Click Here
How To

How to Choose the Right Cutting Tool

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(9 Ratings)

There's a correct cutting tool for every job. Pick the right one for your safety.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Power Shears
  • Band Saws
  • Bolt Cutters
  • Circular Saws
  • Diagonal Cutting Pliers
  • Hacksaws
  • Handsaws
  • Linesman Pliers
  • Reciprocating Saws
  • Scroll Saws
  • Table Saws
  • Tile Nippers
  • Wire Cutters
  • Wire Cutters
  • Wire cutters
  1. Step 1

    Determine what kind of material needs to be cut. Is it wood or metal? Laminate or plastic? Each material requires a different type of cutting blade.

  2. Step 2

    Consider the scope of the project. Do you need just one straight cut or a complicated design? Is the material extremely thick or thin? Is it warped or coated?

  3. Step 3

    Use tile nippers on ceramic tiles.

  4. Step 4

    Lop off bolt heads with bolt cutters.

  5. Step 5

    Clip electrical wires with lineman's pliers or diagonal cutters.

  6. Step 6

    Make straight lines, 90-degree-angle cuts and odd-shaped holes in carpet, sheet metal, laminates, rigid plastic, chipboard and foam rubber with power shears.

  7. Step 7

    Cut lumber, drywall and some plastics with a handsaw; cut pipes and all-thread rod with a hacksaw.

  8. Step 8

    Try a table saw or circular saw for straight rips.

  9. Step 9

    Do decorative cuts with a saber saw, band saw, reciprocating saw or scroll saw.

Tips & Warnings
  • Always follow the safety recommendations of the tool's manufacturer.
  • Wear safety goggles, safety glasses or a face shield when cutting.

Comments  

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 3/23/2006 Save your self and spouse the headache and argument and mostly money and have a professional do it!

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 Maybe this is too obvious, but don't drink and try to use any of these tools - especially the power tools! You might think it's fun to go out to the workshop after that relaxing beer ... but don't.

Post a Comment

Post a Comment
  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This

Related Ads

Home & Garden
Ruby Bayan,

Meet Ruby Bayan eHow's Home & Garden Expert.

Get Free Home & Garden Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US

eHow Home and Garden
eHow_eHow Home and Garden