How To Cut a Hole In Sheet Metal or Duct Work Using Basic Tools & Left & Right Aviation Tin Snips

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THE BEST Tin (Aviation) Snips: amzn.to/2KSTZAE
Step Bit Set: amzn.to/2nDF97W
Sheet Metal Hammer: amzn.to/2MKD0SJ
Large Screw Driver: amzn.to/2vRq4nZ
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Sometimes it's helpful to know the tips and tricks of working with duct work. This is one that should help you out pretty often if you're working on your duct system.
The tin snips linked above are the best ones I have ever used in the 10+ years I've been using tin snips.
0:00 - How To Cut a Hole In Duct Work Intro
0:12 - Mark Hole
0:33 - Ways To Start A Hole
1:16 - Screw Driver Method
2:00 - Push In Tin Snip And Cut
2:35 - When To Use A Green Or Red Tin Snip
4:12 - SUBSCRIBE!!!
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Blessings,
Ben

[@shiveringmonk]

I never ***really*** knew how to effectively use right vs. left snips. Thank you!

[@xRadio2006x]

just saved me some trouble...thank you sir. *tips hat*

[@johndn9238]

Thank you for some very useful tips.

[@mrbubble185]

I love your channel cuz you don't mind making videos about "simple" things that are not so simple for beginners and it's great to see how these things are done. I just ordered a pair of Aviation snips from Amazon (red handle).

[@rickrodrigues2219]

Good idea to create inspection & cleaning panels using a vacuum cleaner in boxed duct work. For those smaller branched 4" (tubular) ducts use a duct cleaning brush. Works great & saves money! To save the sheet of galvanize being cut for future use, another method is to use a 1-1/2" - 2" hole saw & drill & first cut holes in the (4) corners & use the tin snips to complete the cut. "Carefully" use a file with gloved hands to smoothen/straighten the edges of the hole. The cut-out would have a more refine appearance & also prevent any potential tearing of the metal at the corners. Yes I'm a cheap...a "tightwad" because galvanize sheeting is expensive!

[@metalmancrafty1]

You have a lot to learn young man. Maybe someday a real sheetmetal worker will give you some simple techniques to mastering the tin.

[@chippydog2]

Always good to learn from you Ben, I’m in the process of deciding floor heat vs forced air furnace! I’ve been told several homes in my area have just pex floor heating and it works great!

[@skuzmanovic3227]

Great explanation 👍🏻

[@therealbrosofsimivalleycli2684]

thank you so much for this

[@grannyanniesfarm4972]

Thank you sooooo much for this video!!!!!!!!!

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

You are so welcome!

[@miguelquazar883]

I used to see people drop big money on big heavy duty screwdrivers for slicing duct. They would always end up breaking in some way eventually. I discovered Walmart's no name $0.80 screwdrivers (even cheaper when I bought them last time). I never had one bend, break, or have tip snap. And when/if it does break you are only at an $0.80 loss. It is a great choice while slicing duct.

[@georgeallaman7570]

This was perfect for me, concise and focused, learned exactly what I needed to know, thank you. Good for you wearing ear protection but please use heavy gloves! :)

[@suavetemper3396]

Good tip

[@MegaHugro]

Good job.

[@Copter64]

I was in a tighter space, I started with the flat head method thanks for that, but it was too tight for snips, i went with a metal blade on a reciprocating saw. I wish I would have left each corner in place until the very end. Also the new vent was on a horizontal for the return....lots of dust.... thank you for the video.

[@mnhmgadka4421]

Thanks you

[@OneclickOutside]

I have tin snips but everywhere I start/stop along the cut it leaves a sharp 'notch'. Can I assume I'm using the wrong kind, if there are different kinds?

[@maddie_rose]

What if there is fiberglass duct liner glued to the inside of the ductwork? Is it safe to cut through and should I seal the edges?

[@arachnidjds2406]

What techniques do you use to avoid fishhooks?

[@ratandmonkey2982]

I have the same hammer you do !

[@jayr4980]

Avoid the need for two hand tools, hammer & flathead. Simply utilize a ductknife. Its designed to puncture through gauge such demonstrated here. 26 - 24 standard no problem and in case of 22 gauge ductknifes come with steel demo head tops for such use

[@HUGH_JHANIS]

Yo man nice cut with the driver.. check out the milwaukee demo screwdriver made for that its a dream.. full tang meant to be beaten nd its got like a blade edge on it, its genius check it out...

[@miguelquazar883]

They are meant to be hit on the butt of the handle though. If you are beating on the shank or blade it isnt going to matter if it is full tang. Better to get the POS screwdriver for slicing duct. The Demo drivers are for opening up knockouts in junction boxes and wire duct. JS it will be a bad day when it breaks trying to slice duct. Get the $0.80 one from Walmart. Never bent or broke once while slicing duct. As I saw other people cry and cuss after thinking their $30 Klein was "Heavy Duty" vs blatant abuse.

[@regionvoices6607]

Can you use a sawzall?

[@feyrband]

Sawzall can really tear up unstable/pliable materials but it would also create a bunch of shabings. Technically it would cut though.

[@themrnonickname]

It gets confusing as he calls them right hand, or left hand. It's better to think of them like left turn, and right turn. You keep your left turn in your right hand..

[@oragonhvac5602]

I think must better you cut that in grinding disk..

[@davidm.432]

Then you'd be diffusing plenty of small metal particles and dust in your HVAC system, I'm not a pro but I would instinctively refrain from doing this.