What tool do I use to cut a round hole in a raingutter for a downspout?

Question

I am installing rain chains and would like to cut a smaller hole than standard. The bit I was using on my drill kept binding and skipping.

Answer 1

I HAVE HAD SOME EXPERIENCE IN THIS FIELD. A HOLE SAW BIT WITH A STANDARD DRILL BIT IN THE CENTER. KEEPS YOU ON CENTER. A SLIGHT ANGLE ON THE DRILL HELPS TO GET THE CUT STARTED. ALSO TO HELP THE EASE OF THE CUT WAX ON THE BLADE IS A BIG PLUS.

Answer 2

It is called a "nibbler" just drill a 3/8 hole insert the nibbler and cut the hole. You can rent a power nibbler for about $10 plus deposit for a day. As for drilling the hole take a 12" piece of 2" x 4" and place in the gutter hold it down and drill into it. That will stop the chatter and give you a clean hole quickly.

Answer 3

Hello there, You are taking on a lot here. I ran a landscaping business for many years and now have a plant nursery so I know a bit about the business. The first reply, regarding Insurance etc. is sound, I would go a little further and suggest that your business is properly and legally set up. The most probable cause for your own lawn looking terrible after cutting, assuming you don't have bald patches, is poor equipment. To operate proffessionally you do need proffessional kit. I would suggest you try to aim yor initial marketing at establishing a solid basic 'round' that will give you a base income, but remember that winter months, Nov to Feb will probably produce very little, if any grass/hedge maintenance work. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

I would suggest you use a Uni-Bit,this is specifically made for drilling holes in thin or sheet metal.It is stepped up ,the further you drill in ,the larger the hole.One bit will drill many,many holes until it is dull.It also dose not bind or skip

Answer 5

A jigsaw or a sawsall with a metal cutting blade. First drill a hole to stick the blade through.

Answer 6

id use a drill to start a pilot hole then use either tin snips, saws all with a metal cutting blade. but if your not good with power tools i would stick to tin snips

Answer 7

buy the correct size hole saw bit for a drill. that's what the pro's use when they don't have a special punch made to do it. good luck.

Answer 8

i agree with making a pilot hole and then using a jigsaw.
I normally use the tip of a screwdriver to get pilot hole marked and started because you can hold the pipe with the other hand ;-)

Answer 9

drill a small hole and use tin snips ..

Answer 10

try using a rotozip or dremmel tool either one will work good for you good luck