—but it can stretch out to a whopping 12 feet! For more tips, including how to slice through plastic with a piece of string, read on! Enter your address to find the closest store or search by province, city or store name When using a table saw, keep your hands and fingers clear of the blade, or you could be seriously injured. This is a slow, painstaking process. Hold the plastic by its sides, and slowly push it forward until it engages the blade. This flexible downspout extension easily bends and holds its shape and can be extended from 25 - 55 in. To establish the position of the running outlet or stopend outlet, hang a plumb bob from the fascia so that it hangs directly over the drain. Item #807228. More From Doityourself. Step 3 - Cut With Miter Saw. Install a 12-inch blade with a carbide-tipped finish on the miter saw. Cutting brittle plastic pipe When trying to cut through plastic pipe PVC, CPVC, etc. Once the downspout extension is cut it is ready to connect. Step 7 - Attach the Last Elbow. Typically, gutters install with a slope for drainage and with a downspout port at the lowest end. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. The plastic that you’ve sliced through should have a very smooth, clean break without any rough or jagged spots. Brace the side of the saw blade against the upturned thumb of your left hand to help keep it square to the cut. Then, secure gutter hangers along your house and fit the gutter sections into them. Place the rain gutter downspout on the miter saw table and line up the marker line with the saw blade. ... if this is the case you will need to saw the screws off using a mini hack saw with a thin cutting blade. Cut a hole out of the lid that is about 1 to 2 inches wider than the downspout elbow opening. Draw a line along the edge of the square. Patterson holds a computing certificate from Penn State University. Unplug the miter saw, if it is plugged into an electrical source. Then cut it down to 3 metre outside the DIY store! Guttering components: Whichever style of Gutter they will have all these parts. For holes larger than the size of a nail hole, use tin snips to cut a strip of flashing. Using 6 rivet screws, screw the connector to the gutter. Tools Required. Opt for a workbench and clamps for extra stability. Cut a straight piece of downspout to the measurement with a hacksaw, subtracting 8-inches from the measurement. This article has been viewed 123,938 times. Recycling centers will accept aluminum, copper and steel gutters. Back Next . To cut thick plastic, you'll need a fine-toothed saw, jigsaw, or table saw, since plastic can be tough to cut through. Old guttering is often cast-iron, while modern guttering is usually plastic (although aluminium is also sometimes used). They're usually attached to the fascia boards with brackets, and come in a range of shapes and styles in either plastic or metal. Which are the best gutters for sheds? Fit the miter saw with a carbide-tipped finish blade for cutting through metal, but this is the fastest and most efficient tool for cutting through any type of gutter material. they are plastic and they bow, warp and fall apart in the hot florida sun. Featuring durable plastic construction, this extension can be buried, bent or connected to additional sections. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Measure out how much gutter is needed by measuring the distance for the section of rain gutter between the end of the corner, gutter drop or previous piece to gutter to the other end of the installation area with a tape measure. The process will be painstaking and time consuming, but it will allow you to cut precisely. Plastic guttering, also known as uPVC guttering and PVC guttering, is durable and long lasting, and virtually maintenance free, whilst also being the more budget friendly option for your roofing gutter system. 2 in. It should slide right on. Miter saws are the most common tool used for cutting gutters, especially metal and plastic gutters. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Step 1: Mark Location for Cut. Subtract 6 inches from this measurement to determine the length of your downspout. Fit the mitre saw with a carbide-tipped finish blade for cutting through metal, but this is the fastest and most efficient tool for cutting through any type of gutter material. If fitting is an issue, then … Place the gutter in a miter box or use a small square to create a straight line for cutting. I went with this option because I could not bend the downspout near the corner (too rigid). Prepare yourself by wearing plastic gloves and some form of protective clothing. Align one … You can easily clean a vinyl gutter with some soap and water and it also doesn’t rust. x 120 in. > What do guys use to cut metal downspouts? Use the old adage, "Measure twice and cut once.” Then, turn the gutter upside down on the table, and mark it all the way around. Step 4 Take the side that fits around the drainpipe and slip it around the drainpipe. These blades will have evenly-spaced teeth which are set close together. Step 8 Attach downspout straps to the house every 10 feet. Recycling old gutters is a good way to dispose of them. Add an end cap to areas that won't have outlets to keep the water flowing toward the downspouts. When the blade begins to cut the edges of the gutter that are wrapped down, hold the edges close to the blade to keep them from vibrating when starting the cut so the edges cut nice and neat. Hold the gutter up to the position where it is going to go. Drill a hole in the bottom of the gutter at the 4-inch mark with a 1-inch hole saw attachment to the … Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Step 1 Measure from the bottom of the main gutter to the ground. Make sure to fill them completely. Push the 3-inch downspout elbow onto the cut end of the downspout. And its 7-inch diameter lets it move a lot of water, fast. Since these gutters aren’t painted and are actually the same color all of the way through the plastic, if they ever get scratched by a tree branch or a ladder leaning up against them, you won’t have to worry about being able to see it from the ground. Some of these fine-toothed saws look like a knife or straight-razor and can easily be used with one hand. Use the measurement to mark the location for the cut on the piece of vinyl gutter with a fine-tipped marker on the bottom of the gutter. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Preparing the Downspout. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Bring the downspout to within 1 ft. of the ground and install the last elbow. Flex-A-Spout Brown Downspout Extension-85019 - The Home Depot Shop from the world's largest selection and best deals for Gutters, Gutter Guards & Downspouts. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. A selection of fine-toothed saws may be available for purchase at hobby stores, since they’re commonly used to cut plastic models and die-cast figurines. Next, attach drainpipes to carry water from the downspout outlets to the ground and away from your house. Apply a bead of caulk along one of the cracks. Align one side of the square with the bottom edge of the gutter and the other side of the square with the measurement mark. If thick bolts have been used to connect the guttering you will need to use a hacksaw to saw the bolts. Finally trim a notch in one end of a 36-in. A bit of a waste and my existing gutter brackets are set up for 4 metre lengths. This week I show you how to tackle installing gutters on your house on your own using materials you can pick up from a big box store. Flashing is a waterproof tool that stops moisture buildup behind the gutter. It should fit snugly, without any need to clip it on further. Water flows out of the gutter and through the downspout where it is directed onto the ground. Then, use a fine-toothed saw to make the cut. Mitre saws are the most common tool used for cutting gutters, especially metal and plastic gutters. Apply plastic roofing cement directly over the holes. Cutting the downspout to position the out-flow where you want it only takes a couple of minutes, a few tools and some know how. Place the gutter section upside down on a solid work surface. Use the square to transfer the line all the way around the gutter. You can also drill small holes to make the plastic easier to cut through, or slice through thick plastic with a piece of string. Flashing is a waterproof tool that stops moisture buildup behind the gutter. Step 1 Unplug the miter saw, if it is plugged into an electrical source. This is what tradesmen commonly use for any kind of round sheet metal pipe or square ducting (single piece). Black Downspout Extension 24-in Black Vinyl Downspout Extension. Install two U-shaped downspout brackets on the corner of the house, one high and one low. It is easy to cut with a hack saw and looks great. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. If you don’t have an electric power drill and drill bits of varying sizes, you can purchase them at a local hardware store. Placing the measuring tape on the downspout, make a mark with permanent marker on both ends. Measure the Cut. Crimp the cut end of the downspout with a pair of pliers to make it slightly smaller than the elbow opening. Finally trim a notch in one end of a 36-in. Alternatively, use a jigsaw to cut through the plastic. So just as the blade starts to bite into the pipe, I take a little primer/cleaner and touch the blade with the dauber so that it runs over the blade and flows onto the pipe (you only need a little bit of cleaner). These are the gutters you find at the bottom edge of a sloping roof. Depending on the type of plastic you need to cut through, use a fine-toothed saw, a hacksaw, or a non-melting table saw blade. 37. Start the table saw running, and set the plastic you want to cut on the flat surface of the saw table. Enter your address to find the closest store or search by province, city or store name In this case, the DE300 Standard Plastic Drain Away Downspout Extender from Frost King just may be what you are looking for. As for vinyl, while very much recyclable, is not accepted by every recycle center. Alternatively, I could buy a 4 metre length. Start by clamping it to a workbench or holding it firmly so it doesn’t move. To cut thick plastic, you'll need a fine-toothed saw, jigsaw, or table saw, since plastic can be tough to cut through. Use the same material as the gutter. Purchase a new blade for the project to keep the cuts from having jagged edges or a lot of burrs. if you trim the gutter sections to overlap eachother going downstream, screw or rivet and caulk them they will not leak. In addition, when you choose aluminum gutters, you won’t have to worry about any corrosion affecting the appearance of your gutter and you will be able to easily match the color of your gutters to the rest of your external color scheme. I tried a hacksaw and while > it cut, it took awhile and gave me an uneven cut. Use double cut tin snips. Featuring durable plastic construction, this extension can be buried, bent or connected to additional sections. While all saws will be able to cut through plastic, saws with large teeth will leave the plastic torn or shredded. % of people told us that this article helped them. If you have trouble, try drilling small holes along the line you want to cut to weaken the plastic first. Finish the Job and Backfill. Place the first strap 2 feet from ground level and secure the strap to the house behind the down spout with one screw. Make sure to follow the warnings section to avoid injury. Leaking or separated gutter downspouts can be easily repaired using some basic tools and the following guidelines. White Vinyl Downspout - The Home Depot You can purchase cotton or polyester string at any quilting or hobby store. If you need a little more distance, cut a length of a downspout and secure it between the two elbows. Set the gutter sleeves into the center of the outer corner pieces and trace the sleeves so you know where to make your cuts. Then, use a fine-toothed saw to make the cut. If you’re going to run flexible pipe, first glue a 3x4-inch reducer coupling … Avoid wearing loose clothing when cutting with a table saw, and wear protective glasses or goggles. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Insert the downspout into the wall elbow and secure them together with two sheet metal screws. Downspouts are straight, hollow tubes that run vertically along the exterior of buildings and connect to the gutters at the roof line. I have had the downspout up for a week now and works great, and looks great as well. Any toothed blade will cut through plastic. Be sure to measure accurately to reduce the risk of waste. Does anyone know of a good way to cut a gutter downspout? Cut one section of downspout to custom-fit the length to your house. This project is a general guide to installing plastic gutters but some gutters require different spacing for brackets etc so it’s a good idea to check out the requirements for your particular choice of guttering with the merchant or manufacturer. If this is the case, replace them and refix the screws, or fit new 6.5mm gauge galvanised screws. Apply seala… A 1/4-inch bead is large enough for most cracks. You can double check the ‘fall’ with your spirit level . To disperse water at the base of the downspout, you should use a “B” elbow. Miter saws are the most common tool used for cutting gutters, especially metal and plastic gutters. I used short white screws to attach the sections to the fittings and on the wall mount brackets. Removing Existing Guttering. Use it to make straight cuts as well as angle cuts, depending on where you are installing the guttering. Press a downspout adapter into a 3x4-inch reducer coupling and slip it onto the bottom end of the downspout. Place the gutter in a miter box or use a small square to create a straight line for cutting. Metal is starting to become the second choice when it comes to gutters. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fe\/Cut-Thick-Plastic-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-Thick-Plastic-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fe\/Cut-Thick-Plastic-Step-1.jpg\/aid9544460-v4-728px-Cut-Thick-Plastic-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"